Should basic training be the same across all Branches of service?

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 13:37:25 -0400

Not all service Branches have equal standards for thier basic training, should each Armed Forces recruit face the same initial standards before the head off to their Military branches MOS school?

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jul 10 at 2015 1:40 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 13:40:23 -0400

No, they have different missions and ultimately different needs.

Response by LCDR Jeffery Dixon made Jul 10 at 2015 1:42 PM

LCDR Jeffery Dixon — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 13:42:49 -0400

Mental toughness, physical toughness, team success. All branches have same needs. A soldier needs to be able to fight on the land, sea or in the air.

Response by MSgt David Haupt made Jul 10 at 2015 1:51 PM

MSgt David Haupt — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 13:51:29 -0400

Yes and No. If it was the same until a certain point. Basic was a nine week program then on to branch specific course...then yes I can see that. With the Joint fighting now a days it would help. BUT No because every branch has different missions.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jul 10 at 2015 1:51 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 13:51:54 -0400

While there are many similar needs between all branches of service, there are also some differences between all branches of service. So, let me pose a question to the question.... Is the marine Corps willing to give up the 10 weeks Basic Training AND give up the Crucible? Is the Navy willing to give up water training? Is the Army and Air Force willing to DO water training? Is the Air Force willing to do the high crawl/low crawl? I will answer this to some degree: Each branch has branch specific training requirements and/or traditions that they will not want to give up. Basic Training is also were each branch teaches their history (Long like the Army, Navy, MC, or short like AF). Unless you have some type of Basic Training that has "break out sessions" for branch specific training (ya, like THAT would work....) combining will not be an effective use of time, equipment, or funding.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 2:12 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 14:12:57 -0400

No!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 2:16 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 14:16:39 -0400

No. Each branch has its own specifics as far as training goes. If their specific jobs lend to what other branches do, then I can see joint Tech School/AIT/(whatever the others call it).

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 10 at 2015 2:36 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 14:36:22 -0400

As much as I want to say yes, I'm going to say no. Different branches train their troops to learn how to be what they are becoming. Soldier, Marine, Sailor, and Airman values are all different.

Response by SPC Matthew Andrews made Jul 10 at 2015 2:36 PM

SPC Matthew Andrews — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 14:36:42 -0400

Yes take the toughest of the four and start there.

I didn't look at the other comments before hand... Fair point but I think that the army at least has lost its edge. Before I got out the Discipline level of the average "New guy" was pretty low and to be honest he/she didn't know squat.

Response by PO1 Michael G. made Jul 10 at 2015 2:38 PM

PO1 Michael G. — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 14:38:10 -0400

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member No, sir, I don't think so. Marines, for example, spend a lot more time learning how to shoot and martial arts than the Sailors do, whereas Sailors get a basic rundown of firefighting and damage control. Not to mention, basic training also covers things like unit organization and chain of command, all of which are markedly different in each branch; for example, the way a ship is organized is not the same way that an Army battalion is organized.

Aside from the obvious practical incompatibility, I do think that service-specific pride is extraordinarily important for new recruits of each branch, and there is no other place to do that than in the incubator of the service specific boot camp.

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 10 at 2015 2:39 PM

SSG Izzy Abbass — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 14:39:20 -0400

No- different missions, traditions and I still don't get the rank structure of the Navy. LOL

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jul 10 at 2015 2:44 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 14:44:38 -0400

In some ways I think it there should be a common core of things that they need to learn, PT , discipline, rifle marksmanship, for the first 6-8 weeks. Then separate out after that.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jul 10 at 2015 2:53 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 14:53:49 -0400

no, unless you plan to take everyone's up to Marine Corps standards. We know that will not happen as some branches boot camp has turned into tennis shoe camp. No thanks.

Response by CSM William Payne made Jul 10 at 2015 3:36 PM

CSM William Payne — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 15:36:54 -0400

No.

As a trainer for almost all of my Army career and someone that had been exposed to all of the services' basic training through family service, the training needs to reflect the individual needs of the particular service.

Each service provides a different primary function to the fight, one size fits all would not apply.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 3:54 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 15:54:22 -0400

That's an interesting question to ponder, but it just wouldn't work, since each branch has different rank structure and core values each trainee has to learn.

