Welcome to your Army journey. You’re embarking on a transformative journey, beginning with Basic Training and advancing to Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Throughout this time, you’ll develop discipline, resilience and a strong sense of camaraderie with fellow Soldiers.
This timeline represents the foundation of your Army career, setting you on a path of personal growth and readiness for the challenges ahead.
Congratulations, you took the first step!
Recruiters will help you find the right career for you to ensure you’re set up for success in your future military career.
Pre-enlistment PeriodIndependent research is crucial when deciding to join the military. It helps with:
Informed Decision:
Understand the military's demands and challenges.
Branch and Role Selection:
Find the right fit for your interests and skills.
Commitment:
Learn about service duration.
Training and Benefits:
Explore educational and financial opportunities.
Culture and Values:
Assess alignment with branch culture.
Fitness and Health:
Know physical requirements.
Speaking with Recruiters:
Ask informed questions.
After your career path has been chosen, you're prepared to partake in the Oath of Enlistment. During this solemn pledge, you commit to safeguarding the United States Constitution and adhering to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Loved ones are encouraged to witness this moment and capture it in photographs.
"I, (name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the president of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
What Happens at MEPS?Enlistment DateCongratulations, you’re about to become the best version of yourself.
As a new Soldier, your ship date determines your next steps. If it’s several days away, you just need to pack and await travel instructions. If it’s several weeks away, there are a few specific things you’ll need to do.
Either way, you should check in with your recruiter once every two weeks while you wait for your ship date to arrive. It’s also important to be responsive when your recruiter reaches out to you.
Next, you'l become part of the Future Soldier Program while you wait for your ship date.
How Can I Prepare?Day 1The Future Soldier Program, also called the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), lets Soldiers join the Army now and ship out at a later date.
The program is popular among high schoolers and other candidates who need some time to finish their current commitments. As part of the program, participants attend weekly meetings and complete Future Soldier training while they wait for their ship date to arrive.
You'll typically be in the program for 3-6 months, but that can be less or more depending on when you enlist and your ship date.
Learn MoreEst. 3-6 Months
You’ll need to take only a few basic things when you head off to basic training — everything else will be provided for you. Your recruiter will give you a list of what you must take and what you definitely shouldn’t pack. Basic training is your first chance to follow orders, so read your recruit packet carefully and pack only what’s listed.
What Should I Pack?2-4 Weeks Prior to Ship DateThe day you ship out to Basic Training is your first official day as a Soldier. Here are a few things you can expect on the big day.
What do I Need to Know?Ship DateIn the first phase of Basic Training, or the Yellow Phase, you'll start to adapt to Army life and learn about discipline, teamwork, Army programs, traditions, and more. Your first weeks will include:
Core Values:
Learn Army values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage
Physical Training:
Begin physical and tactical military training
First Aid & Army Programs:
Learn life-saving skills for combat and get briefed on sexual harassment prevention programs
During the second phase, known as the Red Phase, you'll train to handle weapons and equipment, as well as learn other hands-on aspects of being a Soldier. These weeks include:
Weaponry:
Begin training with your assigned weapon
Combat Skills:
Learn hand-to-hand combat skills
Obstacle Courses:
Build confidence and teamwork by navigating obstacle courses and other terrain
In the third phase, also called the White Phase, you'll begin training with your rifle and mastering how to work effectively within your small team. These weeks include:
Rifle Basics:
Show your skills and understanding of basic rifle marksmanship, maintenance, and target engagement
Combat Development:
Learn hand-to-hand training and how to prioritize multiple targets
Field Training:
Complete a two-day, two-night field training exercise known as The Anvil
In the last phase, or the Blue Phase, you'll refine and apply everything you've learned so far, as well as complete your final rite of passage from civilian to Soldier. Your final weeks will include:
Advanced Weaponry:
Learn how to handle more advanced weaponry, like machine guns and grenades
Marksmanship:
Continue advanced marksmanship and maneuvering
Navigation Course:
Carry out a multiple-day land navigation course to test your survival, fitness, and Soldier skills
The final week of BCT is about Soldiers and their families.
After you finish the final training events, you'll receive a day with your family to catch up on your recent experiences—and you'll have plenty to discuss. The next day, you'll graduate.
Congratulations—you’re now a Soldier.
The graduation ceremony itself is a significant event, and it signifies the transition from civilian to soldier.
