Boot Camps

The Military Model

Boot camps vary depending on the philosophy of the institution. Some devote as many as five hours per day to military activities, such as drill and ceremony, marching, and physical labor; others with a more rehabilitative focus may devote more time to other activities, such as individual and group counseling, life-skills training, or substance abuse education and treatment. All, however, operate in a structured and routine manner in order to provide a regimented period of incarceration that will serve as a strong disincentive for offenders to break the law after their release.

Although boot camp sentences are typically shorter than those served in traditional institutions, boot camps actually intensify the experience of incarceration through the incorporation of the military model. Nearly all use the first seven to ten days of confinement as an “Intake Phase,” during which correctional officers (called “drill instructors”) use physically and verbally aggressive tactics in an attempt to “break inmates down” by requiring strenuous physical activity and strict compliance with program rules. During intake, inmates stand at attention (sometimes facing a wall) while being informed of program requirements: addressing the staff as “Sir” or “Ma'am,” requesting permission to speak, referring to themselves as “this inmate,” and so on.

Inmates follow a strict daily schedule. They rise early and make their beds, which are immediately inspected by drill instructors. Thereafter they participate in several hours of physical training, followed by drill and ceremony. The rest of their day is similarly regimented, with set times for schooling, bathing, studying, visiting, and eating. Mealtime is particularly structured: Inmates must stand at parade rest while waiting to be served and exercise military movements while in line; after being served, they must stand in front of their tables until ordered to sit and are not permitted to make conversation while eating.

The military philosophy is incorporated into all aspects of boot camp life. Employees wear military Uniforms and have military titles. Male inmates often have their heads shaved. Some programs utilize summary punishment, which involves simple physical exercise such as pushups or running when a minor rule has been violated, and more strenuous activity (carrying logs on their backs, digging a six-foot hole with a small garden tool) for more serious transgressions. Major rule violations often result in dismissal from the program.

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