What kind of training will my son or daughter receive?

Training is what makes your son or daughter into a Soldier. It prepares your young adult for the solid career you've always hoped he or she would achieve. It also helps protect their safety. After all, success depends on preparedness. That's why no Soldier is ever put into a situation before he or she has been trained to handle it.

Army training is comprehensive-and ongoing. From the nine weeks of Basic Combat Training to learning valuable job skills at Advanced Individual Training to developing character and confidence, training is a constant.

Basic Combat Training (BCT) is a nine-week program designed to introduce discipline, develop mental and physical strength, improve endurance, teach a variety of skills and build camaraderie and self-confidence. In other words, BCT turns civilians into Soldiers in the U.S. Army—the best fighting force in the world.

Read about the Army Basic Combat Training experience in the article "The Army We Have".

Here are some of the things covered in BCT:

• Introduction to Basic Combat Training
• Phase 1: Red
• Phase 2: White
• Phase 3: Blue
• Graduation

After your son or daughter completes Basic Combat Training, he or she is ready for the next step. Advanced Individual Training (AIT) is where a Soldier learns the skills to perform an Army job.

At one of the many diverse AIT schools, hands-on training and field instruction makes your young adult an expert in his or her specific career field. He or she will gain the discipline and work ethic necessary for whatever path lies ahead. Many AIT schools even offer certifications for civilian jobs.

For Soldiers who want to advance even further, Specialized Schools are available to those who meet the right criteria. These schools will develop your son or daughter personally and professionally, providing the skills to help in an Army career and beyond. From language and management training to advanced leadership and survival skills, the knowledge received at these schools will help prepare Soldiers for nearly any mission in life.

Leadership is crucial to the success of the U.S. Army. The most effective leaders "lead from the front"–they lead by example in thought, word and deed. Soldiers who choose Leadership Training are making it clear that they wish to take on more responsibility and thus rise in rank. The Army provides many opportunities for Soldiers to learn how to improve their leadership and teamwork skills.