What To Expect During Military Boot Camp (2023)

FAQs

What can I expect at military boot camp? ›

Basic training schedule. Expect paperwork, physical exams, immunizations, haircut, uniforms — and your first physical fitness test. If you don't pass this test, you'll be placed in the fitness training company for additional training. Then you'll have two chances per week to pass the test.

Red phase is the starting phase and is typically considered the hardest part of training. The entire phase, which is 3 weeks long, is devoted to constant calisthenic exercise and you will be spending much of your time in the push-up position.

​Yes, it is possible to fail basic training. You could go through the trouble of leaving your home, job, family and friends and come back a failure. In fact, this happens to about 15% of recruits who join the military every year. Too many recruits I speak to think that it is impossible to fail basic training.

The most common reason why people fail basic training is that medical issues prevent them from doing so safely. If this situation arises, you'll be medically separated from the Air Force but depending on how long you serve, you may still be entitled to some veteran benefits.

Basic training typically begins with the bus dropping off all recruits, at which point the drill sergeant will command them to get out as fast as they can, followed by lining up. The drill sergeant may also instruct the recruits to perform various exercises, such as pushups or jumping jacks.

During the first week, you will start Physical Training and typically first thing in the morning. The typical day throughout Basic Training runs from 0430 (You got to get up very early in able to "do more before 9 am than most people do all day"), with lights out at 2100 (9:00 PM).

U.S. Marines

Of course, when you reach the top, you can find them becoming SEALs or a part of the Marine Raider Regiment (MRR), but the training of any Marine is some of the hardest military training in the world. Even outside of Special Forces, Marines have to be ready for both land and sea combat.

Red Phase (Weeks 3-4)

During the second phase, known as the Red Phase, you'll train to handle weapons and equipment, as well as learn other hands-on aspects of being a Soldier. These weeks include: Weaponry: Begin training with your assigned weapon. Combat Skills: Learn hand-to-hand combat skills.

What happens to people who fail bootcamp? ›

If a recruit has been recycled and still cannot pass the assessment, then they will be given an Entry-Level Separation (ELS). An ELS is given at the leadership's discretion. Processing an ELS can take weeks or months, and those awaiting processing are usually given some form of manual labor to pass the time.

Graduation. Approximately 90 percent of all enlisted recruits complete Basic Training and graduate.

The Navy, Army, and Marines have recruits drop out at roughly the same rate as each other, between 11 and 14 percent annually. Contrary to what many think, the goal of officers in basic training isn't just to push recruits to drop out.

We recommend that you work out at least 3-5 times per week, and at least six weeks prior to Basic Military Training. (Note: For your health and safety, you should consult a doctor prior to beginning this or any physical fitness regimen.)

In all the branches' basic training programs, bedtime is usually 2100, or 9 p.m., except during times of special events, such as night exercises. In basic training, lights out means go to sleep.

During training exercises, service members may sleep fewer than five hours per night. Typically, that five hours is split up into multiple episodes of sleep, usually lasting less than two hours each.

The total running time of this kind of shower can last less than two minutes – using an initial thirty seconds or so to get wet, followed by shutting off the water, using soap and shampoo and lathering, then rinsing for a minute or less.

Cleaning Up: Showers

In basic training, you take group showers. There's no way out of communal showers. They're required. Everyone in your barracks will enter the shower room assigned to your barracks when commanded.

Is basic training 7 days a week? The red and white phases last about three weeks, while the blue phase lasts for four weeks. If you enroll in boot camp, expect to be on duty seven days a week, though you might get several hours of personal time on Sunday since it's a day with lighter responsibilities.

What do you do the first week of basic training? ›

Week 1 begins with the recruits meeting the drill sergeants who will be responsible for their training throughout Basic Training. The drill sergeants pick up their recruits from Reception Battalion and either transport or march them to their company area.

Coast Guard Recruit Training

How long is basic training in the U.S. Coast Guard? USCG Recruit Training, or “forming”, is the shortest of any military branch. All in all, it takes approximately 7.5 weeks to finish Coast Guard boot camp, including in-processing.

Oorah is a battle cry common in the United States Marine Corps since the mid-20th century. It is comparable to hooah in the US Army and hooyah in the US Navy and US Coast Guard. It is most commonly used to respond to a verbal greeting or as an expression of enthusiasm.

At the background clearance check stage, the easiest military branch to join is the Army or Navy. At the ASVAB stage, the easiest military branch to join is the Army or Air Force. At the basic training stage, the easiest military branch to join is the Air Force.

The Marine Corps is often first on the ground in combat situations.

The Coast Guard is the least likely to see combat, as they are a part of Homeland Security and play a different role in protecting the United States. Every military branch has a different organizational structure. Within that structure, some units and troops focus on training for combat.

The U.S. Army has expanded its two-year enlistment options, making it easier for individuals who may not be comfortable making a four- or six-year commitment. Under this option, after basic and advanced training, new Soldiers would only be required to spend two years on active duty.

Private 2nd Class (E-2) Private 2nd class (PV2) is the first promotion most enlisted soldiers can earn after completing BCT. The private's job is to apply the new skills and knowledge learned during basic training and to continue to learn how to follow orders given by higher-ranked supervisors.

Three-day pass — the longest continuous pass granted allows a serviceman or servicewoman to be away for 72 consecutive hours. Often granted in recognition of special achievement or as a reward, especially as a way of granting a three-day weekend.

Medical Exams: You'll go through a general medical exam that includes a blood test. Females will have a blood test for pregnancy on Day 1, and a regular blood test on Day 2.

