week three: patriot phase

Recruits begin training for bayonet use using pugil sticks and then move on to the Bayonet Assault Course.  Other hands-on instruction sessions include person-carrying methods and physical problem-solving.

Recruits become more familiar with their standard-issue weapon, the M16A2 assault rifle (which was issued during Week 1).  This does not yet involve the actual firing of the rifle.  It does include Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM) fundamentals training (instruction in marksmanship techniques without firing the rifle), as well as maintenance tasks, including "field stripping" (quickly disassembling) the rifle, cleaning it, and reassembling in correctly.