Put your best foot forward. Tackle Basic Training with a positive attitude and a will to succeed. Give it your best and you will walk away from the nine weeks physically fit with the skills you need to survive and succeed.

Basic Combat Training (BCT) is a nine-week training course (not including the "Reception" week) where recruits go through the process of becoming full-fledged Soldiers. Throughout the process, you will learn new rules, learn to trust yourself and understand what it means to be an Army of One.

Get Ready for Basic



WEEK 00: RECEPTION
This is where your civilian life becomes part of the Army world—from bidding farewell to family to getting your Army haircut to making sure you're physically fit.

WEEK 01: FALL IN
Once Reception Week completes, it's now time to understand new rules, regulations and processes involved in being in the Army. Classroom instruction begins.

WEEK 02: DIRECTION
Leaving the classroom for the field, it's time to test your physical and mental endurance, and also get trained in First Aid and map reading.

WEEK 03: ENDURANCE
One thing you'll realize in Week 03 is to believe in the mantra: mind over matter. Physical and mental challenges build as you start simulated combat drills.

WEEK 04: MARKSMANSHIP
Learning to shoot a rifle is more than pulling the trigger. Marksmanship courses teach new recruits not only the proper way to hold a weapon, but also how to breathe and stand while firing are equally important.




WEEK 05: TRIALS
This is where the previous weeks' work pays off: tests in endurance and marksmanship await all recruits.

WEEK 06: CAMARADERIE
Each recruit is only as strong as his platoon. During Week 06, bonds are tested and trust exercises implemented.

WEEK 07: CONFIDENCE
Hand grenade training; live fire exercises; foot marching; and overall physical fitness are tested in the Confidence Course.

WEEK 08: VICTORY FORGE
It's time to put everything you've learned up to this point to the real test: a three-day field retreat to Victory Forge.

WEEK 09: GRADUATION

All your hard work has led you to this day. Family and friends eagerly await to see you complete your Basic Training course.

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