Basic Training Phases

To enhance training effectiveness and motivation, basic combat training is divided into three phases. At the end of each phase, all soldiers must meet specific standards which serve as intermediate goals toward graduation and acceptance as a fully qualified soldier.

Phase 1 - "PATRIOT"
During the first phase, training is devoted to introductory lessons in drill and ceremony, physical fitness, military customs, and the wearing of the uniform. Soldiers are also taught rifle marksmanship and maintenance, the manual of arms, first aid, and introductory radio/telephone communications procedures.

Phase 2 - "GUNFIGHTER"
The second phase intensifies by adding additional marksmanship practice, map reading and land navigation, and six- to eight-mile road marches carrying a packed rucksack. New soldiers also learn how to live and work in a field environment during an overnight bivouac.

Phase 3 - "WARRIOR"
During the final phase of basic training, soldiers begin learning tactics and individual fire and maneuver techniques. They are introduced to a number of different weapons including hand grenades and machine guns.

SilentWarriors.net interviewed regarding basic training, asking questions which had been sent to the site by members. This interview will help you get a better idea of what Basic Combat Training is all about, as well as how you can help your soldier make it through this experience.

*Please note that this interview, while property of silentwarriors.net is the expressed opinion of the soldier interviewed and does not necessarily reflect the views of silentwarriors.net, its staff, or its affiliates.

Interview- PFC Scott

What is they typical Daily schedule?
Well first one goes an in-processing station called 'reception,' where life is full of paperwork and highlighted by shots and uniform issue. Once you get to basic, the work starts daily at 0530. Up for PT (physical training) which switches between running an total muscle failure days. From there it's a quick change to combats (BDUs or Battle Dress Uniforms) to begin the day. Breakfast is short and quick and then it's off to the goals of the day. This can include work on the range, marching, classroom work, NBC (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical) training, or a variety of other things depending on the stage of training. Lunch in the field generally since you are far from the chow hall. More training, marching, smoking (or what's known as corrective training) until dinner. After dinner the day doesn't end, more low key training, sometimes another round of PT or my favorite when someone made a mistake that day, we all go out for a group smoking. Also administrative things are done during this time and M-SAT mail is handed out. Soldiers all receive at least an hour a day in the evening for showering and cleaning of personal gear. Shinning boots and the quick note home are done during this time. At 2130 hours it's lights out, but don't think the day is done. Generally every other night you can expect to sit fireguard (like watch) in the middle of the night. Oh and don't expect you won't have a mid-night smoking sometime during the 9 weeks!

What is the goal of basic training?
There are two kinds of goals that are involved in BCT; the goals of the ARMY (which includes that of doctrine and the Drill Sgts) and personal goals. The Army wants to break you down and build you up in their image. While some may say their goal is to make you robots, I don't agree. They want to give soldiers the basic knowledge of how the Army works as an animal. However, it is truly on a basic level. A graduate of BCT may say he or she is a soldier, they earned the right by sticking it out, however it is the on the job training which will be your true education. The goal therefore is to build skills (however basic) in teamwork, equipment, physical ability, as well as learn loyalty, sacrifice, courage, and determination. While there is the subordination of one's personal goals in basic, they are still there. Everyone comes to basic for different reasons and with a different background. The goal as we know is to make them come together. Having personal goals in-line with the aims of the Army are a way to be a better person and soldier and BCT is a great environment to begin that change. The goal for me was to challenge myself and confront parts of my character that I had never addressed before. No where, and I truly mean that no where else would I have had the opportunity to do this then the unique experience of BCT.

