What is Boot Camp Training?

Boot camp training is a technique used by many military organizations around the world. Intense mental and physical pressure are placed upon recruits in order to properly train them with all of the skills necessary to succeed and to weed out any recruits who are unfit for military service. After completing four distinct phases, a recruit will be physically fit enough, mentally strong enough and educated enough to become a productive member of the military. Boot camps traditionally are very difficult to complete. Recruits of the United States Marines, for example, have a 40 percent failure rate at boot camp training.

Many military organization use the term "basic training" instead of "boot camp training," but they essentially are the same no matter what name is used. All are led by a drill sergeant or training instructor. These people are responsible for leading a group of recruits from the basic learning stages to the completion tests during a six- to 12-week camp.

For the United States Marines and many other military groups, the first phase of boot camp training begins when cadets are accepted. The initial four-week period is aimed at giving the cadets a military mindset by teaching them marching, putting them through strenuous physical workouts and issuing them weapons. Physical military techniques are not the only focus, because cadets also must memorize things such as the history of the particular military organization, rank structure and various creeds. As this training occurs, the drill sergeant helps the cadets learn the policies, culture and rules of military life.

The second phase of boot camp training focuses more on military maneuvers, because cadets should have a basic understanding of their daily role at this point. Marksmanship and teamwork exercises are the focus of this period, with shooting contests, tugs of war and obstacle course races. Cadets also are given jobs around the camp, such as cleanup duty or working in the kitchen.

The third phase of boot camp training is more combat-oriented than the first two. During this time, recruits are forced to learn to fire under dangerous conditions. Hand-to-hand combat techniques also are taught, as are the basics of military fighting strategy. Map reading, wilderness training, repelling and other skills also are learned at this point. This is considered the polishing stage to prepare recruits for entering daily military life at this point.

The final phase is an exit exam of sorts, known as The Crucible by the United States Marines and by other names by different military organizations. These tests differ, but they generally challenge recruits on everything they learned during the previous weeks of boot camp training. The Crucible, for example, consists of 72 hours of combat simulation, teamwork challenges, mental tests and physically strenuous exercises. Successful completion of all four stages of boot camp training results in acceptance into the military.