The US Army is testing whether reserve drill sergeants could help train a larger force for a major war
The Army tested whether reserve drill sergeants could help expand boot camp during a major conflict without lowering basic training standards.
The US Army is testing whether reserve drill sergeants could assist in training a larger force for a major conflict. An experiment called Operation Wildcat Rising placed reservists at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to evaluate how the Army could expand its training capacity. This initiative aimed to determine if reserve drill sergeants could lead a larger share of basic training while preserving standards.
The Army typically relies on reservists to reinforce its training base, but this experiment allowed a reserve formation to take on a more significant training role. Colonel Matthew Horning, the commander of 1st Brigade, 95th Training Division, stated that the reservists found the experience valuable, akin to several conventional rotations.
Maj. Gen. Michael Dougherty, commander of the 80th Training Command, emphasized that the military might need to train a large number of recruits rapidly, potentially straining existing resources. The Army plans to refine the model based on lessons learned from this experiment. Challenges during the experiment included reservists lacking necessary certifications and communication issues.
Despite these obstacles, Army officials believe the experience will help shape a more substantial follow-on brigade-level effort next year.
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