Maybe you’re going to be joining the army at some point, and you’re feeling a little nervous about basic training. Well, this probably won’t ease your nerves, but let’s discuss some of the hardest parts of initial training to help prepare you mentally and physically.
The First Three Weeks: The Red Phase
The first three weeks of basic training are known as the Red Phase. This is when drill sergeants are at their strictest, and everything is intense.
What Makes the Red Phase So Tough?
🔹 Non-stop yelling and strict discipline
🔹 Maximum physical training (PT) and restrictions
🔹 Constantly being “smoked” (forced to do extreme exercise as punishment)
🔹 Limited free time and high-pressure situations
This phase is where recruits struggle the most, and it’s also the time when some realize they can’t handle it and decide to quit.
Getting Smoked: The Ultimate Endurance Test
Getting “smoked” is one of the most physically exhausting parts of basic training.
🔥 Push-ups, burpees, and running drills at random times
🔥 Middle-of-the-night smoke sessions for no apparent reason
🔥 Forced PT lasting anywhere from a few minutes to an hour
Some recruits even get woken up at 1 AM, forced to do exercises for an hour, then sent back to bed—only to wake up again a few hours later for morning PT.
Why is this done?
✔ To build endurance
✔ To mentally and physically toughen recruits
✔ To prepare them for combat situations with minimal sleep
The Unknown: The Mental Strain of Basic Training
One of the biggest challenges in basic training is not knowing what comes next.
| Unknown Factor | Why It’s Hard |
|---|---|
| Wake-up Times | Could be 3 AM, 4 AM, or 5 AM—it’s unpredictable. |
| Surprise Smoke Sessions | Could happen once a day or multiple times without warning. |
| Training Schedule | Some days you know what’s planned, other days you’re in the dark. |
| Physical Demands | You don’t know what challenges await you next. |
Recruits must learn to adapt quickly and go with the flow.
Lack of Sleep: The Real Battle Begins
Exhaustion is one of the toughest parts of basic training.
😴 Early morning PT (physical training)
😴 Late-night duties and training sessions
😴 Unpredictable wake-up calls and random night missions
The goal is to prepare soldiers for combat situations, where operating on minimal rest is often necessary.
Culture Shock: Meeting Different People
Basic training brings together people from all over the country, which can be a major adjustment.
🔹 Different accents and slang
🔹 Varying backgrounds, work ethics, and lifestyles
🔹 New personalities clashing in a high-stress environment
Some recruits struggle to adapt to new social dynamics, making this an unexpected challenge.
Separation from Family & Loved Ones
Being away from family, friends, and significant others is another major challenge.
💔 Limited phone access
💔 No social media or direct communication
💔 Weeks or months without seeing loved ones
For recruits with spouses or children, this separation is especially difficult. Many overcome this by forming strong bonds with fellow recruits.
The Gas Chamber & Other Tough Training Events
Certain training exercises are universally dreaded by recruits.
🚨 The Gas Chamber – Exposure to CS gas (tear gas) causes burning eyes, coughing, and discomfort.
🚨 Obstacle Courses – High-intensity challenges that test physical endurance.
🚨 Weapons Training – Long hours spent learning firearms and combat tactics.
Although these events only last a short time, they are often the most physically and mentally draining parts of basic training.
Climate Shock: Adjusting to Different Weather
Recruits come from all over the country, and many struggle to adjust to new climates.
| Hometown Climate | Training Climate | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA (Warm & dry) | Fort Sill, OK (Cold winters, extreme heat in summer) | Adjusting to extreme cold and hot temperatures |
| Florida (Hot & humid) | Fort Leonard Wood, MO (Snow & ice) | Freezing temperatures, wind chill, and moisture |
| Texas (Dry heat) | Fort Benning, GA (Humid jungle-like) | Sweat, exhaustion, and dehydration |
Some recruits struggle with heat exhaustion, while others face frostbite-like conditions for the first time in their lives.
Extended Drill Sergeant Contracts Due to COVID-19
COVID-19 has made basic training even more challenging.
💢 Drill sergeants forced to stay in their roles longer
💢 Stricter rules and more frequent punishments
💢 More unpredictable training schedules
Some drill sergeants have had their contracts extended due to COVID, meaning they weren’t happy about staying longer, which in turn made life harder for recruits.
Final Thoughts: Preparing for Basic Training
Basic training is designed to be tough, but knowing what to expect can help you mentally prepare.
✔ Expect strict discipline and intense workouts
✔ Prepare for sleep deprivation and unpredictable schedules
✔ Embrace the challenge and push through the discomfort
Now you know what some of the worst parts are. Maybe you want to know, what are some of the best parts of army basic training?
Born and raised in Bozeman, Montana, he graduated from George State University with an MBA in Actuarial Science. His hobbies include beach volleyball, hiking, fishing, and lifting weights
George is also a certified nutritionist with a passion for health and fitness.
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