When I went through infantry school in 2001 just after 9/11 the drill sergeants still went “hands on” many times. The yelling and cussing was all day, every day. You were lucky if you got 5 hours of sleep. The drill sergeants made it clear to us the we WILL be deployed to a combat and that some of us won’t make it back. The training took a very serious tone when our commander came out and told us “this is real world life or death. If you don’t absorb this training your families will be getting a folded American flag”. We thought he was just trying to scare us but then we noticed him and all the drill sergeants had tears in their eyes. From that point forward no one fucked around. After graduation I was sent to 10th Mountain and was in Afghanistan 2 months later. Nothing can prepare you for the real thing. But the mental toughness they instilled in us in training definitely helped.

I’ve been in the Army almost 13 years..when I heard about this, I wasn’t convinced. But honestly, this is exactly what new Soldiers need. This builds, teamwork, discipline and provides a sense of urgency.

I actually love this with what they’re doing now. It challenges them mentally while keeping them under stress, yet keeping it very competitive. Definitely different than the shark attack I experienced 9 years ago.

I still remember shark attack: they didn't make it a forgettable experience. But I don't think this is "softer." It's setting an initial bar regarding ability to think quickly, teamwork, and attention to detail so that the DS knows where everyone is. And it's just as intense, if not moreso, because there are actual problems to solve here while keeping the focus on deploying, engaging, and destroying the enemy. The enemy will never stop evolving and we can't either.

10:32 “Humble, but not passive. Same as aggressive, but not reckless” words to live by

I love how the drill sgts took the “punishment” with the platoons

I'm a 14 year Navy vet. My son leaves for Ft. Benning tomorrow. I'm just here to mentally prepare myself for his experience. I'll be thinking of him every day.

This makes me want to be 18 again so I can re-enlist. The shark attack experience wasn't awful but it definitely delayed the time it took for us to coalesce as a team. Everything we did was a fear based response for the next week or so. Eventually we ended up loving our Drill Sergeants and realized they were rooting for us but having this team building through shared goals and the support of the DS from day one would have been awesome. I loved how the Drill Sergeants in this video still commanded respect but did so without intimidation and fear.

Graduated basic a few weeks ago. We did this on the first day and after the 10 mile ruck from the forge which was our last field training event before we graduate. Even after being beaten down by the last field training event, my platoon worked together way more efficiently as a team that night compared to the first day. We became soldiers that night. It was for sure one of the most incredible experience I’ve ever had

Just put a smile on my face from what I went through in 1988.. And I'm proud to say that my son experienced this in 2022

I graduated Infantry OSUT back in 2011 and back then I believe it was only 14 weeks. It was definitely mentally and physically challenging. We were lucky to get 5 hours of sleep a night. Shortly after I got stationed at Ft bliss and then deployed to Afghanistan. The training has definitely provided the necessary skills that helped us in Afghanistan in OSUT and at our unit. I'm proud to be part of the infantry brotherhood. I definitely wouldn't be as successful as I am today without having served in the Army Infantry. It wasn't an easy experience that's for sure. But it's definitely prepared me for life. Everything after the Army was easy to me. Well... easier. Nothing was as hard as what I went through in Afghanistan and the Army. Biggest thing I love is the brotherhood and comradery.. still to this day nothing replaces that feeling and I still keep in touch with some of my brothers. I hope my fellow veterans are all doing well and future soldiers welcome to the family.

I graduated basic like 3 days ago and I remember this vividly. We just all got there and had to carry this stuff from point A to point B as a team. We carried ammo cans, water jugs, Randy’s and other junk across a distance. You also do the same thing at the beginning of the Forge

The part where they say “shut your mouth” and the guy is perfectly standing still really made my day

I joined the Marines from 16-20; when I became a CPL and had Marines, I had to lead; I never wasted my breath and energy yelling at any of them. I just slew them in physical fitness/mental training over their job until they got it right. Belittling their character and dignity as human beings were never the right way to go about things IMO. The way training has changed over the years has been for the better, and it is nice to see other branches making these changes. Edit: Wow, thanks for the likes and the kind, appreciative words from those who say so. In response to those who do not believe that I am a Marine or have unkind comments about my training methods, it makes no difference to me on what you all say or how you think of me. My MOS was a FRO 0621 and served with 2nd Battalion 10th Marines Echo Battery, HQ, and Regiment (Artillery) and also was the Armorer; thankfully did not have to deploy to combat. I did deploy to Norway/United Kingdom for multinational training exercises; the closest thing to combat was in 2018 when Kim Jong-un was threatened to shoot missiles to the US and deployed to Okinawa, Japan. Semper Fi Devil Dogs and thank everyone one of you who are planning on joining the armed forces; the best decision I made in my life, and miss the suck with all my brothers and sisters.

