5 Army Basic Training Centers To Know

The United States Army Basic Training Centers, also known as Basic Combat Training (BCT) centers, are facilities where new recruits go to undergo their initial training to become soldiers. These centers are crucial in transforming civilians into capable and confident soldiers, equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to serve in the Army. There are several BCT centers located throughout the United States, each with its unique characteristics and training environments. Here are five Army Basic Training Centers to know:

1. Fort Jackson, South Carolina

Fort Jackson, located in Columbia, South Carolina, is the largest of all the Army Basic Training Centers. It has a long history dating back to 1917 and has trained over 50% of all Army soldiers since its inception. The base is home to the U.S. Army Training Center and is the main training facility for Basic Combat Training. Recruits trained at Fort Jackson go through a rigorous 10-week training program that includes physical fitness, combat skills, and leadership development.

Training at Fort Jackson

Fort Jackson is known for its challenging training environment, which includes:

Obstacle courses and confidence-building exercises
Marksmanship training and live-fire exercises
First aid and combat lifesaver training
Map reading and navigation skills
Team-building and leadership development exercises

2. Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

Fort Leonard Wood, located in the Missouri Ozarks, is another major Army Basic Training Center. The base is home to the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and the U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) School. Recruits trained at Fort Leonard Wood go through a 10-week training program that focuses on CBRN defense, engineering, and military police skills.

Training at Fort Leonard Wood

Fort Leonard Wood is known for its unique training environment, which includes:

CBRN defense training and live-agent exercises
Engineering skills training, including construction and demolition
Military police training, including law enforcement and corrections
Map reading and navigation skills
Team-building and leadership development exercises

3. Fort Benning, Georgia

Fort Benning, located in Columbus, Georgia, is a major Army Basic Training Center and the home of the U.S. Army Infantry School. The base is also home to the U.S. Army Ranger School and the U.S. Army Airborne School. Recruits trained at Fort Benning go through a 10-week training program that focuses on infantry skills, including marksmanship, first aid, and combat tactics.

Training at Fort Benning

Fort Benning is known for its challenging training environment, which includes:

Infantry skills training, including marksmanship and first aid
Combat tactics training, including urban warfare and reconnaissance
Obstacle courses and confidence-building exercises
Map reading and navigation skills
Team-building and leadership development exercises

4. Fort Sill, Oklahoma

Fort Sill, located in Lawton, Oklahoma, is an Army Basic Training Center that focuses on artillery training. The base is home to the U.S. Army Field Artillery School and the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School. Recruits trained at Fort Sill go through a 10-week training program that includes artillery skills, including gunnery and fire direction.

Training at Fort Sill

Fort Sill is known for its unique training environment, which includes:

Artillery skills training, including gunnery and fire direction
Air defense training, including surface-to-air missile systems
Map reading and navigation skills
Team-building and leadership development exercises
Obstacle courses and confidence-building exercises

5. Fort Knox, Kentucky

Fort Knox, located in Fort Knox, Kentucky, is an Army Basic Training Center that focuses on armor and cavalry training. The base is home to the U.S. Army Armor School and the U.S. Army Cavalry School. Recruits trained at Fort Knox go through a 10-week training program that includes armor and cavalry skills, including tank operations and reconnaissance.

Training at Fort Knox

Fort Knox is known for its challenging training environment, which includes:

Armor skills training, including tank operations and maintenance
Cavalry skills training, including reconnaissance and scouting
Map reading and navigation skills
Team-building and leadership development exercises
Obstacle courses and confidence-building exercises

Gallery of Army Basic Training Centers

Army Basic Training Centers Image Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Army Basic Training?

Army Basic Training, also known as Basic Combat Training (BCT), is the initial training that new recruits undergo to become soldiers in the United States Army.

How long does Army Basic Training last?

Army Basic Training typically lasts for 10 weeks.

What are the different types of Army Basic Training Centers?

There are several types of Army Basic Training Centers, including infantry, artillery, armor, and cavalry training centers.

What skills do recruits learn during Army Basic Training?

Recruits learn a variety of skills during Army Basic Training, including marksmanship, first aid, combat tactics, map reading, and leadership development.

Can I choose which Army Basic Training Center I attend?

No, you cannot choose which Army Basic Training Center you attend. You will be assigned to a training center based on your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and the needs of the Army.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the different Army Basic Training Centers and what to expect during training. Remember to stay motivated and focused throughout your training, and don't hesitate to ask questions or seek help when needed. Good luck on your journey to becoming a soldier in the United States Army!