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] {{short description|Recruit training program of the United States Army}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
]


'''United States Army Basic Training''' is a rigorous program of physical and mental training required in order for an individual to become a soldier in the ], ], or ]. It is carried out at several different Army bases around the United States. Basic Training can last anywhere from 15 weeks to over one year, depending on the career path (known in the U.S. Army as ]) an individual chooses upon enlistment. '''United States Army Basic Combat Training''' ('''BCT''') is the ] program of the ], for service in the ], ], or the ].


Some trainees attend basic combat training along with their advanced individual training (AIT) at one place, referred to as ] (OSUT). A United States Army ] recruit should expect a more intense, physically demanding basic training located at ], Georgia through One Station Unit Training program that is 22 weeks in duration.
Basic Training is designed to be extremely intense, and individuals who have experienced it generally consider it to have been the most challenging experience of their lives. The challenge comes as much from the difficulty of physical training as it does from the required quick psychological adjustment to an unfamiliar way of life.


Other occupations also learn basic warrior tasks and skills and small unit tactics, but tend to focus on more of a balanced approach. These trainees receive basic combat training at different installations including ]; ]; or ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.armyprt.com/us-army/army-basic-training-locations/ |title=Army Basic Training Locations |website=US Army Basic|date=3 June 2012 }}</ref>
Basic Training is divided into two parts: '''Basic Combat Training (BCT)''' and '''Advanced Individual Training (AIT)'''. Basic Training, including both BCT and AIT, is also sometimes referred to as '''Initial Entry Training (IET)'''.<ref name=restrict>http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyjoin/l/blartraining.htm</ref>


Basic training is designed to be highly intense and challenging. The challenge comes as much from the difficulty of physical training as it does from the psychological adjustment to an unfamiliar way of life. Initial entry training is divided into two parts: basic combat training (BCT) and advanced individual training (AIT).
Basic Combat Training, or BCT, consists of the first 9 weeks of the total Basic Training period. It is identical for all Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard recruits. This is where individuals learn about the fundamentals of being a soldier, from the proper way to respect a superior officer to the correct way to fire weapons. BCT is also where individuals undergo vigorous psychical training, to prepare their bodies for the eventual physical strain of combat. One of the hardest and most essential lessons learned in BCT, however, is self-discipline: BCT introduces prospective soldiers to a strict daily schedule, entailing many duties and extremely high expectations that most civilians are not immediately ready for.


Advanced Individual Training, or AIT, consists of the remainder of the total Basic Training period. It is where recruits train to eventually become experts in their chosen field, and it is therefore different for each available Army career path. For example, if an individual chose to enlist as an tank operator, they would be sent, following completion of BCT, to ]. If an individual instead chose to enlist as an Army medic, they would be sent, after BCT, to the Army Medical Department School. Although many AIT schools don't center around combat the way BCT does, individuals are still subject to the same duties, strict daily schedule, and disciplinary rules as in BCT. AIT trainees are also continually tested for physical fitness and weapons proficiency. AIT consists of the remainder of the total basic training period and is where recruits train in the specifics of their chosen fields. As such, AIT is different for each available Army career path, or ] (MOS). AIT courses can last anywhere from 4 weeks to 7 months, and possibly more for foreign language training. Soldiers are still continually tested for physical fitness and weapons proficiency and are subject to the same duties, strict daily schedule and disciplinary rules as in BCT.


==Overview== == Overview ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=July 2021}}
===Daily schedule===

A typical day in Basic Training generally follows this schedule:<ref>http://www.baseops.net/basictraining/army.html</ref>
=== Drill sergeants ===
{{main|Drill sergeant}}
]
]
]s are the instructors responsible for most of the ] that takes place during Initial Entry Training. They accompany recruits throughout the entire training process, instructing and correcting actions in everything from firing weapons to the correct way to address a superior, and are also largely responsible for the safety of recruits. They are recognizable by their distinctive headgear (campaign hats), often referred to as "brown rounds" or "]" hats, as they resemble that character's round park ranger-style hat.

=== Battle buddies ===
{{main|Battle buddy}}
] generally refer to partners in a combat scenario. However, throughout Basic Training the term is used to describe a disciplinary principle whereby recruits are prohibited from walking anywhere alone. When traveling away from the platoon or a drill sergeant, recruits are expected to travel in pairs, known as battle buddies. Battle buddies are sometimes assigned, or can be chosen by recruits when the need to travel arises.

=== Daily schedule ===

A typical day in Basic Training generally follows this schedule. Times can change depending on location, commanding officers, or when drill sergeants see a need for variation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baseops.net/basictraining/army.html |title=Prepare for Boot Camp |website=US Army Basic Combat Training |access-date=27 May 2011}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
|- |-
! Time !Time
! Activity !Activity
! Description !Description
|- |-
|align="center"|5:00AM |style="text-align:center;"|4:30&nbsp;a.m.
|align="center"|'''Wake-up''' |style="text-align:center;"|First Call
|align="left"|''Wake up and perform personal morning tasks. For males, shaving is mandatory every morning.'' |align="left"|Wake up to perform personal morning tasks and conduct hygiene. For males, shaving is mandatory every morning, with some exceptions for to accommodate religious beliefs.
|- |-
|align="center"|5:30AM |style="text-align:center;"|5:00&nbsp;a.m.
|align="center"|'''Fall-in''' |style="text-align:center;"|Physical Training (PT)
|align="left"|''Line up in company area, perform morning physical training (] and running).'' |align="left"|Form up in the company area, perform morning physical training (] and running).
|-style="text-align:center;"
|6:00&nbsp;a.m.
|Breakfast
|style="text-align:center;"|
|- |-
|align="center"|6:30AM |style="text-align:center;"|6:30&nbsp;a.m.
|align="center"|'''Breakfast''' |style="text-align:center;"|Training
|align="left"|Begin the day's scheduled training exercises.
|align="center"|
|-style="text-align:center;"
|12:00&nbsp;p.m.
|Lunch
|style="text-align:center;"|
|- |-
|align="center"|8:30AM |style="text-align:center;"|12:30&nbsp;p.m.
|align="center"|'''Training''' |style="text-align:center;"|Training
|align="left"|''Begin the day's scheduled training exercises.'' |align="left"|Continue the day's scheduled training exercises.
|-style="text-align:center;"
|5:00&nbsp;p.m.
|Dinner
|style="text-align:center;"|
|- |-
|align="center"|12:00PM |style="text-align:center;"|5:30&nbsp;p.m.
|align="center"|'''Lunch''' |style="text-align:center;"|Drill sergeant time
|align="left"|Time for drill sergeants to speak with the recruits about any subject they may think requires attention.<br />Mail call is also performed during this time.
|align="center"|
|- |-
|align="center"|1:00PM |style="text-align:center;"|8:00&nbsp;p.m.
|align="center"|'''Training''' |style="text-align:center;"|Personal time
|align="left"|Time for recruits to engage in personal activities, such as writing letters, laundry, showering, relaxation, or sleep.<br />Recruits may also catch up on platoon duties during this time, such as barracks cleaning or wall locker organization.
|align="left"|''Continue the day's scheduled training exercises.''
|-style="text-align:center;"
|-
|9:00&nbsp;p.m.
|align="center"|5:00PM
|Lights-out
|align="center"|'''Dinner'''
|align="center"| |style="text-align:center;"|
|-
|align="center"|6:00PM
|align="center"|'''Drill sergeant time'''
|align="left"|''Time for drill sergeants to talk to the recruits about any subject they may think requires attention. <br>Mail call is also performed during this time.''
|-
|align="center"|8:30PM
|align="center"|'''Personal time'''
|align="left"|''Time for recruits to engage in personal activities, such as writing letters, doing laundry, showering, or simply relaxing. <br>Recruits may also catch up on platoon duties during this time, such as barracks cleaning or boot shining.''
|-
|align="center"|9:30PM
|align="center"|'''Lights-out'''
|align="center"|
|} |}


=== Fire guard and charge of quarters ===
===Drill sergeants===
Every night, at least two recruits from the platoon must be awake at any given time. Duties include patrolling their barracks area, watching for fires, cleaning the barracks and watching for recruits attempting to leave the barracks area. They wake the next pair of recruits at the end of their one-hour shift. This duty is called fire guard or access control guard (ACG).
At the core of Army Basic Training is the drill sergeant. Drill sergeants are the instructors that are responsible for most of the training that takes place in Basic Training. They accompany recruits throughout training process, instructing and correcting them in everything from correct procedures for firing a weapon to the correct way to speak to a superior. Drill sergeants are known for using aggressive tactics in order to discipline recruits, usually involving a lot of shouting.


