Army Basic???

Question

What do you think about this?? http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,152237,00.html
I’ll summarize for all you lazy people, basically the article says that the US Army is extending its Basic Training from 9 to 10 weeks for all five training stations starting Nov. 9. I think this is a good thing but the Army should extend it Basic at least 2 to 3 weeks, at least for the Infantry and Mechanized Infantry. So that way they can be sure that those soldiers have learned there tasks and have more time to training in urban combat. What do you think??

Answer 1

I think you misunderstand the purpose of Basic Training. Basic is for all new Soldiers, no matter what MOS they will be going into. As such it must cover the skills and drills that every Soldier must know and be able to perform.

The primary reason for extending BCT one additional week is to give new recruits just that much longer to meet the Physical Training standards. If most would bebefit form only one more week than that is much better than recycling a PT failure through a whole new 9 week class, which is what happens.

From BCT new troops go on to Advanced Individual Training. There tehy learn the specific functions of their job. Infantry AIT is an additional 12 weeks. Human Resources Clerk is 7. Intelligence Analyst is 39. (These may have changed since last I knew.)

Answer 2

Why stop at an additional one-three weeks? Make recruit training a 26 week endeavor. Or even longer, like in the Royal Marines or Foreign Legion.

After all, the more the better, right?

Oh, if only that were the case. I don't think any of the other people answering this question have even read the source. It's only a pilot system lasting less than half a year, and does not add any additional tasks or training - just an extra week to do everything else by.

If they could do it all before, I don't see the need to tack on an extra week unless there's more work to do. And by all rights, a recruit should be fit enough for the Army before he even gets on the bus for training.

Answer 3

I think you're right, and I am surprised that it was only 9 weeks. Back in 68 Marine traingin was 12 weeks minimum and extended to another 4 weeks or 16 weeks depending on your MOS!

Answer 4

Basic training teaches trainees basic tasks.

Most of the MOUT tasks are taught at the unit level, so that you can train with the squad, section, platoon or company that you are going to go to battle with. MOUT tasks take months to train and refine, so that when you eventually go to war you won't get a bunch of soldiers killed.

Answer 5

i totally agree with you,, as an ex marine,, ive seen too many greenies(raw recruits) come in with very little confidence in themselves. i think a little longer in training will give then this confidence as well as a little more hands on experience.. what you learn on the base is not what really happens out in the field.. the kids need all the help they can get.. their lives and the lives of others depend on it..

Answer 6

Most go from basic training to some other type of training depending on the specialty they chose.
My son is on Officer & he was trained over 2 years. Okay he is a Ranger too But even his basic training & my nephews
training went on to sniper & jump schools & they are not Officers.

Answer 7

It is a very wise decision. The more prepared our warriors are the more effective they will be. More power to them.

Answer 8

If they are going to use these guys like riflemen they owe it to them to train them like riflemen.

Answer 9

Way to go!!!!why not 16???

Answer 10

thars good