Definitely the right step. My father has trained countless soldiers and was In charge of their lives on the battlefield during the Iraq war and beyond. He always told me that the yelling and shit installed temporary braveness and skills. It worked but it didn’t “truly” work. It put like a vail over you that could sometimes come off at the wrong time. He said on the battlefield you can seriously tell which soldiers truly had the skill set to succeed and survive and most of the time they were the ones that weren’t beat into the literal ground. Just something he noticed out of his 20+ years.

Our first 100 yards was the most amazing experience of my life. Having to work together with people you just met and your sprinting with all your materials. The excitement when your cheering for the battle buddies you met 5 minutes prior. And around halfway through we got one of the most dramatic thunder storms (which made the scene even more memorable) and we were sprinting in the rain. It got cut short due to the lightning. Wind was blowing, rain was pouring to the point where you can’t see in front of yourself, and the streets were flooded. Imagine running a mile to a battery in a giant storm, holding on to the person in front of you, sprinting through puddles and finally getting to the drill pad. Forever I day I won’t forget. E 1/19 field artillery❤

As a former Marine and combat veteran, I like this and hope war is a thing of the past. Also hope they are provided a better exit program after they are done serving their country!!!!

I was skeptical of this when it first came out. This made me feel a little better, especially when they tell the recruits that there is no second place in combat and that the primary role of the infantry is to locate, close with, and destroy the enemy. As long as that is the primary focus, stress in inoculation is still kept high, and we continue to have a lethal military, training changes are always welcome.

Still mind blowing that I was among those people in that video in January won’t miss being there but the experience of learning new things everyday not just as a soldier but as a human being meant something I’m proud that I had the honor of going through everything

I went through basic in 1979, trained by Sfc's that fought in Vietnam. I became a lifer because of the lessons I learned from them.

At first I was skeptical on this, my first thoughts were "oh great now boot camp is a field day". After watching this video, I was actually impressed. I am happy to see new recruits learning how to deal with stress while understanding the importance of teamwork, attention to detail, character, and overall staying humble.

I had this during my cycle, it really did build team work like no other. My drill sergeant let us argue with each other for 3 weeks to settle our differences, and it brought us together as a team.

My grandpa was a drill sgt at Ft dix when it was still active and had basic back before Vietnam. Seeing how the “shark attack” part was makes what my mom experienced growing up make so much sense now. I just always figured it was from what we now know as PTSD.

I'm a retired Infantryman, and this is outstanding! Remarkably, these DS's are balancing mentorship with dignity. GREAT JOB drills. Winning does matter!

The smoke session on day one gives the drill sergeants an idea of who should be put in leadership positions by observing who is putting out max effort and doing the exercises correctly in cadence. Watch who starts falling out first and start half assing the exercises

Yeah I remember multiple people throwing up during this event, it’s a lot longer than 100 yards and each step of the way you are sprinting, it’s easy to laugh and say how soft it is compared to the shark attack when you haven’t actually gone through it because it’s a lot harder than what is actually shown in these videos

Btw these guys do this after normal basic training. My AIT I was chillin in a dorm with my laptop and phone. Total respect for these men and women

We did a lot of these type of team building excercises in training before getting deployed. But incorporating it right from the beginning is brilliant. Dig the change. Wouldn’t had minded it right off the bat.

I went through Basic in 73. In our Platoon we tried our best to keep anyone from falling out during a run. We had our share of bickering among ourselves, but we took our soldering seriously.

Staying humble is one of the best things to teach your soldiers, win or lose!!! Great job DS👏🏽

“Winning matters.” What a refreshing concept.

I went to boot camp Ft.Knox 46th infantry, in March 2002. Thank God I never had the same induction, nor training. I loved the control chaos. & the washing away of my individuality.

Most courageous army in nation and infantry are always aware for operation in any terrible situation. Love from 🇮🇳

I miss that joy of winning competitions at basic. Definitely a different world when you go through these situations

I was skeptical at first when I heard the change, but after seeing it I can see where you can get the team work and battle buddy system down quick. I'm typically pessimistic but I vote it "better than expected."

