Full Answer
What is IET in the Army?
IET is the period from the first day of basic training, through job training, and ends when the soldier graduates from their job training and reports to their first permanent duty assignment (PDA). The Army has two different IET processes.
What is the IET pamphlet?
This pamphlet is the guide for all Initial Entry Training (IET) Soldiers who enter our Army Profession. It provides an introduction to being a Soldier and Trusted Army Professional, certified in character, competence, and commitment to the Army.
How should IET leaders treat IET Soldiers?
Leaders must not only demand that IET soldiers achieve the Army standard during high quality, rigorous training, they must also demand that every IET soldier is treated with the dignity and respect entitled all soldiers.
What is Initial Entry Training (IET)?
Initial recruit training within the US Army is known by the term Initial Entry Training (IET) which encompasses two phases of training: Phase 1: Basic Combat Training (BCT): converts civilians into partly trained military personnel. Training programmes follow a common military syllabus (CMS) to ensure consistency across the board.
What is the goal of IET?
The goal of IET is to transform civilians into technically and tactically competent soldiers who live by the Army's values and are prepared to take their place in the ranks of the Army.
How long is IET?
IET is the period from the first day of basic training, through job training, and ends when the soldier graduates from their job training and reports to their first permanent duty assignment (PDA). The Army has two different IET processes. The first process is where the recruit goes through basic training for nine weeks ...
What is phasing in IET?
The concept of phasing and associated goals was established to provide intermediate objectives that give common direction and serve as milestones for IET soldiers during IET. The training cadre informs IET soldiers of the goals and standards for each phase of training. IET soldiers then know what direction to work towards and generally what effort must be applied to achieve the goals. Movement from each phase is viewed as a "gate" or "passage" for each soldier. The training cadre evaluates each soldier against the desired standards for each phase before advancing to the next phase.
What are the privileges of IET?
Privileges granted in IET should support the phase training program, which establishes intermediate goals to help recruits in their transformation from civilians to soldiers. Specific privileges will be associated with each phase as incentives, and soldiers should be eligible for those privileges as they progress in training. However, the decision to award privileges must be based on individual performance. Soldiers should be given additional freedom as they demonstrate more self-discipline and the ability to accept responsibility. These are privileges, not rights, and as such, can be withheld, modified, or withdrawn by commanders based upon performance, mission, and program requirements. The following privileges are the outer limits and, as such, commanders can be more restrictive, if desired.
What is the last phase of IET?
Phase III is designated as the "Warrior" Phase (Blue Flag). It is the last phase of basic training and encompasses weeks seven to ten of basic training and OSUT. This phase is designed to develop and foster the IET soldier's understanding of the importance of teamwork. This phase culminates with the application of all skills learned in basic training (and basic skills portion of OSUT) during a 72-hour field training exercise. This exercise is designed to stress IET soldiers physically and mentally and requires each soldier to demonstrate their proficiency of basic combat skills in a tactical field environment while operating as part of a team. The goals for soldiers in Phase III include, but are not limited to:
Can IET soldiers drive PX?
No passes are permitted, and IET soldiers are restricted to the company area. IET soldiers in this phase will be escorted to post exchange (PX) by the DS for necessities or as a reward for achievement. Soldiers are prohibited from driving privately owned vehicles (POV) and from wearing civilian clothes.
What is a soldier in the army?
A Soldier in the United States Army stands strong - a member of a band of brothers and sisters bound together by timeless values and sharing a sense of trust with and duty and loyalty to their fellow Soldiers that is unlike any other in the world.
What does it mean to be a loyal soldier?
Army. A loyal Soldier is one who supports his or her leader and stands up for fellow Soldiers. By wearing the uniform of the U.S. Army you are expressing your loyalty to the Nation, family, and your fellow Soldiers.
How many soldiers are in a squad?
The squad/section is the smallest unit, consisting of eight to ten Soldiers. You will be assigned to a squad or a section when you report to your first unit.
What does it mean to be a duty?
Doing your duty means carrying out your assigned tasks and being able to accomplish the mission as part of a team. Duty also requires you to work hard every day to be a better Soldier. Everyone in our Army contributes to the mission if they do their duty.
How long will a soldier go to jail for sexual assault?
Army found guilty of sexual assault could face a dishonorable discharge and up to 30 years in prison. Integrity. Do what’s right, legally and morally.
What is the Army's motto?
The Army’s motto remains as relevant today as it did at our Nations’ founding. The pronoun “We” reinforces our collective or team effort and “Defend” remains our Army’s main mission. The Army continues this pledge into the future, as we have done
Why is personal appearance important in the army?
Personal appearance is important—it demonstrates the pride and self-discipline you feel as a Soldier in the U.S. Army. Being neat and well groomed contributes to the esprit de corps in your unit. Your uniform should fit well and be clean, serviceable, and pressed as necessary.
What is the American Continental Army?
On 14 June 1775, the Second Continental Congress established “the American Continental Army.” The United States Army is the senior Service of the Armed Forces. As one of the oldest American institutions, it predates the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. For almost two and a half centuries, Army forces have protected this Nation. Our Army flag is adorned with over 190 campaign and battle streamers to date, each one signifying great sacrifices on behalf of the Nation.
What is the Army's profession?
The Army is a profession. A Soldier’s appearance measures part of his or her professionalism. Proper wear of the Army uniform is a matter of personal pride for all Soldiers. It is indicative of esprit de corps and morale within a unit.
What is distress in the military?
