2010 brings major transformation to Basic Combat Training

[CybrSlydr]

http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/07/1...c-combat-training/?ref=news-insidearmy-title1

This year, Basic Combat Training has gone through a transformation, according to Lt. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, deputy commanding general for Initial Military Training. Here are some of the changes you'll see in new Basic and One Station Unit Training courses, as of July 1, 2010.

1. BCT has become more challenging...not "softer."

BCT has been extended from nine weeks to 10. The Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills (WTBD) have been refined, and are now geared toward training fewer and more relevant tasks well. These tasks and battle drills correspond with the current operating environment, and we are using training that is geared toward the generation of Soldiers entering our Army during this time of war ... and those must be adapted to all the occupational specialties. (Find the WTBD on the, Army Training Network)

2. Rifle Marksmanship is more extensive, with more hours on the range, more bullets fired, and Soldiers using both basic and advanced techniques.

Soldiers now fire 500 rounds (750 for infantry) during basic, and also have to "certify" as part of the Combat Field Fire phase based on the new Rifle Marksmanship Strategy. While all BCT Soldiers fire "slick" (no equipment) through qualification tables (BRM) to allow for familiarity with the weapon, equipment is worn during the difficult and combat-related Advanced Rifle Marksmanship (ARM) period.

3. Combatives are more relevant...and tougher.

New instruction has been added which teaches Soldiers to fight from their feet, not wrestle and grip on the ground. Soldiers now attend 22 hours of instruction, which is double the previous requirement at BCT. Additional techniques - wearing full kit - have been added that is more relevant to what Soldiers might be asked to do in a combat situation.

4. Most up-to-date medical training in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and Combat Lifesaver (CLS).

Medical experts have taken combat lessons and updated the first aid training Soldiers receive. There's no longer an IV "stick. Doctors say it's counterproductive on the battlefield, and useless for treating heat injuries. New techniques for preventing heat injuries before they happen are now taught.

5. Physical Training is standardized, with scientifically proven techniques that improve conditioning and help prevent injuries.

Those returning from combat say "drop the long runs, the repetitive sets of pushups and sit-ups, and volleyball games; instead focus on training the right muscles and energy systems needed in the fight. Prepare your body for walking patrol with SAPI and equipment or hauling your injured buddy out of harm's way."

FM 22-20 has been replaced with TC 3.22-20, and that applies to Soldiers in Basic Combat Training and the entire Army (and, you can get this Training Circular as an app starting in August).

6. No more bayonet assault course against rubber tires...but lots more pugil and combatives against a thinking opponent.

The bayonet assault course has been a staple of bayonet training since World War I. But that's when bayonets were prevalent on the battlefield. The last time the U.S. had a bayonet assault was in 1951, and the rifle we now use in combat isn't meant for bayonet charges. Now, Soldiers will see more pugil drills in pits and on obstacle courses. This, combined with additional hours in combatives, will "warriorize" our Soldiers.

7. Expanded Values and Culture Training.

Soldiers will still receive instruction in the seven Army Values, but that instruction will focus on applying those values in combat, in garrison, and during off-duty time. That's to build a better Soldier...and a better citizen. And all Soldiers will now be issued a The Army Soldier's "Blue Book" (also available as an iPhone or Droid app) that links our present-day Soldier to his predecessors, and describes our professional requirements.

8. We're treating the Soldier as a "Tactical Athlete."

The Surgeon General of the Army will begin supplementing initial training units with physical therapists and athletic trainers to prevent injuries and ensure better conditioning. Additionally, we're instituting the "Soldier Fueling" initiative, to teach and enable Soldiers to develop a nutritional lifestyle to counter our societal challenges.

9. We've instituted Comprehensive Soldier Fitness.

Every Drill Sergeant has received Resiliency Training, and all new Soldiers take the Global Assessment Tool upon entering Basic. Additionally, all AIT Platoon Sergeants receive 10 days of resiliency training.

10. We're connected to Social Media, and on web pages.

IMT does fall under TRADOC, but no decision is made without Soldiers input. Visit our social media sites and tell us what you think. We'll listen.

That sucks - I was looking forward to stabbing the hell out of a tire.

