What Is Military Training?
Military education and training is a process that intends to establish and improve the capabilities of military personnel in their respective roles. Military training may be a voluntary or compulsory duty. It begins with recruit training, proceeds to education and training specific to military roles, and sometimes includes additional training during a military career. Directing staff are the military personnel who comprise the instructional staff at a military training institution.
In some countries, military education and training are parts of compulsory education. The organizers believe that military education can bring some benefits and experiences that cannot be obtained from normal classes like setback education. Moreover, participants are able to learn survival skills during military education, like co-operations and resilience, which help participants improve the capabilities of military personnel in their respective roles.
How Long Is Military Training In South Africa?
South African Army recruits undergo 22 weeks of basic military training (BMT), up from 14 weeks in 2005. BMT is the first of a series of training periods undertaken at the SA Army Training Depot in Kimberley.
The BMT program consists of 600 40-minute instructional periods, allocated to Fitness, Drill, Combat skills, Musketry, Shooting Exercises, Fieldcraft, Map Reading, Command Information, Political Science, SANDF & SA Army organization, “Know your Enemy”, Military Security, Chaplain’s periods, Regimental duties, Standing Orders, Loss control, Guards and sentries, Military law, Hygiene, Buddy Aid, Conditioning training, Combat PT, Recreational PT, Parade drill, Compliments, and saluting, Musketry and Weapons drill, Field exercises and route marches, as well as Basic mine awareness.
Fieldcraft
Fieldcraft includes an emphasis on navigation (including maintaining direction in the bush) and map reading. Also focussed on is the use of a compass, orientating by using the sun and stars; camouflage and concealment – both of the individual and of fighting positions and bivouacs; stalking; observation and judging distance: all of this by day and night. The “bush lane” simulates conditions in the African Bushveld. A recruit is expected to walk up a specially laid-out path and identify and engage a variety of targets concealed along the way – using lessons drawn from fieldcraft. Instructors may also add tripwires, etc. to add to the realism and exercise knowledge acquired during the mine awareness lessons.
Musketry
Musketry training includes work on the shooting range and along the “bush lane”, but is preceded by many hours mastering the maintenance and cleaning of the R4 service rifle. By the end of basic training, a recruit is expected to be able to shoot a 200mm group at 100m in prone and kneeling positions and, in the standing position, from 50m.
Fitness
Fitness is a basic requirement for soldiering, in addition to conditioning training and combat PT, usually conducted in uniform and boots, with an R4; recruits are also exposed to ever-longer route marches. By the end of basic training, the recruit should be able to complete a 25 km route march, bearing a rifle and 25 kg pack, in four-and-a-half hours. They will also be able to do 50 push-ups in two minutes, 60 sit-ups, and 10 pull-ups, sequentially, within the same time-frame. After this, they should be able to run 2.4 km, with rifle and battle jacket within 12 minutes.
Buddy Aid
Buddy aid concentrates on teaching each recruits the skills needed to render immediate first aid to a wounded or injured comrade. Problems covered include identifying and dealing with cardiac arrest, impeded breathing, snakebite, bleeding, burns, heat exhaustion, fractures, and open wounds.
What Do They Do In Military Training?
It starts with basic combat training or Army boot camp. Then comes specialized training in your career field or you may go to Officer Candidate School to master Army leadership skills. In basic training, you’ll learn teamwork, discipline, and how to handle a weapon, rappel, and march.
What Kind Of Training Is Given In The Military?
The Army provides specialized skills training for Soldiers who want to advance their Army careers. Soldiers meeting the right criteria may attend specialized schools and leadership training. Ongoing training opportunities include tactical, technical, physical, and leadership development.