Response by SSG James Yellis made Jul 10 at 2015 4:01 PM

SSG James Yellis — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 16:01:49 -0400

NO,, I agree with MSgt James Mullis, they have different missions and different training needs.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 4:09 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 16:09:08 -0400

No, because basic not only teaches you to be a basic solider, airman, sailor, or Marine; but it they teach you the history and traditions of that branch.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jul 10 at 2015 4:13 PM

SN Greg Wright — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 16:13:30 -0400

I went to boot camp the day after I graduated HS, following a year of football and wrestling, and I laughed at the physical stuff. Leaving out the whole SEALS question, however, it was more than enough to prepare a person to work on ships. I'm not sure sailors would need Marine-level boot camp.

And I'm pretty sure everyone laughs at AF boot...probably even AF types. *Ducks and runs*.

Plus, Boot teaches the traditions of each service. And I know how important Naval tradition is to me, so I imagine it's the same for each other service's members. I wouldn't want to give that up.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 4:54 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 16:54:11 -0400

To an extent, they should.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 4:58 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 16:58:47 -0400

The type of training needs to be related to the expectations that each branch has for their members. For example, I don't think sending Airmen to Paris Island style marine boot camp makes any sense

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 5:03 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 17:03:42 -0400

Easy answer Sir - Absolutely not. The different branches gear their basic training to prepare them for a career in their specific branch.

Response by Col Lyman Faith made Jul 10 at 2015 7:10 PM

Col Lyman Faith — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 19:10:13 -0400

No, absolutely not. I have found, after many years of suffering, that when you combine things such as career fields to save money, manpower, etc., that the end product will be worse that what you started with.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 10 at 2015 8:28 PM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 20:28:11 -0400

Absolutely not. As everyone else has already stated, service specific boot camps teach recruits the basics of being a Sailor, Soldier, Airman, Marine. I can't imagine a branch-wide boot camp that could incorporate all of that training, unless boot camp was 1 year long. Even if it was, by the time trainees moved on to a different phase, they would forget everything they learned about being a Sailor (or whatever branch they're joining). No, I think the current setup works just fine.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Jul 10 at 2015 8:32 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 20:32:29 -0400

I would have to say no because each service is different. I think overall though that the one good tweeking that could be done is in the physical testing department. Maybe set a standard for PT but other aspects are too service oriented to ever be able to have a common ground.

Response by SGT Jim Shoemaker made Jul 10 at 2015 8:49 PM

SGT Jim Shoemaker — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 20:49:38 -0400

No each basic,boot is designed specifically for that branch and it serves it's own purposes

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jul 10 at 2015 9:02 PM

SGT Richard H. — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 21:02:52 -0400

I think that having one basic training across all services would not only fall short of making any of the services more than they are, but would more likely make ALL of the services less than they are.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jul 10 at 2015 9:10 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 21:10:31 -0400

Lol.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 11:31 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 23:31:18 -0400

I'm going to go against the grain here. There are some similar aspects of being a service member that are consistent across the services. Learning some of those things in a common setting could work and then break out from there to service specific training. Some of those things are MOSTLY classroom setting lecture type training. Fundamentals of discipline, small arms familiarization (not marksmanship), and teamwork problem solving.

As we are expecting and demanding more and more from each individual in both service specific and joint environments, we need to learn how to work with our brothers and sisters in arms no matter the color of uniform.

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Jul 10 at 2015 11:56 PM

Maj Mike Sciales — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 23:56:13 -0400

Don't know if you need to train a cyber warrior like you do a Marine.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 4:05 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 04:05:42 -0400

No. We all have different missions

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Jul 11 at 2015 9:56 AM

CPO Jon Campbell — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 09:56:55 -0400

Smaller countries have tried this approach with conscripts. The initial phase is where people are assigned the branch they will be in. As an foreigner and a trainer, my experiance with the conscripts was that it was a flawed system as the guys did not get to choose their branch and had little incentive to do their best. Rather than arriving for the branch specific training with a motivated attitude, they were beat down and difficult to motivate. It could be that conscription had a lot to do with the issues I saw though.

Response by MAJ Bill Maynard made Jul 11 at 2015 10:14 AM

MAJ Bill Maynard — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 10:14:18 -0400

Negative, over!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 12 at 2015 12:50 AM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 00:50:07 -0400

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member Not as far as I am concerned, unless we only have one military... vs. the current military departments. The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines are all different, and there basic training, boot camps, etc. are geared toward their branches. I was not happy we did away with the Center Drill Sergeant Schools, and consolidated at Fort Jackson. I, and I think most, would prefer the major centers have their own Drill Sergeant Schools, so they can give them the right focus for their center. So, no. Unless we combine all for departments...

