Introduction to U.S. Army Basic Training
Basic Combat Training (BCT) is the foundational program that transforms civilians into soldiers, serving as the first step for all new recruits in the U.S. Army. The training is physically and mentally demanding, designed to instill core values, skills, and knowledge necessary for military success.
Primary Training Locations
Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), Georgia
Located near Columbus, Georgia, Fort Moore is known as the "Home of the Infantry" and features:
- Home to the Maneuver Center of Excellence
- Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT)
- Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade
- Officer Candidate School (OCS)
For more information, visit the Fort Moore official website.
Fort Jackson, South Carolina
Fort Jackson is the largest and most active Initial Entry Training Center, known for:
- Training approximately 50% of all soldiers and 60% of women entering the Army
- Housing the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant School
- Hosting the Army's Soldier Support Institute
- Providing specialized training for chaplains
Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
Located in the Ozark Mountains, Fort Leonard Wood specializes in:
- Combat Engineer training
- Military Police training
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense training
- Motor Transport Operator training
Fort Sill, Oklahoma
Fort Sill serves as the home of the U.S. Army Field Artillery and offers:
- Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for Field Artillery specialists
- Joint fires and effects training
- Air Defense Artillery training
- Extensive firing ranges and training areas
Training Capacity
| Installation | Annual Training Capacity | Specialized Training Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Jackson | 50,000+ | General Basic Combat Training |
| Fort Leonard Wood | 30,000+ | Engineers, MP, CBRN |
| Fort Sill | 20,000+ | Field Artillery |
| Fort Moore | 35,000+ | Infantry |
Training Structure
Basic Training typically spans 10 weeks and consists of three phases:
- Red Phase: Introduction to Army life, basics of drill and ceremony, initial physical training
- White Phase: Combat skills, first aid, and teamwork development
- Blue Phase: Leadership emphasis, teamwork refinement, and practical application of learned skills
Reception Battalion Process
Before BCT begins, recruits process through a Reception Battalion (RECV) where they:
- Receive initial uniforms and equipment
- Complete medical and dental examinations
- Process administrative paperwork
- Receive initial haircuts
- Begin learning basic military customs and courtesies
Weather Considerations
Each location presents unique environmental challenges:
- Fort Jackson: Hot, humid summers; mild winters
- Fort Leonard Wood: Variable conditions; cold winters
- Fort Sill: Extreme temperature variations; strong winds
- Fort Moore: Hot, humid climate; moderate winters
"Follow Me" - The Infantry motto displayed prominently at Fort Moore
For those interested in joining the Army or learning more about its training programs, visit the U.S. Army Basic Training website for valuable insights and resources.