Posted on May 14, 2015
Basic training isn't what it used to be! Any thoughts?.
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I recently completed the Basic Airborne Course and what I saw really upset me.
Many Soldiers straight from AIT and newly to the Army have no sense of respect for NCOs and Officers. When direct orders were given they took their time to execute, they were told not to smoke, dip or eat in the barracks, they still did it anyways (trying not to get caught) I lost count of how many times I had to correct soldiers to take their headgear off while inside the building.
Discipline wasn't the only thing they lacked; I was sitting at CQ with two privates and talked to them about TSP, TA, GI Bill and rank structure in the military, they were clueless of what I was talking about.
It bothers me that neither Basic training or AIT takes the time to educate soldiers on basic subjects like this. It seems like nowadays TRADOC spends more time on EO, SHARP, and MRT than to actually sit down with soldiers and give them some good JDP. And "no time" is not an excuse, if you care about the "future of the Army" take the time and mentor.
Many Soldiers straight from AIT and newly to the Army have no sense of respect for NCOs and Officers. When direct orders were given they took their time to execute, they were told not to smoke, dip or eat in the barracks, they still did it anyways (trying not to get caught) I lost count of how many times I had to correct soldiers to take their headgear off while inside the building.
Discipline wasn't the only thing they lacked; I was sitting at CQ with two privates and talked to them about TSP, TA, GI Bill and rank structure in the military, they were clueless of what I was talking about.
It bothers me that neither Basic training or AIT takes the time to educate soldiers on basic subjects like this. It seems like nowadays TRADOC spends more time on EO, SHARP, and MRT than to actually sit down with soldiers and give them some good JDP. And "no time" is not an excuse, if you care about the "future of the Army" take the time and mentor.
Basic Training
Mentorship
NCOs
Officers
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 21
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If there is one constant in the Army, it is that every Soldier ever thinks that troops today have it easier than they did in Basic Training.
The problem SSG (Join to see) is not Basic Training, it is their current NCOs. You did well to pitch in and do your part to bring them up to speed.
The problem SSG (Join to see) is not Basic Training, it is their current NCOs. You did well to pitch in and do your part to bring them up to speed.
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I've worn a uniform for nearly 9 years. I feel confident stating that things have changed. In my first tank company as a PL we had a number of PVTs come to us fresh from OSUT who couldn't pass a PT test. On another occasion myself and a MSG walked up to a new PVT who was attached for a detail. He was sitting there leaning on his car, hands in his pockets, with a cigarette hanging off his lip. When we walked up, his greeting was: "sup?" He had been out of OSUT less than 2 weeks. As a new PVT I wouldn't have dreamed of behaving the way I see new PVTs do on a regular basis. While corrections are made, this appears to be a systemic problem. Personally I think we're failing our young troops in IET. Discipline is what saves lives, not coddling.
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You have only been in for 4 years and I doubt basic has changed that significantly.
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CCMSgt Michael Sullivan Ph.D
My father retired as an 0-7. He was still active when I enlisted. About my 3rd week I sent him a message that basic was a joke that he was more strict on me growing up. Well he made some calls and I was in my 5th week when my TI found out, my last 3 weeks were hell.
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SGT Jim Arnold
CCMSgt Michael Sullivan Ph.D - When I enlisted I made no mention of my father nor did I say anything to my father about the goings on at basic. I kept mouth shut and eyes wide open lol
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1LT William Clardy
Drill sergeants are not fungible assets, SSG (Join to see), and good mentoring is not a universal ability. The best advice I can offer is to pay back the leaders who mentored you by sharing their work with the soldiers entrusted to your leadership, however briefly.
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