Recruits often participate in a formal pass and review, demonstrating your newly acquired skills and discipline. The event is typically characterized by pride, camaraderie and a sense of accomplishment, both for the you and your loved ones.
After graduation, you'll move on to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for your respective military occupational specialty (MOS) training.
What Do I Need For Graduation?Final Week of BCT
This is where Soldiers become experts.
Once you've finished BCT, life in the military begins. You'll learn what to do with your paperwork, move into your assigned Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and begin studying your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). This can vary significantly in length depending on your Army job.
In all likelihood, unless you’re in One Station Unit Training (OSUT), your AIT will be at a different post from your BCT.
At the time you leave for AIT, you’ll have graduated from BCT and will have been trained for every Soldier’s primary responsibility—being a combat rifleman.
During AIT, you’ll learn your secondary area of responsibility, your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Upon completion of AIT, you will be MOS Qualified, or MOSQ.
What's AIT Like?Avg. 7-13 Weeks, But Can Be Longer
After you successfully complete the requirements of AIT, you’ll graduate from your school and be given a short break, typically ten days, before you join your unit and officially begin work.
You’ll also be given your training record to bring back to your new duty station.
Do NOT lose this training record.
In many cases, this paperwork is irreplaceable. If you lose the paperwork, you lose the proof of what training you’ve completed. There is no way of getting it back.
Save your training record, and hand it in immediately when you get back to your new unit.
After your AIT graduation, you will continue to train in your chosen field and on the basic soldier task taught during your initial training. You will work side-by-side with experienced Soldiers who will help develop your technical and tactical skills.
Day 1 (of Your New Army Career)Congratulations, you took the first step!
Recruiters will help you find the right career for you to ensure you’re set up for success in your future military career.
Pre-enlistment PeriodIndependent research is crucial when deciding to join the military. It helps with:
Informed Decision:
Understand the military's demands and challenges.
Branch and Role Selection:
Find the right fit for your interests and skills.
Commitment:
Learn about service duration.
Training and Benefits:
Explore educational and financial opportunities.
Culture and Values:
Assess alignment with branch culture.
Fitness and Health:
Know physical requirements.
Speaking with Recruiters:
Ask informed questions.
After your career path has been chosen, you're prepared to partake in the Oath of Enlistment. During this solemn pledge, you commit to safeguarding the United States Constitution and adhering to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Loved ones are encouraged to witness this moment and capture it in photographs.
"I, (name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the president of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
What Happens at MEPS?Enlistment DateCongratulations, you’re about to become the best version of yourself.
As a new Soldier, your ship date determines your next steps. If it’s several days away, you just need to pack and await travel instructions. If it’s several weeks away, there are a few specific things you’ll need to do.
Either way, you should check in with your recruiter once every two weeks while you wait for your ship date to arrive. It’s also important to be responsive when your recruiter reaches out to you.
Next, you'l become part of the Future Soldier Program while you wait for your ship date.
How Can I Prepare?Day 1The Future Soldier Program, also called the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), lets Soldiers join the Army now and ship out at a later date.
The program is popular among high schoolers and other candidates who need some time to finish their current commitments. As part of the program, participants attend weekly meetings and complete Future Soldier training while they wait for their ship date to arrive.
You'll typically be in the program for 3-6 months, but that can be less or more depending on when you enlist and your ship date.
Learn MoreEst. 3-6 MonthsYou’ll need to take only a few basic things when you head off to basic training — everything else will be provided for you. Your recruiter will give you a list of what you must take and what you definitely shouldn’t pack. Basic training is your first chance to follow orders, so read your recruit packet carefully and pack only what’s listed.
What Should I Pack?2-4 Weeks Prior to Ship DateThe day you ship out to Basic Training is your first official day as a Soldier. Here are a few things you can expect on the big day.
