Boot camp, sometimes referred to as basic training or basic military training, is a program which soldiers go through in order to train for the requirements of the military. Boot camp typically requires a soldier to undergo physical and mental training and conditioning exercises that are designed to integrate the soldier into military life.

While at boot camp, a soldier will be under the supervision of a higher ranking officer such as a sergeant. The ranking officer in charge will make all decisions as to what a soldier can do, when they can do it, and how they will do it.

A typical day in the life of a soldier at boot camp consists of waking early in the morning, physical training, breakfast, classroom and field training, lunch, more physical training, dinner, and then bed. The schedule of a soldier attending boot camp is strictly regimented and is designed to instill discipline and a sense of comradery amongst the soldiers in a unit.

Drill sergeants, commonly depicted in television, films, and books as being loud and angry, are also used in boot camp to condition soldiers to adapt to military life. A drill sergeant will indeed be loud and will get in a soldier’s personal space, but the purpose of this behavior is to instill respect, as well as force a soldier to face fears of confrontation.

While at boot camp, a soldier will be tested mentally, emotionally, and physically. The training received at boot camp is invaluable, both in the military and civilian worlds, as it teaches skills that most people will never learn. Soldiers will be placed in positions where they will have to face things that they would rather not, such as being forced to complete frightening or challenging obstacles.

Boot camp has been a staple of the military for the past 100 years and has continued to evolve as the military has grown. Advances in military technology and strategy have placed higher demands on the soldier attending modern boot camp, but this has resulted in a stronger and more well prepared military.

If you are thinking of joining the military, it is very important to do research on the specific branch’s boot camp standards so that you are prepared. The military and boot camp are not for everyone, so make sure that you will be able to handle the rigorous standards that you will need to meet.