Fire guard stems back to the days of wooden barracks and wood-burning stoves. The fire guard would watch the stoves to make sure that the barracks would not catch fire. Since open flames are not generally used to heat sleeping areas any longer, present-day fire guard duty during Basic Training is more an exercise in discipline than a practical necessity, although if the weather gets cold enough, some groups conducting overnight outdoor training will still use a "pot bellied" stove which must be watched to prevent accidental fires. It is primarily used to ensure accountability of personnel and equipment during the night.
Drill sergeants, while prohibited from harming recruits via physical contact, commonly use a form of punishment known as "smoking." If a recruit does something wrong, a drill sergeant may order that recruit (or the entire platoon) to engage in a series of ] exercises, such as push-ups. When drill sergeants order this type of punishment on a recruit, it is said that they have "smoked" the recruit. This is also know as CAPE (Corrective Action: Physical Exercise).


], commonly called CQ, functions in a somewhat similar manner. CQ shifts rotate throughout the entire company, with just two recruits from the company staying awake per shift. The actual charge of quarters is the drill sergeant and the pair of recruits staying awake are the "runners", meaning that they perform tasks for the CQ. They perform some of the same duties as the fire guard shift. Only the CQ on duty is permitted to open the barracks doors and the runners must alert the CQ if someone else attempts to enter or leave the barracks.
===Meals===
Meals are generally given in the Dining Facility, usually referred to in its abbreviated form, DFAC (pronounced DEE-fak). When a meal occurs during a training session at a remote location, meals are sometimes given in the form of MREs (]) or pre-packed meals from the DFAC know as "hot-Alphas".


===Sundays=== === Hands-on training ===
For many hands-on instructional sessions, recruits are transported to other locations on base that specialize in the given subject. For instance, a class on the use of hand grenades is given at a location where a range is already set up with the appropriate props for the simulation, including targets, fake grenades, identification stations, and a live grenades throwing bay. All trainees must throw two live hand grenades to graduate BCT.
In any given week of Basic Training, Sundays are generally given as "personal time." Chapel (religious) services are also held on Sundays, and are available on-base for most major religions. If services are not held on-base for a particular religion, drill sergeants are required to make arrangements for the recruit(s) to be bussed to an off-post location that can serve their religious needs.


===Fire watch and CQ watch=== === Split training option ===
The Split Training Option (also known as STO or Split-Op) is an enlistment option available for ] and ] recruits. This program allows individuals to attend Basic Training during one summer, drill with their respective units once a month on weekends while attending school, and then within one year of completion of BCT, the Soldiers are ordered to AIT, Phase II of IET, and complete their required MOS training after graduation. This enlistment option is usually popular among high school students who wish to enlist as early as possible, while still attending school. The split option program is also available to seasonal workers, and college students.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/188785/high_schoolers_enter_army_through_split_option_program |title=High schoolers enter Army through Split Option program |first=Cindy |last=McIntyre |date=June 1, 2017 |website=U.S. Army |language=en |access-date=2018-05-08}}</ref>
For each hour of every night, two recruits from the platoon must remain awake to patrol their barracks area, watching for fires as well as recruits attempting to leave the barracks area. They wake the next pair of recruits at the end of their hour-long shift. This duty is called fire watch.


==History==
CQ watch functions in a similar manner, except that CQ shifts rotate throughout the entire company, with just two recruits from the company staying awake per shift. The recruits with CQ watch must perform the same duties as the fire watch shift, only they remain outside, in the company area, watching over all four platoon barracks.
During the ], the ] trained while encamped. In 1778, ] initiated the first formalized training program.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://steubensociety.org/VonSteuben.htm |title=Major General Von Steuben |date=2014 |website=Steuben Society of America |access-date=23 July 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116022639/http://steubensociety.org/VonSteuben.htm |archive-date=16 January 2016}}</ref> Following the war, the Army was largely disbanded in favor of militias.<ref name=CoD>{{cite web |url=https://history.army.mil/LC/The%20People/Frontier.htm |title=Lewis & Clark's Corps of Discovery |date=31 January 2021 |website=U.S. Army Center of Military History |accessdate=2 July 2021}}</ref> Following ], however, the United States authorized the ]. Led by Major General ], the Legion constructed a training camp called ] near ]. This is considered the Army's first basic training camp.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/May-June-2021/Hemmis-Legionville/linkId/119528560/ |title=Learning "The Dreadful Trade of Death" Training the U.S. Army at Legionville, 1792-1793 |first=Timothy C. |last=Hemmis |date=June 2021 |journal=] |publisher=Army University Press |page=123 |accessdate=23 July 2021}}</ref>


During the ], both the Union and Confederate armies relied on volunteer state units to quickly grow their armies. In contrast to the Regular federal units, state units fought in battles with little formal training.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://civil-war-officers.leadr.msu.edu/2015/04/15/discipline-training-of-soldiers-2/#:~:text=Rather%20than%20learning%20in%20training%20camp%2C%20Civil%20War,maneuvers%20and%20brigade%20drill%20and%20skirmishing%20tactics.%20 |title=Discipline & Training of Soldiers |date=15 April 2015 |website=Civil War Leadership |publisher=Michigan State University |accessdate=23 July 2021}}</ref>
===Hands-on training===
For many hands-on instructional sessions, recruits are transported to other locations on-base that specialize in the given subject. For instance, a class on rigging ]s (a type of small anti-personnel land mine) is given at a location where a field is already set up with the appropriate props for the simulation, including fake claymores that recruits can practice on. Classes are also given in the use of the ] shoulder-fired anti-tank missile launcher. For this class, recruits are brought to a mock battlefield riddled with decommissioned tanks and other vehicles. Each recruit fires a trainer AT4 weapon, loaded with ]s, at various targets on the battlefield. For weaponry training that involves only the use of fake weapons, one real demonstration of the actual weapon is usually performed. For example, at claymore training, one real claymore is rigged and remotely detonated; and at AT4 training, one lucky recruit (often the recruit who qualified highest on the M16) is chosen to fire a live-round AT4.


The United States Army began a systematic, 16-week program to train individual Soldiers when it entered ] in 1917.{{sfn|Crane|2019|p=1}} The Army established more than 30 training camps to prepare state troops and new recruits.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.archives.gov/topics/wwi/training |title=Training the Soldier |date=9 March 2017 |website=National Archives |accessdate=23 July 2021}}</ref> Due to the urgent need to aid France, training was more focused on mobilization than combat training.{{sfn|Crane|2019|p=i}} Soldiers arrived quickly in France, but required additional training once they arrived, in order to make them combat ready.{{sfn|Crane|2019|p=4}} This highlighted the need for a standardized training regimen that would provide new Soldiers with rudimentary combat training.{{sfn|Crane|2019|p=4}}
==Locations==
The location where a recruit is sent for Basic Training depends on his or her chosen ], or MOS, which is selected upon enlistment.


The Army was greatly reduced after the ], but ] again created the need to train a large number of new Soldiers. Recruits and draftees first reported to Induction Centers, where they were administratively and medically processed into the Army. Following induction, new Soldiers were sent to specialized training which, for combat arms, meant basic training.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ahec.armywarcollege.edu/trail/WWII/index.cfm |title=World War II Core Area |website=U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center |accessdate=23 July 2021}}</ref>
===One Station Unit Training===
With some MOS', both the BCT and AIT phases of training are accomplished back-to-back at the same location, with the same instructors, as well as with the same fellow recruits. This is called One Station Unit Training, or OSUT. For example, the ] MOS consists of the usual nine weeks of BCT followed by six weeks of AIT, all within the same location. A similar program is followed for cavalry scouts, tank crewmen, field artillery cannon crewmen, military police, combat engineers, and chemical operations (defensive) specialists.<ref name=restrict />


Following WWII, the Army retained an 8-week standardized basic training course, but advanced training was left to the responsibility of unit commanders.{{sfn|Crane|2019|p=27}} Colonel ] published a book in 1947 entitled ''Men Against Fire'', which claimed that only 25% of Soldiers had fired their weapons in WWII due to strong ]s against killing.{{sfn|Crane|2019|p=24}} Although his findings were controversial, the Army adapted basic training to include attack exercises.{{sfn|Crane|2019|p=33}} Dedicated ] were added to basic training in 1964.{{sfn|Crane|2019|p=43}} In 1973, Basic Training came under control of the newly created ].{{sfn|Crane|2019|p=iii}}
===Basic Combat Training===
The U.S. Army has five sites for BCT:<ref>http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyjoin/l/aaarmybasic1.htm</ref>
*], ]; also provides ] OSUT
*], ]
*], ]; also provides ], ] and ] OSUT
*], ]; also provides ] OSUT
*], ]; also provides ] OSUT


== Locations ==
Female Army recruits are sent to ] or ], which have gender-integrated training.
The recruit's entry location in the United States determines where the recruit will attend Basic Combat Training "if the recruit chose a non-combat support MOS". A recruit that has chosen a particular combat MOS (Infantry, Military Police, Combat Engineer) will require specific OSUT. Advanced Individual Training depends on the Soldier's determined ], or MOS, which is selected upon enlistment into the Army. For a non-combat support MOS, AIT will commence following successful completion of Basic Training. Soldiers requiring air transportation to their training locations are flown via commercial flight at the Army's expense.


