Posted on 03/30/2018 6:26:09 AM PDT by RoosterRedux
Citing a disturbing trend of new soldiers lacking both proper discipline and physical fitness, senior U.S. Army leaders are calling for a tougher and longer basic training program to prepare troops for combat over the next decade.
“We have every reason to get this right, and far fewer reasons not to,” Secretary of the Army Mark Esper said at the Association of the United States Army's Global Force Symposium in Alabama on Monday. “That’s why we are considering several initiatives — from a new physical fitness regime to reforming and extending basic training — in order to ensure our young men and women are prepared for the rigors of high-intensity combat.”
While Esper didn’t divulge any details of what an extended Basic Combat Training (BCT) might look like, the Army has already floated the idea of adding two weeks to its 10-week program. A redesigned BCT is expected to be implemented by early summer.
The current BCT involves a three-stage process, the first of which is the “Red Phase.” Comprising the first three weeks of training, it's where recruits begin to learn drills and ceremonies, the seven “Army Core Values, unarmed combat and first aid. Recruits are also introduced to standard-issue weapons like the M-16 assault rifle and M-4 carbine.
In Phase 2, known as the “White Phase,” soldiers begin target practice with their rifles, and become acquainted with other weapons like grenade launchers and machine guns. The recruits also complete a timed obstacle course and learn to work alongside other soldiers.
The final phase, or “Blue Phase,” sees the soldiers complete the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), learn nighttime combat operations and go on 10- and 15-kilometer field marches.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Fat, dumb and happy should NOT be a descriptor of our military.
And don’t let Pyle eat that jelly doughnut.
Good luck...maybe the Army can send them a text message to put down the smartphone for a minute to listen to the drill sergeant.
I remember when I went through Boot Camp (MCRD San Diego, 1969), we had both “Motivation Platoon and the “Fat Farm” for those who needed some additional “fine tuning” to make it through to becoming a Marine.
You got 60seconds to get off this bus and 50 of them are gone. Welcome to basic.
Nor should it be a descriptor for Congress. Tune those slackers up, too.
For physical fitness standards, perhaps there should be a “pre-induction” test which prospective recruits need to pass, given on weekends at a local army base.
If you don’t pass, you go home to get into shape at the gym on your own time, and then try again.
Go back to the 60’s era basic training and quit with the molly codling.
Gunnery Sergeant Hartman: [To Pyle, as he struggles with an obstacle] Get your fat ass over there, Private Pyle! Oh, that’s right, Private Pyle. Don’t make any ***** effort to get up to the top of the ****** obstacle! If God wanted you up there, he would have miracled your ass up there by now, wouldn’t he?
Private Pyle: Sir, yes, sir!
Problem is, they have dumbed down the physical requirements to accommodate females, which means males are likely not reaching the peak of conditioning they may have in the past.
When I was in, STC (special training company) was where special problems were addressed. Time spent there didn’t count against BCT requirements. It was dead time.
Since poor physical fitness is a serious problem for recruits, something this sort of thing is going to be necessary.
Perhaps two to four weeks should be added to the beginning of Basic Training - call it "Pre-Basic" Training. It would involve about 90% physical conditioning and about 10% teaching the most basic military drill exercises. At the end of "Pre-basic" each recruit/candidate could be evaluated and compared to their starting condition. The "hopeless" cases who are simply not cutting it or who have shown no improvement in physical conditioning could be discharged right then, before any more time or money is wasted on them. Give them 30 days' severance pay and send them on their way.
The remaining candidates could then [proceed with "regular" basic training, with no exemptions given to physical and mental requirements (for instance, if you can't properly throw a grenade you don't pass).
That article should have its own thread.
My understanding is that kids no longer shower after gym class because they don’t want others gawking at them.
Caveat: I know nothing about the military. But I just had an idea.
I know that there is JROTC in some of the public high schools, but I think it would be great to extend such efforts. I know that there are courses offered in many schools that expose students to various careers and immerse them in some of the training. Nursing comes to mind.
Why not have a program that mirrors military training? Get them in shape before they even get to boot camp.
Yes.
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