Response by TSgt Thomas Monaghan made Jul 12 at 2015 11:16 AM

TSgt Thomas Monaghan — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 11:16:35 -0400

Absolutely not part of basic training is learning your service's history and mission. All four branches have different histories and missions.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 11:24 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 11:24:09 -0400

No. Like many others have stated each branch is fundamentally different as far as organization and basic skills that are necessary to have. Also the Esprit de corps that is fostered in basic is important

Response by GySgt Robert Jones made Jul 12 at 2015 1:23 PM

GySgt Robert Jones — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 13:23:51 -0400

Each service is unique and should stay that way

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Jul 12 at 2015 7:33 PM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 19:33:22 -0400

Nope. What does the Army, Air Force or Marine Corps know about the Navy? Basic Training has to be service specific. They don't know how to stop flooding or put out a fire at sea. I wouldn't trust another branch of service's training. Not when my life is on the line.

Response by SSG Ricardo Marcial made Jul 12 at 2015 7:33 PM

SSG Ricardo Marcial — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 19:33:24 -0400

Put it this way, how many artillery troops took on grunt roles in Iraq. How many transport units turned haulers into gun trucks. Teach new recruits how to fight, even the clerk typist needs to understand this. Branch of service makes no difference, its about the role you bring to fight.

Response by Cpl Jerome Roseborough made Jul 12 at 2015 8:03 PM

Cpl Jerome Roseborough — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 20:03:16 -0400

There is a reason that a Marine can go to a different branch and is not required to go through boot camp again. If you came to the Marine Corps with prior service you would need to go through Marine Corps boot camp to come up to standard. That is not a coincidence but rather on purpose...and quite a bold statement I might say. OOHRAH!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 11:40 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 23:40:56 -0400

As someone who attended Army basic training and Marine Corps boot camp and served on active duty in both services, there will be many extra days (possibly weeks) added to learn the various lingo (e.g. latrine versus head (Navy speak), attention on deck versus attention, mess hall versus DFAC, etc) whether obliques should be continued or removed from D&C, the differences of Marine and Army BRM, PT test changes (would that all change to the 3-mile run test?), uniforms and base re-alignment issues. What would happen to Airborne and Amphibious doctrine and special ops concerns. Since the Air Force is the newest service, they can be assimilated back into the Army. :) The problem with today's military is that they are trying to fix things that are not broke.

Response by SFC Derrick Graves made Jul 13 at 2015 1:08 PM

SFC Derrick Graves — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 13:08:58 -0400

To all those service members that have posted on this blog I would like to thank you for your service in the past and present. As a retired Army veteran I have fond memories of working with members from each of the 5 branches at different periods of my active duty service. In regards to the BT topic I found myself in a online debate of the subject with a Colonel from the Marine Corps. I stand by the words I submitted but in hindsight I let the debate get personal and momentarily forgot the professionalism that was instilled in me as a former leader in the United States Army! For that reason only I apologize for losing my military bearing.

Response by SFC Wesley Arnold, Jr made Jul 13 at 2015 8:47 PM

SFC Wesley Arnold, Jr — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 20:47:04 -0400

As a former US Army Drill Sergeant, as are some of the others that may have made posted or served as part of the training chain of command.

I have do agree, NO ... here are some points why:
+ The US Army trainees attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) or One Station Unit Training (OSUT), they start the same, however; at the end of 8 weeks BCT Solider move on to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to learn their specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) to learn their specific job. OSUT Soldiers continue training at the same location and units to learn their specific job. The OSUT Soldiers do learn some, how their MOS differ, as their training is geared to a specific type training for their MOS.
+ Not every Service Member needs training on every weapon systems in the US Arsenal. Everyone should have an assigned weapon, be it pistol or carbine that appropriate to their job. Everyone should be able to protect themselves.
+ As already stated some acronyms / slang are different.
+ During my time as a Drill Sergeant (DS) (2001 - 2004) and during the beginning phases of OIF / OEF; training doctrine was changed almost as frequently as the war did. We no longer trained to (sole) conventional battle, there was no longer a front line followed by support followed by a rear area. We begin training for a 360 battle front, trying to instill that regardless of your MOS you could be instantly part of a direct assault or defend your convoy ... the introduction to IED/VBIED required us to update training as the OIF/OEF continued.

