Soldierization is not a word that you can find in your dictionary. This word, however, is the epitome of what the training units do every day. It may sound ambiguous, but the process is extremely structured, and the soldiers who are sent out to the operational units have met all of the benchmarks that lead to being called a true soldier. The Basic Combat Training units begin the transformation from citizen to soldier through nine weeks of vigorous training during which new soldiers are challenged daily by not only their drill sergeants, but also by each task that lies before them. During BCT, new soldiers gain the discipline, spirit, pride, knowledge, and physical conditioning necessary to perform Army duty.
Training is conducted on a demanding schedule.
Soldiers attend a variety of classes and field instruction that include classes in human relations, military training, weapons familiarization, physical conditioning and military drills. The solidification of the process is conducted in Advanvced Inidvidual Training, or AIT, where the soldier learns apprentice-level Military Occupational Specialty skills, and receives reinforcement training in Army Values and Common Task Training. Soldierization is not complete, however, until the soldier in training arrives at his first permanent duty station and is introduced to the everyday demands of an Army soldier. The first myth that needs to be dispelled is that of stress cards in Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training. After spending time at Fort Jackson and as a commander in 1-56 ADA, I can attest to the fact that there are no stress cards here.