By Kris Osborn, President, Center for Military Modernization
(Washington DC) It goes without saying that anyone wishing to complete Army boot camp must approach the challenge with a clear resolve and sense of purpose sufficient to confront many challenges. This requires considerable mental toughness and an unwavering desire to be a “soldier,” “warrior” or “patriot” expending one’s energy in service of a higher national purpose involving sacrifice, commitment and the pure selfless devotion to risk death in service of the country.
Given that conflict or land war will naturally require physical strength and endurance, it is not surprising that there are some specific physical criteria potential “warriors” will need to meet in order to join the ranks. The minimum requirements are published in many places, and some of them include a “timed” 1.5 mile run. While higher standards such as an ability to complete 1.5 miles in 10 minutes are needed for the parachute regiment, most basic requirements say men need to finish 1.5 miles in 18:30 and females need to finish the distance in 21:35.
In addition, prospective soldiers will need to complete a certain amount of push ups and sit ups within the scope of one minute, depending upon age and possible area of focus. There is also a sit-and-reach flexibility test and a 5-minute water tread. Future soldiers must also demonstrate the ability to “jump”into water from a six-foot platform and swim 100 meters.
There is yet another critical variable of great consequence regarding these physical parameters, and that is an ability to perform all of these requirements while under stress. Given that combat is known to involve sleep deprivation, stress, fatigue and emotional intensity, potential soldiers are likely tested, pushed and assessed when it comes to showing an ability to function under duress. This means soldiers are require to perform tasks when subject to extremely intense mental and physical stress, something designed to fully prepare them for the rigors and risks of war. Sleep deprivation may prove to be the largest challenge for many recruits who not only need to meet the physical standards but must do so while fatigued and under extreme amounts of stress and pressure.
Pushing the Limits
Weapons are also fundamental to Army boot camp, as recruits will likely qualify for rifle shooting on an M-16 or M-4 and likely shoot an M-240 Machine Gun. Available information on boot camp also says soldiers will learn to carry and fire an M9 pistol.
Boot Camp is also focused on several key principles and activities to include orderly and disciplined marching and the ability to rapel, fire weapons and “close-with” an enemy in a combat scenario.
The most rigorous part of boot camp is described as a “red phase,” or three weeks of intense, regular exercise to include push ups, calisthenics, running and other kinds of physical stresses. Numerous anecdotal accounts of boot camp report that remaining awake in many instances can be among the most challenging things, given the sleep deprivation and stress potential soldiers are subject to.
Finally, perhaps one of the most significant, if obvious, requirements for boot camp would be a simple ability to listen and “follow directions.”
Kris Osborn is the Military Affairs Editor of 19FortyFive and President of Warrior Maven – Center for Military Modernization. Osborn previously served at the Pentagon as a Highly Qualified Expert with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army—Acquisition, Logistics & Technology. Osborn has also worked as an anchor and on-air military specialist at national TV networks. He has appeared as a guest military expert on Fox News, MSNBC, The Military Channel, and The History Channel. He also has a Masters Degree in Comparative Literature from Columbia University
