Boot camp
Seven to thirteen weeks that turn a civilian into a service member. What basic training looks like in each branch — and how to arrive ready for it.
- Duration
- 7.5–13 weeks
- By branch
- AF shortest · USMC longest
- Prep
- 8+ weeks before ship
Quick answer: Basic training (boot camp) lasts 7.5 to 13 weeks depending on your branch. You'll undergo intense physical training, weapons qualification, classroom instruction, and field exercises. Every branch is different, but the goal is the same: transform civilians into service members.
Boot Camp by Branch
Duration, location, and key details for each branch's basic training.
U.S. Army
Fort Jackson (SC), Fort Sill (OK), or Fort Leonard Wood (MO). Basic Combat Training covers rifle marksmanship, drill, physical readiness, and field exercises.
10 weeks · BCT
U.S. Navy
Great Lakes, Illinois. Recruit Training Command focuses on naval customs, firefighting, physical conditioning, and shipboard basics. Shortened from 10 weeks in January 2025.
9 weeks · RTC
U.S. Air Force
Lackland AFB, Texas. Basic Military Training is the shortest. It emphasizes core values, discipline, and readiness for technical training.
7.5 weeks · BMT
U.S. Marine Corps
Parris Island, SC (east) or MCRD San Diego, CA (west). The longest and most physically demanding boot camp. Drill instructors push recruits to their limits.
13 weeks · The toughest
U.S. Coast Guard
Cape May, New Jersey. Coast Guard Basic Training blends military fundamentals with maritime skills and rescue procedures.
8 weeks
U.S. Space Force
Lackland AFB, Texas. Space Force recruits attend the same Basic Military Training as the Air Force before moving to space-specific technical training.
7.5 weeks · Same as Air Force
Physical Fitness Standards
What you should be able to do before shipping: start training 2–3 months ahead.
Getting in shape before boot camp makes a huge difference. Standards vary by branch, but aiming for these benchmarks will set you up for success:
Push-ups: Aim for 30–50 reps in good form. You'll do these daily; the better your baseline, the easier the first few weeks.
Sit-ups / Crunches: Target 40–60 reps. Most branches use timed sit-up tests (e.g., 1–2 minutes). Strong core helps with everything from ruck marches to obstacle courses.
1.5 Mile Run: Get under 13:30 before shipping. This is the standard aerobic test for many branches. If you can run faster, you'll have more cushion.
Pull-ups: The Marines require pull-ups (males) or a flexed-arm hang (females). Other branches may test them during PT. Start with 3–5 if you're aiming for the Corps.
Advice: Start training 2–3 months before your ship date. Consistency beats intensity. Do something every day. Run, do bodyweight exercises, and practice the exact events your branch tests. Your recruiter can share the official standards for your age and gender.
Mental Preparation Tips
Boot camp is as much a mental test as a physical one.
Expect to be yelled at, sleep deprived, and pushed past your comfort zone. Drill instructors are trained to stress you. It's part of building resilience. Here's how to mentally prepare:
When someone shouts at you, the worst thing you can do is panic or talk back. Take a breath, follow instructions, and move.
"Yes, Sergeant" and immediate action. Hesitation draws attention. The faster you respond correctly, the less you'll stand out.
Run when you're tired. Do one more rep when you want to quit. The more you push yourself in training, the easier boot camp will feel.
Letters from home are a lifeline. Share your address with loved ones before you ship. Even short notes help on tough days.
You signed up for a reason: career, education, family, patriotism. When it gets hard, that reason will keep you going.
What to Bring (and What NOT to Bring)
Pack light. You'll be issued everything you need for training.
Bring: Required documents (ID, Social Security card, enlistment paperwork), prescription medications in original bottles with labels, and one set of civilian clothes for graduation day. Your recruiter will give you a branch-specific list. Follow it exactly.
Do NOT bring: Electronics (phones, tablets, smartwatches; they'll be locked away or sent home), jewelry beyond a wedding band, revealing or inappropriate clothing, excess cash (a small amount is fine), weapons of any kind, tobacco or vaping products, or anything that could be considered contraband. When in doubt, leave it home. You can get most personal items back after graduation.
Continue the journey
Boot camp, quick answers
Which branch has the hardest boot camp?
The Marines. At 13 weeks, Marine Corps boot camp is the longest and most physically demanding. It emphasizes endurance, discipline, and mental toughness more than any other branch.
Can you fail boot camp?
Failing is rare. Most people who ship will graduate. If you struggle, you can be recycled (restart with a new platoon) or discharged for medical, disciplinary, or performance reasons.
Do you get paid during boot camp?
Yes. E-1 base pay starts on day one. You'll receive your first paycheck within a few weeks, and pay continues throughout basic training.
Can you leave boot camp if you change your mind?
Technically yes in the first few days through an entry-level separation, but it is strongly discouraged. You'll have signed a contract, and leaving can affect future benefits and employment.
Build your test-day method
- Exam-aligned drills under deliberate time pressure
- Instant explanations after every item
- Your score estimate, tracked drill after drill