United States Army Basic Combat Training, Fort Jackson | 2023 (1st) 

I just graduated basic training 2 weeks ago I remember questioning why I’m even here and how stressful and struggling it was at first but you’ll get through it I promise you go earn your right to be called a soldier ❗️❗️❗️

Great advices: 1.) Avoid creating unwanted attention. 2.) Observe everything around. 3.) Be a team player. 4.) Don't quit / Never give up.

My Dad was in the Army. He told me that they will have you do push-ups, sit-ups and alot of running. They will yell in your face, but that's to make you tough and strong. Also you do alot of marching and drills. He also told me that the tear gas thing aint no joke.😆 Rest forever Daddy.❤️😇

That bus ride through the woods is identical to my experience at Fort Jackson 25 years ago. Heads down, eyes closed so that you have no idea what the route is from Reception to your Company area. We threw all of our bags in a pile just like you see here. When we went back to retrieve them a few hours later, it was pitch dark already. One difference though is that all our bags were exactly the same, as everything was in the big sea bags or the smaller green laundry bags. The only way to identify your bags was the black stenciled sharpies you used to write your name on. At night you can forget about locating your own bag. When we started the shakedown, it was complete chaos because no one had their own stuff anymore. The Drill Sergeants walked up and down the rows kicking and throwing stuff all over the place. It is impossible to avoid having your issued equipment mixed up with everyone else's. But fear not, young Private. This is just the first of many situations that you will be placed in where there is no way to win. That first night is LONG, and nothing will go right. The secret is to just keep going, don't get frustrated, don't whine, don't quit. You will eventually get everything sorted out. It is an experience you will remember clearly for all your days. Within 1-2 days, things start falling into place. You are kept busy, constantly challenged, and will be bone tired by lights out. Exhaustion trumps anxiety, and you will sleep soundly when you finally get to your rack. There won't be time for pity parties or whining. Before you know it, it will all be over. You will almost certainly be stronger, more organized, and squared away in general. Good luck!

I graduated from basic in November, seeing them struggle brings back memories. It’s difficult in the moment but when you realize you did all of that, it’s funny. My recruiters weren’t lying when they say it’d be hard but when your done with everything it’s fun

This brings back memories, I did my basic at Jackson almost 30 yrs ago! At the moment, you'll think its the hardest thing in the world....looking bk on it & watching this video, I just LOL. Proud of these Warriors, they'll always have a upper hand on the majority of society that can't handle hard times! Hooah!!

Basic Training was the most fun I never want to have again

Is there an online course???🤔

to anyone who is interested: the reason trainees flap their arms like a bird after going through the gas chamber, is because its not actually a gas. its more like a powder, and is activated by moisture. you stand in the chamber and perform various exercises to produce sweat that activates it. it feels like a bad sunburn. from there, the drill will go to each individual tell them to remove their mask, and breathe in, or sometimes receite the soldiers creed. when you are leaving, flapping your arms knocks all the loose powders off of your clothes. you dont want to get back to the bay and have that powder get on your bed or other uniforms.

Thank you all for your commitment and dedication. Future warriors! From a prior Marine S/F

I was drafted into the U.S.Army during the Vietnam war. Nobody failed basic training during that period, the Drill Sergeants “fixed” it so everybody graduated basic training. Uncle Sam needed body counts in the ‘Nam!

10 months into my army career, had airborne in contract so after a long 5-month AIT and another month at jump school I'm officially at my duty station. Man, this brings back great and awful memories. What an experience!

Ah basic training. It gets easier day by day and you end up enjoying it when you graduate. Drill sergeants are there to help you and remember that they are also people doing their jobs.

Graduated in 1998. Best times. I'm retired now and miss everything about being back in. Congrats to all these soldiers.

USMC '62-74. I'm 79 now and miss it. Don't know if I'd do it all over again being 79. I get a greater feeling knowing that the younger generations want to fellow in my footsteps. And what a breath of fresh air it is to meet um. A friend of minds granddaughter is a Marine fighter pilot his father was a member of VMF 214, 'Black Sheep Squadron' WWII. To all my brothers and sister veterans 'Thank you for you're service God Bless you Happy 4th. semper fi

Bringing back old memories basic training was a once in a life time experience. In hindsight it was FUN!

