Basic Combat Training (BCT) Overview

Phase 1: Initial Training

• Total Control: Trainees are monitored and corrected by drill sergeants.
  • Platoon punished for minor infractions to promote unit responsibility.
• Physical Readiness:
  • Training includes road marches, formation marching, and confidence-building.
• CBRN Readiness:
  • Introduction to chemical, radioactive, biological, and nuclear readiness.
  • Training on breathing masks usage.

Treadwell Tower

• Overcoming fear, especially heights, is a key challenge.
• Rappelling exercises boost confidence.
• Completion fosters a sense of accomplishment.

Team Development Course

• Teamwork and Leadership:
  • Tasks require teamwork; failure as individuals.
  • Good leaders must follow orders.
• Medical Training Lanes (MTL):
  • Focus on combat life-saving skills.
  • Two-day event with realistic tactical scenarios.

Combat Conditioning Course

• Test of endurance, stamina, and fitness.
• Includes obstacles, squad tactics, medical training, and CBRN attacks.

Gas Chamber Exercise

• Training with M50 Masks:
  • Confidence building in mask protection capabilities.
  • Exposure to CS gas (tear gas) for riot control.
  • Reinforces understanding of CBRN protective measures.

Hand Grenade Training

• Live Grenade Practice:
  • Teaches pin pulling and throwing techniques.
  • Ends with trainees throwing live grenades.

Rifle Marksmanship and Hand-to-Hand Combat

• Marksmanship Training:
  • Includes maintenance and target engagement.
• Hand-to-Hand Combat:
  • Focus on aggressive, simple tactics.
  • Combatives include grappling, kicks, blows.

Infantry Squad Battle Course

• Simulated patrols with small arms fire.
• Casualty evacuation and medical evacuation drills.

Blue Phase: Advanced Training

• Final Challenges:
  • Includes maneuvering techniques and convoy operations.
  • Training on IEDs and advanced weapons.
• Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills:
  • Trainees are tested on survival, fitness, and soldier skills.

The Forge

• Culminating Exercise:
  • 96-hour training with combat and logistical scenarios.
  • Includes road marches, infiltration courses, and tactical operations.
  • Completion required for soldier qualification.

Rite of Passage Ceremony

• Symbolic Milestone:
  • Trainees earn title of soldier and wear their army beret.
  • Involves historical reflection and understanding of soldier legacy.

Conclusion

• Historical Context:

  • Training concludes on June 6, commemorating D-Day.
  • Emphasizes the legacy and sacrifices of past soldiers.

• Final Speech:

  • Encourages soldiers to carry forward lessons and values learned.
  • Highlights the historical significance of becoming a U.S. Army soldier.