Should military history be taught in Basic Training and AIT?

2016-08-15T22:50:03-04:00

With amazing stories like Hacksaw Ridge, I'm amazed at how much I do not know about our own history. I think it will help make us appreciate why we do what we do and inspire more actions. I think many Soldiers join this organization without knowing anything about it. What say you?
Side note, you need to watch this trailer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2-1hz1juBI

Hacksaw Ridge (2016 - Movie) Official Trailer – “Believe”

Hacksaw Ridge – In Theaters November 4. Starring Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths and Vince Vaugh...

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Aug 15 at 2016 10:52 PM

2016-08-15T22:52:19-04:00

SSG Robert Burns wow, what a really interesting read and share, I agree with your read entirely, "Knowing your past is important to knowing your future as well" IMHO.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2016 11:20 PM

2016-08-15T23:20:38-04:00

I'm a history buff. Having said that, i think that, given the already limited time available in early training, there would have to be a good, structured reason behind the history lessons. What is the value for the lay soldier from the lessons

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2016 11:26 PM

2016-08-15T23:26:43-04:00

On the 4th of July we all watched the movie "Taking Chance". While it was not so much about history, it did strike us all. But yes, history should be taught and instilled.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2016 11:34 PM

2016-08-15T23:34:44-04:00

SSG Robert Burns Great trailer! I have always studied military history, as it is one of my interests. In boot camp, we were lectured on Marine Corps history, which provided a good background.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2016 11:43 PM

2016-08-15T23:43:49-04:00

I don't think that it needs to be taught in Basic and AIT, mostly because the training schedule is already full and what would be given up or suffer at the expense of teaching such a class? It could be done on Sunday afternoons but who teaches it?

I would certainly advise troops to read military history and would dearly like the individual Service Chiefs (or SEAs)to come up with a reading list that is more "highly applicable for the newly entered the Service"

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 15 at 2016 11:48 PM

2016-08-15T23:48:57-04:00

Sadly, some of the discussions on RP have made me realize that some don't know their unit's history which is important to building unit pride. Some don't know their nation's history which makes me wonder what they're fighting for. However, most importantly, some don't know anything about the Constitution that they are sworn to preserve, protect, and defend. How loyal can they be?

Response by SGT Tim Soyars made Aug 16 at 2016 12:19 AM

2016-08-16T00:19:38-04:00

I think that the service's basic history should be covered in Basic Training/AIT. I know they had a thumbnail version of Army and Infantry history in Basic/AIT, Airborne history in Airborne School, Ranger School, etc. This gave us a sense of belonging to our honorable heritage. Each unit should teach it's own history and lineage during unit orientation. When we look at the history of the Ranger, which goes back to the French and Indian war, the 82nd(Starting in WWI), 101st (WWII), 173rd (WWI) Airborne, and their units, they give the incoming soldier a sense of pride and a standard to be upheld. Even their enemies know the reputation.

Response by SGT Tim Soyars made Aug 16 at 2016 12:20 AM

2016-08-16T00:20:47-04:00

BTW, I'm from Lynchburg, VA and am very familiar with Desmond Doss' story. I am looking forward to the movie.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2016 12:28 AM

2016-08-16T00:28:02-04:00

I had a SSG in RSP with the Guard who gave a military history lesson each drill, he said it was important to understand our history to know where we have come from. Maybe do it in BCT once or twice a week, I had a SDS who did... I'll call it story time. He spoke of his experiences and his thoughts on the Army. He did it once a week or so and like kids around a camp fire we were glued to it, in part because it was interesting and part because we weren't getting screamed at.

In AIT I think it would be doable, better than standing in formation for no reason for 2 hours. Could throw in a history of your Corps/Branch type thing. Give a bit of history and pride in your MOS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2016 2:46 AM

2016-08-16T02:46:32-04:00

What subjects do you propose that military history replace in Basic Training and AIT? There is a limited amount of time allotted for Basic Training and AIT, and for every class that people recommend be added to the course, one must be shortened or removed to accommodate it. General military history is taught briefly. However, stories like Hacksaw Ridge are too specific and way to numerous to be introduced in that environment. Soldiers are not attending Basic and AIT to be history majors, this kind of stuff is best left to unit level indoctrination. As sad as it is to admit, on an institutional level Alvin York already has the spot light for the contributions of conscientious objectors to the military service in the official shot gun blast of military history that is most often taught.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Aug 16 at 2016 5:19 AM

2016-08-16T05:19:03-04:00

When I went through BMT, they had a class for Air Force History. I distinctly remember this because I was actually looking forward to this one but I had the most difficult time staying awake that I don't remember anything except waiting for the latrine breaks, since I drank so much water trying to keep alert. lol

Response by SPC Michael S. made Aug 16 at 2016 6:50 AM

2016-08-16T06:50:56-04:00

Yes, and it should be taught sooner, like in high school. That's when the marxists get their hooks into young impressionable minds.

