Just read the latest Army Times with the front page about basic training. For the record:
THE DRILL SERGEANTS HAVE NOT A DAMN THING TO DO WITH THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We didn't decide to let privates do pushups on their knees or sleep late. Or be nice during R&I. Or give them privileges in week 1 that you had to wait until week 8 for.
And if you don't give the privates all that and actually (gasp!swoon!horror!) demand they train for war and be somewhat stressed, you'll be at best case, one rank light and a new job.
Of course, that's Relaxin' Jackson. Hopefully it'll be awhile before it takes over the other training posts.

I skimmed the article for a minute and then had to put it down because it's just so ridiculous. All those changes are going to do is create a bunch of soft soldiers who don't think they have to work hard. Glad to hear that it's nothing you or your fellow drill sergeants wanted. Though I couldn't imagine why I drill sergeant would want it to be like that.

You know, people keep saying how the standards of the Army are falling with the new tattoo regulation and such, but that's not where the lower standards are. It's when things like this happen that standards are lowered.

My whole section was in an uproar when we read the article. We thought it was bad when the PT standards changed.

Something tells me I have to read this article.

I was away last week on a roadtrip and missed the Army Times.

Hearing this is really making me more and more excited about going to BCT at Jackson... *sarcastic voice*

I remember when my husband came back from OSUT in Benning, he was actually thankful(after words, he hated it while doing it lol) for having it hard and tough. It was a great accomplishment and made him realize that he is capable of some wild things and able to perform them under pressure, stress, and pain. And the same Drill SGTs, who yelled and pushed, when he got awarded and promoted, they were so proud of him because they contributed.

My personal opinion is - that's part of being in the military...and has nothing to do with the word "SOFT". A soldier should be "physically and mentally tough" and to become one, "SOFT" training is out of the question.

All I have to say is this:
Army Times told me back in 97 that in a few years we would all be shooting M-4s with reflex sights.

9 years later, I'm still waiting for mine.

In IET land is were you are going to see the biggest issue (and we already are). You will have "Soldiers" who suddenly have to push themselves to learn and train at the same time. They will want to quit and go back to the easy life. So it will be a waste of time and tons of money.

As for me... if they get to me that soft, then they will just have to make it through my own BCT so I can trust them and their training.

Army Times=Military Enquirer

quote:

Originally posted by Daddy Warcrimes:
All I have to say is this:
Army Times told me back in 97 that in a few years we would all be shooting M-4s with reflex sights.

9 years later, I'm still waiting for mine.

I thought all units had M-4's with day time optics and night time infrared lasers.

My previous outfit had the IR lasers, reflex sights, a few M-4s for the squad leaders and M-16A4s (Army Times never predicted those) for the riflemen/grenadiers.

My current outfit has no tactical equipment assigned so we borrow when we can. The last 3 ranges I fired were with A2s.

Back to the topic at hand...Since when did they start giving SPC to 18 year olds from high school?!?!?!?

I've seen 18yo SPC too, how does that happen? I fully believe that someone should earn rank starting at E-0 and work thier way up. Getting promoted also raises the morale and gives them something to look forward to.
The Army has lowered the standards for basic in some areas. I haven't seen the Standards for the infantry lowered very much, but every once in a while we will get a soldier that is not in top shape, and it takes an NCO away from his family two hours a day everyday to train that soldier and that really isn't fair.
The M-4s, I believe that every unit that needs them has them. We have had them since 99 in the 101st, same for Bragg and Lewis and 10th mountain.. with 68s and peq-2s, and surefire flashlights, and we have the new m249s without the gas regulator and the shorter barrels.

http://www.myspace.com/iplayhalonaked

And no matter how many hills you had to ruck up both ways in the snow in basic, it will still be nothing like what your fathers went through. No matter what, everyone will always consider that the next generation had it easier.

Oh..."I thought all units had M-4's with day time optics and night time infrared lasers." Please tell me this was sarcasm. We just got 40 M-4 "hand-me-downs" from another unit, half of which need to go out to direct support to actually be worth taking up space in our arms room.

quote:

Originally posted by My kids call me Sarge:
I fully believe that someone should earn rank starting at E-0 and work thier way up. Getting promoted also raises the morale and gives them something to look forward to.

So, are you saying that Soldiers coming in as a PV2, PFC, or SPC didn't "earn" their rank?

I guess on a side note, aren't most E-1s through E-4s treated the same? From details to duties to skill level, privates are in the same category as SPCs.

I know promotions are a morale booster, but what exactly is being earned? Oh yeah I forgot, promotions are still "given" through SPC.

So, how is rank being "earned" nowadays through SPC?