Drill Sergeant
School
Photo of Drill Sergeant Jones

U.S. Army Recruits deserve to learn from the best during BCT. That's why select Non-Commissioned Officers go through intense training to become Drill Sergeants.

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For Parents

Wondering if the Army is a good option for your son or daughter? The Army can provide direction, career opportunities and a steady income.

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Seven Core Army
Values

From Loyalty to Personal Courage, see how Soldiers in the U.S. Army live the Seven Core Values every day.

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Becoming a Soldier
Basic Combat Training
Lifestyles
A U.S. Army Drill Sergeant eagerly watches as the buses transporting new Soldiers-in-training arrives.

BASIC COMBAT TRAINING

the ten-week journey from civilian to soldier

Basic Combat Training (BCT) is a training course that transforms civilians into Soldiers. Over the course of ten weeks, recruits will learn basic tactical and survival skills along with how to shoot, rappel, and march. They will also learn the basics of Army life and military customs, including the Seven Core Army Values.

Want to experience life on an actual Army base? Take the goarmy.com virtual tour, which will give you a first-person view of the locations you will visit every day as a Soldier on post. 

FEATURES
New Soldiers meeting their Drill Sergeants.

Introduction

Learn about what to bring and what not to bring to Basic Combat Training. You can also find a list of what not to bring and watch videos of Soldiers who already went through training.

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Soldier climbing across a rope.

Red Phase

Upon the completion of Reception Week, recruits begin training and participating in field exercises while learning the importance of teamwork.

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Soldier firing an M-4.

White Phase

Through marksmanship training and rappelling exercises recruits learn new skills and develop the confidence it takes to become a Soldier.

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Soldiers reviewing a map.

Blue Phase

Soldiers continue with their weapon training and participate in the Night Infiltration Course, which prepares them for the next stage of training.

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Soldiers in formation.

Graduation

After completing Basic Combat Training, Soldiers embark on Advanced Individual Training (AIT).

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