I leave for BCT in Fort Jackson in three weeks. This video was very informative, thank you for making it. The anticipation is just building and building for me!!

I went through Basic Training over 40 years ago when they still did the "shark attack" or as we called it "Shock Treatment" and I still vividly remember that bus ride, and the dash to get off the bus...you didn't want to be the last guy off the bus. I was the guy that unfortunately (for me, at least) stepped on the DS boots while exiting the bus...I mean he was standing right there... Thankfully I was not last off the bus too...That day and the weeks that followed are forever etched in my mind and made me the man I am today. God Bless The US Army and the dedicated men and women who serve to protect America...."THIS WE'LL DEFEND"

I did basic at Ft. Jackson in 1980. We didn't get an indoor graduation, ours was outdoors. Less than an hour after graduation I was on a bus headed for Ft. Gordon for AIT.

Not only is my drill sergeant in this but my battle buddys from 2-13th who I just graduated with are here in this video to crazy to think we’re already through

Don’t think of it as boot camp just think of it as the best 3 months of your life. If I could do boot camp all over again I’d do it.

This seems very relaxed from when I was in. I remember everyone getting yelled at to move faster.

My daughter is there now I'm so FUCKIN proud of her

I wish there weren't an age limit this actually looks really fun to me ,I'm 43 and still do a 12 mile ruck every friday and work out just for fun,mainly because I have no friends 😄

I was a Drill Sergeant in the early 1970’s at Fort Jackson. Times have changed

God keep in safe all our hero USA ,May god bless you all.

Thank you for sharing. I'm not a soldier but before getting into this you really have to prepare yourself to this tough training and yelling. My kid was trained there long ago. Now he wanted to renew his contract. Thank you all for your sacrifices and service to the country. I grew up in the Pacific that we've been occupied 3x. ROTC was mandatory from high school to college in preparation for any threats to our islands which is a hot spot then and now. You all should be proud of yourselves. This only train you as a soldier but a better, tough person.

Congratulations to all 🫡🫡🙏 I can’t wait to see my son graduating in August I miss my little boy😭

I love the fact that they have buses. Does anyone remember the cattle car days? With all you gear on those things? It was terrible and one of my best memories.

Enlisted 2016 and went to bct in Jackson. Intetesting to see they added some clinch training now. It would be really useful if someone tries to grab you in cqb while clearing a room.

those uniforms look dope asf

Fantastic video. Congratulations to all those who passed and served. Being British I have nothing but respect and love for the US.

I go to take my test Monday and watching these videos makes me so more excited to go to the reserves ❤

I was prior Navy, 10.5 yrs out. Reenlisted Army 37F mos. I went through WTC in NM and WSMR. I think its bullshit they didnt have us go through basic again. It would have been a HUGE BENEFIT to us going back into service with so many years out. I love my Navy! I love my Army! AATW!

Looks like there are major changes to combatives. This looks much more practical and useful than the old program of Brazilian jiu jujitsu. I was level 2 certified but I actually hated the Army combatives program back then, waaaay too technique oriented and complicated and of little combat use. Glad to see this.

Man, I miss the army, but I served my time and congratulated the future brother and sisters to graduate honorable in the army. Keep your chin high and push through hoah

I leave for bct in 6 days so watching this is surreal. Cant wait for this journey.

May God, protect and keep them all under His wings🙏🙏

God Bless The United States of America and God Bless Our Troops.

Great video and thank you for posting. My son graduated from BCT at Fort Jackson in July 2021. He was in 3-39 IN BN, 165 IN BDE, Delta Company, 2nd Platoon. I was very proud of him and ALL the soldiers that serve our country. Godspeed and God Bless the greatest military in the world.

I can confirm. I went there for basic and I'm almost done with my AIT

I wish I had got an indoor graduation. It was freezing, and the lieutenant colonel's speech lasted for what felt like ages. Eventually I fell out, after making it through all that training. Good times i guess...

32 year old I say go for it. I m 65 years old 20 years US ARMY active. 20 years State Trooper. 7 years Postal service with four year credit. Was a Drill SGT at Fort Jackson SC. I m telling you if it a thought. Than do it and do it right ACTIVE DUTY. You ll NEVER regret it.