===Advanced Individual Training=== === One Station Unit Training ===
With some MOSs, both the BCT and AIT phases of training are accomplished back-to-back at the same location, with the same instructors, as well as with the same fellow recruits. This is called ], or OSUT. For example, the ] MOS consists of BCT followed by 12 weeks of Infantry training, all within the same location. A similar program is followed for ] and Bridge Crewmen, who train for 14 consecutive weeks, as well as ], Tank Crewmen, and ].<ref name="restrict">{{cite web |url=http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyjoin/l/blartraining.htm |title=Army Training Phase Restrictions |website=US Military.About.com |date=19 June 2010 |access-date=27 May 2011 |archive-date=24 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524223109/http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyjoin/l/blartraining.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
AIT is held at the corresponding school for the recruit's MOS. <br>
''For more information on the different AIT schools, see ] below.''


=== Basic Combat Training sites ===
==Reception Battalion==
]
Reception Battalion (RECBN) is the period that begins when the recruit arrives at the Army base where he or she is to undergo Basic Training. Initial preparations for training are performed here, including:<ref>http://www.goarmy.com/ProfileDetail.do?dir=/_res/xml/life/basic/&xml=week_list.xml&fw=basic&sn=week00&profile=</ref>
The U.S. Army has four sites for BCT:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyjoin/l/aaarmybasic1.htm |title=Surviving Army Basic Training |date=19 June 2010 |website=US Military.About.com |access-date=27 May 2011 |archive-date=5 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605074443/http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyjoin/l/aaarmybasic1.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*Haircut
* ] near ]; also provides Infantry and Armor OSUT
*Physical examination (including blood and urine tests)
* ] near ]; non-combat MOS<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPfuRSbBtS0 |title=The Sounds of Basic Training |website=U.S. Army Training Center – Fort Jackson, SC}}</ref>
*]s
* ] near ]; also provides Corps of Engineers OSUT and AIT, ] AIT, and Military Police OSUT
*Distribution of uniforms and other gear, such as duffel bag, mouth guard, and canteen.
* ] near ]; also provides Artillery AIT
*Instruction in marching and the upkeep of barracks
*Initial physical assessment test:
:*13 push-ups
:*17 sit-ups
:*Men: one-mile run in 8½ minutes.
:*Women: one-mile run in 10½ minutes.


=== Advanced Individual Training ===
Reception Battalion can last up to one week, but is sometimes compressed into as few as 3 days.
AIT is conducted at the corresponding school for the recruit's MOS (see ]).


== Reception Battalion ==
===Fitness Training Company===
]
Those recruits that fail the physical assessment test can be held back at Reception Battalion, where they are placed in Fitness Training Company (FTC), sometimes referred to in slang form as "Fat Camp." FTC involves daily, rigorous physical training. Recruits in FTC are given 2 chances each week to complete the physical assessment test, and upon passing are allowed to move on to the next phase of Basic Training. Recruits that spend 4 weeks in FTC without passing the physical assessment test (failing the test 8 times) may be discharged from the Army via an ].
Reception Battalion (RECBN) is the period that begins when the recruit arrives at the Army post where he or she is to undergo Basic Training. It typically lasts 4 to 10 days<ref name="jackson what to expect">{{cite web |url=http://www.jackson.army.mil/BCT/What_to_Expect.htm |title=What to Expect |website=Fort Jackson, SC |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20040222015219/http%3A//www%2Ejackson%2Earmy%2Emil/BCT/What_to_Expect%2Ehtm |archive-date=22 February 2004}}</ref> and is where initial preparations for training are performed, including:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goarmy.com/ProfileDetail.do?dir=/_res/xml/life/basic/&xml=week_list.xml&fw=basic&sn=week00&profile= |title=Basic Combat Training > Week 00: Reception |website=GoArmy.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704224734/http://www.goarmy.com/ProfileDetail.do?dir=%2F_res%2Fxml%2Flife%2Fbasic%2F&xml=week_list.xml&fw=basic&sn=week00&profile= |archive-date=4 July 2007}}</ref>
* Haircut (buzz cut for men; women must either cut hair short or wear pinned up)
* Physical examination (including blood and urine tests)
* ]s
* Distribution of uniforms and gear, such as duffel bag and mouth guard
* Instruction in basic marching and standing, as well as general upkeep of barracks


==Basic Combat Training== === Fitness Training Company ===
The recruits who fail the physical assessment test can be held back at Reception Battalion, where they are placed in Fitness Training Company (FTC), sometimes referred to in slang form as "Fat Camp." FTC involves daily, rigorous physical training and diet monitoring by Master Fitness Trainers (MFTs). Recruits in FTC are provided two chances each week to complete the physical assessment test and upon passing are allowed to move on to the next phase of Basic Training. Recruits who spend four weeks in FTC without passing the physical assessment test (failing the test eight times) might be discharged from the Army via an ].
Basic Combat Training, or BCT, is a 9-week training period that is identical for all MOSs (]). It is divided into three phases, each phase lasting three weeks. The three phases are each assigned a color (red, white, and blue), and are denoted by the color of ] carried by the platoons. Following the recruits' successful completion of the Field Training Exercise (FTX, a final exercise just before graduation), the Phase III blue guidon is sometimes traded for a tri-color red, white, and blue guidon that symbolizes successful completion of all three BCT phases.


The FTC currently is not in use. As there are no longer physical fitness standards to enter BCT, there is no standard to hold them to and the unit is no longer needed.
===Phase I===
During Phase I or "Red Phase", recruits are subject to "Total Control", meaning their every action is monitored and constantly corrected by drill sergeants.


FTC is not to be confused with FTU, a place where recruits who sustain injuries during Basic Training may also be assigned for rehabilitation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tradoc.army.mil/pao/tnsarchives/June%202007/060807-1.html |title=Program helping more Soldiers return to BCT |date=8 June 2007 |website=United States Army Training and Doctrine Command |access-date=27 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927122321/http://www.tradoc.army.mil/pao/tnsarchives/June%202007/060807-1.html |archive-date=27 September 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
====Week 1====
Week 1 begins with the recruits meeting the drill sergeants who will be responsible for their training throughout BCT. The drill sergeants pick up their recruits from Reception Battalion and either transport or march them to their ] area. The company area is the common area for the entire company, and is surrounded by four ] — one for each ] in the company.


== Basic Combat Training ==
Upon arrival at the company area, recruits are subjected to the "bag drill". This is a training excersize in which all the recruits' duffel bags are dumped into one large pile, and the recruits all told to find their personal duffel bags simultaneously, and within a set time limit. The exercise is designed so that the soldiers fail in their task and must keep trying again, until they realize that they must work together in order to complete the task within the time limit.<ref>http://www.tradoc.army.mil/pao/training_closeup/071305.htm</ref> Following the bag drill, the recruits are divided into platoons.
Basic Combat Training, or BCT, is a ten-week process which includes one week of reception. Reception Battalion is the first stop before meeting the drill sergeants and starting Basic Combat Training. Reception will typically last between 3–5 days and includes; physical exam, vaccinations, haircut, uniform and Army Physical Fitness Uniform. In most Reception Battalions the Army Fitness Test will be administered before starting Basic Training Day 1<ref name="goarmy index">{{cite web |url=http://www.goarmy.com/life/basic/index.jsp |title=Basic Combat Training |website=GoArmy.com |access-date=27 May 2011}}</ref> training cycle that teaches identical skills for all MOSs (]). This is because the Army believes that no matter the Soldier's specialty, they should all be taught the same basic procedures and skill set so they are ready to properly work together and defend themselves, as well as their fellow soldiers, if/when necessary.


BCT is divided into four phases, each represented by a color: yellow, red, white, and blue for Phase I, II, III, and IV respectively. BCT trainees are progressively allowed more responsibility, privileges, and independence each time they achieve a new phase of training. Whereas trainees in Phase I are constantly monitored and led around by their drill sergeants, Phase IV trainees are largely responsible for making sure tasks are completed correctly and on-time and keeping themselves on-schedule.<ref name="goarmy index"/>
Drill & Ceremony training begins during week 1. This refers to correct procedures for marching, and body movements such as standing at attention, "facing" (right-face/left-face), "at ease," etc. For this and many other exercises, soldiers are issued fake rifles known as "]s", so that they can become familiar with the proper handling of their weapon before they have actually been trained to use it.


At some Basic Training stations, the current phase is denoted by the color of ] carried by the platoon. Following the recruits' successful completion of the Field Training Exercise (a final, culminating exercise prior to graduation), the Phase IV blue guidon is sometimes traded for a tri-color red, white, and blue guidon that symbolizes successful completion of all three BCT phases.
Classroom instructions are given in each of the seven "Army Core Values," which include loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. There are also classes held on subjects that involve day-to-day personal life in the Army, such as sexual harassment and race relations.


