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Basic Combat Training

What to Expect at Basic Training

Most recruits are curious about Basic Combat Training (BCT). What is it like? What should I bring? How can I prepare? Are real Drill Sergeants as tough as the ones in the movies?

You’ll find a lot of answers in this section—what to expect from week to week, what to pack, what not to pack, and plenty of other information to help you make it from raw recruit to proud Soldier.

What Happens First?

In the event that you're not able to ship to Basic Training within 30 days, you'll enter into the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP). RSP will introduce you to military life and keep you on track, mentally, physically and emotionally while you prepare for Basic Training and your career in the Guard. You'll have the tools to be successful at BCT.

During the five phases of RSP training you’ll learn basics you need to know right away, like:
•    The Army Values, structure and ranks
•    Saluting and forms of address
•    Military time and military history
•    Training mentality and physical preparation

You’ll also cover all the details that have to be taken care of before you leave, and learn what to expect before, during and after BCT. For more information about RSP, check out our "What is the Guard?" section and watch the RSP video.

Now that you've learned a little about what's ahead, you're ready to ship to BCT.

Reception Battalion

You’ll begin at Reception Battalion—sometimes called Week Zero. When you arrive, you'll be told what you can and cannot bring with you. This will be your last chance to get rid of any prohibited items without being penalized. Refer to our checklist to be sure you show up with all the right items and leave everything else at home.

Over the next few days, you’ll be processing paperwork, getting your physical exam and shots, haircut, uniform, Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU) and your first Physical Training (PT) test. All this should take four or five days, but it can sometimes take longer.

During Reception Battalion, you’ll be getting a preview of BCT. You’ll be introduced to Army Values and the Warrior Ethos. You and your fellow recruits will start practicing teamwork, self-discipline, responsibility, leadership development, self-reliance, competence and confidence. And you’ll continue to learn more about each of these qualities all along the way. And before long, you’ll be headed for Week One.

Welcome to Basic Combat Training

You’re here now. This is the real deal, as your Drill Sergeant will quickly point out! So here’s a little advice: Listen to your Drill Sergeant.

Your Drill Sergeant’s job is to teach you the skills you’ll need to become a Soldier. These are skills that will keep you and your fellow Soldiers alive in the field. Drill Sergeants are very concerned about your success—and they will insist that you achieve it. Listen to every word, and do everything they say.

The three phases of BCT (Basic Combat Training)

Basic Combat Training is broken down into three 3-week phases: Red, White and Blue. Here’s an overview of what you can expect during each of the phases:

Phase 1: Red Phase (Weeks 1-3)   

“Shakedown” - When you get off the bus from Reception Battalion, you’ll be told to line up your bag in a certain way to see if you can follow instructions. Then you’ll be ordered to empty your bag. If anything contraband falls out, this will be your first opportunity to see a Drill Sergeant go ballistic.

Training - The goal of your Phase 1 training is to begin your transformation from a confused volunteer to a confident Soldier. During Red Phase (or “Patriot” Phase), you’ll learn the fundamentals of Soldiering, including Army heritage and the seven core Army values. You’ll also undergo the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) to assess your physical abilities. You’ll have several of these tests along the way to be sure you’re getting in the best possible shape.

During these first three weeks, you’ll get a thorough introduction to the following:

  • The Army’s core values, traditions and ethics
  • Assembling, disassembling and caring for your M-16
  • Basic bayonet movements
  • The Nuclear-Biological-Chemical (NBC) chamber
  • Security and crowd dispersion discipline
  • Combatives: Hand-to-hand combat and guerilla exercises
  • Barracks inspections
  • Running, tactical daylight marches and fitness training

Obviously, this is an intense training schedule, geared toward reinforcing the principles of discipline and teamwork. From here, you’ll look forward to moving toward the rifle range to learn some exciting—and very useful—skills.  

Phase 2: White Phase (Weeks 4-6)

The White or “Gunfighter” Phase focuses on developing your combat skills, with special emphasis on weapons and physical fitness training. This time is also spent honing your self-discipline and teamwork.

Here’s a rundown of what you’ll cover:

  • Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM)
  • More bayonet drills and hand-to-hand training
  • Rappelling the Warrior Tower
  • More barracks inspections
  • Continued study of Army values, ethics and traditions
  • Night training and more fitness training
  • Additional weapons training: Machine guns, grenade launchers and mines
  • Map and compass reading

By now, you’ll be starting to get the hang of military life. You may even think your Drill Sergeant is noticing an improvement. You’re developing all the essential Soldier skills—which you’ll be putting together in the next phase.

Phase 3: Blue Phase (Weeks 7-9)

The final phase of BCT—the Blue or “Warrior” Phase—will build your individual tactical training, increase your leadership skills and self-discipline, and improve your understanding of teamwork. It will also include challenges and tests you’ll have to pass in order to graduate from BCT. It’s time to dig deep.

These three weeks are spent on the following:

  • Rifle-range practice, including a Night Infiltration Course
  • Guard ethics and standards, with continued study of Army values
  • Convoy Operations
  • Improvised Explosive Devices/Mines
  • Urban Operations
  • 10-Kilometer and 15-Kilometer Tactical foot marches
  • Field Training Exercise on bivouac, where you’ll tie all your training together
  • The End of Cycle Test (EOCT)—212 tasks, which you’re required to pass
  • The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)—you must pass in order to graduate from BCT

After passing all your tests and challenges, you’ll be ready for Out Processing and Graduation. Congratulations—you’re now a National Guard Soldier.


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