Time Frame

• You will spend a total of 10 weeks in BCT, broken up into three phases--red, white and blue--notes the army recruitment site GoArmy. Red phase includes weeks 1 through 3, white phase is weeks 4 through 6, and blue includes week 7 through Rites of Passage.
  
  

Significance

• Throughout BCT, you will learn the skills you need to have a successful Army career and stay safe. Marksmanship, first aid, teamwork and other combat skills are taught and reinforced throughout BCT.
  
  

Considerations

• You will be paid while you are in BCT. You are paid as an enlisted service member, grade 1, or E-1. Pay is deposited directly into your bank account on the first and fifteenth of every month. Army Times offers updated pay charts.
  
  

Warning

• You aren't allowed to use alcohol or tobacco products in BCT, and you will only eat three meals per day. Getting used to these factors before you leave for BCT will make your experience easier.
  
  

What to Bring

• The regulations for what you may bring to BCT change often. You should bring your identification and Social Security card, bank information, a small amount of money, basic toiletries, basic eyeglasses (if needed), a lock and underwear. The Army maintains an updated list of permissible items on its website.