Before they train Army recruits at basic training, drill sergeants must graduate from the nine-week United States Army Drill Sergeant Academy. Insider spent a week at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, to see what it takes to become a drill sergeant. The Drill Sergeant Academy has adopted a new strategy where the old days of breaking down recruits with yelling and push-ups have been replaced with a more collaborative and respectful tone. Drill sergeant candidates are taught how to effecti

Before they train Army recruits at basic training, drill sergeants must graduate from the nine-week United States Army Drill Sergeant Academy. Insider spent a week at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, to see what it takes to become a drill sergeant. The Drill Sergeant Academy has adopted a new strategy where the old days of breaking down recruits with yelling and push-ups have been replaced with a more collaborative and respectful tone. Drill sergeant candidates are taught how to effecti

The Army Combat Fitness Test, #ACFT, is a six-event test that assesses an individual Soldier's physical readiness. Trainees going through Basic Combat Training, #BCT, are tested three times prior to graduating to ensure they're physically capable of exceeding the U.S. Army standard before arriving at their first duty station. To learn more about the ACFT check out: www.army.mil/ACFT/ | U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training