Week 1: Receiving Drill Instructor View
Drill instructors guide recruits through receiving, as the recruits begin their transformation into United States Marines.
Inside Navy Boot Camp
Take a step-by-step tour of Navy Boot Camp at Great Lakes Recruit Training Depot to discover how recruits transform into Sailors.
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Gearing Up for Air Force Basic Training
Airmen describe what to expect during Basic Military Training (BMT).
Arrival at Basic Training
Seaman Recruit Cliff Boon shares how he felt when his bus pulled into Coast Guard Basic Training at Cape May, N.J.
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Face to Face with a Drill Sergeant
A drill sergeant lets an Army National Guard recruit know exactly how he feels.
Week 1: Receiving Recruit View
Upon arrival, Marine recruits receive their first instruction from a drill instructor at Parris Island, S.C.
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Hot in Here
In a training exercise, Army Reserve firefighters tackle a fire in the desert.
From Zero to Sixty
Sabrena, a member of the Air National Guard, shares her experiences in Basic Military Training and technical training.
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Air Force Reserve Nurse Training Exercise
At McGuire Air Force Base, Air Force Reserve Capt. Dennis Castro and his unit prep an aircraft and simulate loading an injured passenger.
A Change of Clothes
Recruits pick up their uniforms at Basic Training. They also receive Army Combat Uniforms (ACUs) and PT (Physical Training) uniforms.
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12 Weeks: Marine Corps Recruit Training
Marine recruits in their 12th and final week of training reflect on their personal transformation and their future as Marines.
Navy Officer Candidate School - Arrival
Officer candidates arrive at the Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Naval Station Newport in Newport, R.I., to begin their training and education.
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Week 3: Air Force Basic Military Training
Air Force recruits learn self-aid and buddy care so that they can help themselves or their fellow Airmen if they are injured in the field.
Getting Paid to Work Out
Seaman Recruit Cliff Boon talks about passing his fitness test during the fourth week of Coast Guard Basic Training.
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Training in the Recruit Sustainment Program
Members of the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) participate in an obstacle course.
Marine Corps Drill Instructor
A drill instructor stands in front of recruits, ready to give orders.
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Daytime Cargo Drop Training
Army Reserve Soldiers participate in a daytime cargo drop exercise.
Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Training
Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Brune explains the role of the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) as Tech. Sgt. Jason Roland calls in a simulated air strike.
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Air Force Reserve Pararescueman Trains on Beach
An Air Force Reserve pararescueman must develop a special set of skills in order to assist those in need.
A New Look for New Recruits
Upon arrival at Basic Training recruits get haircuts and physical training uniforms.
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Marine Corps Officer Candidates School
Marine instructors at Officer Candidates School describe the training that prepares candidates to lead by example.
Navy Officer Candidate School - Wakeup Wednesday
On Wakeup Wednesday, officer candidates meet their class drill instructor, who will be their guide through the 12 weeks of training to become officers.
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Week 4: Air Force Basic Military Training
Air Force recruits tackle a challenging obstacle course during the fourth week of Basic Military Training.
Following the Company Commander
Seaman Recruit Heather Bevel describes what the first week of Coast Guard Basic Training is like.
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Inside the Obstacle Course
Army National Guard recruits showcase their physical strength as they complete a demanding obstacle course.
Week 2: In the Barracks Drill Instructor View
Drill instructors demand that recruits move quickly, be thorough and move as a unit.
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MPs on Patrol
Army Reserve Soldiers train to become MPs (Military Police). MPs help keep a military installation secure, protect travel routes and maintain law and order.
Western Air Defense Sector (WADS) Training
Members of the Air National Guard's Western Air Defense Sector (WADS) explain the purpose of WADS and describe the training for their jobs.
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Training While Serving the Community
As part of its service obligation, the Air Force Reserve 610th Aerospace Medical Flight trained at a hospital in Belcourt, N.D.
Hitting the Books
Basic Training isn't just about building physical strength and endurance. Recruits must also spend time in the classroom.
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Becoming a Marine Officer Candidate
Marine Officer Selection officers define the leadership potential and qualifications of an officer candidate.
Navy Officer Candidate School - Outpost
The Outpost program at Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) introduces students to the importance of both the Navy khaki uniform and routine personnel inspections.
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Week 6: Air Force Basic Military Training
During BEAST, Air Force recruits spend four days applying the skills they have learned in past weeks of Basic Military Training.