Response by 1SG Mike Case made Aug 16 at 2016 8:57 AM

2016-08-16T08:57:19-04:00

I am in total agreement that history should be taught, but I tried to tell them about the great things that our service men and women did in these latest campaigns. I am not saying don't talk about WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam and so forth but I try to tell them about SFC Jared Monti, PO Michael Monsoor, Battle of Outpost Keating, and others that are more from this time era. I think there are great lessons and stories from the past but I think a connection to these times are just as important.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Aug 16 at 2016 9:57 AM

2016-08-16T09:57:49-04:00

I'm sure the Army would say that's there's insufficient time to teach military history at basic, SSG Robert Burns. However, every Marine that comes out of boot camp can recite important historic dates and events of the USMC. It seems like the Army could do the same.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2016 10:15 AM

2016-08-16T10:15:39-04:00

I'll risk being scorned, but having served in/with 3 branches, yes, history should be taught. The USMC does teach their history during recruit training and the result is a higher espirit d'corps- far higher than that in any other branch.

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made Aug 16 at 2016 10:35 AM

2016-08-16T10:35:43-04:00

If we don't learn from the past, we are doomed to commit the same mistakes.

Having said that, I studied history in a social studies elective called "Military Actions" when I was in high school. We covered the details of WW1, WW2, Korea and Vietnam. Not just out of books either. We watched "Tora, Tora, Tora", "A Bridge Too Far" and "Green Berets" (remember, this was before 1980). Movie history, yes but, it gave us a visual we never would have gotten out of books. And now with "Saving Private Ryan" and other movies made with advanced special effects, maybe the next generation will get a better idea. Especially since I'm sure they're not being taught proper history in school. So, if schools won't do it, it's up to each branch to teach their own history. Don't you think?

Oh, and guys? "Call of Duty" doesn't count. ;)

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made Aug 16 at 2016 10:39 AM

2016-08-16T10:39:54-04:00

SSG Robert Burns Thanks for the trailer! I'll be sure to take extra tissues when I go to see it. I'm sure I'm going to need them.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2016 2:45 PM

2016-08-16T14:45:24-04:00

Absolutely.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Aug 16 at 2016 5:43 PM

2016-08-16T17:43:43-04:00

Maybe it should be part of the requirements during the Delayed Entry Program.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Aug 16 at 2016 11:11 PM

2016-08-16T23:11:31-04:00

This movie looks incredible.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2016 2:29 PM

2016-08-18T14:29:12-04:00

I think from the first day of any service career (2 years or 22 years) the soldier airman sailor etc should be immersed in the heritage of his organization. Yep, the corps is great about teaching their heritage. I have likened it to a fraternity. Acutally most frat dues-payers would be elated to be part of an organization like the corps. I think the Navy does a great job for all those assigned to Hawaii to see the Arizona monument.
So yes, I would say the basics of military history and battle analysis should be introduced in small manageable bits even in boot camp or AIT /tech school. As it is now I don't think soldiers get much in the way of military battle history til they go to NCOES or CGSC. In boot camp FTX I had a great drill sgt who explained the importance of safe "rearward passage of lines". I didnt think much of it til I learned the Gen Stonewall Jackson and Gen Micky Marcus were both killed by friendly fire while attempting rearward passage of lines. (Marcus was Westpoint grad who helped found Israeli army).

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2016 2:32 PM

2016-08-18T14:32:19-04:00

Even in their ads the USMC has a young man ascending a rock cliff and as he is going up he sees and gets encouragement from ghost-like images of the great South Pacific "island hopping" marines. There are famous airmen from Korean and Viet wars but I doubt few folks know who those were.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Nov 30 at 2016 11:28 AM

2016-11-30T11:28:55-05:00

I'm honestly surprised this is a question because military history is taught to Marines in basic training. I was only looking up this topic because I was going to see Hacksaw Ridge in theaters this weekend.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2018 6:19 PM

2018-03-28T18:19:04-04:00

Heck yes.

But then, I’m a history teacher in civilian life.

This year, my kids got The Patriot, Sergeant York, Hacksaw Ridge (edited to pg13), Das Boot, The Longest Day, Midway, The Hiding Place (story of Corrie ten Boom during the holocaust), and will get Hotel Rwanda and Behind Enemy Lines (yes, fictional I know) as part of a genocide in the 90s and the role of the US unit I’m making, and they’ll also get 15:17 to Paris.