What do I Need to Know?Ship DateIn the first phase of Basic Training, or the Yellow Phase, you'll start to adapt to Army life and learn about discipline, teamwork, Army programs, traditions, and more. Your first weeks will include:
Core Values:
Learn Army values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage
Physical Training:
Begin physical and tactical military training
First Aid & Army Programs:
Learn life-saving skills for combat and get briefed on sexual harassment prevention programs
During the second phase, known as the Red Phase, you'll train to handle weapons and equipment, as well as learn other hands-on aspects of being a Soldier. These weeks include:
Weaponry:
Begin training with your assigned weapon
Combat Skills:
Learn hand-to-hand combat skills
Obstacle Courses:
Build confidence and teamwork by navigating obstacle courses and other terrain
In the third phase, also called the White Phase, you'll begin training with your rifle and mastering how to work effectively within your small team. These weeks include:
Rifle Basics:
Show your skills and understanding of basic rifle marksmanship, maintenance, and target engagement
Combat Development:
Learn hand-to-hand training and how to prioritize multiple targets
Field Training:
Complete a two-day, two-night field training exercise known as The Anvil
In the last phase, or the Blue Phase, you'll refine and apply everything you've learned so far, as well as complete your final rite of passage from civilian to Soldier. Your final weeks will include:
Advanced Weaponry:
Learn how to handle more advanced weaponry, like machine guns and grenades
Marksmanship:
Continue advanced marksmanship and maneuvering
Navigation Course:
Carry out a multiple-day land navigation course to test your survival, fitness, and Soldier skills
The final week of BCT is about Soldiers and their families.
After you finish the final training events, you'll receive a day with your family to catch up on your recent experiences—and you'll have plenty to discuss. The next day, you'll graduate.
Congratulations—you’re now a Soldier.
The graduation ceremony itself is a significant event, and it signifies the transition from civilian to soldier.
Recruits often participate in a formal pass and review, demonstrating your newly acquired skills and discipline. The event is typically characterized by pride, camaraderie and a sense of accomplishment, both for the you and your loved ones.
After graduation, you'll move on to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for your respective military occupational specialty (MOS) training.
What Do I Need For Graduation?Final Week of BCTThis is where Soldiers become experts.
Once you've finished BCT, life in the military begins. You'll learn what to do with your paperwork, move into your assigned Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and begin studying your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). This can vary significantly in length depending on your Army job.
In all likelihood, unless you’re in One Station Unit Training (OSUT), your AIT will be at a different post from your BCT.
At the time you leave for AIT, you’ll have graduated from BCT and will have been trained for every Soldier’s primary responsibility—being a combat rifleman.
During AIT, you’ll learn your secondary area of responsibility, your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Upon completion of AIT, you will be MOS Qualified, or MOSQ.
What's AIT Like?Avg. 7-13 Weeks, But Can Be LongerAfter you successfully complete the requirements of AIT, you’ll graduate from your school and be given a short break, typically ten days, before you join your unit and officially begin work.
You’ll also be given your training record to bring back to your new duty station.
Do NOT lose this training record.
In many cases, this paperwork is irreplaceable. If you lose the paperwork, you lose the proof of what training you’ve completed. There is no way of getting it back.
Save your training record, and hand it in immediately when you get back to your new unit.
After your AIT graduation, you will continue to train in your chosen field and on the basic soldier task taught during your initial training. You will work side-by-side with experienced Soldiers who will help develop your technical and tactical skills.
Day 1 (of Your New Army Career)Congratulations, you took the first step!
Recruiters will help you find the right career for you to ensure you’re set up for success in your future military career.
Pre-enlistment PeriodIndependent research is crucial when deciding to join the military. It helps with:
Informed Decision:
Understand the military's demands and challenges.
Branch and Role Selection:
Find the right fit for your interests and skills.
Commitment:
Learn about service duration.
Training and Benefits:
Explore educational and financial opportunities.
Culture and Values:
Assess alignment with branch culture.
Fitness and Health:
Know physical requirements.
Speaking with Recruiters:
Ask informed questions.
After your career path has been chosen, you're prepared to partake in the Oath of Enlistment. During this solemn pledge, you commit to safeguarding the United States Constitution and adhering to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Loved ones are encouraged to witness this moment and capture it in photographs.
"I, (name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the president of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
What Happens at MEPS?Enlistment DateCongratulations, you’re about to become the best version of yourself.
As a new Soldier, your ship date determines your next steps. If it’s several days away, you just need to pack and await travel instructions. If it’s several weeks away, there are a few specific things you’ll need to do.
Either way, you should check in with your recruiter once every two weeks while you wait for your ship date to arrive. It’s also important to be responsive when your recruiter reaches out to you.
Next, you'l become part of the Future Soldier Program while you wait for your ship date.
