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Advanced Individual Training (AIT)
Drill Sergeant
Responses: 34
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I see this as a two part question.
Drill Sergeants are currently at Reception Stations and of course in Basic Combat Training (BCT). AIT currently has the AIT Platoon Sergeants and the Instructors. The AIT Platoon Sergeants currently undergo training at the US Army Drill Sergeant Academy. If they return to AIT Drill Sergeants, I can only assume that the AIT Platoon Sergeant position would go away. I wonder how things could work if Trainees were to arrive directly to their BCT from where "zero week" could incorporate the Reception process of receiving uniforms, getting shots, etc - facilitated by the Drill Sergeants with whom they would go through OSUT or BCT. This would be the first and second year Drill Sergeants. Third year Drill Sergeants (and others identified as necessary) could serve as AIT Drill Sergeants. Just a thought.
The second part of the question (as I see it) is based upon some of the responses that I have noted to this question. Does anyone know a kid who is "great" at home for their parents, but then can be a bit of an idiot at school or in other environments? How about those Trainees who successfully make it through Initial Entry Training - well disciplined, trained, and motivated - but, yet show up to their duty stations with much new found freedom, a few thousand dollars in the bank, and possibly a bit of bad influence from their new barracks buddies . . . . am I wrong to think that there should be Noncommissioned Officers (NCO) there ready, willing, and able to Lead these young Soldiers and not place blame on whether or not a Drill Sergeant was in AIT? If a Trainee lacks respect for authority in the training environment, they most likely will not be successful in that training environment. But, if they get to Fort Somewhere and do not respect an NCO in that environment, isn't it the responsibility of that NCO and/or one nearby to fix that situation with mentorship, guidance, training, and even discipline if and when necessary? Since when does an NCO complain about seeing Soldiers not doing something that they thought the Soldiers should be doing? It doesn't take a hat and a badge . . .
After 9/11, the Army was concerned about retention. In an effort to maintain strength, there were faster promotions. This was effective regarding quantity, but not quality. The Army promoted many who were not yet ready. Those Soldiers became Leaders who with a lower quality skill set then became Leaders of the next generation who then possessed an even lower skill set. I believe we are headed into a better situation now, but we ALL need to check ourselves to ensure that we are learning and growing however needed to achieve greater levels of success. Someone won't care for what I'm saying. I don't say this to offend or to call anyone out; that's not my style. I simply say it because I give a damn about the Army within which I serve.
"One may have knowledge and experience. But, they are only a Leader if they are followed."
~ Nathan Bryant
Drill Sergeants are currently at Reception Stations and of course in Basic Combat Training (BCT). AIT currently has the AIT Platoon Sergeants and the Instructors. The AIT Platoon Sergeants currently undergo training at the US Army Drill Sergeant Academy. If they return to AIT Drill Sergeants, I can only assume that the AIT Platoon Sergeant position would go away. I wonder how things could work if Trainees were to arrive directly to their BCT from where "zero week" could incorporate the Reception process of receiving uniforms, getting shots, etc - facilitated by the Drill Sergeants with whom they would go through OSUT or BCT. This would be the first and second year Drill Sergeants. Third year Drill Sergeants (and others identified as necessary) could serve as AIT Drill Sergeants. Just a thought.
The second part of the question (as I see it) is based upon some of the responses that I have noted to this question. Does anyone know a kid who is "great" at home for their parents, but then can be a bit of an idiot at school or in other environments? How about those Trainees who successfully make it through Initial Entry Training - well disciplined, trained, and motivated - but, yet show up to their duty stations with much new found freedom, a few thousand dollars in the bank, and possibly a bit of bad influence from their new barracks buddies . . . . am I wrong to think that there should be Noncommissioned Officers (NCO) there ready, willing, and able to Lead these young Soldiers and not place blame on whether or not a Drill Sergeant was in AIT? If a Trainee lacks respect for authority in the training environment, they most likely will not be successful in that training environment. But, if they get to Fort Somewhere and do not respect an NCO in that environment, isn't it the responsibility of that NCO and/or one nearby to fix that situation with mentorship, guidance, training, and even discipline if and when necessary? Since when does an NCO complain about seeing Soldiers not doing something that they thought the Soldiers should be doing? It doesn't take a hat and a badge . . .
