For new recruits beginning their specialized training in the infantry, the 197th and 198th Infantry Brigades conduct 22 weeks[1] of One Station Unit Training (OSUT) consisting of both Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). The mission of the brigades is to transform civilians into disciplined infantrymen that possess the Army Values, fundamental soldier skills, physical fitness, character, confidence, commitment, and the Warrior Ethos to become adaptive and skillful infantrymen ready to close with and destroy the enemies of the United States .
Office of Infantry Proponency (OIP) "Warrior Ethos" program that was launched in 2003 by the United States Army.
Infantry officers who have completed commissioning and the Basic Officer Leadership Course then attend the Infantry Officer Basic Leadership Course in 2nd battalion. This is a course of instruction, as the name implies, in basic infantry skills, including marksmanship, machine gunnery, tactics, and planning.
The brigade also conducts specialized training for soldiers in Basic Airborne, Pathfinder, and Jumpmaster Courses.
Former Units
For many years the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 29th Infantry Regiment provided branch specific programs of instruction as part of the Infantry school. In July 2007 the 29th Infantry Regiment was reflagged into the 197th Infantry Brigade as part of the Army's transition to a Brigade focused structure. This organization continued until 12 December 2013 when the 197th Infantry Brigade was deactivated.[8] Shortly thereafter the programs of instruction provided by the 29th Infantry Regiment were consolidated under 1st Battalion 29th Infantry Regiment, reflagged as part of the 316th Cavalry Brigade, and the 2nd Battalion 29th Infantry Regiment was deactivated. Under the purview of the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE), as part of the 316th Cavalry Brigade, 1st Battalion 29th Infantry Regiment continues to teach combat skills and support MCoE training, the Infantry School, and Infantry Soldiers and leaders by providing the following courses:[9]