What is Basic Training like?

Question

I'd like to find out what the Army's Basic Training program is like, because I'm interested in going through it.

Here's the catch. I don't want to be a soldier. I want to be in the U.S. Army Field Band. I'm a musician, and I like the benefits that the Army band provides. Still, even to play trombone for them, they require you to go through the 8-9 week basic training program, and I'm not sure that I'd survive. I haven't even played a sport since 8th grade.

I went to the goarmy website, but the only specifics about physical ability that I could find were an 8.5 minute mile time, and the ability to make it through a 15km march by the end of the program.

So, I'd like to hear a bit more. How many pushups/situps would I have to do at a time? In a day? How often and how far do they make you run? How much sleep/downtime you you get? What about weights and lifting?

Anything you could tell me about the physical requirements (and recommendations) would be appreciated.

Answer 1

If you are a guy, you will have to run faster than 8.5 minute miles. You do a lot of PT (Physical Training) and they will get you into to shape by the final PT test. The PT test consists of a 2-mile run, 2 minutes of pushups and 2 minutes of situps.

You run almost every day, not much weights.

You will not get any real downtime. A little on Sundays, but not much. You get about 6-7 hours of sleep most nights, but if you have guard duty, that could be less.

On another note, if you are not 100% committed to becoming a SOLDIER, and not just a musician, I would not go to basic because you will be miserable and probably won't make it. Just my two cents.

Answer 2

While I can't give you the specifics, I do know that it is a very rigorous training. It's designed to toughen you up in the event of a seizure by the enemy, and to prepare you for battle, and to endure the atrocities of war. Even though you don't want to be a soldier per se, everyone in the Military is treated equally and required to go through bootcamp. There is no favoritism or special treatment rendered to anyone who is accepted into any branch of the service. If you feel you cannot meet the requirements -- even though you may never need them, then you may have to rethink joining the Army, and render your talents to a civilian musical endeavor. I think the military does require a physical exam in order to qualify, however. If you have some kind of mental or physical disability, you are automatically disqualified. It may seem unfair, but I believe that's how the system works. Good luck!

Answer 3

I understand there is a differtent setup for basic training for musicians.a clarinet player with a broken finger or a french horn player with a tooth knocked out is not exactly what we want.
I am not 100% positive, but Ithink there's a modified basic training program for people like you. Don't hold me to it.

Answer 4

I would recommend you try out for the Air Force band. The Army is in the business of training soldiers, that is what they do. The needs of the mission come first. That is one of the first things you will learn.

Answer 5

Basic training separates the boys from the men.

Answer 6

It is nothing like you have been through before think about how hard football practice was and triple that.

Answer 7

If you have to ask it probably isn't right for you.

Answer 8

Eight weeks of hell.