Army Reserve units often train with Active and National Guard units to ensure all three components of the U.S. Army work as a seamless, fully integrated force.
Basic Combat Training
This is where the process of becoming a U.S. Soldier - both mentally and physically - begins. During Basic Combat Training (BCT), civilians are transformed into Warrior-Citizens. These are their first steps in becoming a Soldier. Along the way, they discover a higher level of self-confidence and an inner strength that they will use in the Army Reserve and beyond.
Advanced Individual Training
Once Soldiers complete Basic Combat Training they move on to Advanced Individual Training (AIT). This is where each Soldier learns the skills needed to perform his or her Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). AIT is a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on practical exercises and field training of the skills needed for a Soldier to execute the duties of their specific MOS.
Sustainment Training
The learning and training doesn't stop once Soldiers have completed AIT. In order to stay sharp and focused, Army Reserve Soldiers are required to participate in Sustainment Training on a regular basis. There are three types:
- Unit Battle Assembly: Unit Battle Assemblies are typically one weekend a month. Units assemble at their post or Reserve Center to learn new skills, hone current skills and basically keep everything - and everyone - prepared if national or global events require their involvement.
- Annual Training: The Army Reserve is adapting the Army Force Generation Model (ARFORGEN). This model is packaging Army Reserve units to build stability and predictability for Army Reserve Soldiers, their families and employers. Units entering the Reset Phase of ARFORGEN, will probably spend the minimum amount of time at Battle Assemblies and the unit's "Annual Training," typically, 14 days. However, as the unit moves through the training cycles, from individual training, graduating to collective training, the unit will be allocated more days for Annual Training. These additional training days will allow the unit to fine tune their collective skills and maximizing opportunities at Warrior Exercises and other exercise opportunities (JRTC, NTC).
- Innovative Readiness Training: Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) is a Department of Defense program to put the skills, capabilities and resources of the military to work addressing serious domestic needs in the United States. IRT allows Army Reserve units to improve their readiness by planning and executing training exercises that also assist their home communities. Examples of past IRT initiatives include constructing rural roads, providing medical and dental care to underserved communities, and loading and transporting food to food banks.
