The Army Needs To Reevaluate Its Extended Basic Training Program
FPCD-82-11
Published: Mar 03, 1982. Publicly Released: Mar 03, 1982.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
In October 1981, the Army extended basic training from 7 to 8 weeks for all recruits entering the service to improve recruit performance in basic soldiering tasks. GAO assessed: (1) how the Army developed the program; (2) what the Army has done to assure decisionmakers that program goals could be accomplished in the most effective manner; and (3) whether the Army had the qualified trainers necessary to implement the program fully, beginning October 1, 1981.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of the Army | The Secretary of the Army should: (1) evaluate the basic training program to determine the most effective and efficient length of training; and (2) resolve trainer quantity and quality problems. Comprehensive plans for accomplishing these actions should include: (1) how to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new program and measure improvements; (2) how to demonstrate the skills and abilities needed for trainers to meet the basic training requirement; (3) specific actions and timetables for providing the qualified trainers; (4) identifying organizational responsibility for program evaluation components; (5) specific resources, personnel, and funds required to accomplish this analysis; and (6) milestones for completing various steps. Priorities should be established to ensure continued authorization and assignment of the quantity and quality of trainers needed for basic training. Initial results of these actions should be presented to Congress in its fiscal year 1984 budget. |
Closed – Implemented
The Army has adopted policies to authorize sufficient numbers of drill sergeants for 100 percent of the required positions. The Army continues to monitor the conduct of all drill sergeant and trainer courses to ensure that standards are met. In addition, the Army conducted an analysis of basic training needs to determine the length of time needed for basic training.
|
Full Report
Office of Public Affairs
Topics
Army personnelCombat readinessEnlisted personnelEvaluation methodsMilitary trainingProgram evaluationStatistical methodsTeachersMilitary forcesBasic militray training