Army Combat Basic Training

Army combat basic training includes learning the proper use, care and storage of firearms.

Army combat basic training (also referred to as basic combat training) is a nine-week program designed to turn civilians into soldiers. Recruits learn how to use, clean and store military weapons, how to navigate obstacles under adverse conditions and the art of hand-to-hand combat during Army basic training. After graduation from basic training, recruits are considered soldiers and move on to a specialized Army training school.

Locations

Recruits run four days out of the week during Army Combat Basic Training

Army basic combat training takes place at five locations in the United States: Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Knox, Kentucky; and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The only co-ed (where both male and female recruits are permitted to attend) Army basic combat training locations are Fort Leonard Wood and Fort Jackson. Each location is fully equipped to handle the rigors of Army basic combat training and has several barracks (living quarters) in which future soldiers live, eat and work.

Physical Training

A significant portion of Army Combat Basic Training is dedicated to classroom learning.

Army basic combat training recruits conduct physical training six days a week. Physical training is referred to as "PT," and includes running, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups and other exercises designed to strengthen and tone core muscles. During the first few weeks of Army basic combat training, recruits can expect to run up to three miles a day; by the end of the nine-week training, regular six- and seven-mile runs are standard.

Classroom Learning

A soldier prepares to shoulder-fire an AT-4, one of the military's anti-tank weapons

Recruits at Army basic combat training generally spend 1/3 of their time learning in a classroom environment. Classes on equal opportunity, race relations and prevention of sexual harassment are military requirements. Recruits learn the mechanics of military weapons, Army policies and military customs and courtesies during blocks of instruction conducted in classrooms. Each class is graded on a "go/no-go" basis; if a recruit receives a "no-go" evaluation, he may have to repeat the course. Rigid behavior standards are enforced in the classroom, including the restriction of food and drink and a strict no-talking policy. In some cases, military education can be converted to civilian college credits.

Weaponry

During Army basic combat training, recruits learn how to care for, fire and store military-grade weapons. Troops are issued either an M4 carbine or an M16 rifle for use during Army basic combat training and quickly learn how to dismantle, clean and reassemble their Army-issued weapon. Recruits also learn how to use claymore mines, anti-tank missile launchers and 50-caliber machine guns, and are given the opportunity to detonate or fire these weapons at firing ranges. Two live grenades are also issued to each recruit and drill instructors supervise their safe handling and detonation at a live-fire range.

Drill Instructors

Drill instructors (or drill sergeants) are responsible for supervising recruits during Army basic combat training. Drill instructors ensure that troops eat, exercise and conduct training while maintaining military discipline at all times. While drill instructors are responsible for punishing wrongdoing, they are not permitted to use excessive punishment as a deterrent, and a strict code of ethics is in place that protects recruits from undue harassment and extreme physical punishment.

References

• Army.mil: How to enlist in the Army
• GoArmy.com: Introduction to basic combat training
• JoinArmy.com: Explore your enlistment options

Resources

• Army.mil: Army facts, enlistment FAQ and training information