Boot camp

Boot Camp refers to the initial phase of training one receives when joining one of the armed services.

This phase of training is critical to one's success in the military, and the Non-Commissioned Officers who serve as Drill Instructors undergo intense training themselves to qualify for this role.

U.S. Army Boot Camp

U.S. Army Basic Combat Training (BCT) is a nine-week course that focuses on Army values, teamwork, field exercises, and weapons training. After completing Basic Combat Training Soldiers graduate and embark on Advanced Individual Training (AIT).

U.S. Navy Boot Camp

U.S. Navy Boot Camp takes place over eight weeks at Recruit Training Command (RTC) in Great Lakes, Illinois. Training begins with orientation classes along with conditioning, swimming, marching, and drilling. This is followed by a confidence course designed to simulate shipboard situations encountered in emergencies, where teamwork is essential. The next stage takes place on a land-bound training ship where seamanship and hands-on interaction with live equipment is stressed. This is followed by weapons training, naval career counseling, and shipboard damage control & firefighting training. Recruits then have to pass a final series of Battle Station tests before graduating.

External Resources

U.S. Army Basic Training Overview U.S. Navy Boot Camp Overview