Army BCT Graduation - 2013
BCT - Basic Combat Training
- Completion is required to join ANY regional or premier band EXCEPT for The US Marine Band "President's Own" and the US Coast Guard Band.
- 8-13 week course that teaches the military lifestyle, customs/courtesies, and military bearing. You will also learn basic combat, tactical movements, and weapons training.
- BCT is grueling, stressful, and uncomfortable. However, there is a very low rate of failure.
Weight/PT Requirements
- Every uniformed service member has to maintain their appearance, weight, and in most cases, their level of physical fitness.
- Grooming Standards
- Height/Weight Requirements
- PT Requirements
- Army
- Navy
- Air Force
- Marines (regional bands only)
- Coast Guard
Meeting With a Recruiter
Upon completion of a successful audition, you will be put in touch with a local recruiter. This process is often done before the actual audition as well. This is to ensure that you are physically fit to enlist in the armed forces if you are offered a position with an ensemble.
Once you begin working with a recruiter, you will work to complete paperwork that will provide the military with a full medical history, background check, educational history, and much more! This process will take time, so be sure to work on acquiring what the recruitment officer requests as soon as possible to expedite this step.
Pass a physical assessment (different requirements for every service). For example, the Army physical assessment is 1 minute of push-ups, 1 minute of sit-ups, and a timed 1-mile run.
MEPS - Military Entrance Processing Station
- You must pass MEPS in order to be in-processed. Criteria (below):
- You must meet height/weight standards.
- Complete the ASVAB (military aptitude test) with a score of 31 or higher.
- Extensive physical examination - vision/hearing, dental, orthopedic, blood, urine.
- Be patient and cooperative.
- You must be sworn into service upon enlistment.
Army BCT - Fall 2016