 

[jmig]

Interesting read. Thanks for posting it.

It looks like the Army is training to face today's opponent. Besides, you can always hang a tire or two and stab the hell out of them.

 

[Bone]

The Army is making a move away from slashing tires, hmmm. That's going to attract a different kind of recruit, I would think

 

[Bjoern]

Interesting that the US Army basic has always been shorter than the german one had been in my day.

Now it's eight weeks here. I've learned a lot in twelve, so I'm asking myself how people can do the same stuff in eight...

 

[Toastmaker]

?? What did the tires ever do to you ?? How woood !

 

[CybrSlydr]

woooooood or not, it looked like fun.

Also, on another forum I posted this, we're all saying we're surprised that it's only 500 rds. Surprisingly low.

 

[TeaSea]

I disagree with dropping the bayonet training. First off, the intent of the training is really more about developing the ability and determinatin to run someone through without thinking about it. Gross, I know, but if the time comes we do not want hesitation. Secondly, bayonets are still used on the battlefield, and there are enough incidents in Iraq and Afghanistan to justify the training (It's also good physical training).


Bjoern, you need to explain to me how training is done in Germany now. My partnership unit in Wuerzburg back in the mid 80's trained their own Basic Trainee's. Indeed, at that time much of their focus seemed to be directed towards the cyclic basic training. Has that approach changed?

In the U.S. Army then (as now) Basic training is conducted at a training base prior to the soldier being sent to his unit. The soldier then goes to training on his occupational specialty, which in some cases can be really long (up to a year for an intel guy, 12 weeks for a commo guy). When he arrives at the unit our focus was on collective training tasks, supplemented by individual training.

It's just a different approach, and there are good and bad things about both approaches.

One thing though, I never had to worry about teaching my troops to drive. They come in the Army knowing how to do that. My partner commander had to spend a lot of time getting his troops to learn that skill.

 

[Jagdflieger]

Looks like a good program, or POI as is said in the Army.

The proposed 10 weeks ought to refine many skills not fully mastered in current 8 week cycle. I can't remember how many rounds I fired in basic training and while it seemed like a lot, in reality it was probably around 500 or so. It's really not the number of rounds you fire, but the quality of instruction on the range as well as good feedback as in any training. The old Known Distance (KD) range (100 through 600 yards) was best for initial or basic rifle marksmanship and gave good feedback on each shot while the current Trainfire range (pop up targets 25 through 350 yards) was initially meant to transition soldiers into combat scenarios. During the VN war, it bacame the standard range for the Army. The USMC still uses the KD range once a year in their training cycle from what I'm told and Army snipers are still trained on the KD range for much of their course.

New soldiers headed for 11 Bravo training (Infantry) will continue to refine their combat skills in advanced individual training (AIT) and all units train and qualify with their weapons one or two times a year depending on their function within the Army. Units deploying to combat zones also have to train up in a myriad of skills and techniques and qualify with their weapons before they deploy.

With all that said, the average new trooper in the Army probably spends about 18 weeks training in Basic and then AIT before he reports to his unit fully qualified for his military ocupation specialty (MOS). Soldiers going on to Airborne units, the Ranger Regiment or Special Forces training are looking at several more months of training. In the case of Special Forces, once they are selected following the grueling SF Assesment and Selection course, they are looking at up to two more years of intense training before reporting to their operational unit.

 

[Bjoern]

Bjoern, you need to explain to me how training is done in Germany now. My partnership unit in Wuerzburg back in the mid 80's trained their own Basic Trainee's. Indeed, at that time much of their focus seemed to be directed towards the cyclic basic training. Has that approach changed?

"Cyclic"?

Well, as far as I've experienced it, you'll get your basic training where ever there's capacity before you're sent off to your actual unit to get into specialization. This means that there isn't any consistency in unit assignment. A logistics conscript can have his basic in a tank batallion while a tank force conscript can have his basic in an infantry batallion.

Basic elements are mostly the same, but time (and budget) can account for some minor changes. While the basic training in my quarter of the year only consisted of shooting of the G-36 and MG-3, the recruits in the quarter after me got to shoot grenade launchers, the P-8 and shoulder-launched anti-tank rockets as well.

