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Black Phase Training (Infantry)

Black phase training, also known as Phase IV is the second to the last phase of military indoctrination a recruit undergoes before he can fully enter the ranks of the military and earns the title of “Soldier.” In order to transition into the various phases of training, recruits must have successfully accomplished specific milestones as outlined in the previous phases. Recruits who successfully transition from one phase to the next, have proven themselves both physically and mentally. During this phase recruits experience less control from Drill Sergeants and cadre as they delve deeper into their specialized training as future Infantrymen. The successful completion of the previous phases allows recruits to learn more about the military and the environment through in-depth lessons on ethics, values, and traditions which will become key factors to building a foundation for their actions and their decision making as future soldiers who embody the fullest traditions and standards of the military.



Training
The previous 3 Phases (Red, White, and Blue) are the standard indoctrination standards for all new recruits regardless of their chosen Military Occupational Skill (MOS). Black Phase is where the recruit’s specific MOS training begins. For Infantrymen, this adds an additional 2 months of training for a total of 16 weeks. In this phase, a greater emphasis is place on team work and leadership. Recruits are provided with leadership roles which include being a First Sergeant through the lowest enlisted rank of Pvt. Unlike the previous phases, recruits in this phase are held to the standards of the given rank/grade and position. Drill Sergeants mentor recruits regarding their specific role and allow them to manage their platoons as if they were in an actual military unit. This phase allows for a combined leadership style unlike the previous three phases which were more direct. The purpose of this type of style is to allow the recruit to be part of the solution hence more feedback is required on their part as they are tested through various scenarios involving infantry tactics and leadership decision making. The majority of this phase is spent in the field (or the woods as it is often referred to) which replicates various training environments and include woodland and urban training. All training is battle focused which translates to “peace time training for war time missions.”

Although in this phase training is tailored in accordance with military doctrine, cadre is given the flexibility to develop training plans that are in line with current real world situations. At a minimum Infantry recruits will receive advance training in the following areas.




 * Extended timed road marches (12 miles +)
 * Movement Under Direct Fire (MUDF) - learned in previous phases and culminates with a Live Fire exercise
 * Advanced Marksmanship – recruits are taught to shoot from various position including on the move and standing.
 * Introduction and qualification of weapons including semi and automatic machine guns.
 * Call for and Adjust Fire
 * Combatives Level1 (Hand to hand combat)
 * Infantry tactics in the form of Battle Drills
 * Advance Land Navigation (day and night)
 * First Aide – how to treat for trauma to self and buddy
 * Casualty Evacuation (Casevac) procedures and 9 line Medical Evacuation Procedures (MEDEVAC)
 * Operations Orders
 * Leadership and Counseling



Recruits not meeting standards
Recruits who fail to meet Black Phase standards or are progressing at a marginal pace, are closely evaluated by Drill Sergeants. Recruits are counseled to inform them of their deficiencies and how to address them moving forward with the Drill Sergeants guidance. If after the issue is addressed and the recruit shows less than average or zero improvements, the recruit may be reassigned to a different unit where he can be retrained, a unit entering Black Phase, or administrative actions may be taken to process the recruit out of the service (can happen in any phase). In the event the recruit has a medical condition as a result of training or a prior condition that is exacerbated by training, he is placed on a medical hold for rehabilitation. A recruit with injuries may be processed out of the service or rehabbed to the point where he is declared fit for training however, in cases where recovery time is extensive the soldier may be restarted to Red Phase (week 1). Recruits not meeting Army height and weight standards, are also subject to administrative action and rehabilitation in accordance with local written policies.

Army Physical Fitness Test
Physical readiness continues throughout a recruits training. Amy Physical Fitness Tests (APFT) are administered at every phase. The previous phase consisted of recruits achieving a minimum total score of 150 point (50 points push-up, 50 point sit-ups and 50 points 2 mile run) in order to continue to Black phase. Black phase is considered advanced training and it is the initial phase to their MOS training. Consequently, recruits are evaluated at the total Army standard and are required to achieve a minimum passing score of 180 points; consisting of 60 points per event and meet the Army height and weight standards. Recruits not meeting the standard fall under the same criteria as described in the “Recruits not meeting the standards” section previously mentioned.

Privileges
Recruits are given more freedom and minimal Drill Sergeant coverage is required. Recruits are rewarded for accomplishments and are allowed to make phone calls more frequently then in previous phases. Recruits may be allowed to send representatives (unescorted) from their sections to the Post Exchange (PX)/shopette for the purpose of purchasing toiletries or much desired items such as candy at the Drill Sergeants discretion. More importantly, on Sundays when training permits, recruits are allowed to go to church to exercise their religious beliefs and may be granted local on post passes consisting of a few hours as a reward for excelling at specific competitive events (i.e.: qualifying the highest in Advanced Rifle Marksmanship, fastest to successfully locate 5 points in timed land navigation competition or achieving top platoon for the phase or an event).

Successful Recruits
Recruits who successfully achieve the training standards as outlined by local training commands, are deemed prepared to transition to Gold phase which is the final step in their indoctrination and MOS qualification (follow link for 11B description) where they will earn the title of “Soldier” and when upon completion will graduate and be ready to join the ranks of infantry units both local and abroad and prepared to defend their country when called upon.