These are just every day reasons, logistics and funding would become a nightmare. Each branch has location that training and teach ... a centralized training would then require the movement of "every" new recruit. Now without exact numbers I would venture to say that 40 - 50% of each branch does not move to a new duty station of skill training.

The only possible advantage to a Multi - Service Training (my opinion) would be that all of the US Military would have core training for weapons and basic tactical defense. I saw USN and USAF augmentees working with with US Army Military Police (MP) EPW operations, I also saw US Army branches augmentee outside their MOS.

Response by CPO David Sullivan made Jul 14 at 2015 4:48 PM

CPO David Sullivan — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 16:48:06 -0400

Nope... Different Missions...

Response by PO3 Kevin Doucette made Jul 15 at 2015 7:27 PM

PO3 Kevin Doucette — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 19:27:29 -0400

There seems to be an overwhelminly negative response to the question and each make a valid response in that each service has mission specific training they must complete. Perhaps we could ask if there should be SOME commonality between the services in those skills we all need to posess, i.e: small arms, close order drill, CQB both armed and unarmed, military customs/courtesies. I remember going to an Air Force base right after boot and not knowing who to salute because everybody was wearing flight suits with so much crap on them I couldn't spot a rank insignia. Then had a Lt Colonel jump my shit for not saluting. I had to explain that "we don't salute indoors". Maybe we could all benefit.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 7:29 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 19:29:43 -0400

I think EVERY branch should require the same "fitness" scores only.
Everything else training wise...absolutely NOT

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 9:15 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 21:15:03 -0400

So reading the comments its obviously no. But what if we combined navy with coastguard and army with marine basic training?

Response by Cpl Clint Carter made Jul 24 at 2015 9:32 PM

Cpl Clint Carter — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 21:32:42 -0400

I would say yes. I don't feel that any branch is hard enough. We should increase the standards and have everyone ready for the worse case scenario.

Response by A1C Melissa Jackson made Aug 1 at 2015 1:40 PM

A1C Melissa Jackson — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 13:40:41 -0400

After my experience in USAF basic military training (1988)- I think they should. There was not near enough physical training, and I suffered for it later in my AF service. I know they have changed it up now, but I think it needed it be a little more warrior-based, and a little less 341 based.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 8:09 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 20:09:11 -0400

no need. the differences give us each something to discuss and debate about with members of the sister services. regardless, there will always be an across the board level of military discipline\training instilled in all.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 10:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 10:54:40 -0400

There are differences in basic training for each branch because each branch is vastly different. As a service member who has served in multiple branches, I have been fortunate enough to have a better understanding of those differences in operations then some and I am thankful that those differences are in place. No, basic training a crossed American military Armed Forces should not be the same. Leave history and tradition alone and let the trainers do what they are supposed to do; Train the troops with their respective branche's standards.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 11:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 23:08:50 -0400

They should all adhere to the same standard of training

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 11:20 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 23:20:24 -0400

While there are some commonalities like drill, military courtesy, UCMJ, all service-wide procedures and benefits, the uniforms missions and service-unique traditions are different, therefore no.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 3:37 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 15:37:11 -0500

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2016 12:54 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 00:54:06 -0400

No, Why? Because each branch of service is unique and have different missions and capabilities that each new recruit will have to learn from their Drill Instructors and their branches history and how they can adapt and over come their own fears. JK

Response by SFC Richard Giles made Aug 2 at 2016 1:07 PM

SFC Richard Giles — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 13:07:46 -0400

In some ways yes as far as the discipline by all means but each Branch has it's own traditions which are equally important. Each Branch is assigned different duties in defending our nation. So in my opinion the training needs to be different.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2017 11:19 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 11:19:04 -0400

Hell no, but I do think combat arms MOS skills Infantry, Artillery, Armor, Mortars, etc. should be a little higher though than say a Supply Sergeant or Human Resources person. I would like to see an additional PT test for COMBAT MOS where you are in full battle rattle because that fatigues you a lot quicker than PT in running shorts and t shirt. Yes, I know that sometimes a non combat MOS gets tasked out to do combat duties but for garrison, combat MOS should be at a higher level due to the more physical nature and endurance needed.

Response by SSG Joseph VanDyck made Sep 23 at 2017 11:23 AM

SSG Joseph VanDyck — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 11:23:35 -0400

Yes.