I went through the first 100 yards generation of OSUT, I went from running 2 miles at an 11-12 min pace to now running 10 miles at an 8 minute pace. I shot 9/40 early on, I got my expert marksman badge. I ended the the cycle 565/600 on the ACFT and I went in at 34 and from social services. It was grueling work, a lot of concurrent training forced on us, and extreme discipline. Most of all, they taught us situational awareness, attention to detail, mental endurance, problem solving, and that the soldier next to you was getting you home. They were rough on us, often we were punished for things we didn't do or did fierce PT for ethics violations within the platoon (we had to check each other). All in all, when I got to my unit they were satisfied with what Fort Benning produced. My cadre were rugged, experienced, caring, and demanded little less than perfection. We didn't win all the platoon competitions but fortunately we won the ones that counted. Little will match how prepared they made us for FTX, we ran our own missions that we cleared with them and they supported us on. They threw wrenches at us, gave us their expertise, we gathered in circle ups constantly after hours to learn beyond the standard because they cared and we met that commitment with attentiveness, notebooks of information, and sometimes laughter. That's a small glimpse of the new OSUT, but I'm only one person. Ask around.

When I went through OSUT in March of 2021 through July 2021, we still had the shark attack. It wasn't that bad as long as you didn't get noticed and followed instructions. But those who stood out got torn apart. The rubber chip pit was our best friend through all of OSUT. Bravo Company 35th EN BN. Best company by far in the 35th engineers.

I love that they say stay humble. You can celebrate but always remember it's more to it than one victory. Can't wait to see how well the group i work with can handle this.

Aggressive but not reckless. 💯 I love it. If I never gave any of my Army brothers and sisters their flowers, yall get it today.

I remember the "Shark Attack". After watching this I can see the lessons here in the "First 100 yards" are much more valuable and constructive towards a soldiers overall development. Impressive. I also appreciate the idea of having Pride while remaining Humble. This appears to be a very well thought out program. Well done United States Army.

The experience of BCT at Benning could never be accurately portrayed, that was something I’ll never forget

This is really good, working as a team is super important. Navy Seals and other sof units selections require you to be able to work as a team. Im glad that the army is doing this.

I remember going through this when I started my osut training and I remember thinking to myself wtf did I get myself into but now I’m stationed in Germany with an amazing group of guys I consider family just don’t quit there always a light on the other side

I went through Basic/AIT at the 1/50th in 1996, lol I love this change! Pays to be a winner and shows you right up front the imporatnce of team work!

I agree that this is what new soldiers need, but the shark attack was a good lesson in keeping yourself composed under stress which happens a lot in the military.

C1-19, 2021, I love the way this looks, growing communication as well as instant obedience to orders is extremely impressive

I got off that bus in August of 2021 and I still remember that day vividly. We all knew nothing was going to get done right but my platoon finished the last competition with a win.

Enlisted back in 2014, never went to summer camp, to me basic training was what I think Sumer camp would be. It was fun, I see what these trainees are doing and I would love to volunteer and experience their Basic Training.

Love this series, Please do another one on the USCG!

I went to basic in June 2020, sometimes I miss that strong relationship that I had with people in my platoon and company, we all went through it together and kept each other motivated to push through those long 3 months, you won’t ever get that experience again depending on your mos

When I went through army basic training in 2005, we had the old BDUs, and halfway through, they switched to "stress free basic," which I assume didn't last very long. Many MOS's rely on infantry, MPs and other soldiers to remain safe while performing the job (in my case, translator). To have "stress free" was not going to end well. The closest we had in basic to this new First 100 type of training was the Leadership Recreation Course (LRC), but that was only half a day, about 8 minutes per task and small squads within out platoons. And that was only for the summer and spring sessions. My company were mostly translators, truck drivers, band members, cooks, paralegals, communications and so on. The amount of hazing and squabbling was ridiculous, privates sabotaging the laundry with bleach in the washing machine so all our uniforms turned orange, hiding gear and planting contraband food. This newer format of training makes far more sense, and to be honest ensures safety and success for those involved, not injury and fear.

Get some!. Looks different than the Fort Benning I experienced in 1989, but still high speed and motivating! Respect for the drill sergeants who took their punishment with their platoons.

Nothing beats the “SHARK ATTACK” and I’m so thankful I experience that s***. It behooves me to become a better leader. Currently in ALC and watching this reminds me everything back in 2014.

So interesting to see how the Army changes over the years. Excellent Video.

I came from this company… D-co 1-50!! I still remember this first 100 yards!! This company is the best one!!

I ship in June 21 and I’m going to the same camp now knowing that I have to do this makes me even more excited and ready to get to work

I leave for basic tomorrow what perfect timing for this video haha

Tbh this is very proper intro. Dudes learn crucial things by experience, and that fact that sergeants participate makes them more respected by their units.

I graduate from AIT Thursday and it's crazy to look at this video and think about all the smoke session I had to go through to get where I am. 92F baby!

