Should Basic Training go back to being a difficult, earned course, or should it be given to any trainee that doesn't quit for the ten weeks?

So... you graduated just over a year ago? Is this the official stance of 3-13, the unit you represent? That basic training is too easy in comparison to the way it was when you graduated, so long ago?

There were two military courses that make up my "I am undyingly proud of surviving that" list.

The title of the first course, when I was first lowered into it face-first, was "Basic Combat Training". There were only 2 of the cadre who didn't have a CIB, and the CO had gone to RVN as enlisted and returned an officer. Cadre were regularly levied out to escort caskets home. They all had definite opinions on the relationship between relentless training and returning to CONUS in the vertical orientation.

I was really lucky. There were other BCT companies on FLW in 1968 who were driven much less than we were. MUCH less. I was in the bottom 5% of those who graduated in my cycle. (The other two "outs" other than graduating from BCT were either some sort of discharge, or being Recycled, a fate not to be envied.)

And I came back vertical.

I myself was never hit and I went through in 2003, I think that the standards need to be tougher and the ones that are unable to make it weeded out before they ever make it to AIT. We end up chaptering alot of Soldiers out that should have never made it through basic.

I graduated from 2nd PLT Alpha 2-13 Ft Jackson March 1990. Never heard of anyone getting hit. Just a few bouncing off the lockers and cabinets in the Drill Sgt's office. Yes! Make it tougher.

I honestly don't know why this is a question. I don't think the standards should have ever been lowered. These applicants need to realize they are joining America's fighting force and it should not be taken lightly. Recruit training should be intense, physically demanding and mentally demanding. They should reach their breaking point early and often and the Drill Instructors/Drill Sergeants should do everything in their power to build them up into the finest Marine/Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Coastie that they can. The Drill Instructors/Drill Sergeants are training their future replacements.
The future is always unknown especially when it comes to conflicts around the world so why would we weaken our military training which weakens our military?

It should always be challanging or else we would have some week soldiers that can't make the cut with all things that ho on in the middle east

Cut the leash, or cut sling load.

However, if soldiers are coming out of basic highly motivated, well disciplined and physically fit, then standards are being met. I don't see that being the rule, so, some extra attention may be needed.

C'mon, it's the Army.

Basic has become a factory, just pump out as many Soldiers as you can. The military needs to go back to only graduating quality Soldiers, heck even to the extent of only recruiting quality people to become Soldiers. STOP with the "its ok you cant read a map, shoot your weapon or pass a PT test, you will graduate and they will teach you at your unit"!

Your voting options didn't leave much of a choice

Fort Jackson has always been Cupcakeland compared to everywhere else, but the Army has become pussified, thanks to society's creation, the Particiaption Trophy Generation.