After 9/11, the Army was concerned about retention. In an effort to maintain strength, there were faster promotions. This was effective regarding quantity, but not quality. The Army promoted many who were not yet ready. Those Soldiers became Leaders who with a lower quality skill set then became Leaders of the next generation who then possessed an even lower skill set. I believe we are headed into a better situation now, but we ALL need to check ourselves to ensure that we are learning and growing however needed to achieve greater levels of success. Someone won't care for what I'm saying. I don't say this to offend or to call anyone out; that's not my style. I simply say it because I give a damn about the Army within which I serve.
"One may have knowledge and experience. But, they are only a Leader if they are followed."
~ Nathan Bryant
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SFC (Join to see)
100% correct. That's what I thought. 3rd year drills could be AIT drill sergeants.
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SSG Scott Burk
What? When did the DS leave AIT? Are they gone from all MOS's or just the non-combat arms MOS's??
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SSG Nathan Bryant
SSG Scott Burk - The position of "AIT Platoon Sergeant" was initiated during summer 2007. At that time, Drill Sergeants were directed to BCT, and the four Reception Stations. OSUT continued to be manned by Drill Sergrants. All other AIT elements incorporated the Platoon Sergeant.
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10
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Yes they should. Will bring back the discipline with new privates coming into the regular army. Don't know how many new privates I have met that don't stand at parade rest to NCOs. Where is the discipline and respect for authority. It should be instilled in their brain. I should not have to tell them to get at parade rest when addressing an NCO.
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PVT (Join to see)
I say no. I think that ait platoon sergeants can smoke the crap out of us just as much as drill sergeants. I really don't like drill sergeants, trust me I just completed basic two weeks ago and I could not stand the drill sergeants that were in charge of my platoon. I had one that literly hated us. And I fell like all drill sergeants hate privates. Also not all of us act like hoolagens.Also that one drill sergeant had no freaking motivation what so ever he always talked shit about us, never gave us a decent compliment. However my ait platoon sergeants I love. You can actually have a one on one conversation with ait platoon sergeants. Drill sergeants will treat u like crap. I understand u have to make a soldier and toughen him up, but leave them in basic. I don't like drill sergeants it would be different if they actually talked to u like a normal person WHEN you deserved it
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SFC (Join to see)
Tara your experience in basic and with drill sergeants but you been in the army a few months. I have 12 years of experience and have seen the difference in discipline since I have joined and the soldiers coming in. I agree with you not all PVTs act indiscipline but most of them do. I am currently a recruiter and have seen some of the stuff on my recruits social medial that shows that PVTs are throwing stuff around in the barracks and wrestling around on furniture and pillow fighting. That never went in when I was in AIT. Things need to change to benefit the Army. Being in training is a totally different environment then when you are in the regular army. Being told good job by a DS will never happen that's not their job. They are supposed to instill order and discipline into your personality and train the basics of being a soldier. They are not there to be your friend. Hopefully you have great leadership in your first unit. I wish you nothing but the best and thanks for joining the greatest army in the world.
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SSG Lance Wendling
We need to go back to squad bays and foot lockers. All this slap and tickle crap would go away.
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SSG Lance Wendling
Pct Trevor hooks you aren't in basic to be complimented. You aren't There a to be made to feel good. When I was on the trail smoking a pvt I would frequently tell him that it was mind over matter. I don't mind, because he doesn't matter. We would ease up right before BRM and qualifying and then get right back in the middle of their butts. That's how I let you know that I cared. When you came to me you were a civilian. When my job was done and you went on to your next phase of training, you were a proud soldier. That was my gift to you. That was how I showed that I cared.
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9
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CW4 (Join to see) I served as an AIT PSG and I am sure I did the job as good as any Drill Sergeant, so I don't see the need.
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