The concept of bootcamp training comes from the military. Military bootcamps put new recruits through intensive training in short periods of time. In nine weeks, the basic skills for a soldier get drilled into the recruit. Physical and classroom training ensures the new soldier is not only fit but also has the knowledge needed to function in the military.
In the civilian world, bootcamp classes do not necessarily equate to military training. Instead, they refer to classes people take to gain skills normally learned over a long period of time in a much shorter time frame. Colleges take several months to teach a subject to students where a bootcamp class teaches the same information in a matter of weeks or less.
Many organizations provide bootcamp classes to develop computer skills. The IT Security Audit Essentials Bootcamp, provided by SANS.org, teaches students the fundamentals of auditing the information technology security of an organization or company in only two days. Microsoft offers a series of bootcamps to teach their products to customers in a short time frame as well.
Fitness bootcamps offer customers classes to get in shape rapidly. The short and intense nature of the classes resemble a military style bootcamp designed to get people in shape and teach them the exercises they can continue to use after the class is over.