The Most Common Myths about Basic Combat Training (BCT) stir up much conversation between past, present and future Soldiers of today's military is what happens during Reception and Integration (R and I) or as many know it by the "Shark Attack". Many of the new recruits coming in fear the rumors they have heard or seen in movies regarding the physical and emotional abuse during basic training.
Drill Sergeants complete an intensive training school before they ever meet new recruits. During this school they are taught how to properly train a Soldier to become a part of the greatest fighting force in the world. During this training, Drill Sergeants are taught resiliency and how to train new recruits to be resilient.
In the Drill Sergeant Handbook it clearly states, do not abuse trainees or condone abuse from other Drill Sergeants (the Army has zero tolerance). Never touch Soldiers unless you are making a necessary correction for training or safety.
Retired Army veteran and driver for D Company 31st Engineer Battalion Ohren Labbee said, "During the Vietnam era recruits were treated much differently than they are now.
Coming from present day I asked Private Ryan Willard of his experience and what he expected when he arrived and he said, "I was expecting a Full Metal Jacket welcome and when I got here it was tough, but nothing like I saw on television before I got here."
What do Drill Sergeants have to say?
The Drill Sergeants I have spoken with in D Company 31st Engineer Battalion have said, "We are here to train the next generation of Soldiers and Engineers to leave this place and do great things for the United States Army. The Reception and Integration is really just an establishment or baseline for many things to come in military basic training. Once a recruit arrives at their site of training, the Drill Sergeants need to establish authority, teach timely obedience, structure and show them that there will be consequences if they do not work together and rely on each other as a member of a team. Drill Sergeants provide hard, but fair training and treat all new recruits with dignity and respect.
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