How Can I Prepare?Day 1The Future Soldier Program, also called the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), lets Soldiers join the Army now and ship out at a later date.
The program is popular among high schoolers and other candidates who need some time to finish their current commitments. As part of the program, participants attend weekly meetings and complete Future Soldier training while they wait for their ship date to arrive.
You'll typically be in the program for 3-6 months, but that can be less or more depending on when you enlist and your ship date.
Learn MoreEst. 3-6 MonthsYou’ll need to take only a few basic things when you head off to basic training — everything else will be provided for you. Your recruiter will give you a list of what you must take and what you definitely shouldn’t pack. Basic training is your first chance to follow orders, so read your recruit packet carefully and pack only what’s listed.
What Should I Pack?2-4 Weeks Prior to Ship DateThe day you ship out to Basic Training is your first official day as a Soldier. Here are a few things you can expect on the big day.
What do I Need to Know?Ship DateIn the first phase of Basic Training, or the Yellow Phase, you'll start to adapt to Army life and learn about discipline, teamwork, Army programs, traditions, and more. Your first weeks will include:
Core Values:
Learn Army values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage
Physical Training:
Begin physical and tactical military training
First Aid & Army Programs:
Learn life-saving skills for combat and get briefed on sexual harassment prevention programs
During the second phase, known as the Red Phase, you'll train to handle weapons and equipment, as well as learn other hands-on aspects of being a Soldier. These weeks include:
Weaponry:
Begin training with your assigned weapon
Combat Skills:
Learn hand-to-hand combat skills
Obstacle Courses:
Build confidence and teamwork by navigating obstacle courses and other terrain
In the third phase, also called the White Phase, you'll begin training with your rifle and mastering how to work effectively within your small team. These weeks include:
Rifle Basics:
Show your skills and understanding of basic rifle marksmanship, maintenance, and target engagement
Combat Development:
Learn hand-to-hand training and how to prioritize multiple targets
Field Training:
Complete a two-day, two-night field training exercise known as The Anvil
In the last phase, or the Blue Phase, you'll refine and apply everything you've learned so far, as well as complete your final rite of passage from civilian to Soldier. Your final weeks will include:
Advanced Weaponry:
Learn how to handle more advanced weaponry, like machine guns and grenades
Marksmanship:
Continue advanced marksmanship and maneuvering
Navigation Course:
Carry out a multiple-day land navigation course to test your survival, fitness, and Soldier skills
The final week of BCT is about Soldiers and their families.
After you finish the final training events, you'll receive a day with your family to catch up on your recent experiences—and you'll have plenty to discuss. The next day, you'll graduate.
Congratulations—you’re now a Soldier.
The graduation ceremony itself is a significant event, and it signifies the transition from civilian to soldier.
Recruits often participate in a formal pass and review, demonstrating your newly acquired skills and discipline. The event is typically characterized by pride, camaraderie and a sense of accomplishment, both for the you and your loved ones.
After graduation, you'll move on to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for your respective military occupational specialty (MOS) training.
What Do I Need For Graduation?Final Week of BCTThis is where Soldiers become experts.
Once you've finished BCT, life in the military begins. You'll learn what to do with your paperwork, move into your assigned Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and begin studying your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). This can vary significantly in length depending on your Army job.
In all likelihood, unless you’re in One Station Unit Training (OSUT), your AIT will be at a different post from your BCT.
At the time you leave for AIT, you’ll have graduated from BCT and will have been trained for every Soldier’s primary responsibility—being a combat rifleman.
During AIT, you’ll learn your secondary area of responsibility, your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Upon completion of AIT, you will be MOS Qualified, or MOSQ.
What's AIT Like?Avg. 7-13 Weeks, But Can Be LongerAfter you successfully complete the requirements of AIT, you’ll graduate from your school and be given a short break, typically ten days, before you join your unit and officially begin work.
You’ll also be given your training record to bring back to your new duty station.
Do NOT lose this training record.
In many cases, this paperwork is irreplaceable. If you lose the paperwork, you lose the proof of what training you’ve completed. There is no way of getting it back.
Save your training record, and hand it in immediately when you get back to your new unit.
After your AIT graduation, you will continue to train in your chosen field and on the basic soldier task taught during your initial training. You will work side-by-side with experienced Soldiers who will help develop your technical and tactical skills.
Day 1 (of Your New Army Career)