====Week 2==== === Phase I ===
]
During week 2, recruits begin unarmed combat training, also known as hand-to-hand combat or Ground Fighting Technique (GFT). The training often culminates in a competition. Each platoon selects one male and one female recruit to compete.
The event “The First 100 Yards,” an homage to their lineage of closing the last 100 yards of the fight, incorporates teamwork into a competition that features mental and physical challenges on the day they arrive to their basic training company.


During Phase I or the "Red Phase," recruits are subject to "Total Control," meaning their every action is monitored and constantly corrected by drill sergeants. Recruits are often subjected to group corrective action for even minor infractions, the purpose being to develop an acute attention to detail and foster a sense of common responsibility among the unit.
Recruits are also instructed in map reading, land navigation, and compass use. These skills are put to the test at the Compass Course, where recruits are divided into groups and must navigate their way to a series of points throughout a wooded area.


==== Week 1 ====
Recruits will also tackle other physical challenges including Victory Tower and the Teamwork Development Course. Victory Tower is an exercise where recruits must navigate through several obstacles at extreme heights, including climbing and traversing rope ladders and bridges. They must then ] down a 50-foot wall (back-first, with rope harness). In the Teamwork Development Course, squads must negotiate a series of obstacles, with emphasis on working as a team rather than as individuals.
Week 1 begins with the recruits meeting the drill sergeants who will be responsible for their training throughout BCT. The drill sergeants pick up their recruits from Reception Battalion and either transport or march them to their ] area. The company area is the common area for the entire company (up to 240 recruits).


Upon arrival at the company area, recruits are divided into their platoons and begin the "First 100 Yards", where Trainees begin to build comradery amongst their platoon and learn the history of the U.S. Army. The "First 100 Yards" allows Trainees to begin building cohesive teams from the very beginning of their transformation from civilian into U.S. Army Soldier.
First aid training is also given during this period. Recruits are trained in evaluating and properly treating casualties, ranging from the simple dressing of a wound to application of a tourniquet. Recruits are also trained in how to evaluate and treat heat casualties such as dehydration.


Drill and ceremony training begins during week 1. This refers to correct procedures for marching and body movements such as standing at attention, "facing" (right-face/left-face), "at ease," "to the rear" and others. For this and many other exercises, soldiers are sometimes issued fake rifles known as "]s," so that they can become familiar with the proper handling and added weight of their weapon before they have actually been trained to use it. More recently, recruits have begun to be issued fully functional M16A2/A4s during the first week of BCT to allow for early familiarization with the weapon.
====Week 3====
Recruits begin training for bayonet use using ]s and then move on to the Bayonet Assault Course. Other hands-on instruction sessions include person-carrying methods and physical problem-solving.


Classroom instructions are given in each of the seven "Army Core Values," which include loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage (meant to spell out the mnemonic LDRSHIP, or leadership). There are also classes held on subjects that involve day-to-day personal life in the Army, such as sexual harassment awareness/prevention and race relations.
Recruits are also commonly sent to the "gas chamber" during this week, which is a large, sealed chamber where soldiers are subjected to ] while wearing their ]s. The gas chamber is the culmination of a series of instructions on gas mask use. Recruits are forced to unmask just before exiting the chamber, so that they can briefly experience the effects of the gas. Drill sergeants will usually ask each recruit a question while they are unmasked, such as name, rank, or social security number, so that the recruit is forced to open their mouth/eyes and/or take a breath. Recruits that answer incorrectly are sometimes sent for another trip through the gas chamber.


==== Week 2 ====
Week 3 is also when the recruits are introduced to their standard-issue weapon, the ]. This does not yet involve the actual firing of the rifle. It does include Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM) fundamentals training (instruction in marksmanship techniques without firing the rifle), as well as maintenance tasks, including "field stripping" (quickly disassembling) the rifle, cleaning it, and reassembling it correctly.
During week 2, recruits begin unarmed combat training, also known as hand-to-hand combat, Combatives or Ground Fighting Technique (GFT). The training often culminates in a competition where each platoon chooses one recruit to compete, the platoons each choose one male and one female.


Recruits are also instructed in map reading, land navigation and compass use. These skills are put to the test at the compass course, where recruits are divided into groups and must navigate their way to a series of points throughout a wooded area.
===Phase II===
{{sectstub}}
Phase II or "White Phase" is where soldiers begin actually firing weapons. With the assault rifle (M16 A2), they will fire at various targets, which are progressively further-and-further downrange, resulting in more-and-more difficult shooting. Additionally, there are pop-up targets at long range. Other weapons the soldier becomes familiarized with include various grenades (such as the M67 fragmentation grenade) and grenade launchers (such as the M203).


Recruits will also tackle Victory Tower and the Teamwork Development Course during week 2. Victory Tower is an exercise where recruits must navigate through several obstacles at extreme heights, including climbing and traversing rope ladders and bridges. They must then ] down a 50-foot wall (back-first, with rope harness). In the Teamwork Development Course, squads must navigate a series of obstacles, with emphasis on working as a team rather than as individuals.
The second week of Phase II involves familiarization with the bayonet, anti-tank/armor weaponry and other heavy weapons. There is also an obstacle course which the soldiers are expected to negotiate in certain amount of time. These are also known as the confidence course since the main objective of running the course is to build self-confidence. There is also the expectation of working as a team with the assigned Battle Buddy.


First aid training, known as Combat Life Saver (CLS), is also given during this period. Recruits are trained in evaluating and properly treating casualties, ranging from dressing a wound to application of a tourniquet and dehydration treatment.
]
Additionally, there is continual, intense physical training (PT), as well as drill and ceremony training. At the conclusion of Phase II, soldiers are expected to demonstrate proficiency with the various weaponry in which they trained, using numerous "''go or no-go''" (pass/fail) exercises, prior to being allowed to move on to Phase III.


===Phase III=== ==== Week 3 ====
Recruits begin training with methods for carrying an unconscious or immobile person and physical problem solving, such as finding a way to carry equipment from point A to point B given specific obstacles and constraints.
{{sectstub}}
Phase III "Blue Phase" is the culmination and the most challenging of all the training phases. During the first week, there is a PT final. Soldiers that fail are not allowed to go into the field with the rest of the platoon. The Final PT Test consists of the Standard Army Annual PT Examination. A minimum of 150 points is required to pass US Army Basic Training. Those that pass will move on to "Bivouwac" (camping) and FTX (]s), such as nighttime combat operations. There is no access to the dining facility during these exercises, so meals are primarily given in the form of MREs (]). Drill sergeants will make much of this an adversarial process, working against the recruits in many of the night operations, trying to foil plans, etc.


Recruits are also commonly sent to a gas chamber during this week, which is a large, sealed chamber where soldiers are subjected to ] while wearing their ]s. The gas chamber is the culmination of a series of classroom instructions on gas mask use. Recruits are forced to unmask just before exiting the chamber so that they can briefly experience the effects of the gas. Drill sergeants will usually ask each recruit to recite information while they are unmasked, such as name, social security number or the ], so that the recruit is forced to open their mouth/eyes and/or take a breath while demonstrating continued focus.
Week 2 of Phase III (the 8th week of Basic Training) culminates in a special tactical FTX (]), during which the drill sergeants will advise, but allow recruit platoon leaders and squad leaders to exercise primary decision-making. They attempt to make virtually every one of these exercises different. Due to the fact that being a soldier is potentially an extremely hazardous job, recruits must demonstrate extreme aggression and fearlessness, tempered by intelligence and common sense. Only those that demonstrate these vital attributes will be permitted to move on to AIT.


Week 3 is also when the recruits are introduced to their standard-issue weapon, the ] or the ]. This does not yet involve the actual firing of the rifle. It does include basic rifle marksmanship (BRM) fundamentals training (instruction in marksmanship techniques without firing the rifle. For instance, trigger control is practiced by placing a wooden dowel down the barrel of the rifle with a coin placed on the exposed end. If the recruit can pull the trigger without the coin falling from the dowel, their trigger control is satisfactory), as well as maintenance tasks, including "field stripping" (quickly disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling) the rifle. Many of these tasks are now done during Week 1 as a part of the initial round of classroom instruction.
<span id="AIT2"></span>


=== Phase II ===
==Advanced Individual Training==
]
Advanced Individual Training, or AIT, is where new soldiers receive specific training in their chosen MOS. The length of AIT training varies depending on the MOS and can last anywhere from six weeks to one year.
Phase II, or the "White Phase", is where soldiers begin actually firing weapons. With the service rifle (]), they will fire at various targets, which are progressively further downrange, making each successive target more difficult to hit, with additional pop-up targets at long range. Other weapons the soldier becomes familiar with include various ]s (such as the ]), ]s (such as the ]) and machine guns (such as the ], ] and ]). The second week of Phase II involves familiarization with anti-tank/armor weaponry and other heavy weapons.


