Army Drill Sergeant Rates 11 Boot Camps In Movies And TV | How Real Is It? | Insider

How Real Is It? | Podcast

2 May 202320:36

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script features retired Command Sgt. Maj. Lamont Christian discussing the realism of various boot-camp scenes from films and television. He evaluates the depiction of drill sergeants' training methods, the emphasis on teamwork and discipline, and the physical and mental challenges faced by recruits. Christian provides insights into historical practices and changes in military training over time, offering a mix of realism ratings for different scenarios.

Takeaways

📚 Drill sergeants and DIs use mass punishment to foster collective responsibility and accountability among trainees.
🎯 The standard response to a drill sergeant is 'Yes, drill sergeant' or 'No, drill sergeant', reinforcing discipline and structure.
🔧 Weapons training involves disassembling and reassembling firearms, with the goal of every recruit being as proficient as the example set by Forrest.
🌿 The use of scissors to cut grass and similar tasks encourages teamwork and the development of basic soldiering skills.
🏃‍♂️ Obstacle courses test physical strength, endurance, and teamwork, simulating battlefield conditions.
🪢 Knot tying and ropes are no longer taught in basic training but are part of the curriculum in specialized schools like Ranger School.
🔫 The intimate relationship with a weapon involves proficiency and confidence, but the sexualized language is a Hollywood exaggeration.
🌟 Conscientious objectors like Desmond Doss faced unique challenges, but could still achieve high honors without carrying a weapon.
🚫 Physical contact with recruits, such as grabbing by the throat, is unacceptable and has been banned.
💉 Medical training and inoculations are part of the initial entry training, ensuring recruits are prepared for various health risks.
🏆 The realism of military training depictions in media can vary, with some scenes being highly accurate while others are more Hollywood fiction.

Q & A

What is the standard response to a drill sergeant in the military?
-The standard response to a drill sergeant is either 'Yes, drill sergeant' or 'No, drill sergeant.'
What is the purpose of the 'weapons training' shown in the script?
-The purpose of weapons training is to teach recruits how to disassemble, reassemble, and perform functions checks on their weapons.
How does the drill sergeant in the script create an environment of teamwork?
-The drill sergeant fosters teamwork by having recruits work together on tasks like cutting grass with scissors and engaging in mindless repetition during weapons training.
What is the significance of the rope and knot-tying scene in the script?
-The rope and knot-tying scene indicates that such skills are no longer taught in basic training but are still tested in advanced courses like Ranger School.
How does the script address the realism of Hollywood's portrayal of military training?
-The script rates the realism of various scenes, with some being very accurate like the portrayal of the drill sergeant's approach during the Vietnam War, and others being less realistic due to Hollywood dramatization.
What is the purpose of the obstacle courses in boot camp?
-Obstacle courses are designed to test upper-body strength, endurance, and overcome fears such as heights and darkness, while also promoting teamwork.
How does the script describe the use of live rounds in training?
-The script explains that live rounds are used to simulate battlefield conditions and to instill fear in the recruits, but safety measures are taken to ensure rounds are fired over the heads of the trainees.
What is the significance of the 'love taps' scene in the script?
-The 'love taps' scene highlights the unacceptable practice of drill sergeants or DIs physically touching or grabbing recruits during training.
How does the script discuss the evolution of military training over time?
-The script discusses changes in training requirements and methods, such as the shift away from certain physical tasks and the introduction of new training techniques like paintball Simunitions.
What is the realism rating given to the depiction of a conscientious objector during World War II?
-The realism rating given to the depiction of a conscientious objector, specifically Desmond Doss, is a nine, reflecting high accuracy.
How does the script address the issue of hazing in military training?
-The script acknowledges that hazing has never been accepted but does occur, and it mentions initiatives like 'Not in My Squad' to combat hazing and promote accountability.