I know it'll be tough, the toughest thing I've ever done, but I can't wait to join. I know there'll be times during BCT where I'll regret enlisting, but I know that at the end it will all be worth it.

I love watching these videos. They remind me of going through this at Jackson too back in '96

Joined back in 2005 im ready to retire had a great career and worked with alot of good people

Graduated Dec 1st 2022, Bravo 4-39 at Jackson. Such a crazy yet humbling experience. Would never want to do it again, but will never forget the people and memories I made over there.

Yea I definitely joined the wrong branch, I’m currently a sailor in the Navy. Nothing against being a sailor, just being a soldier sparks a fire in my heart.

“Slow and smooth and smooth is fast.” - DS McCormick

Thats amazing my big brother is currently in the army

Joined back in 1965. Took basic at Fort Hood and marching on those tank trails was hard on the feet!

I loved and hated Fort Jackson, I loved the training especially since the gas chamber was my favorite part of BCT, and NIC, possibly a good majorities favorite was NIC. I went to Jackson in January this year and graduated from 165th E company 3-34, white phase for my platoon blows because we didn't have drill sergeants and the other drill sergeants weren't there to train my platoon along side my former SDS became the 1st Sgt, however I enjoyed my time at Fort Jackson despite the amount of sand trails we have dealt with but I was happy to be there for BCT

I was Navy, I'll always remember the confidence chamber, they said I had a good seal, I was in the back row, I got hit with 3 tabs.... I thought I was going to die. The confidence chamber is great if you have the crud because it will clear you out.

I Graduated Ft Jackson 1975. Had the best time of my life it was fkn Tough loved every minute of it. guard duty was awesome, beer machines on every other corner. K P to... all the food i could eat.. drill sergeants a hell of a lot tougher then

14:20 contemplating life decisions 😂

That senior drill sergeant was super professional , the way it should be .

I graduated in 1985 from US Army Basic Combat Training. I don’t remember the battalion was that I was assigned to but I do remember that I was in Delta, we called ourselves the Delta Diamondbacks. I remember Drill Sergeant Campbell and Drill Sergeant McCoy. I generally have positive memories of my time there.

Thank you for your service to this Great Nation!

Thank you for your dedication to this great nation 🇺🇸. Congratulations!

Served: 1989 - 2014. Wow! How times have changed.

Awesome. Although I noticed things have changed a bit !!! 😂. I was at Jackson in 97 and my father also went to Basic there !!!! 🎉🎉. Our experience had a bit more yelling and cursing. 😂. Things deff have changed. Cool to see the old Fort again !!! It still looks the same as it always has !!!! 🫡

This reminds me of my time in the military basic training then I went on to join the 75th rangers 2bn all inspired by my older brother a Vietnam vet 2 tours go young men go

I know this is not shark attack but at least the sergeants are yelling at the reccruits and that brings military vibes.

Fort Leonard Wood July 1984 12C. I can honestly say I had a blast...except marching out to the bridge building range in MOPP level 4. I had no idea you could sweat that much.

Leaving for jackson on the 4th of july. (Technically the 5th since meps will be closed on the 4th). I'm lowkey nervous but im also excited at the same time 😅

I'm about to do this

I graduated Jackson August 30th, 1990. Halfway through, Iraq invaded Kuwait, and suddenly, everything got real.

Relaxin jackson. I graduated from there in '18. It's cool until it gets cold and windy lol

I ship out in 2 days I’m excited asf

Brings back memories. I was D Co 2/60th back in 2001. The good ol days :)

Obstacle courses are such a small small part of BCT. We only did about 2 obstacle courses throughout our entire 10 weeks. Loved it though... cadences, rucks, and the field exercises were my favorite part. To be honest though the majority of my BCT was just standing around waiting for something to happen and/or get done lol

Thank you very much 🎊 🎉

I was at Fort Jackson 25 years ago other than the more options in mess hall looks the same.

