Army Considers Tougher Basic Training

Senior leaders in the United States Army are working to make basic training tougher for new recruits following a recent report that showed new soldiers are out of shape and lack discipline. They are considering a plan that would extend basic training by two weeks. Currently, Basic Combat Training lasts ten weeks and is broken down into three phases. 

The first phase focuses on teaching new recruits drills and ceremonies while giving them hand-to-hand combat and first aid training. They also learn the seven core values of the Army. In the second phase, they are taught how to use a multitude of weapons and focus on team building and working together. In the final phase, they learn nighttime battle tactics and must pass the Army Physical Fitness Test.

The new plan would focus on strict discipline with an added emphasis on drills and ceremonies. They are also considering replacing the Army Physical Fitness Test with a Combat Readiness Test which would be tougher to pass. 

Speaking at the Association of the United States Army's Global Force Symposium Secretary of the Army Mark Esper said the changes are necessary because "the soldiers we recruit today will be our company commanders and platoon sergeants."

"A decade from now, the soldiers we recruit today will be our company commanders and platoon sergeants. That's why we are considering several initiatives, to a new physical fitness regime to reforming and extending basic training in order to ensure our young men and women are prepared for the rigors of high-intensity combat" 

Military officials hope to start implementing the tougher basic training this summer. 

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