How does someone become an Army BCT Platoon Guide? What are they, and is it worth it?

The Cadre will select-

Usually they gravitate to recruits that have a presence, either physical or mental or those with JROTC/Prior service backgrounds to get things going.

Once training begins every platoon has a different mode of picking and replacing Platoon guides. Some will do it on a schedule, others as needed, some when platoon guides have served their time and even more fewer keep a platoon guide for an entire cycle. Every Basic location has a culture, and the leaders have a say, but in the end it is a great experience many don’t want, but need. It can add stress and also create friction with your peers. Many of whom. Hate authority, are not being molded into Soldiers and are jealous they were not selected. So it’s benefits outweigh its cons...but there are some. No matter what it’s not about getting a title or a position, it’s about becoming the best Soldier you can be, and making yourself the most tactically and technically proficient you can in the short time you are there so you can be value added when you arrive at your unit...being a leader in BCT or AIT is just icing in the cake. Focus on the important stuff and cadre “May” grant you a blessing...or not, either way-do your best!!

Your drill sergeants will appoint a platoon guide and replace them as they see fit, sometimes for no reason that makes sense to you. It's training, so of course it's worth it. Just know that you're always wrong and you'll do fine.

The Platoon Guide serves as the "platoon Sergeant" for the basic training platoon. Typical duties are ensuring all soldiers are in formation, and reporting the numbers to the Drill Sergeant. Making sure they are tracking what is coming up, etc.. It's certainly worth the experience of leadership. You become one by being appointment of the Drill Sergeant. You may be in that position a day, a week, the whole cycle...who knows. Your tenure is at the whim of the Drill Sergeant.