There is also an obstacle course which the soldiers are expected to negotiate within a certain time limit, known as the "confidence course", since the main objective is to build self-confidence. There is also the expectation of working as a team with the assigned battle buddy.
Just like BCT, AIT progressively allows trainees more and more privileges. At the start of AIT, trainees are in Phase IV. After a varying length of time and satisfactory performance, the trainees are awarded Phase V. Phase V often includes the privilege of applying for off-post passes or use of a cell phone. Phase V+ is awarded after a similar length of time and continued good conduct. Phase V+ trainees may walk about the base without having a battle buddy present, be able to drink alcohol on weekends (provided one is of legal drinking age), and even stay off-post overnight on weekends.


Additionally, there is continual, intense physical training as well as drill and ceremony training. At the conclusion of Phase II, soldiers are expected to demonstrate proficiency with the various weaponry in which they trained, using numerous "go or no-go" (pass/fail) exercises prior to being allowed to move on to Phase III.
===AIT schools===
Army AIT schools include ''(not a complete list)'':


=== Phase III ===
*]
]
*]
Phase III, or the "Blue Phase," is the culmination and possibly the most challenging of all the training phases. During this phase, an ] is administered to determine whether the recruit has successfully met the requirements for graduation. Although not previously mentioned, an ACFT is given at a minimum at every phase of training, with a diagnostic ACFT given at Phase I. This is conducted to ensure that all recruits are meeting the standard along the way. Recruits failing to meet the standard of the ACFT will be locally retrained by their drill sergeants and a specialized fitness program is developed to focus on the recruits weaknesses while continuing to maintain and improve upon those events the recruit has successfully passed. When a recruit has successfully passed the ACFT, the recruit will have one of the critical benchmark requirements for graduation. At some locations, soldiers who fail are not allowed to go into the field with the rest of the platoon. The final ACFT Test consists of the Standard Army Annual ACFT Examination. A minimum of 360 points is required to pass U.S. Army Basic Training.
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]


Those who pass will move on to "Bivouac" (camping) and FTX (]s), such as nighttime combat operations and ] (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) training. There is no access to the dining facility during these exercises, so meals are given in the form of either MREs (]) or field chow. Drill sergeants will make much of this an adversarial process, working against the recruits in many of the night operations by trying to foil plans, ''et cetera''. Other BCT companies also in their FTX weeks may join in simulated combat scenarios, generally at night, with intense competition to prove their particular company the better trained.
==Punishable activities==
Activities that are prohibited during Basic Training include:
*Disobeying orders
*Disrespecting a drill sergeant or other superior
*Cigarette smoking
*Possession/consumption of food, except during designated meal hours and in designated areas
*Possession of other contraband
*Neglecting fire watch or CQ watch duty
*Going ]


Week 2 of Phase III (the 8th week of Basic Training) culminates in a special tactical FTX during which the drill sergeants will advise, but allow recruit platoon leaders and squad leaders to exercise primary decision-making. They attempt to make virtually every one of these exercises different. Because being a soldier is potentially an extremely hazardous job, recruits must demonstrate extreme aggression and fearlessness, tempered by intelligence and common sense. Only those that demonstrate these vital attributes will be permitted to move on to AIT (Advanced Individual Training).
==Article 15==
When a recruit engages in a prohibited activity, their drill sergeant may recommend an Article 15. An Article 15 is a type of disciplinary action, also known as ], and can entail any or all of the following:
* Restriction to specific limits (normally work, barracks, place of worship, mess hall, and medical facilities) for up to 14 days
* Extra duty for up to 14 days, usually meaning that the recruit's personal time is replaced with work detail
* Forfeiture of up to 7 days pay
* Reduction by one grade of rank (demotion), which also means a permanent pay reduction until the recruit is promoted again
* Verbal or written reprimand


Following their FTX, recruits then move into the final week of training, often called "recovery week," At this time, soldiers must service and/or repair any items they are not taking on to AIT including weapons, bedding, issued equipment (helmet, canteen, gas mask, ''et cetera'') as well as ensuring the platoon barracks is in good order to receive the next platoon of trainees. This week also includes a final fitting of the recruit's dress uniform as well as practice for the graduation ceremony, which takes place at the end of the cycle.<span id="AIT2"></span>
If a drill sergeant sees fit to recommend an Article 15, the recruit is brought before the company commander and given the choice to have a public or private hearing. In either case, the drill sergeant recommending the Article 15 presents their reasons for the recommendation, as well as a recommendation for an appropriate punishment. The recruit is then given the opportunity to defend their actions. If the company commander then agrees with the recommendation, the Article 15 is imposed. The recruit is then given the choice of either accepting the punishment or appealing the decision. If the recruit chooses to appeal, he or she is brought before the battalion commander, who makes the final decision following a similar hearing.


==Discharge from Basic Training== == Advanced Individual Training ==
Advanced Individual Training, or AIT, is where new soldiers receive specific training in their chosen MOS. The length of AIT training varies depending on the MOS and can last anywhere from four weeks to nearly a year.
A recruit can be discharged from the Army before the conclusion of Basic Training. Discharges that occur before the completion of 180 days (approximately 6 months) of training are characterized as administrative discharges, which are neither honorable nor dishonorable.


Just like in BCT, AIT progressively allows trainees more privileges and independence. Trainees begin AIT in Phase IV. After a varying length of time and satisfactory performance, trainees are awarded Phase V. Phase V often includes the privilege of applying for off-post passes or use of electronic devices. Phase V+ is awarded after a set length of time and continued good conduct. Phase V+ trainees may walk about the base without having a battle buddy present, be able to drink alcohol on weekends (provided one is of legal drinking age) and even stay off-post overnight on weekends. These privileges vary.
*An '''Entry Level Separation (ELS)''' can occur when a recruit demonstrates unsatisfactory performance and/or misconduct. A recruit can only be ELS'd after at least 4 weeks of training and 2 counseling sessions, except under extreme circumstances, such as the recruit being deemed suicidal.<ref>http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/arbasicpol/blels.htm</ref>
*If it is found that a recruit is unable to train due to a chronic medical condition, he or she may obtain a '''medical discharge''' by the recommendation of an Army medical doctor.


Graduates of AIT are automatically enrolled in ], which is an online program that feeds into the ] (BLC). BLC is the first course of the NCO professional development program.
==References==

<references/>
=== Advanced Individual Training schools ===
AIT schools include (not a complete list):
{|
|-
|valign=top|
* ] at ], Columbia, South Carolina<ref>{{cite web |url=http://agsssi-www.army.mil/ |title=The US Army Adjutant General School |website=U.S. Army |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905080115/http://agsssi-www.army.mil/ |archive-date=5 September 2009}}</ref>
* ] at ], Lawton, Oklahoma
* ] at ], ], Texas<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil |title=U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, Health Readiness Center of Excellence |website=U.S. Army |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103172447/https://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/ |archive-date=January 3, 2019}}</ref>
* ] at ], Columbus, Georgia<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.benning.army.mil/armor/ |title=U.S. Army Armor School, Fort Benning |date=25 February 2011 |website=U.S. Army |access-date=27 May 2011 |archive-date=25 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525023859/http://www.benning.army.mil/armor/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* ] at ], ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www-rucker.army.mil/1AB/1AB.htm |title=1st Aviation Brigade, Fort Rucker |website=U.S. Army |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603162816/http://www-rucker.army.mil/1AB/1AB.htm |archive-date=3 June 2008}}</ref>
* United States Army Aviation Logistics School at ], ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usaals.army.mil |title=United States Army Aviation Logistics School |website=U.S. Army |access-date=27 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418094249/http://www.usaals.army.mil |archive-date=2009-04-18}}</ref>
* ] at Fort Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usachcs.army.mil/TNGDIR/ENLISTEDTNG/AIT1.HTM |title=US Army Chaplain Center and School (USACHCS) |website=U.S. Army |access-date=28 December 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205104817/http://www.usachcs.army.mil/TNGDIR/ENLISTEDTNG/AIT1.HTM |archive-date=5 December 2008}}</ref>
* ] at ], St. Robert, Missouri<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wood.army.mil/cbrns |title= U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School |website=U.S. Army |access-date=27 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210122458/http://www.wood.army.mil/cbrns/ |archive-date=2008-12-10}}</ref>
* ] at Fort Leonard Wood, St. Robert, Missouri<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wood.army.mil/usaes |title=US Army Engineer School |website=U.S. Army |access-date=27 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114051625/http://www.wood.army.mil/usaes/ |archive-date=2009-01-14}}</ref>
* ] at Fort Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sill-www.army.mil/USAFAS/index.htm |title=U.S. Army Field Artillery School |website=U.S. Army |access-date=28 December 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221010739/http://sill-www.army.mil/USAFAS/index.htm |archive-date=21 December 2008}}</ref>
* ] at Fort Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.finance.army.mil |title=Financial Management School, Fort Jackson SC |website=U.S. Army |access-date=27 May 2011}}</ref>
|valign=top|
* ] at Fort Moore, Columbus, Georgia<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/toc/school.htm |title=Infantry School, Fort Benning |website=U.S. Army |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114051626/https://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/toc/school.htm |archive-date=14 January 2009}}</ref>
* ] at ], ]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://icon.army.mil/anon/304/304_anon_index.cfm |title=304th Military Intelligence Battalion |website=U.S. Army |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070812082453/https://icon.army.mil/anon/304/304_anon_index.cfm |archive-date=12 August 2007}}</ref>
* ] at ], ]
* ] at Fort Leonard Wood, St. Robert, Missouri<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wood.army.mil/usamps |title=United States Army Military Police School |website=U.S. Army |access-date=27 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408130908/http://www.wood.army.mil/usamps/ |archive-date=2011-04-08}}</ref>
* ] at ], ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://goordnance.army.mil/ |title=United States Army Ordnance Corps and School |website=U.S. Army}}</ref>
* ] at Fort Gregg-Adams, Petersburg, Virginia<ref>{{cite web |url=https://quartermaster.army.mil/ |title=Quartermaster School – Fort Lee, Virginia |website=U.S. Army |access-date=12 July 2022}}</ref>
* ] at ], ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gordon.army.mil/sigbde15 |title=15th Regimental Signal Brigade, Fort Gordon |website=U.S. Army |access-date=27 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501100656/http://www.gordon.army.mil/sigbde15/ |archive-date=2008-05-01}}</ref>
* ] at Fort Gregg-Adams, Petersburg, Virginia, with some courses conducted at Fort Eustis and Fort Leonard Wood<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.transchool.eustis.army.mil/ |title=U.S. Army Transportation School |website=U.S. Army |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709024211/http://www.transchool.eustis.army.mil/ |archive-date=9 July 2010}}</ref>
|}

