Army Basic Training- Questions Answered

Hey, everyone! So, a lot of times when new recruits join the military they have a lot of questions, and I did too. Like what should you bring to basic combat training? What do you do while you're there? What are some things I should work on before I go to help prepare myself? Oh, and the biggest question of all, how are the drill sergeants? Here, I'm hoping to answer some of your questions the best that I can, and hopefully help you out and relieve some of your fears about Army basic training!

(Also, just a disclaimer, this is from my experience, but everyone's is different so yours could vary.)

1. What is basic combat training and what all does it entail?

Basic combat training is the first real step or training to becoming a soldier. On Fort Jackson, there are three phases that trainees will go through: red, white, and blue. In each phase trainees experience something different that prepares them for duties after training is done. There are also three ruck marches in between each phase: the Hammer, the Anvil, and the Forge. These ruck marches progress in both mileage and difficulty, and each one is longer than the last.

Also, each phase focuses on something different. So, red phase focuses on physical fitness and discipline. During this phase you'll learn a lot about Army history in classes, and also start to learn the Army values and how to talk to civilians. You'll also do Victory tower, the confidence course, and, if I rememberer correctly, Fit to Win, a competitive obstacle course. You'll finish it with the Hammer, a five mile ruck march. These tasks will push your limits, but remember to stay calm because this phase is meant to break you.

Then, you'll have white phase. In white phase, you will begin rifle marksmanship and hit the range almost everyday. You'll also learn TCCC (Tactical combat casualty care), which is basically medical skills that you'll need just in case the worst happens. You will also qualify with your weapons. You'll finish this phase with the anvil.

Next is blue phase. During this phase you'll continue learning stuff like land-nav and start preparing for the Forge. You'll do your last PT test and finish things up. Then you head off for the Forge; your biggest challenge yet. The Forge starts off with a twelve mile ruck march at night, but ends only after doing many miles and stopping at many places. You also do night time shooting at a range and NIC at Night. NIC stands for Night Infiltration Course. During this, you crawl about 300 meters through sand and barbed wire as machine guns get shot above your head. It will feel like absolute hell. After you complete the Forge, you will arrive at the Soldier's Ceremony on Hilton Field. You'll stand in formation and feel proud of your accomplishments as your Drill Instructors put your US Army patch on and congratulate you. This will be the moment where you finally see some payoff. However, if you don't pass your last PT test before the Forge, you won't get to wear you patch or beret.

After you get back to your barracks, you will officially pass into red, white, and blue phase and bide your time until graduation. During this time you'll also find out if you have earned the title of honor company or are getting an early promotion. You'll also probably get to bond with your drill sergeants and hear their stories.Then, you'll prepare for graduation and family day!

2. What are some things I should work on before basic?

Physical fitness. Work on getting at least 20 push-ups if you're a female and probably around 40 if you're a male before you go. Also, both genders should work on getting at least 40 to 50 sit-ups before going as well. Make sure you can run two miles in at least 20 minutes before you go as well because even though that's slower than the time you need, it's a good starting point.

3. What can I pack to take with me?

Well, this really depends on your DS and your company/battalion. I would just pack whatever is on the packing list your recruiter gives you, but I would also bring some other necessities like hair gel/non-aerosol spray, plain chapstick, travel size toiletries, social security card and IDs and any other documentation you need. Also, if you're a female, feminine hygiene products and other hair care stuff. You can also pack black or white socks with no logos on them and girls can pack plain colored (nude, black, and white) sports bras. Of course, all of this is subjective, so don't take my word for it, but if you're daring enough to try to bring this stuff then do it. You can also pack stamps and envelopes and locks.

Remember, you have to carry everything you pack so don't bring a suitcase or a ton of other stuff because it's just not worth it.

4. I've never shot a weapon before, should I practice before I go?

If you want to, but some people say the less experience you have the easier you are to mold into a good shot and get good habits.

5. Is basic training all bad?

It's not all bad, but it is what you make it. Some people when I went to BCT were really positive and wanted to be there. These people tended to get along with the drill sergeants and other trainees more than others. There was also a lot of groups of people who didn't want to be there and they didn't seem to do as well as the motivated people did, and some of these people ended up getting chaptered out.

Basic can be a really good time, but you have to give it your all and find enjoyment in the little things, like front, back, goes.

6. How are the drill sergeants?

This is also really subjective to where you go for BCT, but the drill sergeants are people too. They might seem like they don't have a life outside of their job, but they do. Also, they want you to pass and get out of there, so if you work with them, you'll go far.

When I was there, I was put in a leadership position, but lost it the day of because of some circumstances I won't go into detail about. Anyway, I discussed the issue with some of the cadre and they were actually very understanding and even helped me to get back into a leadership position by giving me a little bit extra advice in marksmanship and fitness. Honestly, I have really have no major complaints about my drill sergeants at basic.

7. Should I stay under the radar or try to get attention?

You could go either way on this one, but it depends on your goals. If you want to become a squad leader, platoon guide, or guidon, then getting some attention and having the drill sergeants know your name could be a good thing, however, to me it seems like people who purposely try to get noticed didn't stay in leadership roles as long. Then again, what do I know?

I was in a guidon position a lot of my time at basic and I even was platoon guide for a short day. I didn't do this by trying to get attention, but I did volunteer for stuff I didn't have to do like helping battle buddies or doing super teams during Fit to Win. I also tried to get a high PT score and marksmanship qualification, and I worked to remember as much basic info as I could. This brings a good kind of attention to you.

If you don't want a leadership role and just want to pass, then sure, don't try to get any attention and just do the average amount of work. It really depends on your goals.

Honestly basic will be different for everyone and you'll probably have pre-basic jitters until you go, but with enough drive you'll be fine!