Go from new recruit to skilled professional. Here, you'll build the skills to become an expert in your field and beyond.
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
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.
A School for Every Soldier
ORDNANCE MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE SCHOOL
By learning electronic troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs, this school will allow you to become well-versed in weapon systems, vehicles, and tactical support equipment. You will learn to perform the following: mechanical and electrical maintenance on tanks, small arms weapons, Humvees, trucks, mobile electric power generation systems, air conditioners, and various other systems. Depending on your selected Army job, you may also learn machinist and welding skills.
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ORDNANCE MUNITIONS AND ELECTRONICS MAINTENANCE SCHOOL
By learning skills like electronic troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs, you’ll soon become an expert in explosives, as well as repairing and maintaining electronics, missiles, and ammunition systems. Depending on the career field you choose, you could learn how to disarm explosive devices with remote-controlled robots, repair the electronic systems of multimillion-dollar RADAR and missile systems, and transport high explosive munitions.
Related Jobs:
CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, NUCLEAR SCHOOL
By learning skills like chemistry and biology, as well as detection and decontamination, you’ll soon become an expert in defense technology against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. At this school, you’ll learn how to identify and detect hazards, and how to operate vehicles and equipment used in CBRN operations.
Related Jobs:
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist (74D)
U.S. ARMY INTELLIGENCE CENTER
Become an expert in intelligence by studying foreign communications, translating, and reporting. At this school, you’ll learn to collect intelligence from human subjects through interviews, as well as how to gather and analyze intelligence from digital sources, like photographs taken from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
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SIGNAL CORPS SCHOOL
Skills like signals and technology, as well as communications systems, will allow you to become knowledgeable in informational systems and worldwide networks. At this school, you’ll learn how to automate, transmit, and receive voice and data information.
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ADJUTANT GENERAL SCHOOL
Studying business administration and performance management will help you in becoming an expert in personnel management. At this school, you’ll learn skills very similar to what an office manager or a human resource professional in a corporation might learn.
Related Jobs:
- Human Resources Specialist (42A)
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FIRE ACADEMY
Become an expert firefighter by studying fire protection fundamentals and fire alarm communications. At this school, you’ll learn all of the techniques used to fight fires both in the military and civilian worlds.
Related Jobs:
- Firefighter (12M)
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SCHOOL
By studying accounting and procurement, as well as telecommunications and computers, you’ll soon become an expert in finance. At this school, you’ll learn how to manage finances, including the preparation and payment of travel, transportation, and commercial vendor vouchers. You’ll also learn how to account for the obligation and disbursement of public funds.
Related Jobs:
- Financial Management Technician (36B)
MILITARY POLICE SCHOOL
At this school, you’ll learn policing tactics for war, peace, stability operations, and civil support operations. By studying intelligence collection, law enforcement, and security, you’ll soon become an expert in the field.
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QUARTERMASTER SCHOOL
Skills like data collection and analysis, as well as planning and scheduling, will allow you to soon become an expert at large-scale logistics. At this school, you’ll learn the fundamentals of providing Soldiers with food, water, petroleum, repair parts, and other field services during a military or relief operation.
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TRANSPORTATION SCHOOL
At this school, you’ll learn how to operate and maintain Army tactical trucks, material handling equipment, and watercraft. With knowledge in vehicle operations, as well as electronics and hydraulics, you’ll soon become an expert in transportation.
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U.S. ARMY ARMOR SCHOOL
Become well-versed in combat operations involving tanks and tracked vehicles by studying armor and defense, as well as weapons operations. At this school, you’ll learn the fundamentals of vehicle operation, maintenance, surveillance, communications, and weapons.
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FIELD ARTILLERY SCHOOL
By learning weapons operations, as well as detection and destruction, you’ll soon become an expert in combat operations. At this school, you’ll learn to operate a variety of electronics and communications platforms, as well as a variety of weapons systems and munitions.
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INFANTRY SCHOOL
This school teaches weapons operation and maintenance, as well as vehicle operation and maintenance, putting you on your way to become an expert in small arms, anti-terror, or indirect fire weapons. At this school, you will learn the fundamentals of weapons operation and maintenance, vehicle operation and maintenance, and land reconnaissance.
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AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY (ADA) SCHOOL
Learning radar operations and radar and systems will help you become an expert in air defense. At this school, you’ll learn how to use the systems that protect U.S. forces from aerial attack, missile attack, and enemy surveillance.
Related Jobs:
AVIATION LOGISTICS SCHOOL
Skills like aviation operations and aerial support will turn you into an expert in aircraft mechanics. At this school, you’ll learn how to keep the Army’s fleet of rotary aircraft in top operating condition.
Related Jobs:
There was an overwhelming sense of pride because I realized I accomplished something only 1% accomplishes ever.
My introduction to my first platoon is an everlasting memory. To this day, we meet every year.
The first time I took one of my Soldiers to the promotion board really made me proud.
The most memorable ‘first’ was becoming a platoon medic. Being called ‘Doc’ for the first time...it is unbelievable.
Jumping out of the plane in Airborne school...I felt I was part of something bigger.
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.
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.
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.
Chaplain School
Tend to the spiritual needs of other Soldiers by training to become an Army Chaplain or Chaplain Assistant at Chaplain School.
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.
Defense Information School
Learn to create editorial publications, radio, and television programs.
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.
Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can I join ROTC at my age
Can I join as an Officer?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out, .
We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.
Questions you may have right now
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you
- How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?
Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- What are the ways to serve part-time?
You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- How do I become a health care provider in the Army?
You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.
- What types of medical careers are available in the Army?
There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- What are the benefits of joining ROTC?
ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.
- How do I prepare to join ROTC?
When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.
- Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?
Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.