Army Basic Training is known as Phase 1 Training and lasts 13 weeks for most regular soldiers. Known as CMS FS, or Common Military Syllabus Future Soldier, it is run at Pirbright, Winchester and Catterick for those in Regular (full-time) service whilst Army Reserves basic training takes place at Grantham on a modular basis. Where you train depends on whether you are training to be a regular soldier, infantry, in the parachute regiment or a reserve. Junior Entry recruits (under 17 years and 5 months on enlisting), attend either a 5-month or 12-month course at the Army Foundation College, Harrogate.
Our table below gives you a quick breakdown.
Army basic training length: At a glance
| Route | Basic training length | Where |
| Junior Entry | 23 weeks or 49 weeks | Harrogate |
| Regular soldier (most roles) | 13 weeks | Pirbright or Winchester |
| Infantry & Royal Armoured Corps | 13 weeks | Catterick |
| Army Reserves (part-time) | Modular weekends and battle camp | Grantham and other regional centres |
How long is Army basic training for a regular soldier?
Regular Army basic training, also known as Phase 1 Training, is a 13-week programme. It is completed by every recruit before they move on to learning the specific skills for their trade.
During these 13 weeks, recruits will learn to live and operate in the field, use a rifle, carry out first aid, improve their fitness and learn more about life within the armed forces.
The courses are tough, but they help build character, mental resilience and physical fitness alongside basic military skills and an understanding of Army values and standards. Once training is complete, a Passing Out Parade is held in front of friends, family and unit representatives to signify its conclusion and celebrate a successful completion.
How long is infantry basic training?
Infantry basic training is a little different to regular Army basic training. Held at Catterick, it lasts 26 weeks as it combines Phase 1 Training with Phase 2 trade training. An additional 2 weeks are added if the recruit is entering the Foot Guards or Parachute Regiment.
Recruits master individual skills first, then move on to section and platoon skills before being assessed across every subject. Gurkha training is also held at Catterick and is scheduled for 37 weeks to include Phase 1 and Phase 2 training as well as language, cultural and career-management training.
Where is Army basic training in the UK?
Army basic training takes place at three main centres in England, depending on the Corps you join. Reserves will primarily train at Grantham, although regional centres are found across the country.
| Training Centre | Location | Who |
| ITC Catterick | North Yorkshire | Infantry, Royal Armoured Corps |
| ATC Pirbright | Surrey | Army Air Corps, Royal Artillery, Royal Signals, Adjutant General’s Corps, Army Medical Services, Intelligence Corps, Royal Engineers, REME, Royal Logistic Corps |
| ATR Winchester | Hampshire | Army Air Corps, Royal Artillery, Royal Signals, Adjutant General’s Corps, Army Medical Services, Intelligence Corps, Royal Engineers, REME, Royal Logistic Corps |
| ATR Grantham | Lincolnshire | Reservists |
Pirbright and Winchester both offer the same 13-week course for standard entry recruits. The centre you attend will depend on the corps and the role you have chosen.
What happens during Army basic training?
The standard 13-week Army basic training course takes a recruit from officially joining and basic weapons training through to field exercises, live firing, and the Passing Out parade. Below, we’ve listed what to expect during these 13 weeks.
| Week | Key events |
| 1 | Attestation (joining ceremony), kit issued, admin, standards and values |
| 2 | Weapons training and fieldcraft |
| 3 | Weapon training (live firing) |
| 4 | Adventurous training and first long weekend |
| 5 | Live firing and casualty training drills |
| 6 | Exercise First Encounter |
| 7 | Live firing test and family’s day |
| 8 | Second field exercise |
| 9 | CBRN introduction, Law of Armed Conflict, Counter-Explosive Ordnance |
| 10 | Realities of War study |
| 11 | Exercise Final Fling |
| 12 | Military digital skills, arms drill, initial trade training visit |
| 13 | Final arms drill and admin ahead of Passing Out Parade |
Some training centres may have slightly different schedules, but the course length will remain at 13 weeks and will always conclude with the Passing Out Parade. We took this schedule from ATC Pirbright.
What will you learn in basic Army training?
Basic Army training covers the core skills a recruit needs before they move on to trade training. The main subjects taught across all centres are:
- Fieldcraft
- Weapons handling and live firing
- Fitness training
- Qualities of a soldier
- Military knowledge
- Battlefield casualty drills
- Individual health
- Education
Recruits also complete a fitness test as part of the course, with physical standards built up over the 13 weeks.
How long is Army Reserve basic training?
Army Reserve basic training is quite different to the training taken by full-time personnel. It’s completed part-time and is split into two stages: a Foundation Course and a Battle Camp. Delivered at ATR Grantham, ATC Pirbright and regional training centres, these courses are for those who haven’t made joining the military their full-time job.
The Foundation Course consists of 5 training weekends over roughly 10 weeks, but can be consolidated into a single 9-day course if your other commitments allow. During this time, reservists learn drill, fieldcraft, weapon handling and complete fitness training.
Once this stage is complete, recruits attend a 2-week Battle Camp where regular and reserve instructors extend the training with a field exercise. Once all training is completed, a reservist is considered fully trained.
What happens after basic training?
After completing basic training, most soldiers move to Phase 2 Initial Trade Training. This is where specialist skills are learnt for a chosen role. This could be engineering, logistics, medical or combat trades, for example. Those training at Catterick as Infantry or armoured recruits will have already completed this stage within their combined course.
Protect your kit from day one
From week one, you’ll be issued a full set of kit and equipment. (We cover what military kit you are issued in a blog.) It becomes your responsibility, so loss and damage must be covered should anything happen. Certain items can be expensive to replace; equipping yourself with military kit insurance is essential. You’ll be protected against loss, theft and accidental damage, allowing you to focus on completing your training without a worry. We include Licence to Occupy cover as standard, which ensures you are protected from your liability for up to £20,000 of damage caused to MOD provided accommodation.
Speak to the Trinity Insurance team by requesting a call back, or reach out to us today to find out more.
Army basic training FAQs
Can you fail Army basic training?
Yes. Recruits must pass assessments across every subject to complete the course. Those who require additional time may be given additional support or the chance to retake elements rather than be removed.
Can you leave the Army after basic training?
Yes. Recruits have an early discharge window during their initial period of service. This allows them to leave by giving formal written notice. The exact terms will depend on age and enlistment date.
How hard is Army basic training in the UK?
Basic training is mentally and physically demanding, but over the 13 weeks, recruits naturally develop resilience and continually enhance their skills to progress through the programme. Support is also offered by training teams throughout.
Can you have your phone during Army basic training?
Phone use is restricted, especially in the early stages of training. Rules are set by the training team and can vary. The joining instructions will lay out what you can and cannot do.