Outlines

00:00

🎖️ Realism in Military Training Films

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Lamont Christian reviews various military boot-camp scenes for their realism, drawing on his 11 years of experience as a drill sergeant. He critiques scenes from films featuring collective punishment, weapon assembly and disassembly, teamwork exercises, obstacle courses, and intimate relationships with weapons. Christian rates these portrayals on their realism, highlighting the accuracy of certain training methods, the exaggerated intimacy soldiers have with their weapons in Hollywood, and the outdated or misrepresented training techniques such as rope and knot tying.

05:01

🔍 Evaluating Boot Camp and Combat Training Depictions

This section further delves into military training, focusing on the dangers of live-fire exercises, the historical context of training during World War II, and the discipline instilled through various exercises. Christian discusses the accuracy of these depictions, including the emphasis on teamwork, the handling of conscientious objectors like Desmond Doss, and the physical aspects of training such as haircuts and medical examinations. The discussion extends to the portrayal of drill sergeants and their methods, and Christian rates these scenes for their realism, considering changes in military training over time.

10:01

The script explores the nuances of drill instruction, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and the role of yelling in ensuring commands are heard. It touches on the realistic depiction of drill sergeants using profanity for emphasis in historical contexts and examines the evolution of training techniques towards fostering teamwork over individual breakdown. Additionally, it critiques the accuracy of specific training scenes like obstacle navigation and the symbolic representation of leadership and unity through the handling of challenging scenarios, again rating these for their realism.

15:03

🛡️ Advanced Training Techniques and Realism

In this segment, Christian evaluates more specialized aspects of military training, including the relevance and application of advanced individual training (AIT), the leadership roles of female soldiers, and the depiction of medical and rescue training in films. He addresses the use of non-traditional equipment for physical training, close-quarter combat training, and the impact of such techniques on soldier preparedness and morale. The section closes by rating the depicted training scenarios for their realism and applicability in real military settings.

20:04

🎬 Reflecting on Drill Instructors in Film

Christian shares his personal favorite depiction of a drill instructor in film, highlighting Jack Webb in 'The D.I.' for presenting a comprehensive view of a drill instructor's life, both on and off duty. This closing remark encapsulates the blend of strict discipline and human complexity that characterizes the role of drill instructors, suggesting that while films often focus on the toughness of boot camp, there are deeper, personal stories behind the uniform.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Drill Sergeant

A drill sergeant is a symbol of discipline and authority in military training environments, tasked with instructing new recruits in basic military skills, discipline, and values. In the script, drill sergeants play a central role in shaping the recruits through rigorous training and discipline, using techniques like mass punishment to enforce teamwork and accountability. The presence of drill sergeants in the video highlights the intense and disciplined nature of military boot camps, where they are responsible for transforming civilians into soldiers.

💡Boot Camp

Boot camp refers to the initial training program that all military recruits must undergo. It's designed to physically and mentally prepare individuals for military service. The script examines various boot camp scenes, assessing their realism based on the experiences of a retired Command Sergeant Major. Boot camps in the video are depicted as challenging environments where recruits learn basic combat skills, discipline, and the importance of teamwork.

💡Mass Punishment

Mass punishment is a disciplinary technique used in military training where an entire group is punished for the mistakes of an individual. This approach is meant to build unity and responsibility among team members. The script references this practice to illustrate a common tactic employed by drill sergeants to foster a sense of collective responsibility and to ensure that recruits hold each other accountable for their actions.

💡Weapons Training

Weapons training is a fundamental aspect of military boot camp, where recruits learn to handle, operate, and maintain firearms. The script mentions this training phase as a significant milestone for recruits, especially for those who have never handled a weapon before. The video's commentary points out the importance of mastering these skills for military readiness, using the example of a recruit impressively assembling a weapon as a mark of progress.

💡Teamwork

Teamwork in the military context refers to the collaboration and mutual support among soldiers to achieve common objectives. The script highlights how boot camp exercises and training scenarios are designed to instill a strong sense of teamwork among recruits. From obstacle courses to weapons training, the emphasis is on working together effectively, a critical skill for military success.

💡Obstacle Course

An obstacle course in military training is a series of physical challenges designed to test recruits' endurance, strength, and agility. It also helps to overcome fears, such as heights or darkness, and promotes teamwork. The script describes obstacle courses as essential components of boot camp, where recruits support each other to complete the course, simulating battlefield conditions and fostering unit cohesion.

