Life in an Army Boot Camp

Army basic combat training consists of a variety of field exercises.

Army boot camp is more commonly referred to as basic combat training. During the Army's nine-week basic combat training, recruits are expected to achieve and maintain a high level of physical fitness, learn about the proper maintenance and use of their assigned weapon and strictly adhere to Army policies. It is during basic combat training that old habits are shed and replaced with new ones, and civilians are transformed into soldiers.

Function

Boot camp recruits eat each meal in a military dining facility.

The function of an Army boot camp is to instill military discipline, self-esteem and expertise in civilians. Basic combat training teaches people how to become soldiers and erases bad habits by forcing trainees to accomplish tasks during set time periods. Recruits learn how to maintain equipment and their personal lives, and learn that they are not alone--they are members of a fighting force which encourages the team concept at all times.

Physical Training

Basic training requires daily exercise.

Physical training is an intrinsic part of Army boot camp. Every morning, recruits are required to exercise together. Exercises range from muscle failure drills (push-ups, sit-ups and lunges) to long-distance running. The first two weeks of boot camp physical training are considered the preparatory phase; recruits are building up their physical capabilities, losing weight and generally becoming healthier than they were as civilians. he next several weeks are considered the conditioning phase, during which recruits achieve the Army's physical fitness standard. Everything after that is simply considered the maintenance phase, and recruits are expected to remain at their current fitness level.

Weapons

Boot camp recruits learn to care for and fire their assigned weapon.

Army basic combat training recruits are assigned either an M16 rifle or an M4 carbine. They are taught how to disassemble, clean and reassemble their weapon weeks before they even attempt to fire it, and are required to carry it with them wherever they go. After proper weapon maintenance is learned, recruits are taught basic rifle marksmanship and must qualify as a marksman before graduating boot camp.

Classroom Learning

A significant portion of boot camp is dedicated to classroom learning.

Boot camp recruits spend several hours in the classroom learning about Army policies, the prevention of sexual harassment, and equal opportunity in the military. Troops also learn basic military history and strategies in the classroom. Classroom behavior is strictly regulated by drill sergeants, who do not allow talking or sleeping.

Daily Life

Basic training recruits are permitted to attend church services.

Recruits are generally required to wake up between 4:00 and 4:30 in the morning each day (with the exception of Sunday, when they are permitted to sleep until 6:00 and attend church services if they choose). After conducting daily physical training, they are given roughly 30 minutes to shower and clean their living quarters. They then eat breakfast in an Army dining facility and conduct training until lunch, when they return to the dining facility. Training resumes until dinner, and the rest of the evening is dedicated to barracks maintenance (cleaning) and sleep. Lights-out is generally between 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Recruits are required to conduct one-hour guard shifts in two-man teams throughout the night.

References

• Army.mil: Field Manual 21-20
• GlobalSecurity.org: Field Manual 3-22.9
• ArmyStudyGuide.com: Basic Training FAQ

Resources

• ArmyBasic.org: All about basic combat training