What psychological and physical changes occur during basic training?
The subordination of yourself to a common goal, becoming a soldier is something most competitive Americans are not used to and do require much change on their part. Psychologically you can expect a variety of things. Some soldiers who have never been away from home find loneliness a problem or those who even have been away discover they aren't as independent as they once thought. Some discover that they can be angry for the first time and have difficulty with their new sense of rage. Soldiers may become frustrated with the group punishment and find hard to understand why they could be at fault or need to be corrected for another's mistake. While some become more introverted than usual, others will break out of their shell and become extroverted. Regardless of what one's individual reaction, BCT will effect you some how and the best way to deal with it is to allow yourself to have the feelings, talk to the other soldiers about them (they too are dealing with BCT, perhaps they have a good way to deal with it), take deep breaths or count to ten, live from one break to the other (remember they do have to stop to feed you and allow you to sleep, remember that), worst case scenario talk to your DS at night with a fellow soldier you trust because you can always request to see the chaplain or a mental health professional. The DS is there to truly help you in training, they are required to watch out for your mental health and they strive to train you to just before your breaking point, not over it. Most importantly watch out for your fellow soldier, you are living together and will be taught how to detect suicide warning signs. NEVER joke about harming yourself or others, it is a road you should never walk down. On a final note remember that the positives will outweigh the negative, you will be stronger mentally, have pride in yourself and part of the larger family that is the Army.

Physical changes? Unless you are a serious athlete, training will be harder than anything you've ever physically done. Even athletes admit BCT is a unique experience. You will eat more than you ever have, have blisters in places you didn't think possible and be sore beyond your wildest imagination. (And if you are like most of us, you'll love it.) Males tend to loose weight or stay the same with the amount of fat loss and muscle production. However, females typically gain weight due to muscle production which many have never had. They appear toned and fit however and both sexes should expect to be overall healthier. Females should note with physical training it is not uncommon to see a change in their menstrual cycle. Improvement is almost guaranteed in BCT and often people say they are a their physical best following graduation.

How much stress are the soldiers under?
Stress is high through out basic training but significantly higher in the first portion and rifle portion of training. Soldiers can expect to be 'on' twenty-four hours a day, but remember there is time to breathe. Take advantage of the rare moments.

What can spouses, or significant others expect to hear from the soldiers?
The US postal service will be your major line of communication to the real world. You may have to 'push' to receive mail, but it is worth it. When you have a letter from a loved one in BCT remember to take it in context and try to imagine what they are going through. Don't put judgments on DS or the Army based on their experience in BCT. They are allowed to whine about their DS, but you aren't. It may sound crazy, but coming out of BCT they might actually think highly of their DS. Loved ones can expect crying on the phone home from males and females alike.

How can we support the soldiers during training?
Loved ones can try to be as positive as possible without giving advice. Remember regardless of if you have been through BCT or not you won't know exactly what they are going through and everyone deals with it differently. Don't stress soldiers out even more with bad news from home unless it's necessary. They know and probably feel guilty for leaving you so try not to make them worry about you when they have other things to worry about. Don't play relationship games with you g/f or b/f as you might when at home such as talking about other men or women in your life. If you are responsible for money matters while your soldier is away stay on top of them and reassure them that you are organized. If something should go wrong while they are away try to seek help with family or friends first if possible. Major issues such as death can always be taken to the Red Cross in your area. Keep telling them you love them, looking forward to their return, proud of their choice and hard work. For 33 cents your letters you can make all the difference in their day.

What can be sent to the soldiers? Not sent?
You can send letters and packages which do not contain food or pornography (printed or personal.) You will receive a letter from them with their address and specific guidelines based on that company's requirements shortly after they arrive at BCT. Suggestions for sending things are newspaper clippings, jokes or portions of photographed book (send little bits at a time because this isn't probably allowed and they check large letters and parcels), tasteful photographs and children's drawings. A few hints: get the address right or they will push, don't write anything on the outside of the envelope and keep handwriting neat. Remember anything you send in a package or letter may end up in a DS's hands somehow so don't embarrass your soldier and keep him or her from pushing as much as possible.

We have heard that perfumed mail, or mail with special messages written on it can cause extra pushups. Is this true?
SEE ABOVE

Overall, is there one thing you can suggest to families about fostering support for the soldiers?
Just remain positive and keep yourself healthy as well so that when you can be back together the transition will be smooth. Remove extraneous problems and get support for yourself. Remember you are still important in their life especially during BCT despite the distance. Share the wealth... give out his or her address at BCT to others in the family and friends to aid you in supporting them. They are going to need support and don't forget you'll need it too.

On behalf of SilentWarriors.net, thank you PFC Scott for your insight, and for your efforts with this project. Without your continued support, this section would not have been possible.