April 06, 2009 
By Erin O’Neill
In the Army, Boot Camp is officially called Basic Combat Training (BCT) and it’s the first part of the journey that transforms civilians into soldiers, trained to protect our freedom, here and abroad. But building U.S. soldiers is hard work, and throughout BCT, recruits need to focus all their time and energy on their training, which leaves little left over for their loved ones back home. With such little communication coming from the recruits, it can be helpful to learn a little bit more about what everyday life at BCT is actually like.
The Basics of BCT
Officially, BCT is made up of nine training weeks, broken down into three phases, discussed below. This doesn’t include the first week during which recruits report to BCT, known as Week 0 or Reception Week, making the total time at BCT an exhausting ten weeks.
The Army conducts BCT at a number of locations around the country, including:
• Fort Benning, Georgia
• Fort Jackson,South Carolina
• Fort Knox, Kentucky
• Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
• Fort Sill, Oklahoma
Recruits are assigned to their BCT site based on a number of factors, including their gender, duty status and which Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) they’ve enlisted under. For example, a recruit assigned to infantry will likely train at the Fort Benning Infantry School.
Army of One…without a Cell Phone
Sadly, phone calls are a luxury, and at BCT they’re few and far between. As soon as recruits arrive in Reception they are stripped of their cell phones and email privileges. Only one short call is permitted to let you know they’ve arrived safely. After that, good old-fashioned letters are the best way to stay in contact.
“I started writing him the day he left, and kept writing at least once a day, sometimes twice,” remembers Connie Buchanan, whose boyfriend Timothy Crawford completed BCT this past October.
“Write tons of letters,” recommends Rachel, whose boyfriend Eric is currently in his final weeks of BCT. “Tell him about everyday things, like what you did at work, or what’s happening on Grey’s Anatomy. It may seem trivial, but it helps him not to feel isolated.”
Although it’s true that BCT, unlike many other branches’ boot camps, does allow some phone calls throughout the duration (mostly on Sundays), don’t expect to hear from them until graduation, and be pleasantly surprised if you do get a call.
“He got to call me about six times, from a pay phone, over the ten weeks he was gone,” says Buchanan, “but the calls were only a few minutes long, so we really didn’t get to say much.” Instead of waiting by the phone, take the time to write to him and tell him yourself how often you’re thinking about him.
What Are They Doing Right Now?
One of the best ways to stay connected while your sweetie is away is to learn for yourself what it means to be a soldier. Below is a basic guide to what your recruit is experiencing, day-to-day while he’s gone.
Reception Week
While not included in the Army’s nine-week training count, Reception Week is the initial week recruits arrive at BCT. They’re issued their uniforms, military IDs, given their first official haircuts, and given a battery of physical and medical tests to make sure they’re ready to begin “real” BCT the following week.
Phase I: The Red Phase
Beginning with “Hell Week”, which marks the official beginning of BCT, “The Patriot Phase” introduces recruits to what it means to be a soldier. They meet their drill instructors, learn basic skills such as how to drill, learn how to wear and care for their uniforms, and are introduced to the traditions and rank system within the Army. They spend time both in and out of the classroom learning to read maps, handle a bayonet, survive a chemical gas attack and rappel down a 30-foot platform, known as Victory Tower.
This is a great time to learn for yourself what the Army is all about.
“I checked out every book I could find on the military, military spouses, boot camp, everything,” says Buchanan.
“By the time boot camp was over, I knew as much about the military as he did.” Rachel agrees, “I was comforted by learning about the Army because the more I knew about the organization, and what to expect, the more pride I had in my boyfriend.”
Phase II: The White Phase
During “The Gunfighter Phase”, recruits master their weapons and learn the fundamentals of marksmanship. They’re introduced to M203 grenade launchers and qualify with their M-16A2 rifles as a Marksman, Sharpshooter or Expert. They complete their first, tactical foot march and complete the famed obstacle course known as the “Confidence Course.”
Keeping the motivation up during this phase is particularly helpful. The challenges have gotten harder and the loneliness of separation can get especially hard on the recruits.
“I try to stay positive in my letters,” explains Rachel. “I tell him in every letter that I’m proud of him and that I know he’ll do a great job.” Buchanan also recommends connecting with other military wives and girlfriends to stay upbeat. “At first, I was very depressed and needed some support from other women that understood what I was going through. Websites like CincHouse.com put me in touch with thousands of other women who are all going through the same things as me.”
Phase III: The Blue Phase
The final weeks of BCT are known as “The Warrior Phase” for their intense focus on individual training. Recruits finish their weapons training with .50 caliber M2 rifles, hand-grenades and M249 Squad Automatic Weapons. They’re introduced to live-fire field exercises and complete a series of challenges, including both a 10k and 15k tactical foot march, before heading to the three-day Warrior Field Training Exercise known as “Victory Forge,” which marks the final hurdle in completing BCT.
With graduation looming so close, counting down the days can drive a person crazy. “Hang in there,” advises Buchanan, “The separations seem like they go on forever, but in reality they DO end. Time never stops, and every moment, every day, is just that much closer to the time you’ll be together again.”
Next in this series: Graduation & AIT.