I was a bit of a special case and exception from the rule since I received my three week specialization course *during* my basic training. I got sent off to the other end of the country to learn driving the Leopard 2 and thus missed some content of the basic training, like security guard training, shooting the MG-3 and the second extensive battle training (camp, night marches, firefights, etc...). I have to admit I wasn't too unhappy about it since my driving school batallion was kind of a small paradise. :d


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recruit_training#Germany

In the U.S. Army then (as now) Basic training is conducted at a training base prior to the soldier being sent to his unit. The soldier then goes to training on his occupational specialty, which in some cases can be really long (up to a year for an intel guy, 12 weeks for a commo guy).

Something like that. Our gunners and loaders spent three weeks with very long days in classrooms and simulators while us drivers were already doing what people do to pass the time, namely keeping tanks running, stuff clean and other awfully boring and dumb tasks.

One thing though, I never had to worry about teaching my troops to drive. They come in the Army knowing how to do that. My partner commander had to spend a lot of time getting his troops to learn that skill.

Not everyone has a driver's license here, considering the wide availability of public transport and the $1250 to $2000 it costs.

 

[TeaSea]

"Cyclic"?

At that time, conscripts came in on a cycle. They were sent directly to their unit of assignment, who had responsibility for all training. My partnership unit dedicated a lot of effort to that during specific periods of the year.

 

[Bjoern]

At that time, conscripts came in on a cycle.

Yeah, every three months. It has always been like that and I can't see it change in future, regardless of "career" path (conscript/professional).

 

[TeaSea]

I should add that in the mid-80's the Bundeswhoer was a conscripted force, although there were many volunteers as well.

 

[CybrSlydr]

From talking to some folks, apparently you still do a considerable amount of firing with blanks and MILES gear.

 

[TeaSea]

Yes,

You will learn to hate MILES. You will also learn how you can cheat with MILES.

You will hate blanks too since they crap up the rifle so much, and they jam constantly. Actual munitions do not do that (at least not often in a well maintained rifle).

Simunitions are better (high-tech paintballs), but they hurt like the dickens. They DO teach you to keep your head down. I do not believe you will use simunitions in Basic, or even AIT (unless something has really changed in the last couple years). There's a significant training curve to safely use simunitions that would be well outside the objectives of either Basic or AIT.

BTW, I am glad to see the renewed emphasis on marksmanship.

 

[CybrSlydr]

You will hate blanks too since they crap up the rifle so much, and they jam constantly. Actual munitions do not do that (at least not often in a well maintained rifle).

At least it'll teach you how to properly un-jam the weapon when the situation arises. Certainly sounds more than frustrating.

 

[TeaSea]

SPORTS:

Shoot
Pull
Observe
Release
Tap
Shoot

It will make sense later....

 

[Bjoern]

I should add that in the mid-80's the Bundeswhoer was a conscripted force, although there were many volunteers as well.

It still is, although conscription will probably be abolished next year or the year after to save money.

Sad though, it is a nice recruitment tool and important component of society.
And the ones choosing social service instead supply social installations (hospitals, retirement homes, etc...) with cheap labor.

You will hate blanks too since they crap up the rifle so much, and they jam constantly.

Yep. What a PITA.

 

[CybrSlydr]

SPORTS:

Shoot
Pull
Observe
Release
Tap
Shoot

It will make sense later....

Lemme see if I got this already...

Shoot (Pull Trigger)
Pull (Pull the charging handle)
Observe (Check the chamber to see it's clear)
Release (Release charging handle)
Tap (Hit the forward assist)
Shoot (Pull Trigger)

 

[Ken Stallings]

Bjoern,

As I get older, I have come to change my view and believe Germany is doing it right by having mandatory conscription. It makes sure that the army remains a very real reflection of the people; and in a democracy, it is absolutely vital that this direct connection exists among all social groups in the nation.

Cheers,

Ken

 

[Bjoern]

It makes sure that the army remains a very real reflection of the people; and in a democracy, it is absolutely vital that this direct connection exists among all social groups in the nation.

That's what the concept of "citizens in uniform" is all about.

Also, as I said, it's a great recruitment tool. Way better than those booths screaming "We're the Army, we ROCK!" all over the place. :d