Basic training is the first step for anyone joining the U.S. military. It prepares recruits physically, mentally, and emotionally for life in the armed forces. Each branch conducts its own version of basic training, with unique activities, lengths, and locations tailored to their missions and culture. Here’s what new recruits can expect:

U.S. Army

Location(s): Fort Moore (GA), Fort Jackson (SC), Fort Leonard Wood (MO), Fort Sill (OK)

Length: 10 weeks

What Recruits Learn and Do:

• – Physical fitness and endurance training
  – Rifle marksmanship
  – Combat training and tactical skills
  – Army values, teamwork, and discipline

Online Resources:

• Army Basic Training Info: 

https://www.goarmy.com/soldier-life/becoming-a-soldier/basic-combat-training.html

U.S. Navy

Location(s): Naval Station Great Lakes, IL

Length: 8 weeks

What Recruits Learn and Do:

• – Swimming qualification
  – Shipboard safety and firefighting
  – Physical training and marching drills
  – Classroom instruction on Navy heritage and regulations

Online Resources:

• Navy Boot Camp Overview: 

https://www.navy.com/joining/navy-boot-camp

U.S. Air Force

Location(s): Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX

Length: 7.5 weeks

What Recruits Learn and Do:

• – Physical conditioning and combat skills
  – Classroom learning in Air Force customs, courtesies, and core values
  – Weapons handling
  – Team-building exercises

Online Resources:

• Air Force BMT:

 https://www.airforce.com/training/basic-military-training

U.S. Marine Corps

Location(s): Parris Island, SC or San Diego, CA

Length: 13 weeks

What Recruits Learn and Do:

• – Intense physical training and obstacle courses
  – Martial arts and marksmanship
  – Water survival training
  – Core values and The Crucible (final 54-hour test)

Online Resources:

• Marine Corps Boot Camp: 

https://www.marines.com/about-the-marine-corps/recruit-training.html

U.S. Coast Guard

Location(s): Training Center Cape May, NJ

Length: 8 weeks

What Recruits Learn and Do:

• – Physical fitness and swim training
  – Firearms training and seamanship
  – Coast Guard history and protocols
  – Team exercises and rescue simulations

Online Resources:

• Coast Guard Boot Camp Info:

 https://www.gocoastguard.com/basic-training

U.S. Space Force

Location(s): Lackland AFB, TX (through Air Force BMT)

Length: 7.5 weeks (Air Force BMT with additional content)

What Recruits Learn and Do:

• – Air Force core training modules
  – Cybersecurity and space operations instruction
  – STEM-focused leadership development

Online Resources:

• Space Force Training Info:

https://www.spaceforce.com/life-in-space-force/training