What happens if you cry in basic training? ›

What happens if a recruit cries while in the military boot camp? Absolutely nothing! Boot camp is DESIGNED to break you down as an individual. It will stress you to your breaking point for the simple reason to make you understand that isn't really your breaking point.

MONEY > $10 - $50 in cash > Traveler's checks or money orders (personal checks are not recommended because of limited check-cashing facilities.) YOUR ORDERS > Be sure to have all copies of orders and documents issued by your unit recruiter and/or MEPS.

After you arrive at boot camp, your fate still isn't sealed. Even though you're now on active duty, Army command can let you go without penalty during your first 180 days of service. The official term for this is entry-level separation.

Across Branches of the Military

The Navy, Army, and Marines have recruits drop out at roughly the same rate as each other, between 11 and 14 percent annually. Contrary to what many think, the goal of officers in basic training isn't just to push recruits to drop out.

What percentage of people pass boot camp? What is the percentage that makes it through the Marines boot camp and graduates? Almost everyone, it's a 11–14% failure rate. USMC is designed to take any old kid off the street with average to below average physical and mental capabilities and put them to work.

Trainees will use cell phones only under direct supervision of a staff member. 4. Trainees are authorized access to their personal cell phones during the fourth week and at the end of the seventh week of training to firm up travel arrangements with family and guests.

Reports estimate that an average of 60% of women and 27% of men are injured during basic training. This article explores one of the most common basic training injury types, and offers strategies for new cadets to help avoid them.

Physical training uniform - Wikipedia

. They'll give you everything that you need to and will wear through basic training. You don't wear pajamas, you wear your issued PT uniform to bed every night, because you're gonna be getting up and doing PT first thing in the morning.

Is basic training physically hard? ›

Army Basic Training is both physically and mentally demanding, but knowing what to expect before you get there will help you start off on the right foot for your Army journey. And at some point during basic, you'll be grateful for any leg up you can get.

If you enroll in boot camp, expect to be on duty seven days a week, though you might get several hours of personal time on Sunday since it's a day with lighter responsibilities. Days last for 14 to 16 hours, beginning at 0500 hours or 5 a.m., with lights out at 2100 hours or 9 p.m.

The Marine Corps has the longest basic training -- 12 weeks, not including four days of in-processing time. Counting the half-week you spend in forming (in-processing), you'll spend a total of seven-and-a-half weeks in Coast Guard basic training at Cape May, (N.J.,) the shortest basic training of all the services.

Every enlisted recruit starts out as an E1, and can expect an annual salary of around $20,170.80. BMT is 10 weeks, so the average E1 payment for basic training is around $3,800 plus meals and housing.

Are there any physical fitness requirements to join? You won't need to meet any physical fitness requirements before joining the Army as an enlisted Soldier. There are requirements if you join through ROTC or another Officer path—your recruiter will provide the details.

Clothing: 2-day supply of casual, comfortable clothing. 1 pair of comfortable shoes. 6 pairs of white, calf-length athletic socks.

To succeed in boot camp, you should prepare yourself physically and mentally. Daily cardio, weight training, pushups and situps are a must.

Week 1 begins with the recruits meeting the drill sergeants who will be responsible for their training throughout Basic Training. The drill sergeants pick up their recruits from Reception Battalion and either transport or march them to their company area.

Sleep During Training

U.S. Military Academy cadets sleep fewer than five hours during the week and are woken up several times during the night for training. Even on the weekends, when they're encouraged to sleep more, they still get fewer than seven hours. Those in Ranger School only get around three hours per night.

Do you go home after boot camp Army? ›

Do Soldiers come home after basic training? Soldiers are not often given time to go home after basic training. Check-in for AIT School is most often the day after graduation, if not the same day.

Red Phase (Weeks 3-4)

During the second phase, known as the Red Phase, you'll train to handle weapons and equipment, as well as learn other hands-on aspects of being a Soldier. These weeks include: Weaponry: Begin training with your assigned weapon. Combat Skills: Learn hand-to-hand combat skills.

Getting That Morning Wake-Up Call

In military basic training, there's no such thing as sleeping in. You'll get up at 5 a.m. every single day. Waking up in the morning is an adjustment process that's the same for every single basic training class.

Most military chow halls today include an extensive salad bar, a station for full meals such as fried chicken, seafood, Mexican food and pastas, along with a snack line that includes hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, fries and other junk-food items. Plus, you're allowed to consume sodas and dessert!

They don't hit or physically assault recruits, ever. They come close, but they never physically hurt or even touch recruits. Another thing that is important is that everything they do is for a purpose, a rehearsed, manufactured, and engineered purpose.

In fact, according to Military Medicine, military participants reported a three hour reduction in average sleep time from a rough eight to nine hours at home to five to six hours during BCT.

Trainees will use cell phones only under direct supervision of a staff member. 4. Trainees are authorized access to their personal cell phones during the fourth week and at the end of the seventh week of training to firm up travel arrangements with family and guests.

Key points. Boot camp is physically and emotionally demanding. The emotional demands involve extreme stress, fatigue, and the need to dig deep into one's self.

Drill Instructors DO Read the Message Boards

Your recruit does not want his or her Drill Instructor to read his or her private thoughts from the letters he or she send. These letters are intended for you and you alone.

Do you get Christmas off in basic training? ›

The Army Holiday Block Leave is 10 days

The 10-day break generally starts a week before Christmas and lasts until a week after Christmas. This allows drill sergeants and basic training staff members to spend the holidays with their families.

Typically, on Family Day, Graduating Soldiers are granted a one day, on-post pass for the afternoon. During this time, visitors may leave post and re-enter. However, your soldier cannot go off-post with you and must remain on the installation in accordance with the guidance given by their unit.