Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will I be in Basic Training?
2. What is "OSUT"?
3. How do I get to Fort Benning?
4. What are the Drill Sergeants like?
5. What kind of shape do I need to be in ?
6. Do I have to be a high school graduate to join the Army ?
7. What is "Turning Blue"?
8. Where will I live?
9. Where will I eat?
10. What kind of medical care will I receive?
11. Will I be able to get life insurance?
12. Can I bring a car with me?
13. What happens when I first arrive at Fort Benning?
14. What happens when I graduate?
15. What are the Graduation Requirements?
16. How can my family or parents get in contact with me?
17. If I change my mind, can I leave?



How long will I be in Basic Training?

Basic Training for all Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) in the Army lasts nine weeks. Infantry OSUT lasts from 14 to 16 weeks, depending on your Infantry MOS.


What is "OSUT"?

Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT) combines Basic Training (BT) with Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in one location at Fort Benning. Soldiers stay with the same class throughout Infantry training. Unlike many other MOSs, Soldiers do not have to move to another installation after BT to complete AIT.


How do I get to Fort Benning?

Click on this link for maps:

MAP


What are the Drill Sergeants like?

Drill Sergeants are non-commissioned officers, usually with more than 10 years of experience in the Army, who have been selected by the Department of the Army for Drill Sergeant duty. They are picked from the top 10% of all soldiers in the Army. The Drill Sergeants will teach you the skills you need to survive on the modern battlefield. They are strict but also fair. You will not find more professional, dedicated people anywhere else in the world.


What kind of shape do I need to be in?

Report in good shape, period. It will make your life a lot easier. Good shape means that you can perform about 42 push-ups, 52 sit-ups, and a 2-mile run in under 17 minutes. Click this link to find out more:

GET IN SHAPE FATBOY


Do I have to be a high school graduate to join the Army?

No. Click this link to find out more:

U.S. Army Recruiting


What is "Turning Blue"?

"Turning Blue" is a ceremony where Infantry Soldiers who have earned the right by meeting course requirements are awarded their Blue Infantry Cords and special blue backing for the Infantry insignia they will wear on their Class A uniforms.



Where will I live?

You will live in a battalion training complex on Sand Hill in Fort Benning. These training complexes consist of headquarters administrative areas, classrooms, supply rooms, arms rooms, a dining facility, and billeting, all under one roof.


Where will I eat?

You will eat in a dining facility while in garrison. While in the field during training, you will eat Hot A Rations or Meals Ready to Eat (MREs).


What kind of medical care will I receive?

You will receive free medical care in the Army. Sick call is conducted at Troop Medical Clinics on Sand Hill where you will live and train. Emergencies and other than routine care is handled at the Martin Army Community Hospital on Fort Benning.


Will I be able to get life insurance?

You will be able to obtain $300,000 in life insurance while in the Army. You will fill out life insurance forms when you report to the Reception Battalion.


Can I bring a car with me?

No. Soldiers in Basic Training, Advanced Individual Training, or Infantry One Station Unit Training are not allowed to bring Privately Owned Vehicles (POVs) with them. After you graduate from Infantry Training, you will be allowed to bring your vehicle to your first duty station, if authorized. Some overseas duty stations restrict Soldiers from shipping their vehicles with them.


What happens when I first arrive at Fort Benning?

When you first arrive at Fort Benning, you will inprocess at the Reception Battalion. Click on this link for more information:

ARRIVING AT BENNING

What happens when I graduate?

When you graduate, you will proceed on your first Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to a unit in the Army. Army installations are dispersed throughout the Continental United States (CONUS) and overseas (OCONUS). Click on this link for more information about installations throughout the world:

PCS MOVE


What are the Graduation Requirements?

The graduation requirements are too many to list here. Click on this link for more information:

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

How can my family or parents get in contact with me?

Your family or parents may contact your chain of command telephonically in emergencies. You will be able to receive mail regularly throughout your training. Also, you will be given regular opportunities to call or write your family or parents. Click on this link for more information:

CONTACT INFO


If I change my mind, can I leave?

No. You enlisted in Army and have certain obligations as part of that contract. You may be discharged for medical, emergency, or disciplinary reasons, but you cannot leave without authorization. Absent Without Leave (AWOL) and desertion are serious offenses in the military. A federal warrant for your arrest will be issued if you are AWOL

Helpful Information You should become familar with


WHAT TO BRING, WHAT NOT TO BRING

INPROCESSING SCHEDULE

KNOW YOUR ARMY VALUES