Basic Training – Initial Military Training

Basic Training is the initial period of training for new military personnel typified by intense physical activity, psychological stress and the development of social cohesion.^[1] Besides physical fitness and basic soldiering skills, the larger goal is to transform a recruit or draftee from a civilian to a military mindset.^[2]

Initial Military Training Logo

United States Army Initial Military Training Center of Excellence

The United States Army Initial Military Training (DCG, IMT) organization was created by an act of Congress on September 24, 2009; under the US Army Training and Doctrine Command located at Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia. The Initial Military Training Center of Excellence (IMT CoE) was created as a separate, stand-alone organization to maintain senior-level oversight of training related issues. The IMT CoE's intent is to motivate Soldiers to become dedicated, productive, and qualify in warrior tasks. The knowledge and the training conducted during this period of time teaches Soldiers about the Army's place in a democratic society, inspires the warrior ethos and introduces the Army Values.^[3]

The IMT CoE is the official command component responsible Army's Initial Entry Training (IET); which is commonly referred to as "Basic Training" or BCT for enlisted soldiers. The term "Boot Camp" pertains to the United States Marine Corps. The IMT CoE develops policies to improve and standardize training for Basic Combat Training (BCT), Advanced Individual Training (AIT), One Station Unit Training (OSUT) and the second phase of the Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC).^[4][5]

IMT CoE Mission

In 2013, the IMT CoE mission, vision and commander's intent were stated as:

IMT CoE Mission

Initial Military Training conducts Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, One Station Unit Training, Warrant Officer Basic, and the Basic Officer Leadership Course in order to transform civilian volunteers into Soldiers who can contribute to their first units of assignment.^[6]

IMT CoE Vision

Initial Military Training, a proud legacy of training and inspiring American Soldiers, is committed to transforming volunteers, while at the same time providing the highest quality of life and care for our Soldiers, Families, and Civilians.^[6]

Commander's Intent

Purpose:

To instill the skills, knowledge, and attributes required for Soldiers to contribute to their first units of assignment.

Key Tasks:

• Transform civilian volunteers into soldiers
• Train to standard / Consistency of output
• Take care of Soldiers, families, and civilians
• Conduct Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program (SHARP), Hazing prevention, and Suicide prevention training
• Reduce leader indiscipline
• Emphasize “Soldier Athlete” (Physical Training, Musculoskeletal Action Team pilots, Soldier Fueling, Master Fitness Trainer Course).^[6]

IMT CoE Endstate:

Soldiers who are physically ready, grounded in Army values, and competent in their skills to contribute to their first units of assignment; well trained and agile cadre who can return to the operational force with improved leadership skills; Cadre, families, and civilians who are cared for by quality programs.

Success in IMT is defined as:

• Soldiers and Junior Leaders who live the Army Values, who are disciplined and motivated, are competent in their initial military and MOS/branch skills, and are physically ready;
• Cadre who model the Warrior Ethos, are expert trainers and mentors, and are physically ready;
• Training and Education that is standardized to ensure consistency, relevant to the Operational Environment (OE), and mentally and physically rigorous;
• Soldiers, Families, and Civilians who are resilient to meet the demands of Army service and are cared for by quality programs.^[7]

IMT CoE Major Subordinate Organizations

1. Basic Combat Training Center of Excellence, Fort Jackson, SC
2. 80th Training Command (TASS), Richmond, VA
3. 108th Training Command (IET), Charlotte, NC

Commanders

1. LTG Mark P. Hertling 24 September 2009 – 8 March 2011
2. MG Richard Longo 9 March 2011 - 2 March 2012
3. MG Bradley May 3 March 2012 – present

External links

• DCG, IMT and IMT CoE website (contains more information on Basic Combat Training and Basic Officer Leadership Course)
• IMT Facebook Page (contains more information on Basic Combat Training and Basic Officer Leadership Course)
• Basic Combat Training
• Advanced Individual Training
• 80th Training Command (TASS)
• 108th Training Command (IET)

References

1. "Mental Preparation For Military Basic Training". AllSands. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
2. "Basic Combat Training". US Army. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
3. "The Seven Army Values". US Army Center of Military History website. US Army. 27 June 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
4. "Basic Combat Training". Go Strong - US Army website. US Army. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
5. "Advanced Individual Training". Go Strong - US Army website. US Army. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
6. "DCG, IMT Home". United States Army Training and Doctrine Command Office of the DCG, Initial Military Training website. United States Army. 3 January 2013. Retrieved 13 February 2010.
7. "About DCG, IMT". United States Army Training and Doctrine Command Office of the DCG, Initial Military Training website. United States Army. 3 January 2013. Retrieved 13 February 2010.