How do I be a soldier?
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR YOU TO JOIN?
The first step to becoming a Soldier is talking to a recruiter. He or she will guide you through the process of enlistment. Then, you will attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) and learn the ins and outs of being a Soldier. After Basic, you will enter Advanced Individual Training (AIT), where you will learn how to perform your Army job.
WHO ARE ARMY RECRUITERS AND HOW DO THEY HELP YOU?
Recruiters are tasked with not only finding men and women who are interested in the Army, but also helping them gauge whether military service is best for them. Recruiters also guide potential candidates through the enlistment process, making sure they have everything they need up until the moment a Soldier embarks on Basic Combat Training.
WHAT DOES AN ARMY RECRUITER DO?
A recruiter will help you tailor your Army experience to fit your needs and goals. Want to take advantage of money for your education? Need certain job skills? Your recruiter can give you the specifics on all the Army benefits to help you make the most out of your Army career.
WHAT TO ASK AN ARMY RECRUITER?
Recruiters are some of the most experienced Soldiers in the Army, and they are qualified to tell you about what the Army has to offer. Some have served overseas, and some have seen combat. You should feel free to ask them about their experiences and how the Army has helped them meet their goals.
HOW DO I CONTACT AN ARMY RECRUITER TODAY?
Learn More about talking to a recruiter. Already prepared to begin working with a recruiter and starting the process of enlisting in the Army? Get in contact with your local recruiting office or call at 1-888-550-ARMY.
PREPARING YOU FOR YOUR ARMY JOB
After you complete Basic Combat Training, you're ready for the next step. Advanced Individual Training (AIT) is where you will learn the skills to perform your Army job.
At one of many diverse AIT schools, you'll receive hands-on training and field instruction to make you an expert in that specific career field. You'll also gain the discipline and work ethic to help you no matter what path you take in life.
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.
AIT SCHOOLS
ADJUTANT GENERAL SCHOOL
Learn the skills needed to become a human resource specialist, and support the Army's well being.
INFANTRY SCHOOL
Become part of the foundation of the Army. Infantry Soldiers are experts in combat preparedness.
AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY SCHOOL
High-tech missile systems help support ground movements by neutralizing key targets.
U.S. ARMY INTELLIGENCE CENTER
Become the eyes and ears of the Army. Intelligence is a key element of successful missions.
U.S. ARMY ARMOR CENTER
Learn about the latest armor systems that make our heavy forces decisive and effective.
MILITARY POLICE SCHOOL
Learn law-enforcement skills for war, peace, stability and support operations as a Military Police Soldier.
AVIATION LOGISTICS SCHOOL
Army helicopters must always be in top operating condition and ready for action.
ORDNANCE MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE SCHOOL
Maintain Army weapon systems and equipment.
CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, NUCLEAR (CBRN) SCHOOL
Learn how to detect and defend against nuclear, biological and chemical agents.
ORDNANCE MUNITIONS AND ELECTRONICS MAINTENANCE SCHOOL
Learn the specialized skills for handling, storing and disposal of hazardous devices to protect our troops.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FIRE ACADEMY
Learn fire protection fundamentals: fire behavior, fire alarm communications, fire prevention, emergency medical care and more.
QUARTERMASTER SCHOOL
Help ensure mission success by supplying Soldiers with food, water, petroleum, repair parts, ammunition and other field services.
ENGINEER SCHOOL
From building bridges to conducting graphic analysis, learn the skills needed to become an engineer in the Army.
SIGNAL CORPS SCHOOL
Get an in-depth look at the school that teaches communications technology.
FIELD ARTILLERY SCHOOL
Get inside field artillery systems and learn electronics, communications platforms, weapons and more.
TRANSPORTATION SCHOOL
Keep the Army moving by learning how to operate and maintain Army trucks, material-handling equipment and watercraft.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SCHOOL
Learn how to provide accurate finance and accounting support to Soldiers.
BASIC COMBAT TRAINING
YOUR FIRST STEPS TO BECOMING A. SOLDIER
Basic Combat Training, often known as “boot camp”, is your introduction to Army service, and where you will learn the traditions, tactics and methods of becoming a Soldier. During Basic, you’ll learn how to work as a member of a team to accomplish tasks. You’ll learn discipline, including proper dress, marching, and grooming standards. Most importantly, you’ll be instilled with the Seven Core Army Values and the Soldier Creed. Basic Combat Training comes in three phases and lasts about ten weeks, depending on your military occupational specialty (MOS). After you graduate from basic training, you will undergo two additional phases of training, known as Advanced Individual Training, where you will learn the job skills required of your MOS.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN DURING BASIC
WARRIOR TASKS AND BATTLE DRILLS
During your Basic Combat Training, you’ll be introduced to the various tactical proficiencies you’ll be required to retain as a Soldier. These are called Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills, and will serve as a foundation of your Soldier skills. Warrior Tasks come in four forms, and involve mastering individual Soldier skills, while Battle Drills are team-based tactical skill
SHOOT
This Warrior Task requires that you become qualified and proficient on your assigned weapon, which is determined through your chosen Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). You will learn how to properly engage targets, maintain your weapon, and use periphery technology, including night vision and laser sighting. You’ll also be required to engage targets using the Army’s array of machine guns, including the M240B, the M249 and the MK19. Finally, you must safely and accurately throw live hand grenades and set and recover mines.
MOVE
As a Soldier, movement relates to your ability to determine your location on the ground and navigate from one point to another while avoiding obstacles. This skill also requires that you know how to properly prepare a vehicle for a convoy.
COMMUNICATE
In a combat situation, communication is crucial, both verbally and non-verbally. With this Warrior Task, you must be able to execute a situation report, known as a “sitrep”, call for fire support at the proper coordinates, and order a medevac. You must also know proper hand signaling during low profile operations.
SURVIVE
The survival skill relates to your ability to deal with danger situations. You must know how to move and react to direct and indirect fire, engage in hand-to-hand combat, disarm and avoid explosive devices, and perform first aid.
BATTLE DRILLS
Battle Drills are team-based exercises that hone your ability to work with the other members of your unit. Some battle drills include:
- Reacting to enemy contact
- Dismounting a vehicle during combat
- Evacuating injured personnel during combat
- Dealing with chemical and biological attacks
GRADUATION
If you advance past the final phase of Basic, you’ll be eligible to wear the Black Beret as a full Army Soldier. As part of your final requirements, you must be able to demonstrate the following:
FINAL REQUIREMENTS TO PASS BASIC. COMBAT TRAINING
- Complete an Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), scoring at least 50 points in each event.
- Safely handle and maintain your primary assigned weapon
- Pass the chemical training confidence exercises, demonstrating the ability to properly use your protective mask
- Demonstrate your proficiency in all Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills
- Demonstrate proficiency in First Aid
- Negotiate the obstacle course
- Complete hand-to-hand combat (combative) training
- Pass the hand grenade qualification course
- Complete a 16K tactical foot march
- Pass a small-team land navigation course
- Complete any other tactical field training or situation training exercises
