Basic Combat Training

  Basic combat training is the first step toward a very challenging, yet rewarding experience in service to our country. Its purpose is to transform young American volunteers into disciplined, motivated, physically fit Soldiers who believe in teamwork and espouse the Army's seven core values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless- Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. This is accomplished through extensive training and successful testing to meet Army standards in rifle marksmanship, physical fitness and basic soldier skills. Soldiers also learn about values, principles and spirit that makes Soldiers proud to wear the uniform of this country.

 In RED phase, weeks 1-3, recruits begin the process of becoming a Soldier. You learn the Army values, and work on physical fitness. You will learn about communications, basic first aid, map reading, and the military justice system. You also practice drill and ceremony and negotiate the Obstacle and Confidence courses. Before moving to the next phase, soldiers must successfully complete a knowledge and skills test.

 During weeks 4-6, the WHITE phase, soldiers continue Army values and physical fitness. Much of this phase is spent learning, practicing and qualifying on the M16A2 rifle. They will also learn about other U.S. military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training. Soldiers will participate in the obstacle course, gas chamber (soldiers enter a tear gas filled chamber in protective clothing and mask to instill confidence that the protective gear works) and bayonet assault course and pass another knowledge and skills test.

 The BLUE phase, weeks 7-9, in addition to Army values and physical fitness this phase includes individual Tactical Training, foot marches, confidence course, and obstacle course. The culmination of basic training is a 3-day field training exercise combining all previously taught basic combat skills. Soldiers march ten kilometers to their designated training site on day 1, occupy the position and establish a defense perimeter. On days 2 and 3 soldiers complete a teamwork reaction course, tactical exercise lanes and a night tactical exercise. The last night includes the night infiltration course, a return march to the unit and a ceremony recognizing the successful completion of this challenging exercise.

Training Bases: