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Most people who are considering joining the Army have questions about what to expect during Basic Training. One of the most common questions is, “How long is Army Basic Training?”
Here’s a look at the answer to that question, as well as what you can expect during your time in Basic Training.
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How long is Army basic training?
Army basic training is nine weeks long. You will spend the first six weeks at your designated basic training post. The last three weeks of Army basic training are spent at a different location where you will learn how to work as a team in combat training scenarios.
8 weeks
Army basic training is eight weeks long. The first week is called Reception, during which you will undergo a series of tests and vaccinations, and be issued your uniform and required gear. The next seven weeks are called Training Phases, during which you will learn basic soldiering skills.
10 weeks
The length of Army basic training is 10 weeks. You will spend the first nine weeks living in a barracks with other recruits and undergoing intense physical training, military drills, and classroom instruction. The tenth week is spent in a field training exercise, testing everything you have learned up to that point.
What is the Army basic training schedule?
Army basic training is ten weeks long. The first week is called reception, where you will be given your uniform and assigned to your company. The next nine weeks are a combination of classroom instruction and physical training.
Monday-Friday
The Army basic training schedule is Monday-Friday. Trainees will begin their day at 5:30 a.m., and will have an hour for breakfast. They will then have four hours of classroom instruction, followed by four hours of physical training. The day will end with an evening meal, and lights out at 10 p.m.
6:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m.
Rise and shine! You’ll start your day at 6:00 a.m., but you’ll want to get up a little earlier to make sure you’re all set for the day. From there, you’ll have formation, breakfast, and begin your training for the day. You’ll have several training sessions throughout the day, as well as scheduled breaks for lunch and dinner. You’ll wrap up your day around 10:00 p.m., but you may have some evening activities, like guard duty, depending on your schedule.
What are the Army basic training requirements?
All Soldiers must complete 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). BCT is held at one of several Army posts. The average day in BCT is a little over eight hours long, and you’ll spend most of that time learning how to become a Soldier. You’ll learn things like combat skills, weapons training, first-aid, and Army values.
Must be at least 18 years old
In order to join the Army, you must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien. You will also need to have a high school diploma or GED certificate. There are also a few other requirements you’ll need to meet, including passing a physical health exam, having no more than 2 dependents, and being able to meet the legal requirements for possessing a firearm. If you meet all of these requirements, you’ll be able to begin the process of enlisting in the Army.
Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
To join the Army, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident between the ages of 17 and 34. You must also have a high school diploma or equivalent.
If you meet these requirements, you will undergo a physical examination to ensure that you are physically fit for training. You will also take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test to determine your aptitude for military service.
Once you have completed these steps, you will be ready to begin basic training.
Must have a high school diploma or GED
In order to join the Army, you must have a high school diploma or GED. If you have a GED, you must score at least 50 on the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The ASVAB is a multiple-choice test that assesses your skills in a variety of areas, including math, science, reading comprehension, and mechanical and electronics knowledge.
What is the Army basic training pay?
Army basic training is nine weeks long. Army basic training pay starts at $1,638 per month. You will also receive allowances for food and housing.
E-1: $1,638
The Army pays all new recruits the same salary: $1,638 per month, which breaks down to roughly $20 per day, according to the Army website. The pay is the same for all new enlistees in their first term of service, regardless of prior experience or job skills.
E-2: $1,836
As of September 2020, E-2 Army trainees receive $1,836 per month. This is a increase from the E-1 monthly stipend of $1,733. The E-2 pay scale is the second entry-level rank in the Army, preceded only by PVT (Private), which has a pay grade of E-1.
What are the Army basic training benefits?
Army basic training is a nine-week program that gives you the opportunity to learn basic soldiering skills. You will also learn how to work as a team and how to follow orders. Army basic training benefits include learning self-discipline, developing teamwork skills, and gaining leadership experience.
Medical and dental care
All soldiers in the Army are entitled to medical and dental care while in service. This care is provided at no cost to the soldier, and it is available for both him and his family.
Housing and food allowances
In addition to a regular pay check, soldiers in basic training are given a housing allowance to help offset the cost of living in on-base housing. This allowance is based on the soldier’s pay grade and dependents. For example, a single soldier with no dependents (E1) in basic training will receive $420.10 per month for housing. A soldier with dependents (E5) will receive $733.80 per month for housing. It’s important to note that the housing allowance is based on off-base rental costs, so even if you choose to live on base, your allowance won’t be increased.
In addition to the monthly housing allowance, soldiers in basic training are also given a food allowance of $348.80 per month to offset the cost of meals. This allowance is also based on the soldier’s pay grade and dependents; a single soldier with no dependents (E1) will receive $348.80 per month while a soldier with dependents (E5) will receive $733.80 per month for food.
Education benefits
One of the most important benefits you’ll receive from Army basic training is the opportunity to further your education. You’ll be able to take advantage of the G.I. Bill, which covers the cost of tuition and books at any accredited college, university or technical school. You may also be eligible for other Army education programs, such as distance learning, on-base classes and Army Correspondence Course Program courses.