Compare Boot Camps at a Glance

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A Marine recruit takes part in basic training at Parris Island.
A Marine recruit participates in a daytime movement simulator during basic training at Parris Island Depot, S.C., on Oct. 15, 2009. (Senior Airman Nicholas Pilch/U.S. Air Force)

Basic training serves several purposes, such as getting in shape and learning the customs and courtesies of whatever branch you joined. It is meant to be tough, and when you graduate, you will feel a great sense of accomplishment.

 

Army
Basic Combat Training

Marine Corps
Recruit Training

Air Force
Basic Military Training

Coast Guard
Recruit Training

Duration:

10 weeks
Duration:

12 weeks
Duration:

7-9 weeks
Duration:

8.5 weeks
Duration:

8 weeks
Locations:

Fort Benning
Fort Benning, Ga.

Fort Jackson
Columbia, S.C.

Fort Knox
Louisville, Ky.

Fort Leonard Wood
Waynesville, Mo.

Fort Sill
Lawton, Okla.
Locations:

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island
Parris Island, S.C.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego
San Diego
Location:

Great Lakes Recruit Training Depot
Great Lakes, Ill.
Location:

Lackland Air Force Base
San Antonio
Location:

Cape May Coast Guard Training Center
Cape May, N.J.

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