I was in the marines. This looks so dumb. During our boot camp back in 2001, every day was a team building exercise. Imagine a barracks of 90 men. Drill instructors take all of your possessions and dumps it in a pile. “90 seconds! Grab your gear!” That once a week really builds a team.

Wow! What a change. Basic Training has come a long way since I did basic at Ft.Benning in '83'.

I love this boot camp videos especially the army and air force ones could you show longer of this videos

Everyone remembers their Drill Sgt's who were tough but fair. They don't remember the ones fondly who were assholes for the sake of being assholes. I went through Basic in 2005. I think this style is just better. My Basic training experience was all about laying low and not getting noticed, because people who stuck out for whatever reason ended up with additional assignments (like Platoon Leader) or just harassed. I think this really shows a lot of new recruits how important it is for everyone to not only work together, but how hard it really is to operate as a cohesive unit.

I remember shark attack in 2019. All crazy and scary but I felt like that set us straight from the reception mentality to “oh this is the real deal” mentality. But I like to see this because it’s clearly focusing on team building and it builds a stronger bond for the platoon.

So I went thought the thunder run, the armor version of this. This was like really early on in the thunder run/ 100 yards lift. It was not a competition. We were thrown in the pit and had to run things back and forth in the dark with explosions. It was a shock and awe moment. This definitely added a lot more than I expected. Defiantly censored for the cameras. Probably emphasizing more on completing the task and doing it right over winning in my perspective would make this more effective. The whatever Sergeant major at Benning who reads this at some point, this is my takeaway. Then afterwards lock them in the bay and let the drills have their way. That was fun!

I went to basic in 2020. We did a little of this and still got the shark attack as well.

Watched this video before basic .. now I’m in AIT … good luck to the future traineesss .. don’t give up.. it’s gonna be tough just remember why you joined

I hurt my ankle in 01 during bayonets. I re enlisted in 2009 basic 2010. Wanted to finish what I started. I trained hard for it. When I got there and we didn't do corrective training for 3 weeks I was a little disappointed cuz I saw the direction of what was happening. When I heard about the no shark attack I was like these mommy and daddy boys and girls need to be put through it. The mental and physical breakdown to nothing builds character and teaches you pride in everything you do no matter how big or small. Everything from little fast food jobs for reservists working through school to presentation in uniform. Shark attack humbles and toughens you at the same time. This was so valuable and one of the most humiliating and humbling experiences of my life. Ty DS Deal, DS Bloxon, DS Vazquez, DS Velazquez, Sr DS Lohan and 1Sg Wagstaff. Delta 1/79 shark attack summer 01.

I joined the Army 40 years ago and was given a shark attack a time or two and consider it a badge of honor but I understand and agree with the change. Move out swiftly, HOOAH!

I remember seeing some response videos to a live stream where the Sergeant Major of the Army was at Fort Benning showing off parts of this First 100 Yards. He asked one of the new basic trainees what he thought of it, and he said something to the effect that he (the basic trainee) expected it to be a lot harder than it actually was.

Seeing them celebrate the victory took me back to them D82nd days!!! Ohhhh I smiled so hard

The memories 🔥 Delta Company 2-58 3rd Plt..February 22-August 6 …I won’t lie, shit was hard but when you find your buddies you hang around it makes it that less sucky, funnest time of my life so far but I don’t wanna go back haha

Respect to the Soldiers

Damn. They straight demoted the Sergeant First Class in the beginning. Calling him a staff sergeant lol

I remember the Shark attack...going through it, it felt like a joke to me, but it was the hardest day of most people's lives out there. It was pretty clear most of those guys I was with had never been yelled at in their life until that point. Still makes me chuckle thinking about a few guys that cried themselves to sleep that night

Wow!!! 22 Weeks!!! I went through Infantry Basic training at Ft. Benning (2/54th) at Sand Hill in 1988 and Basic and AIT was only 13 weeks.

I went through the first 100 yards in the summer of 2021 in Fort Jackson, it was a lot harder than people think. It also didn’t help that it was over 85 degrees outside and 80% humidity. You feel like your suffocating but you have to work to together or you won’t make it in the heat and anger.

I remember going through in 2010. Our DS was hilarious and it was brutal. Whenever we’d laugh, we’d get absolutely smoked. Looking back at it now just brings a smile to my face. Good times.

Being a former drill.I actually love the team work.Being instilled .On day one ...I graduated from Harmony church area Benning in 87 .A lot has changed

When I did Benning in 2005, it was all out all the time. Yelling, screaming, throwing things, making it "rain" in the bay... I miss those days.

