Ten Weeks

Five trainees arrive at Fort Jackson, SC to begin Red Phase, the first of three phases of Army Basic Combat Training. They struggle through the physical demands of week one, as Drill Sergeants get them ready for the grueling Army Combat Fitness Test.

The trainees face two challenges to conquer their fears.

In week three, Red Phase ends with a series of exercises to promote team-building skills, but during an over-night field exercise called The Hammer, two trainees suffer ankle injuries, which may jeopardize their chances of finishing Basic Training.

Week four begins White Phase, focusing the trainees on the mastery of their service weapon, the M4 rifle. While most embrace rifle marksmanship, one trainee lags far behind, facing the possibility of being recycled back to the beginning.

The trainees return from holiday break to news of an Iranian missile strike on a US base. While they come to grips with the possibility of going to war overseas, one trainee must qualify on the rifle range to avoid being sent back to day one.

As White Phase comes to an end during week six, the trainees must pass their final marksmanship test and qualify with their rifle optics. Then comes The Anvil, a two-day field exercise involving simulated combat missions and land navigation.

There's no room for mistakes in week seven as the trainees begin Blue Phase. They must put everything they've learned into practice during a dangerous two-person drill, having to shoot, move and communicate through obstacles using live rounds.

Week 8 begins as the trainees face their most dangerous challenge yet. They learn how to throw live grenades, where one mistake could be deadly. They also get their second chance to pass the grueling Army Combat Fitness Test.

In the ultimate challenge of Basic Training, the trainees must endure a four-day field exercise known as The Forge. It's 45 miles of marching and 81 hours of sustained combat operations including crawling as live rounds pass overheard.

In the final week of Basic Combat Training, two trainees must pass the Army Combat Fitness Test in order to graduate with their platoon. Those that make it to the ceremony don the black beret of a U.S. Army Soldier in front of their families.