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US Army Basic Combat Training |
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Basic Combat Training (BCT) is a training course that
transforms civilians into Soldiers. Over the course of
nine weeks these recruits learn about the Seven Core
Army Values, how to work together as a team and what it
takes to succeed as a Soldier in the U.S. Army. |
 Introduction
PREPARATION CHECKLIST
The following information will make your transition from
civilian to Army life easier. Listed below are required
items along with items that will not be permitted. Ask
your Recruiter for a more detailed list. |
CLOTHING
- One-day supply of casual, comfortable clothing (no
halter-tops or ragged shorts)
- Three sets of underwear (white)
- One pair of white, calf-length athletic socks (no
color bands, designs or logos) Additional socks will be
purchased at the post exchange (PX)
- A pair of comfortable shoes
- Eyeglasses (no faddish/stylish eyewear)
- Luggage should be limited to one small suitcase or gym
bag
LOCK
- One lock (combination or padlock with two keys)
Additional lock will be purchased at PX
TOILETRIES
- Disposable/safety razor with blades
- Shaving cream (optional for women)
- Toothbrush with case
- Hairbrush or 6" black comb
- One washcloth and towel (Additional items will be
purchased at the PX)
- Anti-perspirant
- Shower shoes
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Shampoo
- Soap and soap case
MONEY
- $10, but no more than $50 in cash
- Traveler's Checks or Money Orders (Personal checks are
not recommended because of limited check-cashing
facilities.)
DOCUMENTS YOU MAY NEED
- Social Security card
- Valid driver's license or current state identification
card
- A direct deposit form from your checking account
signed by a bank official, or the name, address, account
number and routing number of your financial institution
(if applicable)
- Original or certified copies of your marriage
certificate, divorce decree or separation order (if
applicable)
- Original or certified copies of birth certificates of
children under 18; affidavit of support from parents;
court documents and direct deposit forms if ordered to
pay spousal and/or child support (if applicable)
- Proof of citizenship (if you were not born in the
United States)
- If you are married to a service member in the
military, you need to have the name, Social Security
number and military address of your spouse
- Copies of your lease agreement or rental contract for
any dependents residing outside of government quarters
(if applicable)
- Original or certified ROTC documentation (if
applicable)
- Original college transcripts; GED or high school
diploma
YOUR ORDERS
Be sure to have all copies of orders and documents
issued by your unit Recruiter and/or MEPS. These orders
must be delivered by you and by hand. Travel and meal
tickets will be provided. |
WHAT NOT TO BRING
- Family
- Pets
- Privately owned vehicles
- Expensive personal items - cameras, radios, tape
players, jewelry and costly watches are hard to
safeguard during training.
- Nonprescription drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Steel hair picks
- Razor blades
- Weapons of any type, including pocket knives
- Obscene or pornographic material
- Alcoholic beverages
- Playing cards/dice/dominoes
- Cigarettes/tobacco products
- Batteries (except size "D") |
ADDITIONAL ITEMS WOMEN MIGHT NEED OR DESIRE TO BRING
TO BCT
Undergarments: Panties (cotton recommended), bras, and
one full slip (all neutral shade), flesh-tone nylons or
pantyhose.
APPROPRIATE HAIRSTYLES
Hairstyles not considered appropriate when in uniform:
Ponytail, extreme bouffant styles, exotic upsweeps and
the corkscrew or "corn row" styles.
CLOTHING AND JEWELRY
Do not mix items of civilian clothing with your uniform
and vice versa.
You may wear quarter-inch or less pearl, gold, silver or
diamond spherical earrings with Army uniforms, except
for the Battle Dress Uniform and Physical Fitness
Uniform |
 Phase
1 - Red
The Army makes sure every recruit is physically and
mentally prepared to start Basic Training. Upon
determining this, recruits are given a haircut, issued
Army uniforms and are ready to start training.
RED PHASE SCHEDULE:
- Recruits arrive for general orientation and are issued
haircuts and Army uniforms.
- Basic Tactical training begins followed by Nuclear
Biological and Chemical Defense, Landmine Defense and
rappelling at the confidence tower.
- Recruits learn about Army heritage and the Seven Army
Core Values
- Recruits undergo the Army Physical Fitness Test to
help determine their physical aptitude. This test is
routinely administered to Soldiers throughout their
enlistment periods to ensure their top physical
condition. |
 Phase
2 - White
Recruits go through Marksmanship and combat training and
learn to rappel at the Warrior Tower. This training
teaches vital Soldier skills and instills them with more
confidence.
WHITE PHASE SCHEDULE:
- Tactical Foot March, Basic Rifle Marksmanship
- Engagement Skills and Situational Training Exercises
- Field Training Exercises, Confidence Obstacle Course
and the Tactical Foot March |
 Phase
3 - Blue
After becoming familiar with the use of automatic
weapons and hand grenades in U.S. Weapons training,
recruits put their training to the test as they
negotiate the Night Infiltration Course. After passing
all their tests and challenges, they congregate for
Rites of Passage.
BLUE PHASE SCHEDULE:
- U.S. Weapons Training (.50 Caliber M2), (Hand
Grenades), (M136 AT-4), (M240B Machine Gun), (M249
Machine Gun)
- Field Training Exercise 3
- Tactical Foot March 10KM and 15KM |
 Graduation
Basic Combat Training has pushed the recruits' minds and
bodies to new limits, giving them a deeper respect for
themselves and those around them. And now, the time has
come to celebrate their efforts and the strength they've
gained. This is the day that their families and friends
gather to watch them transition from citizens to
Soldiers. |
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(Source: U.S. Army - Information on this page deemed
reliable but not guaranteed as information may change.
See U.S. Army recruiter for latest information.) |
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