Response by SSgt Jimmy Jackson made Sep 23 at 2017 11:57 AM

SSgt Jimmy Jackson — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 11:57:03 -0400

Every branch should make sure the recruits are marksmen and well versed in handling weapons. You never know where your next assignment, TDY, or deployment my take you and what is waiting. This might save your life and others. Yes, even Air Force.....smh. As the father-in-law of a Marine SDI, been there seen that. They run to much.

Response by Col Randy Hagan made Sep 23 at 2017 12:05 PM

Col Randy Hagan — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 12:05:56 -0400

I think it's an interesting question -- and superficially would seem to make sense. However, SrA Vong's response is well put -- our Services use our training to impart our Services' individual values to our trainees in ways that will make them fit in as they move into permanent party positions. As a guy who's had lots of Joint experience, I've found that our military's core concepts are shared throughout the military even though each initial training is different.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Sep 23 at 2017 12:43 PM

SPC Donn Sinclair — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 12:43:06 -0400

Everything the same? Robert Strange McNamara would be proud.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Sep 23 at 2017 1:11 PM

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 13:11:53 -0400

Basically; Basic Training is and should be the same with equal standards across services - make it the same to encourage equality in the uniformed services.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2017 7:21 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 19:21:07 -0400

This question has already been answered by the services. The answer was no.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Sep 23 at 2017 7:34 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 19:34:10 -0400

No, there would be a lot of time wasted

Response by CPO Charles Helms made Sep 23 at 2017 10:08 PM

CPO Charles Helms — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 22:08:38 -0400

No, when is a soldier or airman ever going to use, what we as sailor have to learn and use! Marines get shipboard training as the spend time on Navy ships!!! We are all unique in what we do!! We need to leave boot camps alone!!

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Sep 24 at 2017 2:34 AM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 02:34:01 -0400

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member NO! Most my boot camp was teaching a bunch of dysfunctional boys how to march so we would not embarrass our visitors at graduation day. The rest of it was spent in class teaching us basic seamanship so we could survive on board naval vessels. Also water survival in case we we were threw overboard because we were an embarrassment to our shipmates.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 24 at 2017 5:21 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 05:21:38 -0400

IMHO they should stay the same.

Response by CPL Derrick Grady Sr. made Sep 25 at 2017 9:33 PM

CPL Derrick Grady Sr. — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 21:33:32 -0400

No they shouldn't cause it all depends on what that Military Branch does and they have different assignments to complete in war and that's why Basic Training is not the same.

Response by PFC Robert Rice made Sep 29 at 2017 10:01 PM

PFC Robert Rice — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 22:01:55 -0400

I don't know what the standards are now but I have heard that they have lowered some of the standards. Now that being said, I believe that the standards should be the same all across the board. I have heard rumors of stress cards. Give me a break! You are training for war and you think you should be stress free. Let me tell you something! Hold that damn card up while the enemy is firing at you and see what you get.

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made Mar 4 at 2018 7:11 PM

MSG Louis Alexander — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 19:11:01 -0500

Universal training doesn’t sound unreasonable at all, in fact it would be beneficial to the needs of the military. Let’s face it, if everyone was trained and held to that standard of training imagine the uniqueness and capability of said units. No cross training would be necessary, a Marine could fully function as a soldier, airman etc., and vice versa. Sure, high tech training may be different, but Basic Combat Training would be held at the same level throughout the military. Surly the Armed Forces could devise a plan for General Combat Training, prepare them to be fighting soldiers and marines equivalent to basic Infantrymen and once graduated, they can continue training in their chosen career management field. Imagine, the right hand knowing what the left hand is doing and in time of war, here we have fully trained fighting men and women on station and capable of engaging in warfare. We have to think not only outside the box, but we have to think from outside the perimeters of the outlying area of said box. For when it’s time to fight, you want them to fight like they’re the third monkey on the ramp to Noah’s ark…and brother, it’s startn’ to rain...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 8:16 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 20:16:56 -0500

NO! I did my basic in the Air Force and am now in the Army Reserves. Different missions completely and we should respect them for what we need them. I want courageous marines and brave soldiers. I need detail oriented airmen handling my billion dollar equipment. There are plenty of brave blood thirsty airmen and lots of rip-your-throat-out Seamen, but the services are all different, let's leave them that way.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Mar 4 at 2018 10:27 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 22:27:57 -0500

No. Each of the services has their own culture and Basic Training introduces each service member to that culture. This, in turn, builds pride in belonging to that branch of service. What works in the Air Force won't work in the Marine Corps. Trust me.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 5 at 2018 12:18 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 00:18:54 -0500

Different strokes for different folks- tho I love the USMC- "every person is a rifleman 1st, and their MOS 2nd." Little worry in defending their POG's.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2018 5:28 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 05:28:44 -0400

Absolutely. I hear it's less stringent at Navy & Air Force basic training. I never knew why? At end of the day we're all soldiers.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 2 at 2018 12:09 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 12:09:12 -0400

No- The USMC and Army are similar , tho I really like the jarheads attention to marksmanship, because we produce "Grunts" and combat folk. How many times have you ever heard of a regular squid or flyboy going thru concertina?