They also get Disney’s “Swamp Fox”. A surprisingly accurate (for Disney) show about Francis Marion (guerrilla warfare in the South during the revolution) hosted by Walt himself....back when Disney was, well....yeah. And the stories of Kings Mountain and Cowpens battles. (I teach 8th grade South Carolina history).

But (soapbox moment) to change the culture, we need good teachers to speak into their lives, both in subject area and in “how to live”. While, I believe, that’s the job of parents, the school/state gladly steps in when that’s lacking. Regardless, Education needs people who’ve served once, and are willing to serve our nation and society again.

Troops to Teachers is one option in my state, if you’ve served honorably for 8 years or more, the State will work with you to get you education credentials so you can teach. Or, try JROTC. Most districts are looking for male teachers, and many states are looking for veterans. I get tired of people pointing out, rightly so, that our students are failing in citizenship in the education system, but no one's joining me in populating that arena to try to fix it. So, gauntlet thrown, somebody, please help change the tide!

Um. Sorry, yes military history should be taught. It’s the soul of the Army, Marines, Navy, USAF, and USCG.

Response by SGT Daniel Myers made Apr 10 at 2019 8:25 PM

2019-04-10T20:25:54-04:00

Exactly! To his credit Patton, while in his own right a great Army general, he was a fanatical war historian and studied wars and strategies. You don't approach war willy nilly, you must have a plan and at the very least all your command staff through your Sgt in a leadership role had better known the mechanism and how it works especially if something goes south and they need to think on their feet

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Apr 11 at 2019 4:54 AM

2019-04-11T04:54:21-04:00

History was taught when I went through basic. It gave some perspective to what group I was trying to enter. The history was a bit scary to me. I could not fully understand how so many individuals could work towards a hard goal in different military actions as well as work with other sections of the military.
Over time, I started to understand what most of the Marine Corp was for and why we ran so much in Garrison. After training for three months at USMC School of Infantry and forming up in rifle companies, seeing Division wide exercise and having Army Airborne on our flank during same, I understood in a more clear manner there might be some of us die. But there was no hope for the enemy.
My understanding was in real time early 1991. The enemy losses were in the 100's of thousands. America, about 5. Mostly our own as we moved too fast into Warthog sections. America's Airforce almost won the war for everyone. Impressive. (I write Airforce. But that included Navy and Marine Corp air power.)

Response by TSgt Carl Johnson made Apr 11 at 2019 5:56 AM

2019-04-11T05:56:50-04:00

Absolutely! When I lived in the barracks, I spent a great deal of time studying military history, and I believe that it made me a better airman. It certainly helped me maintain a "gung ho" attitude, especially when conditions were demanding.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 11 at 2019 10:14 AM

2019-04-11T10:14:06-04:00

Yes, with continuing military history education, as the initial education is a start, but many salient points are missed. With continued education, SMs will gain a greater appreciation, different perspectives, and have the skill to connect the dots on why battles or wars were won or lost.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2019 10:20 AM

2019-04-11T10:20:24-04:00

We get a good dose of Marine Corps history in boot camp. All the highlights and very few low-lights. We also get training on how NOT to get into fights and how to get out of one, how to behave in the civilian world, etc. Granted, this was the last 7 days of boot as we are prepping to graduate, but the lessons are there. My DIs urged us to learn more USMC history as well as military history overall, and I know that 98% probably never lifted a finger to do so. We have plenty of dark spots in our history. However, being as small as we are there are a lot fewer places to hide misdeeds and they almost always get handled after the fact.

I think a good highlights of [enter branch here] history should be taught in all branches. I think the urge to learn more after boot camp should be more highly emphasized. If you don't learn from history you are doomed to repeat it.

Response by SSG Donald H "Don" Bates made Apr 11 at 2019 10:43 AM

2019-04-11T10:43:22-04:00

Personally, I think it should be taught.

Response by SFC George Smith made Apr 11 at 2019 11:11 PM

2019-04-11T23:11:11-04:00

Thanks For The Info...Thanks For The Share

Response by SSgt Rick Erens made Apr 12 at 2019 1:45 AM

2019-04-12T01:45:49-04:00

LTC Stephen C. you are absolutely correct. Even before leaving for MCRD, while on the DEP, it was nothing but learning your General Orders, staying fit and history, history and more history. Thirteen weeks of bootcamp in 1981 and stuffing 206 years of everything Marine Corps.