Chapter 4 – BCT / OSUT / AIT 4-1. What to expect All phases of training build character, instill discipline, reinforce the Army Values, improve physical conditioning, and teach basic combat and occupational skills. All of these contribute in the development of your individual skills and knowledge, resulting in a Soldier capable of serving as a member of a team in your first unit of assignment. BCT / OSUT / AIT are training courses that transform civilians into Soldiers. Over the course of a number of you will develop the character, commitment, and competence skills and knowledge to succeed as a Soldier. BCT – 10 weeks 11B/C (Infantryman) OSUT – 13 weeks, 3 days 12B (Combat Engineer) OSUT – 14 weeks 19D (Cavalry Scout) OSUT – 16 weeks 19K (Armor Crewman) OSUT – 15 weeks 31B (Military Police Officer) OSUT – 19 weeks, 1 day AIT – Varies by Military Occupational Specialty 4-2. The training company – Your unit Upon arrival to your training company, the Drill Sergeants and cadre will in-process you and assign you to a platoon, which is a group of 60 Soldiers and 3 Drill Sergeants. Your
Marksmanship badges are awarded to individuals who qualify, because they have demonstrated some special proficiency or skill. Marksmanship badges are worn to indicate the individual’s prowess with specific weapons, pistols, and/or rifles and during specified competitions, matches, or practice exercises. You will earn one of the marksmanship badges during BCT. Chapter 6 – Critical Information Required for BCT / OSUT / AIT 6-1. Rank Insignia Military customs and courtesies dictate that you render the appropriate greeting and salute to officers when you encounter them in the performance of your duties. This can assist you in understanding the Army rank structure. The individual’s title reflects the rank of the person. You should never address a person by their pay grade. Title Pay Grade Rank Remarks Private (PVT) E-1 No Chevron
Sergeant (SGT) E-5 Team leader Staff Sergeant (SSG) E-6 Squad leader or section chief Sergeant First Class (SFC) E-7 Senior NCO in a platoon Master Sergeant (MSG) E-8 NCOIC at battalion and brigade First Sergeant (1SG) E-8 Senior NCO in a company; advisor to the commander Sergeant Major (SGM) E-9 Principal advisor on a battalion and higher HQs staff
Command Sergeant Major (CSM) E-9 Senior enlisted advisor at battalion and higher HQs Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) E-9 Senior NCO in the Army; advisor to the of Staff of the Army Warrant Officers are highly specialized technicians and trainers in their career fields. By gaining progressive levels of expertise and leadership, these leaders provide valuable guidance to commanders and subordinate Soldiers in their units. Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) W-1 Company and battalion staffs Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) W-2 Company and battalion staffs
Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3) W-3 Company and higher staffs Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) W-4 Battalion and higher staffs Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) W-5 Brigade and higher staffs Commissioned Officers are responsible for planning and leading demanding missions while ensuring the welfare, morale and professional development of the Soldiers entrusted to them. At the Captain, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel level they may serve as commanders for companies, battalions and brigades. In that capacity, they have disciplinary authorities over you under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) O-1 Platoon Leader
[Personal] Courage: “Our ability to face fear, danger, or adversity, both physical and moral courage.” Resolve to do what is right (duty) despite risk, uncertainty, and fear. We accomplish the mission and understand it may demand courageously risking our lives and justly taking the lives of others. We lead by example and demonstrate courage by doing what is right despite risk, uncertainty, and fear; we candidly express our professional judgment to subordinates, peers, and superiors. * = ethical, effective, and efficient. 9-6. Standards and Principles of Ethical Conduct You are now part of a culture that up to a higher standard. As a Soldier, you are also a member of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government. Your actions must uphold the letter and the spirit of US laws and regulations governing ethical conduct. The President has issued Executive Order 12731, known as the “14 General Principles of Ethical Conduct” These principles summarize the ethics laws and regulations all Soldiers must follow:
upfront but no taxes on interest when the money is withdrawn) is better, but it is important to research all options and talk to the financial planner at your Soldier Support Center. Military One Source: http://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-and-legal and many other resources are available online to help you determine how much to save, and how much money will be needed in retirement. The DoD Blended Retirement System is going live on 1 January, 2018. Below is a graphic covering a quick overview of the current and new systems. A-3. Tri-Service Health Care (TRICARE) The Army is dedicated to taking care of its most important assets, Soldiers and military Family members. TRICARE is the Department of Defense's worldwide health care program available to eligible beneficiaries from the uniformed services. TRICARE is free to Soldiers but may involve some expenses for Family members. The cost varies depending on the Soldier's rank and the specific TRICARE program option in which the Family member is enrolled.