== Discharge from Basic Training ==
A recruit can be discharged from the Army before the conclusion of Basic Training. Discharges that occur before the completion of 180 days (six months) of training are considered uncharacterized, which are neither honorable nor less than honorable.

* An Entry Level Separation (ELS) can occur when a recruit demonstrates unsatisfactory performance and/or misconduct. A recruit can only be ELSed after at least four weeks of training and two counseling sessions, except under extreme circumstances, such as a recruit deemed suicidal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/arbasicpol/blels.htm |title=Army Basic Training – Entry-Level Separation (ELS) |date=19 June 2010 |website=US Military.About.com |access-date=27 May 2011 |archive-date=11 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111224528/http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/arbasicpol/blels.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* If it is found that a recruit is unable to train due to a chronic medical condition, he or she may obtain a medical discharge by the recommendation of an Army medical doctor.
* A discharge due to any condition Existing Prior To Service (EPTS) may occur when a recruit is found to have a prior medical condition existing before enlistment. A recruit may receive a rare honorable discharge for an EPTS condition if they have been in Basic Training for more than 180 days.

== See also ==
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ], New Jersey
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

=== Sources ===
*{{cite web |last1=Crane |first1=Conrad C. |last2=Sheets |first2=Jessica J. |last3=Lynch |first3=Michael E. |last4=Reilly |first4=Shane P. |date=February 2019 |title=Learning the Lessons of Lethality: The Army's Cycle of Basic Combat Training,1918-2019 |publisher=United States Army War College |url=https://publications.armywarcollege.edu/pubs/3683.pdf |accessdate=23 July 2021 |ref={{sfnref|Crane|2019}} |archive-date=23 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723173435/https://publications.armywarcollege.edu/pubs/3683.pdf |url-status=dead }}

== External links ==
*
*
* <br />U.S. Army Training Center Fort Jackson, SC
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Recruit training program of the United States Army

A soldier with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, conducts Buddy Team Tactics at a Fort Moore Range

United States Army Basic Combat Training (BCT) is the recruit training program of the United States Army, for service in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard.

Some trainees attend basic combat training along with their advanced individual training (AIT) at one place, referred to as One Station Unit Training (OSUT). A United States Army infantry recruit should expect a more intense, physically demanding basic training located at Fort Moore, Georgia through One Station Unit Training program that is 22 weeks in duration.

Other occupations also learn basic warrior tasks and skills and small unit tactics, but tend to focus on more of a balanced approach. These trainees receive basic combat training at different installations including Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; or Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Basic training is designed to be highly intense and challenging. The challenge comes as much from the difficulty of physical training as it does from the psychological adjustment to an unfamiliar way of life. Initial entry training is divided into two parts: basic combat training (BCT) and advanced individual training (AIT).

AIT consists of the remainder of the total basic training period and is where recruits train in the specifics of their chosen fields. As such, AIT is different for each available Army career path, or Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). AIT courses can last anywhere from 4 weeks to 7 months, and possibly more for foreign language training. Soldiers are still continually tested for physical fitness and weapons proficiency and are subject to the same duties, strict daily schedule and disciplinary rules as in BCT.

Overview

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Drill sergeants

Main article: Drill sergeant
U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy.
A U.S. Army drill sergeant standing before his company.

Drill sergeants are the instructors responsible for most of the recruit training that takes place during Initial Entry Training. They accompany recruits throughout the entire training process, instructing and correcting actions in everything from firing weapons to the correct way to address a superior, and are also largely responsible for the safety of recruits. They are recognizable by their distinctive headgear (campaign hats), often referred to as "brown rounds" or "Smokey Bear" hats, as they resemble that character's round park ranger-style hat.

Battle buddies

Main article: Battle buddy

Battle buddies generally refer to partners in a combat scenario. However, throughout Basic Training the term is used to describe a disciplinary principle whereby recruits are prohibited from walking anywhere alone. When traveling away from the platoon or a drill sergeant, recruits are expected to travel in pairs, known as battle buddies. Battle buddies are sometimes assigned, or can be chosen by recruits when the need to travel arises.

Daily schedule

A typical day in Basic Training generally follows this schedule. Times can change depending on location, commanding officers, or when drill sergeants see a need for variation.

Time Activity Description
4:30 a.m. First Call Wake up to perform personal morning tasks and conduct hygiene. For males, shaving is mandatory every morning, with some exceptions for to accommodate religious beliefs.
5:00 a.m. Physical Training (PT) Form up in the company area, perform morning physical training (calisthenics and running).
6:00 a.m. Breakfast
6:30 a.m. Training Begin the day's scheduled training exercises.
12:00 p.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m. Training Continue the day's scheduled training exercises.
5:00 p.m. Dinner
5:30 p.m. Drill sergeant time Time for drill sergeants to speak with the recruits about any subject they may think requires attention.
Mail call is also performed during this time.
8:00 p.m. Personal time Time for recruits to engage in personal activities, such as writing letters, laundry, showering, relaxation, or sleep.
Recruits may also catch up on platoon duties during this time, such as barracks cleaning or wall locker organization.
9:00 p.m. Lights-out

Fire guard and charge of quarters

Every night, at least two recruits from the platoon must be awake at any given time. Duties include patrolling their barracks area, watching for fires, cleaning the barracks and watching for recruits attempting to leave the barracks area. They wake the next pair of recruits at the end of their one-hour shift. This duty is called fire guard or access control guard (ACG).

Fire guard stems back to the days of wooden barracks and wood-burning stoves. The fire guard would watch the stoves to make sure that the barracks would not catch fire. Since open flames are not generally used to heat sleeping areas any longer, present-day fire guard duty during Basic Training is more an exercise in discipline than a practical necessity, although if the weather gets cold enough, some groups conducting overnight outdoor training will still use a "pot bellied" stove which must be watched to prevent accidental fires. It is primarily used to ensure accountability of personnel and equipment during the night.

Charge of quarters, commonly called CQ, functions in a somewhat similar manner. CQ shifts rotate throughout the entire company, with just two recruits from the company staying awake per shift. The actual charge of quarters is the drill sergeant and the pair of recruits staying awake are the "runners", meaning that they perform tasks for the CQ. They perform some of the same duties as the fire guard shift. Only the CQ on duty is permitted to open the barracks doors and the runners must alert the CQ if someone else attempts to enter or leave the barracks.

Hands-on training

For many hands-on instructional sessions, recruits are transported to other locations on base that specialize in the given subject. For instance, a class on the use of hand grenades is given at a location where a range is already set up with the appropriate props for the simulation, including targets, fake grenades, identification stations, and a live grenades throwing bay. All trainees must throw two live hand grenades to graduate BCT.

Split training option

The Split Training Option (also known as STO or Split-Op) is an enlistment option available for Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve recruits. This program allows individuals to attend Basic Training during one summer, drill with their respective units once a month on weekends while attending school, and then within one year of completion of BCT, the Soldiers are ordered to AIT, Phase II of IET, and complete their required MOS training after graduation. This enlistment option is usually popular among high school students who wish to enlist as early as possible, while still attending school. The split option program is also available to seasonal workers, and college students.

