US Army Basic Training: What to Expect and How Long it Lasts
Duration of Basic Training: US Army Basic Training, or Basic Combat Training (BCT), is approximately 10 weeks. However, the entire process from arrival to graduation can take around 12-14 weeks.
Phases of Basic Training: The training is divided into three phases, each with its own set of challenges and goals:
Red Phase (Weeks 1-3)
The Red Phase is the initial phase of Basic Training, where new recruits undergo intense physical training, learn Army core values, and develop basic combat skills.
White Phase (Weeks 4-5)
In the White Phase, recruits learn combat skills, such as first aid, map reading, and combat tactics. They also undergo physical training and obstacle courses.
Blue Phase (Weeks 6-10)
The Blue Phase is the final phase, during which recruits learn advanced combat skills, such as combat scenarios, patrolling, and teamwork. They also prepare for their final test, the “Army Physical Fitness Test” (APFT).
What to Expect During Basic Training: During Basic Training, recruits can expect:
- Physical Training: Intensive physical exercise, obstacle courses, and combat training.
- Classroom Instruction: Learning Army core values, combat skills, and tactics.
- Drill and Ceremony: Learning military protocol, drill, and ceremony.
- Team-Building Exercises: Building teamwork and camaraderie with fellow recruits.
Graduation and Beyond: After completing Basic Training, new soldiers will graduate and move on to Advanced Individual Training (AIT), where they will learn specialized skills for their chosen Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
Qualifications to Join the US Army
To join the US Army, you must meet specific qualifications and requirements. Here are the basic qualifications:
Age
- You must be between 17 and 35 years old (with some exceptions for older candidates with specialized skills).
- If you are 17, you must have parental consent to enlist.
Citizenship
- You must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien (Green Card holder).
Education
- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED).
- Some jobs in the Army require a college degree or higher.
Physical Fitness
- You must meet the Army’s physical fitness standards, which include:
- Passing the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)
- Meeting body fat percentage standards
- Being able to perform certain physical tasks and exercises
Medical Standards
- You must meet the Army’s medical standards, which include:
- Passing a physical examination
- Meeting vision and hearing standards
- Being free of certain medical conditions or disabilities
Moral Character
- You must meet the Army’s moral character standards, which include:
- Not having a felony conviction
- Not having a dishonorable discharge from another branch of the military
- Meeting the Army’s standards for personal conduct and behavior
Security Clearance
- Depending on the job you want to do in the Army, you may need to obtain a security clearance, which requires:
- A background investigation
- A credit check
- Meeting specific standards for personal conduct and behavior
ASVAB Scores
- You must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and achieve minimum scores in certain areas, depending on the job you want to do in the Army. Tips on scoring high on your ASVAB!
Other Requirements
- You must be willing to serve in the Army for a certain period of time, which varies depending on the job and the needs of the Army.
- You must be willing to deploy to combat zones and other areas of the world.
Waivers
- In some cases, the Army may grant waivers for certain qualifications or requirements, such as:
- Age waivers for older candidates
- Moral waivers for candidates with minor criminal offenses
- Medical waivers for candidates with certain medical conditions
Note: These are the basic qualifications to join the US Army. Additional requirements may apply depending on the job you want to do or the needs of the Army.