Week 1: Red Phase - Receiving and Integration
The first week of Infantry Advanced Individual Training (AIT) is known as the Red Phase. During this phase, new recruits arrive at the training facility and begin their transformation into infantry soldiers. Here’s what you can expect:
- Receiving and in-processing: You’ll arrive at the training facility and go through the receiving process, which includes filling out paperwork, getting issued uniforms and equipment, and meeting your drill sergeant.
- Introduction to the Infantry Creed: You’ll learn the Infantry Creed, which is a set of values and principles that guide infantry soldiers.
- Familiarization with the training facility: You’ll get a tour of the training facility and learn about the different ranges, classrooms, and other facilities you’ll be using during training.
- Initial PT test: You’ll take an initial physical training (PT) test to assess your fitness level.
- Beginning of team-building activities: You’ll start participating in team-building activities designed to help you bond with your fellow recruits.
Week 2: Red Phase - Combat Skills Training
During the second week of training, you’ll start learning combat skills that will help you survive on the battlefield. Here are some of the topics you’ll cover:
- First aid training: You’ll learn basic first aid skills, including how to treat wounds, apply tourniquets, and evacuate casualties.
- Map reading and navigation: You’ll learn how to read maps, use a compass, and navigate through different terrain.
- Combat marksmanship training: You’ll learn the basics of marksmanship, including how to safely handle a rifle, load and unload, and engage targets.
- Introduction to the M16A2 rifle: You’ll learn about the M16A2 rifle, including its components, maintenance, and operation.
Week 3: Red Phase - Urban Operations Training
In the third week of training, you’ll focus on urban operations training. Here are some of the topics you’ll cover:
- Urban warfare tactics: You’ll learn tactics and techniques for operating in urban environments, including how to clear buildings, navigate through rubble, and avoid ambushes.
- Room clearing training: You’ll practice clearing rooms and buildings, using techniques such as slicing the pie and slow and deliberate movements.
- Urban terrain familiarization: You’ll learn about different types of urban terrain, including buildings, streets, and alleys.
🔍 Note: During this phase, you'll be expected to apply the skills you've learned in a simulated urban environment. Make sure to pay attention to your instructors and follow safety protocols at all times.
Week 4: White Phase - Platoon and Squad Operations
In the fourth week of training, you’ll enter the White Phase, which focuses on platoon and squad operations. Here are some of the topics you’ll cover:
- Squad organization and operations: You’ll learn about the organization and operations of an infantry squad, including the different roles and responsibilities of each team member.
- Platoon operations: You’ll learn about platoon operations, including how to conduct patrols, ambushes, and raids.
- Patrol training: You’ll practice conducting patrols, including how to move, communicate, and navigate through different terrain.
- Night operations training: You’ll learn how to conduct operations at night, including how to use night vision devices and navigate through darkness.
Week 5: White Phase - Live Fire Training
During the fifth week of training, you’ll participate in live fire training, where you’ll practice shooting the M16A2 rifle in a simulated combat environment. Here are some of the topics you’ll cover:
- Live fire training: You’ll practice shooting the M16A2 rifle at different targets, including pop-up targets, silhouettes, and moving targets.
- Fire team training: You’ll learn how to work as a fire team, including how to communicate, coordinate, and suppress enemy targets.
- Suppressive fire training: You’ll learn how to deliver suppressive fire, including how to use the M16A2 rifle to pin down enemy targets.
- Moving target training: You’ll practice shooting at moving targets, including how to lead and track targets.
🔴 Note: During live fire training, make sure to follow all safety protocols and instructions from your instructors. Safety is the top priority during live fire training.
Week 6: Blue Phase - Collective Training
In the sixth week of training, you’ll enter the Blue Phase, which focuses on collective training. Here are some of the topics you’ll cover:
- Company operations: You’ll learn about company operations, including how to conduct patrols, ambushes, and raids at the company level.
- Battalion operations: You’ll learn about battalion operations, including how to conduct large-scale operations, such as cordon and search missions.
- Collective training exercises: You’ll participate in collective training exercises, where you’ll practice working as a team to accomplish different objectives.
- Leadership training: You’ll learn about leadership principles and techniques, including how to lead and motivate teams.
Week 7: Blue Phase - Final Exercise and Graduation
In the final week of training, you’ll participate in a final exercise, where you’ll apply all the skills you’ve learned throughout training. Here are some of the topics you’ll cover:
- Final exercise: You’ll participate in a simulated combat exercise, where you’ll apply all the skills you’ve learned throughout training.
- Graduation: You’ll graduate from Infantry AIT and receive your Infantryman’s Badge.
- Preparation for follow-on training: You’ll receive instructions on how to prepare for follow-on training, including how to stay fit, mentally prepared, and focused.
You’ve made it through the 7 weeks of Infantry AIT! Congratulations on completing one of the toughest training programs in the military. Remember to stay vigilant, adapt to new situations, and always put your fellow soldiers first.
What is the Infantry Creed?
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The Infantry Creed is a set of values and principles that guide infantry soldiers. It emphasizes the importance of teamwork, discipline, and sacrifice.
What is the difference between the Red Phase and the White Phase?
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The Red Phase focuses on individual skills training, while the White Phase focuses on collective training, including platoon and squad operations.
What is live fire training?
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Live fire training is a simulated combat exercise where soldiers practice shooting the M16A2 rifle at different targets. It’s designed to prepare soldiers for real-world combat scenarios.
