If you could change one thing about basic training, what would it be?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 10:20:48 -0400

If you could change one thing, from basic training, past or present. What would it be? Why?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 11:24 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 11:24:06 -0400

I would add more time in the field practicing battle drills. I feel that is where myself and many of my battles struggled going though basic and we didn't spend much time with them. I would also spend less time in a classroom. Most people are hands on learners and sitting in a classroom all day I feel didn't do me much good.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 11:52 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 11:52:07 -0400

Bring back DNC PLEASE!!! I was looking forward to that and instead got class after class the first two weeks... I wanted more DNC

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2014 8:12 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 08:12:27 -0400

I would have more time spent on close order drill and all weapons training. Especially crew served.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jun 26 at 2014 6:47 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 06:47:33 -0400

Any comment that I make will show my age, things have definitely changed, and not necessarily for the better. When landing at Boot Camp/Basic Training/BMT, whatever it is called where one goes for their service, they should remember: Service is a Privilege, not a Right. Also, that joining was VOLUNTARY.

That is all.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jun 26 at 2014 9:09 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 09:09:38 -0400

Stop allowing Soldiers to graduate with a 50% score in each APFT category. We are decimated in the active duty units with trying to get these new Soldiers up to speed physically. What happened to the "fat farms" we used to have where a no pass AFPT or weight control Soldier go until they achieved the standard?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 1:20 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 01:20:23 -0400

I would add more combative training and personally would enjoy harder PT sessions.

Response by SPC Tony Risley made Apr 5 at 2021 2:16 AM

SPC Tony Risley — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 02:16:11 -0400

I didn't have one when I went to basic buy, take away all cell phones until graduation. People need to focus on training and keep shit clean, not how many likes they get for posting a photo and saying "hooah" whenever they post anything. We who went in before cell phones know this, even IF we had them back then, we sure as fuck didn't have time for them.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Apr 5 at 2021 11:32 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 11:32:30 -0400

I can think of several things, extend basic training to six months, develop professional soldiers with discipline. Can't pass a PT test, do not pass go, do not pass the graduation ceremony. Improve marksmanship training to equal to or better than what the USMC has for starters.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Apr 5 at 2021 12:04 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 12:04:15 -0400

After reading comments on "Rally Point" over the past years, I've come to one conclusion. Today's military members don't know the regulations, don't know how to find anything in a regulation and willing to take bad advice [BS] from a stranger on a website. More training is needed for the "newbee" be become familiar with the rules and how to and where to find them. They think everything is covered under a regulation. Nolan put it best: "...The Service is a Privilege, not a Right..."

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Apr 5 at 2021 12:17 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 12:17:15 -0400

The back rubs. There were entirely too many back rubs. Foot rubs were almost too many. I also thought the constant positive affirmations as we marched and stood information, and the yoga while at the range was a little over the top.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Apr 5 at 2021 5:09 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 17:09:21 -0400

NOTHING...It made me who I am today and set the stage for long and wonderful career.