From Boy to Man
Seaman Recruit Cliff Boon reflects on how much he's accomplished during Coast Guard Basic Training.
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Staying in Touch
An Army National Guard recruit writes a letter during Basic Combat Training (BCT).
Nighttime Cargo Drop Training
Army Reserve Soldiers participate in a nighttime cargo drop exercise.
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Part-Time Pararescue
View a water rescue mission from the perspective of Tech. Sgt. Luigge Romanillo.
Air Force Reservists Complete Basic Training
New Air Force reservists walk in the graduation parade after completing Basic Military Training (BMT) at Lackland Air Force Base.
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Basic Training: Red, White and Blue
Army recruits must pass the three phases of Basic Training. Each phase is named after a color of the American flag.
Making a Drill Instructor
At Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Sgt. Melissa Esquivel trains to become a Marine Corps drill instructor.
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Navy Officer Candidate School - Room Locker Personnel
In the Room Locker Personnel (RLP) phase of OCS Training, students learn attention to detail through routine inspections of their uniform and living quarters.
Week 8: Air Force Basic Military Training
Before graduation from Air Force Basic Military Training, recruits participate in the Airman's Run.
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Dive and Survive
Coast Guardsmen from the cutters Tybee and Sanibel complete water survival and life raft training.
Sure Shots
Army National Guard recruits learn how to fire automatic weapons during the later stages of Basic Combat Training (BCT).
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Weapons Training
Pvt. Stephanie Patterson trains with an M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW).
Helicopter Rescue Simulation
Tech. Sgt. Luigge Romanillo participates in a helicopter rescue mission exercise.
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Pararescue Jumper Training
A pararescueman takes a leap from an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter into the water. Pararescuemen can rescue individuals from almost anywhere.
An All-Around Workout
During Army Basic Training, recruits develop endurance, strength and flexibility.
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Week 3: Bayonet Assault Course Recruit View
Recruits take on the Bayonet Assault Course and learn how to channel their intensity toward an enemy.
Navy Officer Candidate School - Classroom
Officer candidates receive extensive classroom and hands-on training from experienced officers during their time at Officer Candidate School.
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Cryptologic Linguist Training
Cryptologic linguists in the Air Force receive special training in multilingual skills for either airborne or ground support.
Training for the Winter
Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard Heller, a boatswain's mate, demonstrates the heat escape lessening position during the station's annual wet drill training.
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Basic Combat Training Graduation
Members of the Army National Guard graduate from Basic Combat Training (BCT).
On-the-Job Fight Training
Tech. Sgt. Steven Graves, a member of the Air National Guard security forces, practices his fighting skills during a training assignment.
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Air Force Reserve Basic Training Graduation Ceremony
New Air Force reservists participate in a graduation ceremony after completing Basic Military Training (BMT).
Advanced Individual Training
After Basic Training, the next step for Soldiers is Advanced Individual Training (AIT), where they study for their specific jobs.
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Week 6: Rappelling Recruit View
Recruits learn rappelling to prepare them to deploy from helicopters, navigate difficult terrain and gain access to buildings.
Navy Officer Candidate School - Leadership
Before graduation, the senior class at Officer Candidate School hands the Mantle of Leadership to the incoming class in a change of command ceremony.
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Security Forces Training
Security Forces undergo extensive training, including weapons and combat tactics, to protect the people and property of the U.S. Air Force.
Sailing Through the Storm
Petty Officer William Armstrong describes the intense training that goes into becoming a surfman for the Coast Guard.
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Mastering the Basics
Army National Guard recruits crawl, climb, pull and jump their way through an obstacle course during Basic Combat Training (BCT).
CPR Training
Air Force recruits learn CPR during Basic Military Training (BMT).
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Graduation from Basic Combat Training
New Army Soldiers spend time with their families and march at graduation.
Navy Officer Candidate School - Graduation
At OCS graduation, newly appointed Navy ensigns accept a salute from their class drill instructor and chief petty officer and give them a traditional silver dollar.
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Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Training
Tactical Aircraft Maintenance training teaches students everything they need to know to ensure everything from tip to tail on an aircraft is maintained to the most precise standards.
Testing a National Guard Decontamination Team
Members of the Army National Guard participate in an exercise that evaluates their ability to rapidly establish decontamination sites and evacuate casualties.
