Basic Training and Boot Camp

Army Careers

If you've ever wanted to drive a tank, fly a helicopter, read radar—or even play trumpet in an 18-piece band—the army might just have the job for you. As the largest branch of the U.S. military, the army offers training and employment in more than 200 occupational specialties. And no matter what field you choose, the army's strong focus on high-tech skills will help prepare you for rewarding careers in the civilian world.

These days, a job in the army's air defense division can mean operating highly sensitive early warning systems to guard against missile attack. If you work in a medical unit, you might find yourself using Telemedicine—a new technology that allows you to transmit images of an injury from the field. Even in the infantry—the most "hands-on" combat division—you may end up reporting to your commanding officer electronically.

Many jobs in the army are entry level, so you can get the special training you need for the job and launch into your new career right after basic training. For higher level jobs, you may have to complete a basic enlistment program first and then qualify for a promotion. Certain army divisions, like aviation, require a college background in addition to advanced training.

Some army jobs may surprise you. If sophisticated weapons and cutting-edge telecommunications aren't your thing, the army also offers plenty of other exciting job opportunities, from animal care to cooking to broadcast journalism.

Prepare for Boot Camp, check out our Army Basic Training section.

Your training culminates in a stressful, high tempo exercise - Victory Forge.

Interested in Army Ranger School? Check out our Army Ranger School Section.

Want to jump out of an airplane? Take the challenge at Airborne School.

Infantryman
The infantry is the main land combat force and backbone of the Army. It's equally important in peacetime and in combat. The Infantryman's role is to be ready to defend our country in peacetime and to capture, destroy and repel enemy ground forces during combat. Army Careers Jobs

The following are some duties expected of Infantrymen:

Perform as a member of a fire team during drills and live combat
Perform hand-to-hand combat
Aid in the mobilization of vehicles, troops and weaponry
Assist in reconnaissance missions
Operate two-way radios and signal equipment
Process prisoners of war and captured documents
Learn to use, maintain and store various combat weaponry (rifles, machine guns, anti-tank mines, etc.)

Job training for Infantryman requires 13 weeks, three days of One Station Unit Training (OSUT) which includes Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training. The training will take place primarily in the field, with some classroom training. The reality is, though, that infantry training never really stops. Whether taking part in squad maneuvers, target practice or war games, Infantrymen are constantly working to keep their skills sharp and are in a constant state of preparedness.

Army Combat Gear
ACU Gear	Oakley Combat Boots	Under Armour Tactical

Special Forces Officer
The Army's Special Forces are some of the most specially trained Soldiers in the Army. Special Forces are experts in conducting operations that don't call for conventional military operations. A Special Forces Officer is responsible for what is typically organized as a 12-man team, known as an Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA).

ODAs are deployed around the world in rapid-response situations whether it's during peacetime, crisis or war. The Special Forces Officer is the team leader of an ODA, responsible for mission organization, outfitting the team and debriefing mission objectives.

Usually, Special Forces Officers will conduct the following five types of missions:

Counter-Terrorism
Special Forces are often deployed to preclude, preempt and resolve terrorist incidents abroad. They prevent, deter and respond to terrorist activities and train other nations' military in the basics of fighting terrorism.

Direct Action
Direct Action missions are short duration strikes that are used when Special Forces want to seize, capture, recover or destroy enemy weapons and information or recover designated personnel or material.

Foreign Internal Defense
This mission is used to organize, assist and train the military and national defense forces of foreign governments to protect their citizens from aggressors.

Special Reconnaissance
These intelligence-gathering activities monitor as much about the enemy's movement and operations as possible.

Unconventional Warfare
Special Forces have long employed the use of Unconventional Warfare (UW), a.k.a. guerilla warfare, to train, equip, advise and assist forces in enemy-held or controlled territory.

Armor Officer
The Army's Armor Branch is responsible for all the tank and cavalry/forward reconnaissance operations on the battlefield. The role of an Armor Officer is to be a leader in operations specific to the Armor Branch and to lead others in many areas of combat operations.

As an Armor Officer, you may either work with tank units that utilize the M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams Tanks, or cavalry units responsible for forward reconnaissance operations.

The responsibilities of an Armor Lieutenant may include:

Leading and controlling the Armor and combined armed forces during land combat.
Coordinating employment of Armor Soldiers at all levels of command, from platoon to battalion and higher, in U.S. and multi-national operations.

For in-depth, detailed information, check out our Army Career Guides Below:

material excerpts from army.mil

Career Progression Guide for Soldiers
Fundamental guide for a successful Army career Proven techniques for advancing to and through the NCO ranks Ways to overcome promotion obstacles An indispensable reference for Army soldiers wanting to advance through the ranks, this guide will aid them at every step of their professional development and career progression. Packed with practical information, it covers the enlisted promotion system, the role of education, progression to the NCO ranks, demonstrated techniques for promotion and college, and special topics, such as addressing a qualitative management program board decision. Although written primarily for soldiers, Career Progression Guide will also assist commanders and senior leaders wanting to implement sound promotion and professional development policies. Tables explaining promotion points and college credits, along with sample letters for soldiers wanting to take the initiative, are provided throughout.

Army NCO Guide
The sixth edition of this perennial best-seller has finally hit the streets! Very much up-to-date, the revisions to the 1999 edition of the NCO's bible provide Army noncoms with a made-to-order reference for just about any situation they may come across in today's modern army. The author, CSM (Retired) Robert S. Rush, has taken this guide to new heights. There are revised sections in the guide on caring leadership, training, NCO career development and promotions, awards and decorations, and "customs and courtesies." Army policy concerning the new fraternization rules-of-engagement is included and the latest military Web site info pertinent to NCOs is included as appendix. The benefits of owning this book are enormous. Tuck it in your BDU trouser pocket before you deploy and you will have a modern day reference containing individual treatises on one of the broadest compilations of NCO subject matter ever made available in print. A must-have guide.

Combat Leader's Field Guide
The power this guide offers to those of us in uniform is a summary of a whole lot of infantry know-how. If you are a new lieutenant or recently promoted corporal or sergeant --this is your new fieldcraft and small-unit-leader tactical guide. If you are returning to a line unit from recruiter or drill sergeant duty, this will assist your smooth transition back into the woods. If you are a company commander, there is a good possibility that the seasoned first shirt that revised this premiere Stackpole guide--can teach you a thing or two. If you are a non-infantry military member or a civilian with an interest, this guide will cover the basics of fighting as a small infantry unit.

Army Basic Training - Be Smart, be Ready
This is the book to have if you are planning on joining the Army. It is also a must for family members of recruits as well. The book is a great guide, explaining every step of the basic training process. It's easy to read, entertaining and filled with useful tips. My son is currently in Basic Training and his letters report he is really enjoying himself! He poured over the book in the months before he left. The information contained in this book gave him a heads up over other recruits. The added self confidence gained by knowing what to expect is crucial for sucsess in Boot Camp. Thanks to the author for providing her 'insight' into the process.

Life in Army Basic Training (On Duty)
This book displays an accurate description of Basic combat training in the United States army. It has been recommended to many applicants prior to signing contract in order for them to get a good picture of what their actually getting into. Life in Army Basic Training outlines the 7 core army values and describes the 10 weeks of mental and physical structure that all applicants must endure prior to the active service of their country. I would recommend this book to any one thinking about joining the army or having an interest in basic training.

Military Books
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