What is Basic Combined Arms Training (BCAT): Basic Military Training in AFU
Basic Combined Arms Training (BCAT) — basic combined military training for recruits AFU. Updated: October 2026.
Basic Combined Arms Training (BCAT) (Basic Military Training) is a mandatory introductory course for AFU recruits. It teaches basic soldier skills: weapons handling, tactics, training — and, most importantly, life-saving skills: first aid, the basics of tactical combat casualty care (TCCC), and combat survival. After Basic Combined Arms Training (BCAT), professional training for the chosen role begins. Details below.
What is taught at Basic Combined Arms Training (BCAT)
- Military training: formation, movement in formation, discipline.
- Fire preparation: material part of the weapon, shooting from scratch.
- Tactical training: movement on the battlefield, shelter, work in pairs and groups.
- Medical training: providing first aid — stopping massive bleeding with a tourniquet and bandage, helping with chest wounds, protecting against hypothermia, evacuating the wounded.
- Survival: terrain orientation, shelter equipment, water and its purification, actions under fire and under the threat of drones.
- Physical training: standards and exercises for the basic form.
Medicine and survival: skills that save lives
In modern warfare, medical training is not an addition, but the basis. Preservation of the life and health of personnel is defined as a priority of the defense policy of Ukraine, therefore every serviceman, regardless of specialty, masters:
- First aid — actions in the first minutes after the injury, before the arrival of the doctor;
- Basics of TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) — tactical combat aid to victims according to the international MARCH algorithm: massive bleeding, respiratory tract, breathing, blood circulation, hypothermia;
- Work with an individual first aid kit — every serviceman is equipped with a first-aid kit (tourniquets, bandages, occlusive stickers) and learns to use it automatically;
- Survival skills — shelter, water, thermal regime, orientation, actions under fire.
More details: medical training, TCCC and survival in AFU.
What after Basic Combined Arms Training (BCAT)
After Basic Combined Arms Training (BCAT), you progress to professional training for your chosen role in AFU: Drones, EW, Medicine, Communications, Engineering, Logistics. Next - joining the unit. Details: do they teach from scratch in AFU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Basic Combined Arms Training (BCAT) take place?
Basic Combined Arms Training (BCAT) takes place in training centers AFU. The recruiter will name a specific place for you at the registration stage.
Is everyone taught first aid?
Yes. First aid and the basics of TCCC are a mandatory part of training for all military personnel, not just medics. Details: medical training and TCCC in AFU.
Why is there so much medicine in training?
Most combat casualties can be prevented by taking action in the first minutes after being wounded. Therefore, the preservation of life and health is a training priority, enshrined in the strategic documents of national security and defense.
Is physical form important to Basic Combined Arms Training (BCAT)?
The basic form is enough to start. During the course, the uniform is tightened - the program is designed for people without training.
Is it possible to "fail" Basic Combined Arms Training (BCAT)?
The course is designed to bring success to anyone who tries. If something doesn't work out, additional classes are part of the program.
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