CORE
Goal
The 4-week CORE pre-Basic Training program helps candidates prepare for the intense challenges of Basic Training, and affords them the opportunity to be introduced to the ALERT environment in a low-pressure setting before committing to Basic Training. CORE focuses on building a pattern of daily disciplines in the spiritual and physical realm.
The goal of CORE is to prepare young men for success in Basic Training. Spiritual shallowness, resistant attitudes, emotional immaturity, besetting fears, and low physical fitness are five primary causes of Basic Training incompletion. CORE is an opportunity for our staff to address these weaknesses as well as others.
Eligibility & Application
Men who apply to ALERT are screened for their prospect of success versus risk of failure. Higher-risk applicants (e.g., less-mature applicants, those who have special spiritual or emotional needs, or those with little to no athletic preparation) are urged to pray about and consider CORE before attempting Basic Training. Entry standards for CORE are consequently much less demanding, as the program is designed to build the skills necessary for success in Basic Training.
Those considering CORE should follow the general ALERT application process (see “Application Process,” pg. 4). Following or during the phone interview with an ALERT Basic Training officer,
a decision or recommendation will be made as to whether the candidate should consider CORE training or immediately enter Basic Training.
Training Elements
Spiritual Training
Spiritual training is central to CORE, as in all ALERT phases, and becoming grounded in one’s faith is foundational to all future training. Scripture memorization includes a “jump start” on required passages for Basic Training so that candidates challenged in this area can enter Basic Training better prepared.
Character Development
Character development is heavily emphasized in Basic Training, and CORE’s character training through daily work projects is designed to bring out areas of struggle (resistant spirits, laxness, lack of motivation) and address them through mentoring.
Emotional Maturation
Emotional development and crossing fear boundaries are among the real assets of CORE training. Specific fears addressed include being under authority, facing the unknown and homesickness. These can overwhelm a Basic Training recruit. Learning how to overcome fear increases a candidate’s faith in God’s ability to strengthen those who will trust Him and builds a healthy self-confidence.
Physical Training
Physical training is the single largest source of discouragement to poorly prepared men. The four weeks of CORE are designed to slowly but effectively build both strength and endurance, thus making the candidate equipped and confident to face the physical challenges of Basic Training.
