Goal
The 4-week Mighty-Man Team (M-Team) is a pre-Basic Training option that gives ALERT candidates a head start before facing the intense challenges of Basic Training. M-Team affords a man the opportunity to be introduced to the ALERT environment in a low-pressure setting before committing himself to the full program. It is successful in building the confidence of young men so that they are less intimidated by the rigors of Basic Training.
The goal of M-Team is to prepare candidates for success in Basic Training. Spiritual shallowness, resistant attitudes, emotional immaturity, besetting fears, and low physical fitness are five primary causes of not completing Basic Training. M-Team is individually managed 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 low physical endurance) are urged to pray about and consider M-Team before attempting Basic Training. Entry standards for M-Team are consequently less demanding, as the program is designed to build the skills necessary for success in Basic Training.
Those considering M-Team should follow the general ALERT application process. 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 M-Team training or immediately enter Basic Training.
Training Elements
Spiritual Training
Spiritual training is central to M-Team, as in all ALERT phases, and becoming grounded in one’s faith is foundational to all future training. Required scripture memorization includes passages from the book of First Peter so that candidates can enter Basic Training better prepared.
Character Development
Character development is heavily emphasized in Basic Training, and M-Team’s character program is tailored to resolve difficulties with resistant spirits and disruptive attitudes.
Emotional Maturation
Emotional development and crossing fear boundaries are among the real assets of M-Team training, as men are confronted with “one giant at a time.” Specific fears addressed include being under authority, facing the unknown, homesickness, sustained hiking, and camping in the wilderness. 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.
Skill Training
Skills such as camping, drill and ceremony, inspection, Teamwork and uniform preparation are incorporated into M-Team training in less-intense circumstances than Basic Training. Training in these areas has proven to be beneficial in preparing men for Basic Training.
Physical Training
Physical training is the single largest source of discouragement to poorly prepared men. The four weeks of M-Team are designed to slowly but effectively build both strength and endurance, making the candidate more equipped and confident to face the physical challenges of Basic Training. Required physical standards must be met before the candidate will be allowed into Basic Training. These standards are required for promotion into the battalion.
