Basic Training during the Vietnam War: The Timeline and Variations

During the Vietnam War, basic training for military service was a critical phase of a soldier's life. It was a period of training, discipline, and preparation before the grueling combat experiences. The length of basic training varied over time, affecting the total time a service member spent before heading to the battlefield.

Timeline of Basic Training Length

Basic training was initially a two-month process. However, as the war progressed, the duration of basic training reduced significantly. This timeline varied from 8 to 12 weeks, depending on when a service member was drafted and the specific requirements of their assigned task.

1965: Accelerated Training

In mid-1965, basic training for the United States military was reduced to 12 weeks. This was further shortened to 10 and even 8 weeks as the war continued. The 1965 period saw a series of changes, including the introduction of 4-week Infantry Training following the initial 8-week basic training for many recruits.

1972: Stable Duration

In 1972, at MCRD San Diego Platoon 1025, the length was precisely 9 weeks. Despite the variance in earlier years, basic training appeared to stabilize around this period, with none of the fluctuation seen in the early years of the war.

Personal Accounts

Service members like those mentioned in the anecdote describe their personal experiences. One individual, drafted in 1969, spent 8 weeks at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, followed by MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) training and radio school. Another enlisted in September 1969 and underwent basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, for 8 weeks.

Standard Training Pathway

Following basic training, soldiers would typically undergo specialized training for their MOS. For infantry recruits, this included additional 4 or more weeks of advanced infantry training. The overall process laid a foundation that would prepare them for the complexities of combat and their specific roles within the military structure.

The Corps Duration

After basic training, recruits often stayed in the Corps for several months. The average timeline from enlistment to deployment was approximately 5 months, as many were assigned to permanent units before being sent to the staging area, such as Okinawa, before being deployed to Vietnam.

For example, the individual drafted in January 1969 spent 8 weeks at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, before graduating from basic training. They then underwent MOS training and possibly additional specialized training before being deployed.

Conclusion

Basic training during the Vietnam War was a crucial period of transition and preparation. The length of basic training varied over time, but the overall process remained consistent. Understanding the different durations and requirements helps to appreciate the thorough preparation soldiers received before facing the challenges of combat.