SecDef: Bring back the "shark attack" at boot camp

[The Bread Guy]

I was today old when I learned that this, something we've all seen & know about ....

... is apparently known as a "shark attack."

And Sec'y Hegseth is reportedly considering allowing them again - this from a news conference transcript ....

(...)
Q: Thank you. The Secretary retweeted a story about bringing so-called "shark attacks" back to Army basic training. Is the Secretary about to issue any guidance about changes to not just the Army but entire military training?

KINGSLEY WILSON: So, what I can say on that is that the Secretary is very excited to be making basic training great again. I can confirm that he's going to be looking at basic training and making sure that the standards are where they should be. We want our warfighters to be strong and that starts in basic training, and we want to make sure we really, again, go back to basics. And "shark attacks" are going to be something that he is looking at reinstating.
(...)

... this from MSM ....

Defense Secretary Hegseth considers reversing Army ban on aggressive 'shark attack' training

Pete Hegseth may reinstate the aggressive "shark attack" practice used by drill sergeants to train U.S. Army recruits, which was largely ended in 2020.

www.foxnews.com

'Shark attacks' may be coming back to Army Basic Training

"Shark attacks" are meant to allow drill sergeants to establish dominance over trainees early on. The Army has moved away from the practice.

taskandpurpose.com

‘Shark Attacks’ May Be Coming Back to Army Basic Training

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is looking into reinstating the practice of Army drill sergeants swarming and screaming at trainees

www.realcleardefense.com

... and a titch of back story from about 5 years or so ago (and not just with basic training).

Why the Army cut back on incoherent screaming by drill sergeants on day 1 of basic training

“Nothing’s really changed other than we’re not screaming in their faces."

taskandpurpose.com

Infantry School ends traditional 'shark attack,' adopts new way of instilling warrior ethos in recruits

Fort Benning Public AffairsFORT BENNING, Ga. – Generations of Army veterans are familiar with what's known as the "shark attack," that shock-and-aw...

www.army.mil

No More Drill Sergeant 'Shark Attack': Army Moves Toward Kinder Basic Training Start

The Army began creating this new approach to the beginning of BCT during the spring.

www.military.com

 

[Infanteer]

I can't take those instructors seriously when they do that. There are ways to stress candidates without making yourself look like a wailing buffoon.

 

[MJP]

I can't take those instructors seriously when they do that. There are ways to stress candidates without making yourself look like a wailing buffoon.

Agreed, you could just destroy a recruit' bunk space. Much more valuable training to be had there.

/S

 

[rmc_wannabe]

I can't take those instructors seriously when they do that. There are ways to stress candidates without making yourself look like a wailing buffoon.

I wouldn't even put it down to "stressing candidates out" even.

How on earth do you plan to be a mentor or a credible influence with these candidates if their first exposure to you is screaming in their face and appearing like a horny orangutan? That isn't someone I want to listen to. That's not the epitome of "has their shit together." There is nothing gained from that pagentry other than having a troop NEVER apporach you for help. or guidance. Or clarification.

This is Pete Hegseth trying to deflect how abysmal his tenure as SECDEF has been, and that no one in the Pentagon wants him around.

 

[brihard]

Most of the instructors themselves are probably early to mid 20s and have been utterly acculturated(bordering on brainwashed) to this since the start of their adulthood. It's a way of doing things, but not what I'd choose for adults and volunteers. There are lots of ways to make things constructively shitty and stressful so they learn that their limits aren't what they thought they were.

 

[markppcli]

Yup sounds like Hegsworth.