Hey everyone, as an alternative to going straight into college, I've been exploring the possibility of joining the military first. Do all branches of the military require you to go through boot camp or is it just specific ones?
Yes, every branch of the United States military requires recruits to go through a version of basic military training, also popularly known as boot camp. This training is necessary to give new recruits foundational knowledge and skills in their chosen branch of service. However, the specifics of training differ depending on the branch:
- Army recruits attend Basic Combat Training (BCT), a 10-week training program.
- Navy recruits attend Boot Camp, an 10-week program.
- Air Force recruits enlist in Basic Military Training (BMT), which lasts around 8.5 weeks.
- Marine Corps recruits go through the Marine Corps Recruit Training (MCRT), which is a 13-week program.
- Coast Guard recruits attend an eight-week Basic Training program.
- Lastly, for the newest branch, Space Force, their enlisted personnel go through the Air Force’s Basic Military Training.
The main thing to note is that while the length and exact training regimens might vary, boot camp in every branch is designed to transform you from a civilian to a soldier, sailor, airman, marine, or guardian, instilling in you the values, standards, and skills to serve effectively and responsibly in your chosen military career.
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