Is boot camp always required?

Question

I want to join the military but don't want to go through bootcamp. I just hate having to part with my family and going through the torture of PT and drill sergeants. Are there jobs I can have in the military that require no bootcamp? My husband had mentioned that doctors and nurses with degrees of course don't need bootcamp...is this true?

Answer 1

I'm afraid that bootcamp is required for all enlisted personnel. That is if you want to be part of the Army as a new recruit. The Airforce has the same system. The Navy is a little different, but they have their own basic training. The Marines are very similar to the Army, although some say they're tougher. I disagree.

If you want to join the military without going through the hardships of basic training, you might want to consider going to one of the Academies. There you will become and officer of any of the United States Armed Forces. However, it is a big commitment and it also depends on how old you are and your grades in school.

If you don't want to go through military training at all, but you want to form part of the military, there are several jobs you can apply for depending on you field of studies. However, you will form part of the military as a civilian and not military personnel. So, this might be your best option.

If you have any questions, get on the US Army page and look for the nearest office in your area and talk to a counselor. He can give you all the information you need and maybe you might think about joining the Army. It's a great experience and you'll have money for college and other benefits.

Answer 2

Everyone that joins the military has to do Basic Training. If you think the Drill Sergeants are tough, you won't be able to handle the military life. That's just the part that prepares you for real everyday military life. I suggest you take another route because the military isn't for you. Depending on the branch and the job, you'll spend good portions of your career away from your family. That includes doctors and nurses. They deploy to foreign countries too. PT is also a part of every military career. You have to pass regular scheduled PT tests. Doctors and nurses do PT as well, unless they're civilians working for the military.

If you want to work with the military so bad, get a job working for the Government. A Department of Defense or Department of Army job or similar. That's not always an easy life either since that's what you seem to be looking for.

Answer 3

You DO realize that PT never ends, you must pass a PRT(Physical Readiness test) twice a year and many commands require mandadtory PT daily. and what would you do when you deploy for 6 months or LONGER?! suddenly the 9 weeks or so of basic training doesn't seem like so much, does it?!

If you are NOT willing to do what's necessary and make the sacrifices needed, then you would NOT be welcome in the military, nor would you be an asset.

and no, your husband is not entirely correct. Lawyers and Medical personnel attend a truncated form of OCS.. slightly less emphasis on the physical, slightly more emphasis on the military culture(rank structure, etc).. BUT.. Physical standards STILL apply, and they too get deployed.

Think about what you are asking.. you want to do none of the work, yet reap all of the rewrads. ....

Answer 4

Yes boot camp is required. In some units you have to carry a back pack weighing 50+ lbs. an LBE(Load Bearing Equipment) an M-16, and a kevlar helmet on 12 mile road marches. Being in the military is not only doing a job sitting behind a computer screen. There are Humvees to be serviced, field equipment to be cleaned, and so on and so on. People need to be in top condition.....mentally and physically. If your not prepared to be away from your family for extended periods of time...then the military is not for you.

Answer 5

BS band members are infrantymen period when they are not being used as the band. As for the Marines ever hear the term "Every Marine a Rifleman" so how do you think they learn to use that rifle without some sort of "entry" training????

So you want to be in the military without boot camp well goody for you I guess the military should just bend over backwards and let everyone join who wants too under the conditions THEY dictate.

I want to be a brain surgeon but don't want to spend the 12 years in college to do so. Is there another way.

Even doctors and nurses and those with degrees attend what is known as OCS school which is a Basic Training of sorts for Officers. Besides every unit you get assigned to after BASIC still does PT and your required to take and pass a PT test every 6 months. As for parting with the family what are you going to do if deployed, sent TDY, out to the field for training etc pack them in a duffle bag to carry with you.

Answer 6

Are there jobs I can have in the military that require no bootcamp?

Yes, a position in a military band or as a chaplain. As a musician, you need to attend a school to learn military protocol. As a chaplain, you need to attend a school for military chaplains.

Answer 7

Everybody gets some form of Bootcamp .

Answer 8

Boot camp...is a Marine term. I can't comment on what the Corps does or does not do...
The Army, has BCT, Basic Combat Training.
Enlistees will go through some form of this...period.

Answer 9

Yes! Most professional people forgo boot camp, however they are required to take a 6 week familiarization course, instead.

Recently, my daughter, who wants to go to medical school, and has a degree in biology, approached the US Navy about their program regarding medical school. Here's the deal as I understand it.
1) She need to be accepted by a medical school of her choice.
2) She joins the navy as a commissioned officer (Ensign), and completes a 6 week familiarization coarse.
3) While in medical school, she serves in the navy during the summer months, when school is out.
4) The navy pays for medical school, plus gives her a stipend to live on.
5) Following medical school, and while she is serving her internship, she also serves as a navy doctor, full time. She is obligated to serve in the navy for four years, following graduation from medical school. She can fulfill her navy obligation and her internship, simultaneously. Not a bad deal!

Other professions, such as nurses, chaplains, lawyers, dentists, etc., are basically offered the same program, in terms of not serving in boot camp. The rank of full lieutenant, in the navy is offered to fully qualified individuals, not requiring further schooling.

Answer 10

Bootacamp is required in any military branch. It helps develop weapon skills, all skills necessary. Dont be afraid of the drill sergeants, they arent that bad!