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Graduating from Basic Training
At the graduation ceremony following Basic Training, new Army Soldiers and their parents share their feelings.
Training at the Rifle Range
Marine Corps recruits at Parris Island, S.C., practice marksmanship during Recruit Training.
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Navy Reservists Participate in "Crewman Boot Camp"
Sailors from Navy Reserve Maritime Expeditionary Boat Detachment 421 conduct training aboard a 34-foot Sea Ark Navy security boat on the York River.
Diagnostic Imaging Training
The Air Force offers many options for medical careers, including diagnostic imaging, which involves taking X-rays and scans of the body.
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Armor & Field Artillery Advanced Training
Servicemembers train to use cannons as members of the armor and field artillery team.
Rappelling Recruits
A drill sergeant shows recruits how to attach a belay harness so they can begin rappelling.
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Marine Corps Officer Candidate Training
Marine officer candidates go through intense training, proving their moral, mental and physical strength.
Navy Diver Rescue Training
Navy divers train hard and often so they can save lives under any circumstance.
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Fire Protection Training
During technical training for fire protection, Airmen learn how to fight fires through simulations of hazardous situations.
Army National Guard Parachute Training
Members of the Army National Guard engage in high-altitude low-opening (HALO) parachute training in Arizona.
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Getting in Shape
Physical fitness is crucial in combat, so Basic Combat Training (BCT) involves a rigorous exercise program.
Week 7: Grass Week Recruit View
Recruits learn the basics of weapons safety and marksmanship during grass week.
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Helicopter Underwater Egress Training
Aviation Rescue Swimmers (AIRRs) practice their escape from a downed helicopter that has gone underwater.
Services Training
Airmen in the Services field learn how to keep their fellow servicemembers comfortable, whether they are on base or deployed.
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On the March
An Army National Guard recruit marches during Basic Combat Training (BCT). The final stages of Basic Training involve two tactical foot marches, one 10 kilometers and one 15 kilometers.
Dressed to Sweat
Recruits pick up their uniforms at Basic Training. They also receive Army Combat Uniforms (ACUs) and PT (Physical Training) uniforms.
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Lead from the Front
A Marine officer prepares to lead his unit on a desert training mission.
Navy Reservists Train Before Deployment
Navy reservists move into firing positions during a simulated improvised explosive device (IED) attack.
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Pugil Stick Battle
Army National Guard recruits fight with pugil sticks during Basic Combat Training (BCT).
Knee Deep
A recruit moves through water during a Basic Training obstacle course.
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Marine Corps Martial Arts Program
Recruits sharpen their hand-to-hand combat skills during martial arts training.
Ready, Aim, Fire
An Army National Guard recruit learns how to fire his rifle and protect himself during a Basic Combat Training (BCT) exercise.
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More Than a Playground Exercise
A recruit tackles the monkey bars in the middle of an obstacle course.
Marine Corps Recruit Training
Recruits on a conditioning run shout a motivational cadence.
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Who Needs a Front Door?
An Army National Guard recruit trains for an urban mission during a Basic Combat Training (BCT) exercise.
From Civilian to Soldier
During Basic Training, drill sergeants instruct recruits in the Seven Core Army Values and teach the recruits how to be Soldiers.
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Marine Officer Training at The Basic School
Newly commissioned Marine officers turn their leadership potential into proven ability at The Basic School.
Working with Local Governments
Members of the Army National Guard perform a sweep on a bus during a training exercise.
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Machine Gun Repair
A recruit works on repairing a jammed weapon.
Becoming a Marine Officer
Marine officers are committed to serving the Marine Corps and the United States.
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Following the Drill Sergeant's Lead
A drill sergeant stands before Army National Guard recruits.
A Sense of Achievement
Recent graduates of Basic Training look back on their experiences.
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Ship to Shore
Marines disembark from a landing craft and prepare to move inland for an exercise.
On the Ropes
Recruits participate in a ropes course, which helps them develop agility that can be useful in a combat situation.
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A look at daily life in Today's Military.
From the outside, it is hard to imagine what it's like to serve in the Military. There is plenty of news coverage, but it has been difficult to really get a sense of what day-to-day life in service is all about – until now. The videos and images on this site show the variety of experiences servicemembers have every day – from joining and training, to living and working all over the world. Choose a theme or Service from the menus below or choose between "Enlisted" and "Officer" to start exploring.
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