Distress can lead to the development of unhealthy behaviors. People closest to the Soldier (fellow Soldiers, Family, friends) are in the best position to recognize changes due to distress and to provide support.
What does it mean to be a duty?
Doing your duty means carrying out your assigned tasks and being able to accomplish the mission as part of a team. Duty also requires you to work hard every day to be a better Soldier. Everyone in our Army contributes to the mission if they do their duty.
How many soldiers are in a squad?
The squad/section is the smallest unit, consisting of eight to ten Soldiers. You will be assigned to a squad or a section when you report to your first unit.
What is the Army's motto?
The Army’s motto remains as relevant today as it did at our Nation’s founding. The pronoun “We” reinforces our collective or team effort and “Defend” remains our Army’s main mission. The Army continues this pledge into the future, as we have done since 1775.
Is the Army a law?
The Army is subject to military law and the laws of our government, and we strive to live as law-abiding Soldiers in whatever we do and wherever we go.

Introduction
Training Hierarchy
- This section provides an overview of the training hierarchy from the perspective of initial training for enlisted personnel.
Basic Combat Training
- The purpose of Basic Combat Training (BCT) is to convert civilians into partly trained soldiers and is delivered at four locations across the US mainland: 1. Fort Benning, Georgia; 2. Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; 3. Fort Sill, Oklahoma; and 4. Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Regardless of training programme (BCT/AIT or OSUT) all recruit soldiers will follow a common military syllabus during …
One Station Unit Training
- One Station Unit Training (OSUT) combines BCT and AIT in the same unit. OSUT is organised for certain MOSs such as Infantry, MP, Engineer and Armour. The transition from BCT to AIT is seamless, and graduations are celebrated at the end of OSUT. Again, hours are long and training is conducted on weekends.
Another Perspective: Training, Inspections and Parades
- If you would like to read some interesting, if not thought-provoking, articles on military inspections, parades and basic training then view: 1. Military Inspections: What’s The Point?: http://www.vexen.co.uk/military/inspections.html 2. Army Basic Training: Weeding Out The Weak: http://www.vexen.co.uk/military/weeding_out_the_weak.html 3. Military Drill: Its Theory and Purp…
Useful Links
- Listed are some links which the reader may find useful: 1. US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC): http://www.tradoc.army.mil 2. US Army Centre for Initial Military Training (USACIMT): http://www.tradoc.army.mil/dcgimt/index.htm 3. Army Training Network (ATN): http://atn.army.mil/ 4. Doctrine and Training Publications: http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/, a …
General Restrictions During Army Initial Entry Training
Phased Training in Basic Training, Ait and OSUT
- The concept of phasing and associated goals was established to provide intermediate objectives that give common direction and serve as milestones for IET soldiers during IET. The training cadre informs IET soldiers of the goals and standards for each phase of training. IET soldiers then know what direction to work towards and generally what effort must be applied to achieve the goals. …
Phase I
- Phase I is designated as the "Patriot" Phase (Red Flag). This phase encompasses weeks one to three of basic training and OSUT. It is an environment of total control where an active, involved leadership begins transforming civilians into soldiers. Training during this phase is focused on inculcating Army values, traditions, and ethics, as well as beginning the development of individu…
Phase II
- Phase II is designated as the "Gunfighter" Phase (White Flag). This phase encompasses weeks four to six of basic training and OSUT. As its name implies, this phase is centered on the development of basic combat skills, with special emphasis on weapon proficiency. Skill development, self-discipline, and team building characterize phase II along with a lessening of c…
Phase III
- Phase III is designated as the "Warrior" Phase (Blue Flag). It is the last phase of basic training and encompasses weeks seven to ten of basic training and OSUT. This phase is designed to develop and foster the IET soldier's understanding of the importance of teamwork. This phase culminates with the application of all skills learned in basic training (and basic skills portion of OSUT) durin…
Phase IV
- Phases IV (Black Flag) and V (Gold Flag) of the soldierization process occur in AIT and OSUT and are characterized by lessening of control and increased emphasis on the technical aspects of an IET soldier's designated MOS. IET soldiers also receive reinforcement training on values and an introduction to the history, heritage, and traditions of their specialty branch. This lessening of co…
Phase V
- Phase V begins at the start of the fourth week of AIT (fourteenth week of OSUT) and continues until graduation from AIT/OSUT. It is characterized by reinforcement training of common skills, training, and evaluation of MOS skills, a leadership environment which simulates that in a field unit, and a culminating tactical field training exercise that integrates common skills and MOS ta…
Graduation from Ait Or OSUT
- Graduation from OSUT/AIT signifies successful completion of the first five phases of the soldierization process. All IET graduates, by definition, have demonstrated the technical and tactical skills necessary to join the ranks in the field and be a contributing member of the unit's mission accomplishment. It does not signify the end or completion of the soldierization process…
Amount and Type of Control
- During IET, the cadre leadership should evolve from total control over soldiers to the point where it duplicates the leadership environment in field units. This gradual change supports the soldierization process, yet lets the DS gauge how self-disciplined the soldiers are and maintain or relinquish control accordingly. A period of total control (e.g., continuous cadre supervision, soldi…
Privileges/Limitations For IET Soldiers
- Privileges granted in IET should support the phase training program, which establishes intermediate goals to help recruits in their transformation from civilians to soldiers. Specific privileges will be associated with each phase as incentives, and soldiers should be eligible for those privileges as they progress in training. However, the decision to award privileges must be …