The best days of my life at 18 was at fort Campbell KY 1979 ❤️

For those shipping off to basic training, BCT is about attention to detail. When your drill sergeant says half right face make sure you don’t move and be still as possible and sound off with a loud and thunderous “Can’t smoke a rock drill sergeant!” This shows that you are paying attention and that you’ve read your study material your recruiter gave you. When marching to and from the dfac make sure you leave your weapon secured in your bay because your not allowed to be out in public with it, a lot of trainees make the mistake of bringing it and get smoked for it, but if you don’t bring yours you won’t have to do push-ups, just make sure to sound off with a loud and thunderous “can’t smoke a rock drill sergeant!” And you’ll be excused from smoke sessions.

Thank you all ford you on great sow see film videos very good today💕✌️

Damn did basic here in 2022 and shit I thought I had it easy. My drills just gave no fucks about us but these guys getting encouragement during the obstacle course is hilarious

That’s my drill sergeant mike. He’s the best

I can hear Drill SGT Hubbard's voice in the beginning!! she was such a dope Drill... She really cared for us or at least I think she did haha

thank you we believe in you all!!!

Once the shark attack ended at my training post, the drill sergeants became more like mentors

I remember DS Kirkland, I just graduated from his class just a year ago. We never got to do combatives much but I'll always remeber his artillery cadences hahaha D Co 2-39

first things first thank you for your service battle buddies Hooooooooah! I had a love hate relationship with the military I loved all the benefits but hated morning PT in freezing cold wearing t-shirt and shorts hahahh anyway I did my basic training at Fort Knox they are infamous for there hills there especially "Heartbreak" if you know you know.

Went to basic and AIT at Fort McClellan Alabama in 93. I'll hold my comments on what I just watched.

I remember more of a sense of urgency back in the day

Love proud USA army 💖💖💐💖💐💖💐💖💖😍💖😍😍💖😍💖😍

Going to Fort Jackson in April very excited 😅

When I was on the trail, I loved to see how many I could make cry.

Never used knee pads or elbow pads 2-13 C-Co

Ship out July 5th I’m excited

Good recruits and I feel so proud of our troops who walk the line for our freedoms in this great country. God bless the US! 🇺🇸

I did my basic at fort Leonard Wood in 1970. All the drill sargents were fresh back from Vietnam and we respected them so much no matter what they said or did to us , they were always fair and looking out for us. The first week I had blisters the size of silver dollars on my feet, at first I thought I had gotten rocks in my boots somehow. The only time we were inside a building was to eat or sleep. Marching, calisthenics, or shooting all the time. When someone screwed up or fell down , marching or double timing, they'd make the guy lie on his back and swing his arms and legs and shout " I am a dying cockroach", or make him duckwalk in circles and shout " I can not march so I walk like a duck" , or often they'd make him do a hundred pushups and then run to catch up with the formation. After a few weeks or right away if you wanted to invite trouble we could buy a quart of beer for 10 cents, I blew a dollar that way more than once. One real difference at that time was the "Draft", there were plenty of sad and strange stories about how some men were inducted, and PLENTY of " strange " inductees. Men who were married had so much of their pay sent to their wives that the men didn't have enough cash to even smoke "Bull Durham".

This time in 1986, I had just started basic training at Ft. Jackson. I arrived at the reception station on July 2. Delta 2-1-1, Hollywood. I remember my drill Sargeants and the guys in my platoon as if it were yesterday. Hot, Hot, Hot.

This seems so laid back compared to USMC basic (went through in 2003). Joining the Army Reserve now and have to go back to basic since I've been out for so long so seeing that has been reassuring (I'm too old for USMC-style BS).

New generation is looking good... Make'em Work DRILLS! Finest NCO's in the Army. HOOAH!

i used to to Fort Benning for Infantryman training, 16 weeks. It was hell at first, but after a few weeks, its better. But, after i report to my unit 10th Moutain at Fort Polk, LA. things change a lot, and even more when i was deployed to Afghanistan (one of the most dangerous in Afghanistan at that time.

Im 32 im thinking bout going anyone think thats a bad idea ? Or should i just not try ?

Went through there back in 2008, good times.

I got there in April 1980, Went to Ft.Polk for AIT June 1980.

I was there in Oct,2021. Literally it was great experience then i met a lot of good DI and friends. Just enjoy your time over there!