7 Types Of Army Training Programs

Enlisting in the army is a significant decision that requires immense dedication, discipline, and hard work. The army provides various training programs to equip soldiers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and physical conditioning to perform their duties effectively. These programs are designed to challenge soldiers, both physically and mentally, and prepare them for the demands of military life.

The army offers a range of training programs, each with its unique objectives, requirements, and benefits. From basic training to specialized programs, soldiers can choose the path that best suits their interests, skills, and career goals. In this article, we will explore seven types of army training programs, their objectives, and what soldiers can expect from each program.

1. Basic Combat Training (BCT)

Basic Combat Training (BCT) is the initial training program for new army recruits. It is a 10-week program that focuses on transforming civilians into soldiers. BCT is divided into three phases: Red, White, and Blue. The Red Phase (weeks 1-3) emphasizes basic soldiering skills, such as first aid, map reading, and combat techniques. The White Phase (weeks 4-5) focuses on marksmanship, obstacle courses, and teamwork. The Blue Phase (weeks 6-10) prepares soldiers for field training exercises, combat scenarios, and graduation.

BCT is a challenging program that pushes soldiers to their limits, both physically and mentally. It is designed to build camaraderie, discipline, and a sense of pride among soldiers. Upon completion of BCT, soldiers are awarded the rank of Private (PVT) and are eligible to attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT).

What to Expect in BCT

Physical fitness training, including running, push-ups, and sit-ups
Combat skills training, including marksmanship and first aid
Team-building exercises and obstacle courses
Drill and ceremony training
Core values and leadership development

2. Advanced Individual Training (AIT)

Advanced Individual Training (AIT) is a specialized training program that focuses on developing specific skills and knowledge required for a soldier's chosen Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). AIT is typically 4-52 weeks long, depending on the MOS. Soldiers attend AIT after completing BCT and are trained by experienced instructors who are experts in their field.

AIT programs are designed to equip soldiers with the necessary skills to perform their duties effectively. For example, a soldier attending AIT for the MOS of 68W (Healthcare Specialist) will learn medical skills, such as patient care, wound treatment, and medical terminology.

What to Expect in AIT

Specialized training in a specific MOS
Hands-on training and practical exercises
Classroom instruction and online learning
Performance evaluations and assessments
Certification and credentialing in specific skills

3. Officer Candidate School (OCS)

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a training program for individuals who want to become army officers. OCS is a 12-week program that focuses on developing leadership skills, tactical knowledge, and physical fitness. Candidates attend OCS after completing a bachelor's degree and meeting the eligibility requirements.

OCS is a challenging program that pushes candidates to their limits, both physically and mentally. It is designed to build leadership skills, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Upon completion of OCS, candidates are commissioned as Second Lieutenants (2LT) and are eligible to attend the Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC).

What to Expect in OCS

Leadership development and training
Tactical skills training, including map reading and navigation
Physical fitness training, including running and obstacle courses
Classroom instruction and online learning
Performance evaluations and assessments

4. Army Ranger School

Army Ranger School is a specialized training program for soldiers who want to become members of the 75th Ranger Regiment. The program is 62 days long and focuses on developing advanced combat skills, leadership abilities, and physical fitness.

Ranger School is a challenging program that pushes soldiers to their limits, both physically and mentally. It is designed to build elite soldiers who can perform complex missions in a variety of environments. Upon completion of Ranger School, soldiers are awarded the Ranger Tab and are eligible to join the 75th Ranger Regiment.

What to Expect in Ranger School

Advanced combat skills training, including marksmanship and first aid
Leadership development and training
Physical fitness training, including running and obstacle courses
Team-building exercises and obstacle courses
Performance evaluations and assessments

5. Army Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC)

Army Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) is a training program for soldiers who want to become members of the Special Forces (Green Berets). The program is 24 weeks long and focuses on developing advanced skills in unconventional warfare, foreign language training, and survival techniques.

SFQC is a challenging program that pushes soldiers to their limits, both physically and mentally. It is designed to build elite soldiers who can perform complex missions in a variety of environments. Upon completion of SFQC, soldiers are awarded the Special Forces Tab and are eligible to join the Special Forces.

What to Expect in SFQC

Advanced skills training in unconventional warfare and foreign language training
Survival techniques and wilderness training
Physical fitness training, including running and obstacle courses
Team-building exercises and obstacle courses
Performance evaluations and assessments

6. Army Flight Training

Army Flight Training is a training program for soldiers who want to become army aviators. The program is 15-18 months long and focuses on developing skills in flight operations, aircraft systems, and weather forecasting.

Army Flight Training is a challenging program that pushes soldiers to their limits, both physically and mentally. It is designed to build skilled aviators who can perform complex flight operations in a variety of environments. Upon completion of Army Flight Training, soldiers are awarded their wings and are eligible to fly army aircraft.

What to Expect in Army Flight Training

Flight operations training, including takeoff and landing procedures
Aircraft systems training, including engine management and navigation
Weather forecasting and aviation weather training
Physical fitness training, including running and obstacle courses
Performance evaluations and assessments

7. Army Engineer Officer Basic Leadership Course (EOBC)

Army Engineer Officer Basic Leadership Course (EOBC) is a training program for engineer officers who want to develop their leadership skills and technical knowledge. The program is 19 weeks long and focuses on developing skills in engineering operations, construction management, and project planning.

EOBC is a challenging program that pushes officers to their limits, both physically and mentally. It is designed to build skilled engineer officers who can perform complex engineering operations in a variety of environments. Upon completion of EOBC, officers are eligible to attend the Engineer Captain's Career Course.

What to Expect in EOBC

Leadership development and training
Engineering operations training, including construction management and project planning
Technical skills training, including drafting and surveying
Physical fitness training, including running and obstacle courses
Performance evaluations and assessments

Army Training Image Gallery

The army offers various training programs to equip soldiers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and physical conditioning to perform their duties effectively. From basic training to specialized programs, soldiers can choose the path that best suits their interests, skills, and career goals. Whether you're interested in becoming a soldier, officer, or specialized expert, the army has a training program that can help you achieve your goals.