Army Basic Training is designed to give each candidate all of the initial skills they will need to be an effective warrior in today's fight against terrorism, natural disasters and all forms of piracy. Soldiers in today's Army face technologies and circumstances unheard of less than 20 years ago. Army Basic Training is the first step to learning how to effectively and safely combat the evils and dangers of life today. It is both physically and mentally challenging. Army basic Training candidates push themselves to gain greater levels of strength, stamina and knowledge under the harsh and demanding tutelage of professional Drill Instructors.

Army Basic Training is anything but easy. Candidates are challenged physically and mentally to do their very best for nine solid weeks. Candidates wake up every day at 5:00 a.m. and be exercising by 5:30, breakfast at 6:30 and more training at 8:30. Lunch is at noon and more training at 1:00 p.m. At 5:00 p.m. candidates eat dinner and 6:00 p.m. means time with the Drill Sergeant. From 8:30 to 9:30, candidates get some personal time. Lights are out at 9:30 p.m. Candidates who get used to this regime before they arrive perform all that much better.

Phases Of Training

Army Basic Training is divided into three distinct phases that cover many aspects of military life, combat training and personal development. These phases are called the Patriot Phase, the Gunfighter Phase and the Warrior Phase. Each level of Army Basic Training requires a commitment of time, effort and dedication rarely seen in the civilian world. Completing each phase of Army Basic Training is a major life accomplishment.

Patriot Phase

In the Patriot Phase, candidates are trained in drill and military ceremony, military customs and courtesies, and the Seven Army Values. These Army Values represent the core beliefs held by all Army soldiers. They are loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. These values center around the integrity and dedication required by all soldiers to perform their duties in an effective and efficient manner, under all circumstances. Army Basic Training gives candidates the abilities they need to accomplish these tasks.

Gunfighter Phase

During the Gunfighter Phase, candidates are given weapons training. They learn how to use the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), the M-16 rifle, the AT4 anti-tank weapon and the M203 grenade launcher. They are also trained in hand-to-hand combat, unconventional wartime tactics and modern day technologies related to their military career.

Warrior Phase

The Warrior Phase focuses on the individual job skills candidates will master. With so many career paths to choose from within the Army, these jobs can range from plumber to postal worker, mechanic to missile launcher and everything in between. During this phase, candidates begin a process of life long learning in their chosen career path.

Army Basic Training prepares candidates and helps them to develop physically, mentally and professionally into a modern day warrior in an elite fighting and rescue force.