FORT JACKSON, S.C. (Dec. 4, 2014) -- The 165th Infantry Brigade has implemented a program designed to focus and clarify training standards for new cadre members.
In April, the brigade launched a 10-week integration and training program that standardizes the training received by new Soldiers and reinforces policy and procedure within the ranks, said Col. Brian Hernandez, 165th commander.
"We established the 165th (Infantry) Brigade Reception and Integration Training this summer in order to better receive, integrate and prepare all cadre coming into the brigade in the proper conduct of Basic Combat Training," Hernandez said.
The 10-day course focuses on the fundamentals of Basic Combat Training, with a heavy emphasis on rifle marksmanship, physical readiness training, warrior tasks and battle drills, and professional conduct.
"We try and make sure drill sergeants understand all of the Skill Level 1 things they need to teach the trainees," said Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Turley, non-commissioned officer, or NCO, in charge of the program. "The Drill Sergeant School can't go as in depth as we can because there are so many (Soldiers.) It's focused to make sure there's a standard across the brigade, instead of having units doing things in different ways."
Hernandez said the program uses a team of third-year drill sergeants to not only act as course instructors, but also coaches and mentors. He called this team "the best in the brigade."
"The program also serves as the conduit for NCOs and officers coming from the operational force to bring their experiences and leadership and integrate them into the process of transforming civilians into Soldiers," Hernandez said.
Turley said much of this course is designed to stress the importance of training fundamentals.
"(New Soldiers) don't need to know all of the tactics we're using in Afghanistan right now," he said. "They don't need to know what tactics we're using in Iraq right now. They receive all of those things when they get to their unit."
The program is primarily -- but not exclusively -- designed for drill sergeants new to the brigade.
"There are a lot more drill sergeants that come in than permanent party cadre members," Turley said. "It's really focused on drill sergeants, making sure they're all on the same page for Skill Level 1."
Staff Sgt. Bror McWhinney, one of the brigade's instructors, said the results have been positive -- and immediate. Marksmanship scores have already improved, he said.
"That's something we can see with actual numbers," McWhinney said.
The course wasn't immediately embraced when the concept was originally introduced, though.
"It was pretty difficult at first to get everyone on board," McWhinney said. "We're very limited on resources and time with drill sergeants, so trying to pull people away for any sort of training that doesn't involve trainees is very difficult."
Ultimately, Hernandez said redistributing the brigade's resources to support the program has already proven to have been the right decision.
"Overall, it has been a tremendous program and increased the training levels and competencies of our cadre who are responsible for basic training," Hernandez said. "The more competent our cadre are, the more confident they will be as well as more professional ... that is our responsibility as the brigade...to make sure we have the best NCOs and officers training the newest Soldiers in our Army."
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