What Is Basic Training?

Basic training, also sometimes known as boot camp or recruit training, is the induction and indoctrination process for most modern military forces. The intention of this training is to introduce basic military skills and to psychologically recondition recruits to accept discipline and endure stress. Different military organizations have different basic training procedures and traditions, based on their own needs and history.

Induction

A common pre-procedure before basic training is to physically screen the recruits upon arrival at the training facility. Those who are found medically unfit are sent home. Those who are found to merely lack the necessary physical fitness to begin basic training are required to go to a "fat camp," or pre-basic training preparatory program.

Resocialization

The main purpose of basic training in any military in any country is to take a civilian and make him into a disciplined fighting man. This is true for soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. This is called "resocialization" by sociologists. Common techniques are to shave the heads of all recruits to create a more uniform appearance among them. Additionally, recruits learn marching drills and a specialized language as well as endure weeks of physical training. A major part of resocialization is also acquainting recruits with military culture.

Physical Training

Even armed services that do not have strenuous physical combat requirements, such as an air force, include physical training (PT) as part of their basic training. They also have physical fitness examinations that all recruits must pass in order to graduate. For example, the U.S. Army requires the following to graduate: 35 push-ups in 2 minutes, 47 sit-ups in 2 minutes and a 2-mile run in 16 minutes, 36 seconds. The U.S. Marines require 5 pull-ups in 2 minutes, 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes and a 3-mile run in 24 minutes, 30 seconds. Therefore, the Marines seem more demanding, but the truth is that the PT involved in basic training is more than enough to prepare recruits for these tests. Most recruits will not find passing the physical fitness exam difficult after several weeks of basic training PT.

Weapons Training

Weapons training is also regularly included in basic training, but is usually not a major aspect. For example, the U.S. Marine Corps requires more weapons training of its recruits at boot camp than any of the other American armed forces. This is due to its ethos that every marine, including mechanics, cooks and clerks, are riflemen. However, even the marines do not consider boot camp weapons training sufficient, and all marines go on to receive additional training at the School of Infantry, even if they are not destined to become infantry. Other services follow a similar practice, relying on dedicated schools to teach combat skills, and not basic training.

Duration

Internationally, the duration of basic training can vary widely. For example, Finland requires a eight-week course, while Denmark's lasts for four months. U.S. Air Force basic training lasts for eight weeks, U.S. Army basic training lasts for 11 weeks and U.S. Marine boot camp for 13 weeks.