💡Conscientious Objector

A conscientious objector is someone who refuses to serve in the armed forces or bear arms due to moral or religious beliefs. The video script brings up the story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector during World War II who served as a medic and received the Medal of Honor. This highlights the challenges and contributions of conscientious objectors within the military context.

💡Simunitions

Simunitions, a portmanteau of simulation and ammunition, are training aids designed to realistically simulate gunfire and battlefield conditions without the lethal consequences of live ammunition. The script mentions the use of paintball as a form of simunition, emphasizing its effectiveness in teaching recruits about the pain of combat and the importance of tactical positioning.

💡Live Fire Exercise

Live fire exercises are training sessions where military recruits use real ammunition under controlled conditions to practice and improve their shooting skills. The script discusses the danger and intensity of these exercises, noting the care taken to maintain safety while exposing recruits to the stress and fear that can accompany real combat situations.

💡Hazing

Hazing refers to the practice of subjecting newcomers to abusive or humiliating tricks and rituals. While not officially sanctioned, it sometimes occurs within military training environments. The video script addresses the issue of hazing, emphasizing efforts within the military to eliminate such practices and foster a more respectful and constructive training environment.

Highlights

Drill sergeants use mass punishment to instill accountability among trainees, as seen when Pvt. Pyle's mistakes lead to punishment for the entire group.

The standard response to a drill sergeant is 'Yes, drill sergeant' or 'No, drill sergeant', reinforcing discipline and structure in training.

Weapons training is a critical part of boot camp, challenging recruits to disassemble and reassemble their weapons efficiently.

The drill sergeant's approach during the Vietnam War was very intense and is rated a nine on realism.

Teamwork is fostered through repetitive tasks, such as cutting grass with scissors, which emphasizes mindless repetition for skill acquisition.

Obstacle courses test recruits' upper-body strength, endurance, and ability to overcome fears, while also promoting teamwork.

Drill sergeants may use screaming and yelling to simulate battlefield conditions and prepare recruits for the stress of combat.

Ropes and knot-tying are no longer taught in basic training but are part of the curriculum in specialized schools like Ranger School.

The portrayal of a drill sergeant's intimate relationship with their weapon is a Hollywood exaggeration, though handling weapons confidently is essential.

Conscientious objectors like Desmond Doss, a Medal of Honor recipient, faced unique challenges during World War II without carrying a weapon.

Physical contact with recruits, such as grabbing by the throat, is unacceptable in modern training, reflecting a change from past practices.

Paintball Simunitions are used in training to teach valuable lessons about situational awareness and tactical positioning.

Live rounds are used in training to instill fear and proper response, but safety measures ensure rounds are fired over recruits' heads at a safe distance.

The loss of weekend passes due to individuals' infractions is a form of collective punishment that reinforces group responsibility.

The military's focus on discipline and morale is illustrated through the inspection of recruits and the emphasis on teamwork.

The portrayal of a drill sergeant's role in the Marine Corps, including their distinctive language and behavior, is accurate to the era.

Cursing and swearing by drill sergeants, while not acceptable, is a realistic depiction of the Vietnam era's training environment.

The modern military has shifted away from the 'break them down to build them up' mentality, focusing more on teamwork and leadership.

The inspection of recruits' feet and hands for health and hygiene purposes is a crucial part of the initial training process.

The use of sand buckets for weight training is a cost-effective method that provides the same physical benefits as traditional weights.

Close-quarter combat training, including pugil sticks and knife fighting, is essential for preparing soldiers to stand their ground in various combat scenarios.

Hazing, while not accepted, occurs in certain military training environments, and measures have been implemented to combat it.

The realism of boot camp scenes in movies is evaluated, with some accurately depicting the intensity and challenges of real military training.

Transcripts

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MilitaryTraining BootCamp Discipline Teamwork Evolution DrillSergeant RecruitDevelopment CombatReadiness HistoricalContext Leadership