Posted on Apr 23, 2017
What is it like to be assigned to a basic training post?
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Depends on what you do. It kinda sucked cause it's long hours and minimal training or opportunities. But I had fun at Benning doing range coverage. The days were long but the privates and Drill SGT's were hilarious.
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MSG Tim Donahue, M.Ed.
I agree - Infantry Training Group - 1982 - Drill Corporal - 50 cal machine gun range - we taught APC PMCS in the morning and 50 cal in the afternoon. The trainees ate lunch - then we put them in the bleachers - waited until some of them fell asleep - then fired four 50's at the same time. Great wake up call.
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I was training officer at the Basic Tng Center at Ft Knox in 1968-69. It was my first assignment as a brand-new butterbar, and while the DIs did all of the real work, I stood around getting saluted. The 1SG, a crusty old NCO who took me under his wing, taught me all of the unwritten "Old Army " rules about how to respect and utilize NCO 's . I never forgot those lessons when I moved on into traditional assignments, and they were invaluable in getting the the most out of my cadre. Once, years later when I was a Captain and Company Commander, I had a CSM smile and ask me how I knew so much about how things were supposed to be done in "the REAL Army" . I honestly think I learned more in that Basic Training Center than our draftees did !
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
I have seen a few very good Officers develop by doing exactly what You did and it didn't hurt their career one bit but instead made a far better path to advancement up the ranks. Knowledge is Power !
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Awesome!!!! Every assisgnment is what you make it. I came here in 2003, and my family never left. I retired here in 2013. I am not from here. SPC (Join to see) . It largely depends on your job. What will you be doing?
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COL Charles Williams
SSG Carlos Madden - Actually, the Garrison Commander. Technically, the installation commander is the CG (2 Star). I almost retired in 2002 when I came out on the Command List for Leonard Wood. I was one of two Battalion Commanders on post who were not TRADOC, so I never worked in the training world. After BN Command I was at the MP school for a short bit running the MP LT and CPTs courses... Then off to Fort Bragg. I was lucky to selected for Brigade Command, and eventually ended up back at Leonard Wood. It is a place you have see to appreciate. It gets a bad rap like Polk, but most who spread the badness have never been here. Interestingly many who come here, don't want to... but, then after they have been here.... want to come back. Also interesting, many many retire around here...
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SSG Carlos Madden
COL Charles Williams - I actually liked FLW. When I left AIT I was obviously tired of the place and couldn't wait to leave but I had lost of fond memories there and by the time I returned for NCOES (and not a trainee) did a little more exploring and thought it was great... SPC (Join to see) great input here from COL Williams!
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