History

During the American Revolutionary War, the Continental Army trained while encamped. In 1778, Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben initiated the first formalized training program. Following the war, the Army was largely disbanded in favor of militias. Following disastrous losses to Native Americans, however, the United States authorized the Legion of the United States. Led by Major General Anthony Wayne, the Legion constructed a training camp called Legionville near Pittsburgh. This is considered the Army's first basic training camp.

During the American Civil War, both the Union and Confederate armies relied on volunteer state units to quickly grow their armies. In contrast to the Regular federal units, state units fought in battles with little formal training.

The United States Army began a systematic, 16-week program to train individual Soldiers when it entered World War I in 1917. The Army established more than 30 training camps to prepare state troops and new recruits. Due to the urgent need to aid France, training was more focused on mobilization than combat training. Soldiers arrived quickly in France, but required additional training once they arrived, in order to make them combat ready. This highlighted the need for a standardized training regimen that would provide new Soldiers with rudimentary combat training.

The Army was greatly reduced after the Armistice of 11 November 1918, but World War II again created the need to train a large number of new Soldiers. Recruits and draftees first reported to Induction Centers, where they were administratively and medically processed into the Army. Following induction, new Soldiers were sent to specialized training which, for combat arms, meant basic training.

Following WWII, the Army retained an 8-week standardized basic training course, but advanced training was left to the responsibility of unit commanders. Colonel S.L.A. Marshall published a book in 1947 entitled Men Against Fire, which claimed that only 25% of Soldiers had fired their weapons in WWII due to strong social norms against killing. Although his findings were controversial, the Army adapted basic training to include attack exercises. Dedicated Drill Sergeants were added to basic training in 1964. In 1973, Basic Training came under control of the newly created United States Army Training and Doctrine Command.

Locations

The recruit's entry location in the United States determines where the recruit will attend Basic Combat Training "if the recruit chose a non-combat support MOS". A recruit that has chosen a particular combat MOS (Infantry, Military Police, Combat Engineer) will require specific OSUT. Advanced Individual Training depends on the Soldier's determined Military Occupational Specialty, or MOS, which is selected upon enlistment into the Army. For a non-combat support MOS, AIT will commence following successful completion of Basic Training. Soldiers requiring air transportation to their training locations are flown via commercial flight at the Army's expense.

One Station Unit Training

With some MOSs, both the BCT and AIT phases of training are accomplished back-to-back at the same location, with the same instructors, as well as with the same fellow recruits. This is called One Station Unit Training, or OSUT. For example, the Infantry MOS consists of BCT followed by 12 weeks of Infantry training, all within the same location. A similar program is followed for Combat Engineers and Bridge Crewmen, who train for 14 consecutive weeks, as well as Cavalry Scouts, Tank Crewmen, and Military Police.

Basic Combat Training sites

Fort Jackson BCT emblem.

The U.S. Army has four sites for BCT:

Advanced Individual Training

AIT is conducted at the corresponding school for the recruit's MOS (see Advanced Individual Training).

Reception Battalion

Reception in the Army.

Reception Battalion (RECBN) is the period that begins when the recruit arrives at the Army post where he or she is to undergo Basic Training. It typically lasts 4 to 10 days and is where initial preparations for training are performed, including:

  • Haircut (buzz cut for men; women must either cut hair short or wear pinned up)
  • Physical examination (including blood and urine tests)
  • Inoculations
  • Distribution of uniforms and gear, such as duffel bag and mouth guard
  • Instruction in basic marching and standing, as well as general upkeep of barracks

Fitness Training Company

The recruits who fail the physical assessment test can be held back at Reception Battalion, where they are placed in Fitness Training Company (FTC), sometimes referred to in slang form as "Fat Camp." FTC involves daily, rigorous physical training and diet monitoring by Master Fitness Trainers (MFTs). Recruits in FTC are provided two chances each week to complete the physical assessment test and upon passing are allowed to move on to the next phase of Basic Training. Recruits who spend four weeks in FTC without passing the physical assessment test (failing the test eight times) might be discharged from the Army via an Entry Level Separation (see Discharge from Basic Training below).

The FTC currently is not in use. As there are no longer physical fitness standards to enter BCT, there is no standard to hold them to and the unit is no longer needed.

FTC is not to be confused with FTU, a place where recruits who sustain injuries during Basic Training may also be assigned for rehabilitation.

Basic Combat Training

Basic Combat Training, or BCT, is a ten-week process which includes one week of reception. Reception Battalion is the first stop before meeting the drill sergeants and starting Basic Combat Training. Reception will typically last between 3–5 days and includes; physical exam, vaccinations, haircut, uniform and Army Physical Fitness Uniform. In most Reception Battalions the Army Fitness Test will be administered before starting Basic Training Day 1 training cycle that teaches identical skills for all MOSs (Military Occupational Specialties). This is because the Army believes that no matter the Soldier's specialty, they should all be taught the same basic procedures and skill set so they are ready to properly work together and defend themselves, as well as their fellow soldiers, if/when necessary.

BCT is divided into four phases, each represented by a color: yellow, red, white, and blue for Phase I, II, III, and IV respectively. BCT trainees are progressively allowed more responsibility, privileges, and independence each time they achieve a new phase of training. Whereas trainees in Phase I are constantly monitored and led around by their drill sergeants, Phase IV trainees are largely responsible for making sure tasks are completed correctly and on-time and keeping themselves on-schedule.

At some Basic Training stations, the current phase is denoted by the color of guidon carried by the platoon. Following the recruits' successful completion of the Field Training Exercise (a final, culminating exercise prior to graduation), the Phase IV blue guidon is sometimes traded for a tri-color red, white, and blue guidon that symbolizes successful completion of all three BCT phases.

Phase I

Newly arrived trainees in different platoons in Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Battalion compete against each other in tug of war during the "First 100 yards"

The event “The First 100 Yards,” an homage to their lineage of closing the last 100 yards of the fight, incorporates teamwork into a competition that features mental and physical challenges on the day they arrive to their basic training company.

During Phase I or the "Red Phase," recruits are subject to "Total Control," meaning their every action is monitored and constantly corrected by drill sergeants. Recruits are often subjected to group corrective action for even minor infractions, the purpose being to develop an acute attention to detail and foster a sense of common responsibility among the unit.

Week 1

Week 1 begins with the recruits meeting the drill sergeants who will be responsible for their training throughout BCT. The drill sergeants pick up their recruits from Reception Battalion and either transport or march them to their company area. The company area is the common area for the entire company (up to 240 recruits).

Upon arrival at the company area, recruits are divided into their platoons and begin the "First 100 Yards", where Trainees begin to build comradery amongst their platoon and learn the history of the U.S. Army. The "First 100 Yards" allows Trainees to begin building cohesive teams from the very beginning of their transformation from civilian into U.S. Army Soldier.

Drill and ceremony training begins during week 1. This refers to correct procedures for marching and body movements such as standing at attention, "facing" (right-face/left-face), "at ease," "to the rear" and others. For this and many other exercises, soldiers are sometimes issued fake rifles known as "rubber ducks," so that they can become familiar with the proper handling and added weight of their weapon before they have actually been trained to use it. More recently, recruits have begun to be issued fully functional M16A2/A4s during the first week of BCT to allow for early familiarization with the weapon.

Classroom instructions are given in each of the seven "Army Core Values," which include loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage (meant to spell out the mnemonic LDRSHIP, or leadership). There are also classes held on subjects that involve day-to-day personal life in the Army, such as sexual harassment awareness/prevention and race relations.

Week 2

During week 2, recruits begin unarmed combat training, also known as hand-to-hand combat, Combatives or Ground Fighting Technique (GFT). The training often culminates in a competition where each platoon chooses one recruit to compete, the platoons each choose one male and one female.

Recruits are also instructed in map reading, land navigation and compass use. These skills are put to the test at the compass course, where recruits are divided into groups and must navigate their way to a series of points throughout a wooded area.

Recruits will also tackle Victory Tower and the Teamwork Development Course during week 2. Victory Tower is an exercise where recruits must navigate through several obstacles at extreme heights, including climbing and traversing rope ladders and bridges. They must then rappel down a 50-foot wall (back-first, with rope harness). In the Teamwork Development Course, squads must navigate a series of obstacles, with emphasis on working as a team rather than as individuals.

First aid training, known as Combat Life Saver (CLS), is also given during this period. Recruits are trained in evaluating and properly treating casualties, ranging from dressing a wound to application of a tourniquet and dehydration treatment.

Week 3

Recruits begin training with methods for carrying an unconscious or immobile person and physical problem solving, such as finding a way to carry equipment from point A to point B given specific obstacles and constraints.

