How should someone in AIT report a possible drill sergeant-trainee relationship?

Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 17:49:04 -0500

I am writing this on behalf of a close friend of mine who is in AIT and does not have a direct line of communication to their 1SG (Like a "1SG box" to put notes/complaints into). They don't want to tell the other drill sergeants in fear of denial or retaliation. I offered to email their 1SG but I don't want to push it to that limit - what's a good way of reporting this on their end without any outside interference?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2025 8:03 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 20:03:48 -0500

Unless there us proof.....all this could be in a one sided perceived issue.

IF there is evidence, the Trainee can ask to speak with the Comnander thru the required Open Door Pilicy. They could also call IG.

Response by COL Randall C. made Jan 19 at 2025 8:04 PM

COL Randall C. — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 20:04:25 -0500

This is something that TRADOC takes very seriously (TRADOC Regulation 350-6* spells out in great detail prohibited trainer/trainee relationships) regardless if it is an improper personal (non-sexual) relationship or a physical one.

The quickest route is through the AIT Company Commander. All IET Company Commanders will have an open door for trainees to communicate directly with them. IET Company Commanders are required to investigate all allegations of trainee abuse, regardless of the nature, magnitude, or the source of the complaint.

They can report it though the Inspector General's office. The IG will not act upon the information, but they will ensure it is passed to the Commander for investigation/action.

If the improper relationship is of a sexual (or potential sexual) nature, then there are a number of additional mechanisms that can be used to report it (unit's SHARP coordinator, DoD SAFE helpline, etc), but these shouldn't be utilized unless there is at least a suspicion of an improper physical relationship.
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* TRADOC Regulation 350-6 (Enlisted Initial Entry Training Policies and Administration) - https://adminpubs.tradoc.army.mil/regulations/TR350-6.pdf

TR350-6.pdf

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2025 4:16 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:16:14 -0500

*** I like the Chaplin recommendation the best for this situation ***

Follow all previous guidance from this thread.
I'd like to add, do not feel intimidated at all by the Cadre or retaliation. Follow the process, follow the guidance, always escalate. Follow the chain of command.

Cadre can take away your sleep and can dish out physical exhaustion. They cannot take away pay or rank. Any effort to do so will required the CO and documentation (counseling statements), and you always get your say on a counseling statement. You can write anything you want in that block and make it part of the chain of documentation. I've written things in that soldier statement block that sabotaged a negative counseling against me, but they HAVE TO BE TRUE AND FACTUAL.

Remember, there are 24 pay grades from E1 to O10 (more if you count ranks such as 1SG, CSM, etc...) and where a new recruit and a E5/6 fit in that scale they are much closer to each other in the food chain than those with the responsibility to follow through with an investigation.

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It's also not a lever to pull if one doesn't like the TRADOC situation and is imagining one recruit is getting treated better than others. Battle buddies are for the protection of the Cadre as much as the recruits.

Line your ducks up. I'm gonna guess an informal calm conversation with a Chaplin will help flush out the details we are all missing here, and what the next ideal step should be.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 21 at 2025 12:00 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 12:00:21 -0500

You could speak to the CO (open door policy, chaplain or the IG office. But with that said you better make sure you have undeniable proof before you break glass in case of emergency because this is a heavy accusation and if this is just a rumor it could blow back onto the whistle blower if it is unsubstantiated or unproven.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Feb 2 at 2025 8:04 AM

SGT Lorenzo Nieto — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 08:04:45 -0500

My advice to you mine your own business if it doesn’t affect you stay away from it for your own good

Response by SFC Stephen Everett made Feb 17 at 2025 3:09 PM

SFC Stephen Everett — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 15:09:41 -0500

TRADIC, and the Company Commander as well, the Sergeant Major has a “Open Door Policy”. Then they would refer for you see Staff Judge Advocate.