Basic Camp is mandatory for students without U.S. Army ROTC experience wishing to enroll in the two-year program (unless the student has sufficient prior military experience). Conducted at Fort Knox, Kentucky, this five-week training period provides instruction equivalent to that received by students in the Basic Course.

Satisfactory completion is necessary for entering the Advanced Course; however, there is no obligation to enter the program after Basic Camp. Students who attend Basic Camp are paid. Advanced Camp is a five-week training period at Fort Lewis, Washington. This camp is mandatory for all cadets in the Advanced Course and is normally attended during the summer between the junior and senior years.