Response by MGySgt Jerry Suarez made Jun 10 at 2018 11:53 PM

MGySgt Jerry Suarez — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 23:53:33 -0400

No because each branch has a different mission I do think however just as it was years ago utility uniforms should all be the same to save money the difference should stay in the dress uniforms.

Response by MSgt Sam Lynn made Aug 19 at 2018 1:05 PM

MSgt Sam Lynn — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 13:05:32 -0400

I think that each branch should have their own.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Aug 19 at 2018 2:13 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 14:13:25 -0400

Damn, dare I say it that basic training is way too short, and teaching by fear doesn't work with everyone. You can't teach much in 13 weeks, you can weed out the lame and lazy and begin to acclimate them into their new world. If they don't cut it seperate them. I think everyone needs to go thru intense AIT after that, perhaps a longer period as well, and then onto their A school. that's wear you really learn, but every branch could use more exposure to what an 03 mos dictates. Then you can work on radios or predict the weather.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2018 11:27 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 11:27:07 -0500

The standard is not the same for all Army Basic training, I can tell you the standard for OSUT at Benning is light years above what the standard is at Ft. Jackson. Personally it was a shame they move BCT from Ft. Knox and moved it to Jackson.

Response by SFC Harry H. made Nov 14 at 2018 12:14 PM

SFC Harry H. — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 12:14:48 -0500

Not sure where Space Force is going to learn to use the lightsaber, unless they plain on teaching everyone in basic these same technique.... Do you think Space Force will have an Elite group called the Jedi's?

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2019 12:54 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 00:54:17 -0500

Never happen, until they all have the same pot of money....

Response by SrA James Cannon made Mar 5 at 2019 5:24 PM

SrA James Cannon — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 17:24:19 -0500

I think the current system is the way it should be. An airman having to go through all of the Marine Corps training of ruck marches, the Crucible, infantry tactics, etc. would be a complete waste. The same for a Navy Seaman. Those experiences and training would be a complete waste, as they are never going to be used in either service. Marines and Army go through grunt training because there is a high likelihood that they are going to need those skills and training. I guess if we were going to go to a combined "Forces" like Canada, you could do one basic training for all, and have it be similar to the Army or Air Force. Then have the more specialized training happen at technical schools or follow on training when recruits go their separate ways after graduation.

Response by SFC Michael W. made Apr 9 at 2019 5:34 PM

SFC Michael W. — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 17:34:03 -0400

I'll answer that question with a question..."Does the enemy tries to kill you according to the branch you serve?"

No. He has only 1 standard...to kill you.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Apr 23 at 2019 1:12 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 01:12:08 -0400

No. You do not swim in the army

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2019 12:08 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:08:11 -0500

I don't think basic training should be the same across all branches because we all have different missions. Therefore, the training should be geared toward said branch's individual mission.

Response by SGT Rodney Ayers made Dec 7 at 2019 2:10 AM

SGT Rodney Ayers — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 02:10:02 -0500

It's already watered down enough, making it universal would make it even weaker. Nothing personal, but Marines, or army infantry, require more than many others.. js...

Response by SPC Michael Mullins made Feb 3 at 2020 8:12 PM

SPC Michael Mullins — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 20:12:32 -0500

I would say as far as marksmanship, physical requirements, and level of discipline they should all be the same. By that I mean the highest standard that any military branch currently holds. Even if that means extending basic training for branches that have more technical roles. Any service member can be assigned to an area where they need the same skills that are taught to Marines and army infantryman in order to survive. That's supposed to be our base. That enables our leaders to send us anywhere for any reason to fill the need.

