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Never stop growing your skills

Go from new recruit to skilled professional. Here, you'll build the skills to become an expert in your field and beyond.

Soldier learning how to fly an unmanned aerial system Soldier learning how to fly an unmanned aerial system

Where Soldiers Become Experts

Similar to a trade school, Advanced Individual Training (AIT) schools teach Soldiers the technical skills needed for their specific Army job.


  • Most Soldiers attend it immediately after Basic Training
  • Provides in-depth and hands-on job training
  • Ensures Soldiers are ready to take on their Army jobs

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A Variety of Career Fields Ranging From Air Defense to Intelligence

Soldiers are assigned to one of the 17 AIT schools based on their Army job, which also determines the length of time they’ll need to attend.

Train for Specialized Careers

Some Army Soldiers have a desire to advance their careers even further. By applying to the Army’s specialized schools—provided you meet the right criteria for acceptance—you can enhance your expertise in a specialized field to focus your training even further.

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Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps

As a military lawyer, leverage your law degree or apply for opportunities for the Army to pay for law school or other legal training, in areas such as criminal prosecution, legal assistance, and military law.

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Army Medical Department School

From nursing to veterinary care, you can provide medical care to Soldiers and their families in a range of health care positions. Leverage your medical expertise or pursue paths for the Army to pay for medical training.

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Chaplain School

Tend to the spiritual needs of other Soldiers by training to become an Army Chaplain or Chaplain Assistant at Chaplain School.

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Aviation School

Become one of the highest-trained helicopter pilots in the world by learning to fly advanced aircraft, supporting daily operations, and high-stakes missions. The Army pays Soldiers to learn to fly.

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Defense Information School

Learn to create editorial publications, radio, and television programs.

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Defense Language Institute

Learn to speak and write a foreign language fluently in this intense full-time program. Languages include Arabic, German, Italian, and Chinese.

Common Questions About Advanced Individual Training School

Which Advanced Individual Training (AIT) school will I attend? How long will it be?

Your Army job determines which school you’ll attend and for how long. There are 17 different AIT schools in areas ranging from transportation to aviation, and you’ll be sent to the school that specializes in your assigned job. AIT can last between four to 52 weeks, depending on the skills you’ll need to develop before reporting to duty.

What happens after AIT?

After you successfully complete the requirements of AIT, you’ll graduate from your school and be given a short break, typically ten days, before you join your unit and officially begin work.

Do you get paid during AIT?

Yes, you do get paid during AIT, on the first and fifteenth of every month. The amount depends on your rank.

Is there a break between Basic Training and AIT?

No. You’ll be given a few days to travel between your Basic Training location and Advanced Training location, but this isn’t considered an official break. If you’ll be attending One Station Unit Training, you won’t receive travel time because your Basic Training and AIT will be held on the same base.

Is there a chance I could do Basic Training and AIT at the same time?

Yes, Infantry and Armor Soldiers attend a combined training program called One Station Unit Training (OSUT) which includes Basic Training and AIT. OSUT is held at the same base which means Soldiers can complete both their trainings without traveling in between.

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Curious What Career Is Best For You?

Discover opportunities you never knew existed with Army Career Match.