Recruits are also commonly sent to a gas chamber during this week, which is a large, sealed chamber where soldiers are subjected to CS gas while wearing their protective masks. The gas chamber is the culmination of a series of classroom instructions on gas mask use. Recruits are forced to unmask just before exiting the chamber so that they can briefly experience the effects of the gas. Drill sergeants will usually ask each recruit to recite information while they are unmasked, such as name, social security number or the Pledge of Allegiance, so that the recruit is forced to open their mouth/eyes and/or take a breath while demonstrating continued focus.

Week 3 is also when the recruits are introduced to their standard-issue weapon, the M16A2 assault rifle or the M4 carbine. This does not yet involve the actual firing of the rifle. It does include basic rifle marksmanship (BRM) fundamentals training (instruction in marksmanship techniques without firing the rifle. For instance, trigger control is practiced by placing a wooden dowel down the barrel of the rifle with a coin placed on the exposed end. If the recruit can pull the trigger without the coin falling from the dowel, their trigger control is satisfactory), as well as maintenance tasks, including "field stripping" (quickly disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling) the rifle. Many of these tasks are now done during Week 1 as a part of the initial round of classroom instruction.

Phase II

Weapon range.

Phase II, or the "White Phase", is where soldiers begin actually firing weapons. With the service rifle (M16A2), they will fire at various targets, which are progressively further downrange, making each successive target more difficult to hit, with additional pop-up targets at long range. Other weapons the soldier becomes familiar with include various hand grenades (such as the M67), grenade launchers (such as the M203) and machine guns (such as the M240, M249 and M2). The second week of Phase II involves familiarization with anti-tank/armor weaponry and other heavy weapons.

There is also an obstacle course which the soldiers are expected to negotiate within a certain time limit, known as the "confidence course", since the main objective is to build self-confidence. There is also the expectation of working as a team with the assigned battle buddy.

Additionally, there is continual, intense physical training as well as drill and ceremony training. At the conclusion of Phase II, soldiers are expected to demonstrate proficiency with the various weaponry in which they trained, using numerous "go or no-go" (pass/fail) exercises prior to being allowed to move on to Phase III.

Phase III

A demonstration of a proper push up exercise.

Phase III, or the "Blue Phase," is the culmination and possibly the most challenging of all the training phases. During this phase, an Army Combat Fitness Test is administered to determine whether the recruit has successfully met the requirements for graduation. Although not previously mentioned, an ACFT is given at a minimum at every phase of training, with a diagnostic ACFT given at Phase I. This is conducted to ensure that all recruits are meeting the standard along the way. Recruits failing to meet the standard of the ACFT will be locally retrained by their drill sergeants and a specialized fitness program is developed to focus on the recruits weaknesses while continuing to maintain and improve upon those events the recruit has successfully passed. When a recruit has successfully passed the ACFT, the recruit will have one of the critical benchmark requirements for graduation. At some locations, soldiers who fail are not allowed to go into the field with the rest of the platoon. The final ACFT Test consists of the Standard Army Annual ACFT Examination. A minimum of 360 points is required to pass U.S. Army Basic Training.

Those who pass will move on to "Bivouac" (camping) and FTX (Field Training Exercises), such as nighttime combat operations and MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) training. There is no access to the dining facility during these exercises, so meals are given in the form of either MREs (Meal Ready to Eat) or field chow. Drill sergeants will make much of this an adversarial process, working against the recruits in many of the night operations by trying to foil plans, et cetera. Other BCT companies also in their FTX weeks may join in simulated combat scenarios, generally at night, with intense competition to prove their particular company the better trained.

Week 2 of Phase III (the 8th week of Basic Training) culminates in a special tactical FTX during which the drill sergeants will advise, but allow recruit platoon leaders and squad leaders to exercise primary decision-making. They attempt to make virtually every one of these exercises different. Because being a soldier is potentially an extremely hazardous job, recruits must demonstrate extreme aggression and fearlessness, tempered by intelligence and common sense. Only those that demonstrate these vital attributes will be permitted to move on to AIT (Advanced Individual Training).

Following their FTX, recruits then move into the final week of training, often called "recovery week," At this time, soldiers must service and/or repair any items they are not taking on to AIT including weapons, bedding, issued equipment (helmet, canteen, gas mask, et cetera) as well as ensuring the platoon barracks is in good order to receive the next platoon of trainees. This week also includes a final fitting of the recruit's dress uniform as well as practice for the graduation ceremony, which takes place at the end of the cycle.

Advanced Individual Training

Advanced Individual Training, or AIT, is where new soldiers receive specific training in their chosen MOS. The length of AIT training varies depending on the MOS and can last anywhere from four weeks to nearly a year.

Just like in BCT, AIT progressively allows trainees more privileges and independence. Trainees begin AIT in Phase IV. After a varying length of time and satisfactory performance, trainees are awarded Phase V. Phase V often includes the privilege of applying for off-post passes or use of electronic devices. Phase V+ is awarded after a set length of time and continued good conduct. Phase V+ trainees may walk about the base without having a battle buddy present, be able to drink alcohol on weekends (provided one is of legal drinking age) and even stay off-post overnight on weekends. These privileges vary.

Graduates of AIT are automatically enrolled in structured self-development, which is an online program that feeds into the basic leader course (BLC). BLC is the first course of the NCO professional development program.

Advanced Individual Training schools

AIT schools include (not a complete list):

Discharge from Basic Training

A recruit can be discharged from the Army before the conclusion of Basic Training. Discharges that occur before the completion of 180 days (six months) of training are considered uncharacterized, which are neither honorable nor less than honorable.

  • An Entry Level Separation (ELS) can occur when a recruit demonstrates unsatisfactory performance and/or misconduct. A recruit can only be ELSed after at least four weeks of training and two counseling sessions, except under extreme circumstances, such as a recruit deemed suicidal.
  • If it is found that a recruit is unable to train due to a chronic medical condition, he or she may obtain a medical discharge by the recommendation of an Army medical doctor.
  • A discharge due to any condition Existing Prior To Service (EPTS) may occur when a recruit is found to have a prior medical condition existing before enlistment. A recruit may receive a rare honorable discharge for an EPTS condition if they have been in Basic Training for more than 180 days.

See also

References

  1. "Army Basic Training Locations". US Army Basic. 3 June 2012.
  2. "Prepare for Boot Camp". US Army Basic Combat Training. Retrieved 27 May 2011.
  3. McIntyre, Cindy (1 June 2017). "High schoolers enter Army through Split Option program". U.S. Army. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
  4. "Major General Von Steuben". Steuben Society of America. 2014. Archived from the original on 16 January 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  5. "Lewis & Clark's Corps of Discovery". U.S. Army Center of Military History. 31 January 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  6. Hemmis, Timothy C. (June 2021). "Learning "The Dreadful Trade of Death" Training the U.S. Army at Legionville, 1792-1793". Military Review. Army University Press: 123. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  7. "Discipline & Training of Soldiers". Civil War Leadership. Michigan State University. 15 April 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  8. Crane 2019, p. 1.
  9. "Training the Soldier". National Archives. 9 March 2017. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  10. Crane 2019, p. i.
  11. ^ Crane 2019, p. 4.
  12. "World War II Core Area". U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  13. Crane 2019, p. 27.
  14. Crane 2019, p. 24.
  15. Crane 2019, p. 33.
  16. Crane 2019, p. 43.
  17. Crane 2019, p. iii.
  18. "Army Training Phase Restrictions". US Military.About.com. 19 June 2010. Archived from the original on 24 May 2011. Retrieved 27 May 2011.
  19. "Surviving Army Basic Training". US Military.About.com. 19 June 2010. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 27 May 2011.
  20. "The Sounds of Basic Training". U.S. Army Training Center – Fort Jackson, SC.
  21. "What to Expect". Fort Jackson, SC. Archived from the original on 22 February 2004.
  22. "Basic Combat Training > Week 00: Reception". GoArmy.com. Archived from the original on 4 July 2007.
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  24. ^ "Basic Combat Training". GoArmy.com. Retrieved 27 May 2011.
  25. "The US Army Adjutant General School". U.S. Army. Archived from the original on 5 September 2009.
  26. "U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, Health Readiness Center of Excellence". U.S. Army. Archived from the original on 3 January 2019.
  27. "U.S. Army Armor School, Fort Benning". U.S. Army. 25 February 2011. Archived from the original on 25 May 2011. Retrieved 27 May 2011.
  28. "1st Aviation Brigade, Fort Rucker". U.S. Army. Archived from the original on 3 June 2008.
  29. "United States Army Aviation Logistics School". U.S. Army. Archived from the original on 18 April 2009. Retrieved 27 May 2011.
  30. "US Army Chaplain Center and School (USACHCS)". U.S. Army. Archived from the original on 5 December 2008. Retrieved 28 December 2008.
  31. "U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School". U.S. Army. Archived from the original on 10 December 2008. Retrieved 27 May 2011.
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  36. "304th Military Intelligence Battalion". U.S. Army. Archived from the original on 12 August 2007.
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  38. "United States Army Ordnance Corps and School". U.S. Army.
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