Training of new recruits in NATO countries: how future soldiers are trained in the West (video)

17.01.2025/10/33 XNUMX:XNUMX    683

Military training programs in NATO countries, despite similar basic stages, have some differences. A unique experience is the Operation Interflex program for training Ukrainian soldiers, which involves instructors from different countries, which ensures a variety of tactics and training methods.

As part of military support for Ukraine, Western partners abroad have organized military training for Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen and specialists in various fields. According to the General Staff, more than 2022 Ukrainian servicemen underwent training in partner countries in 2024, 2024, and 100. In this regard, Фокус I found out how recruits are trained in NATO countries, and how the experience of foreign colleagues in the field of training military personnel would be useful for Ukrainian specialists.

Each of the NATO countries has its own recruit training programs, which, despite similar main stages, have some differences. For example, in the USA, Great Britain, Germany and Finland, the main stages of training military personnel include: physical training, tactical and medical training, acquiring weapons skills, etc. And the training time depends on the type of troops and, as a rule, takes from 3 to 12 months.

The basic training system in the US Army

General program structure

Recruit training in the US armed forces is an intensive training course aimed at the physical, tactical and psychological formation of soldiers. Depending on the branch of the army, the duration of the course varies from 8 to 13 weeks:

  • US Army: 10 weeks.
  • Marine Corps: 13 weeks.
  • Navy: 8 weeks.
  • Air Force: 8,5 weeks.
  • Space Force: a joint program with the Air Force.
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Basic military training

Future soldiers of the US Army first undergo a medical examination, vaccinations, and physical fitness test. Upon arrival at the training center, the recruit receives a uniform, ammunition, and basic equipment, after which instructors familiarize them with the rules of military life and the charter.




Recruits are taught discipline from the first days: early morning awakening, strict daily routine, checking their appearance, following commanders' commands, etc. Then, a comprehensive physical training program begins for newcomers, which includes running, weight training, endurance work, and overcoming obstacles. At the same time, the standards gradually become more complicated. It is worth noting that the training is based on mutual assistance and team spirit.

An important part of military training is hand-to-hand combat, or the Army Combatives Program. Within this program, recruits learn basic and advanced close combat techniques to increase their combat readiness and confidence in unconventional situations.

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Training of US Army recruits within the Army Combatives Program
Photo: Video screen

The program is based on close combat methods developed during World War II and adapted to modern conditions. The main emphasis is on using simple but effective techniques that can be applied in a stressful situation.

A key element of Basic Training in the U.S. Army is weapons and firearms training. Their goal is to teach recruits the safe and effective use of weapons, which forms the foundation of their professional skills for service in the armed forces. Soldiers learn the designs of the main small arms - the M4A1 Carbine and the M16 Rifle, then instructors visually demonstrate firing.

Acquiring basic shooting skills includes training at distances from 50 to 300 meters, as well as exercises in identifying targets and choosing the right sequence of shots - single or automatic. At the same time, great attention is paid to dynamic shooting, aiming and hitting targets in low light conditions, joint shooting, covering comrades, and suppressing the enemy.

OSUT Program

One Station Unit Training, or OSUT, is an expanded format of recruit training used in the U.S. Army. Unlike the standard Basic Training course, OSUT combines basic training and advanced professional training in a specialty at one base and without changing training units.

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The duration of the program is usually between 14 and 22 weeks, depending on the specialty and branch of the military. For example, infantrymen train for 22 weeks and tankers for 19 weeks.

One Station Unit Training or OSUT is an advanced recruit training format used in the US Army.

Stages of preparation:

  1. Physical training and initial combat trainingRecruits begin with intensive physical training, including an obstacle course and a basic hand-to-hand combat course.
  2. Fire trainingAt this stage, soldiers learn to shoot standard US Army weapons, such as the M4 assault rifle and the SIG Sauer M17 pistol, as well as mastering the M320 and M320A1 underbarrel grenade launchers.
  3. Tactical training includes training in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats, as well as urban combat tactics.
  4. Specialized training: for infantrymen — mastering skills related to the management and use of weapons of combat vehicles, such as Bradley and Stryker.
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US Army Tanker Training

For future tank crew members, OSUT is held at Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) and lasts 19 weeks. During the training, recruits master a wide range of skills, from the basics of military discipline to operating the M1 Abrams tank, the main combat vehicle of the US Army.

From the first days, cadets are put on an intensive schedule. The first phase of the course is dedicated to basic military skills: physical training, weapons handling, tactics and survival. The second phase focuses on the technical aspects of tank operation.

Stages of preparation:

  • Theory and structure of the M1 Abrams tankRecruits study the structure of the propulsion system, fire control systems, and protection.
  • Practical training include controlling a tank in field conditions, practicing combat missions.
  • Crew coordinationWithin this stage, coordination of the actions of the commander, gunner, loader and driver is achieved.

Great attention is paid to interaction within the crew. Instructors teach future tankers not only techniques, but also the importance of mutual understanding and coordination. This allows OSUT graduates to become not just professionals, but also fighters ready for real challenges.

Great Britain: emphasis on universality

The United Kingdom, known for its professional armed forces, places emphasis on comprehensive training, which begins with a basic course. Phase 1 TrainingThis is a mandatory stage for all recruits, regardless of their future specialty.

The course lasts from 10 to 14 weeks, depending on the branch of service. The emphasis is on physical training, discipline, and basic skills, including fire and tactical training.