I went through basic in sept 2021 with A co 3-47 and the first 100 yards has changed, we still had the shark attack on top of the first 100 yards our drills were harder on us and we only did that organizing and running around thing, we also used to ruck/ run past this company it’s weird to see how much this has changed in that short of a span

If it's on an official channel like this, and presented through a well known media source, that means the army had to approve of it and deem it acceptable for what they want the public to see. And I think most of us with enough time in service know, what they show civilians isn't exactly accurate 🤣

I went thru Benning in Mar of 91' . I can see alot of things have changed and it appears to be a cake walk now.

I feel proud of the trainees who kept their cool these are the ones representing our solid soldiers in America

Very interesting technique, I would be very interest to see how well it would transfer to an emergency expansion scenario. The US has on several occasions shrunk and specialized it's training to fit peace time, and then sometimes with less than 4 months notification have to completely rewrite training programs to accommodate 4 to 8 times the number of recruits. That is not impossible and the recent war between Russia and Ukraine has already demonstrated that a potential war between major nations could escalate out of control far faster than expected. I think this is a great motivation technique though I don't feel it deals with deeper barriers. They are learning how to work as a team and develop useful skills. I won't discount the shark attack because it does overload most people and when you see how someone reacts under extreme stress, you can work to correct that behavior so that even if they are stressed beyond capacity, their reaction is to do something constructive or at the very least try not to die as opposed to how most people react under extreme stress which is to freeze and or break down from lack of coping. All being said, I think mental health of active duty and better medical care plus an investment in better leadership would go a great way to improving active duty and retired servicemembers behavior and opinions of the military. I don't think the vast majority of service members had a negative look on basic training(or boot camp or whatever the other branches call it. Ps. Someone please tell me space force has named their basic as space force academy or something to that affect, I could die happy now if that were true) I believe that regardless of the strategy, the fact remains that for most cases, with exceptions only for those who took punishments far beyond reason, most service members look back at training as either neutral or even positive regardless of Era. Even those who went in during Vietnam which saw shortened training times and mild physical abuse to tame the wilder recruits being brought in by the draft. I don't care what you say, draftees if given solid training and equipment are better fighters than volunteers because they are filled with double the hate and are more than happy to take it out on whatever they're told to shoot at. The US just happens to give volunteers and draftees the same training unlike some other countries that rely on conscripts.

My heart dropped when I saw the hill again...

I did the first 100 at Fort Sill a few months ago. The first 100 isn’t just the first day one thing. It’s only the first couple hours of day 1. Right after that you go into “First 72” which it’s a straight 72 hours of straight yelling. Get all 251 bags of the truck in 5 min, shower drills, constant push ups ,holding the bags over your head, yelling in the DFAC. Looking back it was such a good exercise/competition. A good opening of teamwork with the PLT you would be with for the next 10 weeks. Just because the smoking isn’t the very first 10 seconds doesn’t mean it’s not there day 1.

This is why I joined, fun discipline like this. Seriously, boot camp was the most fun I never wanna have again. I joined 2015

It's amazing when you turn discipline into fun activities and how people actually enjoy it.

Just graduated from C 1-50. We all were just watching these guys go through it all. While we were finishing up. They were just starting. The Cycle Never Ends.

This is the Army we need out the gate working as a team. Try your best to understand the assignment but you always have other soldiers to help you complete the mission. Remember your enemy is fighting as a unit we aren't we?

I love it!, this generation needs it

Hell yeaaa I was at d co 1-50 last cycle graduated December 17!!! 3rd plt reapers crazy seeing the next people come through! Miss you sds smith

Video actually makes it look softer..wish my 100 yards was like that. And the DS NEVER talked to us normally like in here 😂

So, empowering vs scaring. Someone deserved that promotion they got with this idea.

I did artillery OSUT (when that was a thing) way back in 1993. I was sad to hear the shark attack was discontinued. But this video makes me feel better about the current Army. I wish they’d extend more of this to the non-combat MOS’s.

This looks a lot more fun and a lot less mentally stressful. With this I feel like more recruits will learn about teamwork better. I have never been in the army but used to be in marching band. I know both of them are completely opposite but in both team work is required and the way both (from my perspective) work is that fundamentals are pushed more than team work is. I hope with this we will have better teams in the army meaning better working troops.

As a 2005 basic training graduate, I've been skeptical of dropping the shark attack. This video actually changed my mind. Sure looks like these boys are gettin' a piece, lol.

i leave for basic on the 23rd of October, cant wait for this life changing experience.

Kudos to the drill from 2nd PLT. Dude helped out his privates with the sandbags on the litter. I want him to be my PSG/1SG in the future. Good stuff drill.