Response by SMSgt John Lemon made Mar 22 at 2020 9:35 PM

SMSgt John Lemon — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 21:35:51 -0400

No. Each branch has its own mission and their BMTS is developed around their mission. Therefore each service's BMTS must reflect those differences.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Mar 27 at 2020 1:43 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 13:43:24 -0400

No, simply no, different branch’s, different missions, different capabilities. There’s pride in individuality between the branches.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2020 8:06 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 20:06:32 -0400

Until each service needs the same thing out of each volunteer prior to reaching their operational unit, the answer will remain no. Everyone always talks about how the Marine Corp boot camp is so much harder. Well I would certainly hope it was harder when they are a much smaller force. Do not get me wrong, I love and respect the Corps, however I think people fail to remember that each service has their strategic place in the grand scheme of unified land, air, and sea warfare.

Response by SPC John Decker made Mar 29 at 2020 10:49 PM

SPC John Decker — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 22:49:14 -0400

No.

Response by Sgt Ed Allen made Apr 18 at 2020 11:49 AM

Sgt Ed Allen — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 11:49:42 -0400

No. There is a reason for each branch to have the training that they provide. If wouldn't make sense to elongate the training at the Naval Training Centers to be equal to that of Marine Corps Recruit Depot. The Navy is training for an entirely different mission.

Same goes for Air Force and Army. They're training levels are based on what the mission is and also, in part, on tradition.

Let's hear it for the differences!

Response by PFC George Laquino made May 14 at 2020 8:57 PM

PFC George Laquino — Thu, 14 May 2020 20:57:39 -0400

no it is aarine corp thing only only the strong men can do what the marine corp traning we got and you have to be special to be a marine

Response by MAJ Carlos Valenzuela-Durr made May 19 at 2020 6:42 AM

MAJ Carlos Valenzuela-Durr — Tue, 19 May 2020 06:42:04 -0400

The content would be dependent to each of the services content and needs but the way is taught could use Marine methods and standards.

Response by TSgt Mike Biles made Sep 27 at 2020 11:08 PM

TSgt Mike Biles — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 23:08:57 -0400

Each branch has its own needs.
While some things might be successfully "shared", there is too much that MUST be specialized for the Mission.

Response by SPC Brandon Israel made Oct 20 at 2020 8:51 AM

SPC Brandon Israel — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 08:51:27 -0400

As far as discipline and being woke up with trash cans being smashed, things being thrown and lots of yelling, then yes. The Navy and Air force need to experience that then maybe they wont be so soft

Response by Sgt M Varela made Oct 24 at 2020 2:03 AM

Sgt M Varela — Sat, 24 Oct 2020 02:03:58 -0400

Hell no!

Response by SSG Jimmy Cernich made Nov 11 at 2020 12:14 PM

SSG Jimmy Cernich — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 12:14:44 -0500

They have been trying to develop the Super Soldier Military across the board since before my time.If you have the slightest imperfection such as hearing,vision or find irregularities you will be turned down or be asked to sign a waiver.With that said I believe they are looking for a higher standard in each military branch.Is a reform needed across the board I'm not the expert but times are changing.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2020 12:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 12:40:58 -0500

I am going to say no, heck even the Army has different standards for different MOS's. We should not have different standards but we do.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Nov 11 at 2020 8:04 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 20:04:59 -0500

Training should be based on the predominate needs of the service. We don't all do the same job so we shouldn't all train to the same standards, however that doesn't mean that we don't all need to be physically fit.

Response by CPT Carolyn Andrews made Nov 15 at 2020 9:56 AM

CPT Carolyn Andrews — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 09:56:34 -0500

I agree with you.
We are all in the Military but we all train differently.

Response by SCPO Ken Badoian made Nov 15 at 2020 2:01 PM

SCPO Ken Badoian — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 14:01:37 -0500

NO just now. USMC and Army end or training scenarios are ground combat relate. USN boot camp ends with a couple days in a shipboard, mock up, wit damage control, fire fighting, etc. What the Air Force ends with I do not know. THe USCG is a mixed bag, Sea going and law enforcement. I wonder what the Space Force boot camp will look like. Commander Frederick is correct,, one a sailor aways a sailor and once any of the others the same. The Canadians tried it, single uniforms, etc. and went back to separation of services.

Response by TSgt David Olson made Dec 3 at 2020 9:28 PM

TSgt David Olson — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 21:28:19 -0500

No, each service has different functions. What an AF trainee needs is far different from the needs of a Marine recruit. That’s the simple fact and nothing will change it.

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Dec 4 at 2020 10:33 PM

LTJG Richard Bruce — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 22:33:58 -0500

Obvious answer is "Yes", but it may take years for the DOD services to meet the USCG standards.

