From Citizen to Soldier in Nine Weeks

The Army uses the “Go/No Go” performance testing system, which ensures you learn basic soldiering skills thoroughly and accurately. Simply put, if you get a “No/Go” on a performance test, you will be required to repeat that training. The challenges will be tough, but remember, you will not be asked to do anything you cannot do. The Army National Guard understands that no one becomes a Soldier overnight. Every new Soldier goes through a normal period of adjustment and growth. You are not expected to do it alone; you have the support of your family, your friends, and your fellow Soldiers. With determination and drive, you will succeed. Typically, basic combat training will take nine weeks . . . sure to be nine of the most amazing weeks of your life!

Week One

The commencement of your military training starts with various physical exercises and plenty of running, all meant to adjust your body to basic training and get it into shape.

You will start learning the Manual of Arms of the M-16 rifle. This is the Army Drill and Ceremonies.

You will find out what guard duty is all about — including the composition, purpose, and duties of a guard, and the meaning of General and Special Orders.

You may start on your Basic Rifle Marksmanship Course and learn the function and nomenclature of your rifle — how to assemble, disassemble, clean the weapon, and adjust the sight.

You will learn to prepare for, and have, your first barracks inspection. Should your first inspection not be good enough, do not worry — you will get better.

Week Two

There will be more PT, including new exercises, wind sprints, and yet more running.

You will be completely trained in the care and use of your basic weapon — the M-16. Marksmanship training is emphasized and you are introduced to the bayonet and basic bayonet movements. You are introduced to the various firing positions, range procedure, coaching, steady hold factors, and the use of scorecards.

Your second week ends with preparation for inspection of your platoon formation.

Week Three

This week is devoted almost entirely to rifle marksmanship. You will practice firing from all positions, rapid reloading, rapid fire, moving with a loaded weapon, sight adjustment, firing at surprise targets, and aiming points.

You will also get in some practical PT. You will be paired off in simulated hand-to-hand combat and grass drills.

Another inspection comes up, too, conducted in ranks, with and without weapons.

Week Four

It is time for M-16 rifle qualifications, also called firing-for-record. This is when all your practice will pay off. The best marksmen are recognized for their superior shooting skills. You could earn an expert, sharpshooter, or a marksman badge if you meet the qualification guidelines.

Additionally, you will make tactical daylight marches, learn security and dispersion discipline, practice guerrilla-training exercises, and pair off in simulated hand-to-hand combat.

You will do more running, wind sprints, and pull-ups.

Another weekly inspection finishes off this week. It will be conducted in ranks, with weapons.

Week Five

Now you are more than halfway there . . .

This week, you will be camping in bivouacs; living in tents and mastering soldiering skills in the field. You learn basic first aid, camouflage, and how to take cover and set up defensive positions. You will continue to master your M-16 and will shoot at a night-fire exercise. Even in the field, you will continue with the PT, bayonet drills, and hand-to-hand combat training.

Inspection of your living areas and weapons this week is tough and exacting: at this point in your basic combat training, so are you.

Weeks Six and Seven

Now, the training intensifies and the pace quickens as you prepare for your final proficiency tests.

Night training includes a tactical march, and possibly an infiltration course. You will learn about other weapons — machine guns, grenade launchers, and mines. Map and compass reading, judging terrain, and determining distance and direction are also part of the sixth and seventh-training weeks.

PT is now a general review of physical contact exercises. In fact, you will review everything you have learned; you will be amazed at how natural it has become.

Inspections will include a display of field gear, a check of foot and wall lockers, in ranks with weapons, and a thorough inspection of the barracks.

Week Eight

You are almost there. Your M-16 now responds to your command. You have met and mastered the physical and mental challenges. Now there is another, larger component of soldiering that you will also master: character.

Character is the foundation for all you will do as a Soldier and all you can become. Throughout your training, your character will be strengthened by learning and living the seven Army Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. These Values are the collective conscience of a unified military team. These Values tell the ARNG Soldier who you need to be and what actions you should take in duty. These Values teach every Soldier that they serve the United States of America. Soldiers, although diverse, share a unified, disciplined, patriotic identity. You serve a greater cause - the support and defense of the United States Constitution.

You will study Army National Guard ethics and standards of conduct. You will study human awareness, race relations, and prevention of sexual harassment. You will know, through honoring duty and country, the legacy of those who served before you.

Week Nine

Welcome to the homestretch. All of your training has been directed toward these final days — and it pays off in all of your proficiency tests! You are not struggling through your push-ups and sit-ups anymore. You feel better, mentally and physically, than you ever have before.

Finally, the day that you have been working for comes: graduation! You will put on your Class A uniform and march proudly onto the parade field. It is an honorable occasion for you and your family.

You have made it . . . you are an Army National Guard Soldier.