Land nav, iron sights and more discipline: Big changes are coming to Army basic training

I was a Drill Sergeant for 2.5 years at Fort Benning. While my Chain of Command gave us pretty much “free reign” on our soldiers, we NEVER abused any one. Not in the least. However, I do know from experience that OSUT was a lot better program than BCT then AIT ever was. The quality of soldiers we had arrive at Fort Bragg was much better when OSUT was a reality. Hand to hand combat training is a good thing, however when you are pushing a cycle of signal corps privates through training, you need to focus on basics. As they advance trough the ranks, the possible boards they go to will not care about them knowing how to “post” but will ask them basic info on the M4, the basics of Land Nav, and Physical Training. As far as discipline goes, I could always lock my bay doors and “make the walls sweat” I did not exceed TRADOC regs. While I may have stretched them, I never once had an incident where a PVT complained to the BC about me conduct as the Senior Drill Sergeant in my PLT on Sand Hill. I know for a fact that these days DSs are more worried about losing rank and their “Hat and Badge” then the quality of soldier that is coming out of basic. Instead of worrying about a graduating score of 60% on an APFT, how about we focus first on Privates showing up to BCT able to pass the 1-1-1 (1 minute of pushups, 1 minute of sit-ups, and 1 mile run.) I have literally had a PVT show up and could NOT do ONE sit up. I have also seen a PVT in another company make it all the way to BCT that had SCOLIOSIS! NO JOKE! He made it past the recruiter, MEPS, and 30th AG Reception with SCOLIOSIS! Let’s focus on the small standards first.

I agree with CW2 Jones. Summary of MG Schofield's 1879 address to West Point cadets is that abusive or unprofessional atmosphere is often a contributor to a lack of discipline. Furthermore, he emphasizes confidence and mutual respect as keys to gaining military discipline.

Professional drill sergeants transform civilians into Soldiers through Basic Combat Training. The article specifically mentions refocusing on parts of training for discipline building: drill & ceremony, barracks & bunk inspections, etc.

LTC Eugene Chu
To be clear sir, I'm not advocating for "wall to wall" counseling or bringing back pig intestines as STX Lane training aids. CW3 (Join to see) put it succintly: "DSs are more worried about losing rank and their “Hat and Badge” then the quality of soldier that is coming out of basic." I don't blame them. Our senior leadership has them walking on eggshells instead of empowering them to do their job. In other words, leaders like MG Frost need to support those charged with enforcing these changes when the "hurt feelings reports" start rolling in. When a recruit saying "Drill Sergeant you're hurting my feelings" is enough to end corrective training, we have a problem.