Response by Maj Robert Larkowski made Dec 7 at 2020 6:12 PM

Maj Robert Larkowski — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 18:12:50 -0500

NOPE!
WE all have different jobs to do, so Basic Traing must be taylored to that specific job, branch or service.

Response by SSG Clayton Lam made Dec 14 at 2020 11:29 AM

SSG Clayton Lam — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 11:29:21 -0500

Response by Sgt Ed Beal made Dec 15 at 2020 9:04 AM

Sgt Ed Beal — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 09:04:05 -0500

I agree, although I was disappointed with AF basic not even getting to shoot a real M16 but a modified 22lr I realized we really could not use that skill so it made sense not to waste $ on the training but it was disappointing to me.

Response by CPO George Taylor made Dec 21 at 2020 4:17 PM

CPO George Taylor — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 16:17:47 -0500

Absolutely not, short and simple.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2020 8:19 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 08:19:00 -0500

If I was to vote as of today, I would say no. Each service branch has its own specific mission. (ie) AF=Defending the Air Space, ARMY=Securing the Ground, Navy=Defending the Sea/Waterways, MC=Special Operations/Amphibious Ops, CG=Defending Homeland Waterways. I think it would be how we define "Basic Training"...Physical Fitness, Weapons Training, Uniform Wear, Customs and Courtesies, Marching etc...not specific to one branch...///In the future, we may become "US FORCES" but I don't think that will happen; Military Occupations/Specialties are generally tailored "A little" to each specific branch: For example, A medic in the Air Force may have additional training in high-Altitude medicine; A Navy medic may have additional training in water injuries; An Army/MC medic have additional training in Environmental/Orthopedic/GSW injuries...OR you train all medics with all of these specialty areas.....I believe all Enlisted Medical Training now is at Fort Sam Houston for all branches. They did this with the Physician Assistant Program many years ago with success...

There will always be Service Pride...I don't care where you do your Service, I am just happy that you did it...No matter the Branch...SO....."Aim High, Army Strong, Semper Fi, Semper Paratus!!!!!"

Response by SSgt Mike Hogan made Dec 23 at 2020 11:51 AM

SSgt Mike Hogan — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 11:51:36 -0500

Great comments on the subject. I can only speak about the current Basic that the AF is offering. AF Basic is merely a period of time where the AF can get the recruits in uniform, shots, right from left, and maybe...maybe get some of the overweight airman down a few pounds. Perhaps some aspects of the other services could be incorporated into the AF Basic Day Camp. And perhaps making it a bit tougher might help weed out the malcontents and aid in reducing the suicide rate once they join the Force. Just a thought.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2021 7:31 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 19:31:31 -0500

Well first off.. have you seen marine training? As a Army soldier of 10 years.. screw that.. And I think the army more then exceeds in training.. But after seeing a Air force basic training.. I would agree that there should be a medium.. Lol but you know before you join.. Air force is easy.. army tough.. marines are insane lol.. And who cares about the navy.. all in all you make it what it is.. you get many options as a good soldier, and all branches have the option to truly test you.. But when it comes down to what you will actually be doing.. I'd consider each branch pt, fair.. you got to realise us army guys and marines.. tend to get hurt more in daily pt.. But we also have more physically demanding jobs.

Response by SCPO Lonny Randolph made Jan 4 at 2021 1:39 PM

SCPO Lonny Randolph — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 13:39:53 -0500

I will be genteel and not refer to the question as stupid. PT standards perhaps should be equal, but the training? Each branch has a specific mission to perform and the training performed should conform to that mission. I see little value in teaching a sailor who will be stationed on a destroyer how to envelop the enemy in a forest - or for that matter teaching a young Airman or Soldier how to properly fake a mooring line. If a servicemember is going to be assigned to a billet that requires some of that cross training then it should be provided. We can't all be Rambo, nor is it necessarily useful for everyone to be...

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Jan 5 at 2021 6:13 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 18:13:47 -0500

Great question with many different opinions. Financially, YES. Morale wise, NO. Let us be real, basic military training standards SHOULD BE the same. The technical training after basic is really where the rubber meets the road and, in the recent past, has been combined.

Response by SGT James Johnson made Aug 23 at 2021 9:10 PM

SGT James Johnson — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 21:10:16 -0400

No. The branches have different responsibilities. I went thru boot camp in the navy and basic training in the army. They were different then .This was in the middle 60's