Which boot camp is the easiest?

Asked by: Burnice Nitzsche Sr.  |  Last update: August 19, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (52 votes)

Even though each branch of the military has unique components to its basic training or "boot camp", it's often noted that the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard boot camps could be considered some of the 'easier' ones, in comparison to boot camps of other branches like the Army and Marine Corps.

What branch has the shortest boot camp?

The different branches of the United States Military each have their own length and structure of basic training, commonly known as boot camp. As of now, the branch with the shortest boot camp is the U.S. Air Force. Their Basic Military Training (BMT) lasts 7.5 weeks.

Which bootcamp is the hardest?

The Marine Corps' boot camp often gets discussed as the most physically and mentally challenging. It's noted for its Crucible event, a 54-hour team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits become Marines.

Which military branch is easiest to join?

Joining the military can certainly be a fulfilling and honorable path. Based on general consensus, the U.S. Army is often regarded as the military branch that could be the "easiest" to join due to its size and the number of enlistees it takes in each year.

What is the most lenient military branch?

That being said, the Army is generally considered to have the most lenient standards among the branches. The Army offers more jobs—over 150 specialties—and therefore has a wide range of ASVAB scores they'll accept.

Which Basic Training is ACTUALLY The Most Brutal

38 related questions found

What branch is least likely to deploy?

The frequency of deployment can vary quite a bit depending on the specific career field and the current global situation, but generally speaking, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Coast Guard typically have lower rates of deployment compared to other branches.

Who has the easiest basic training?

15. Yes, the Air Force has the easiest Basic Training of all military service branches; however, don't underestimate the experience. You will still think that it's the toughest thing you've ever done.

What is the hardest military branch to join?

Marine Corps - The Marine Corps is often considered the toughest branch of the military both physically and mentally. It has the most rigorous basic training, known as boot camp, which lasts 13 weeks. Marines are trained not only physically but also mentally, to have a "first to fight" mindset.

Which branch accepts the most waivers?

Different branches have different personnel needs and may approve of your waiver. In general, the Army has the reputation of approving the most moral waivers, while the Air Force and Coast Guard approve the fewest. The Navy and the Marines fall somewhere in the middle. However, this is not always the case.

How long is Air Force boot camp?

Q: How long is BMT? A: (current as of 4 May 22) BMT is 7.5 weeks long. Most trainees arrive on the Tuesday of “Zero Week.” Graduation Parade is almost always on a Thursday*, so if a trainee progresses through training normally (i.e., no delays), their graduation date would be the 7th Thursday after their arrival.

Which bootcamp is best for beginners?

Top beginner-friendly options include Nucamp, Codecademy Pro Intensive, Flatiron School, General Assembly, Hack Reactor, Le Wagon, Tech Elevator, Thinkful, Ironhack, and App Academy. Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

How many people fail Army bootcamp?

Army Lt. Col. Randy Ready, spokesman for the Army Center for Initial Military Training, said about 6% of those recruits don't make it through basic and advanced individual training, about the same attrition rate as for those who don't go through the prep course.

What military branch pays the most?

When it comes to your basic pay, the military branches are all the same. A look at military pay charts shows that military pay is based on a pay grade, or rank, and years of service. In terms of your base pay, there is no fundamental advantage to opting for one branch of service over another.

Do I get paid while in basic training?

Do you get paid in Basic Training? Yes, you do get paid in Basic Training on the first and fifteenth of every month. The amount depends on your rank. See salaries by rank on the Money & Pay page.

Which boot camp is the most intense?

The "toughest" boot camp can depend on what you define as tough. If we're talking purely physical fitness and endurance challenges, generally the consensus is that the Marines have the most physically demanding boot camp.

Which branch gets the most recruits?

Historically, the U.S. Army has attracted the highest number of recruits. This is likely due to its broad mission and the vast array of occupational specialties it offers from combat arms to administrative jobs, the medical field, and technology-focused roles.

What disqualifies you from MEPS?

What can disqualify you at MEPS? Any disqualifications that appear during your MEPS physical exam or interview may prevent you from joining the Army. These disqualifications can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting height and weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, among others.

What branch is most respected?

The Marine Corps is often considered the most respected branch of the military. Known for their elite fighting force and rigorous training programs, the Marines have a reputation for being tough, disciplined, and loyal.

Which branch gets the least funding?

Curious to know, which branch of the military typically receives the least funding? Historically, the branch of the military that tends to receive the least amount of funding is the U.S. Coast Guard.

Which military branch is the riskiest?

The Marine Corps and Army generally face higher risks - they're larger force components and traditionally have more personnel directly in combat roles, particularly ground troops.

What branch has the hardest ASVAB?

1. Air Force: Known for its technical and intellectual emphasis, the U.S. Air Force has the highest enlisted cutoff scores for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), making it arguably the most difficult to join.

What is the second hardest boot camp?

2. United States Army: The Army's Basic Combat Training is known for its emphasis on team-building exercises and weapons training. This 10-week boot camp places less initial focus on physical fitness than the Marine Corps, but is still demanding.

Which military branch is the safest?

The Air Force, for instance, tends to have the lowest combat casualty rates historically, as it often employs tactics and technology that keep service members out of direct fire.

What time do you wake up in basic training?

Army soldiers typically wake up at 4:30 a.m. They have 30 minutes to prepare themselves and report for formation by 5 a.m. Physical training (PT) occurs from 5 a.m. until 6:30 a.m. Then, soldiers eat breakfast and meet with their drill sergeant to train until lunch at noon.