FORT JACKSON, S.C. — Index cards taped to a large board on the wall at Fort Jackson, S.C., reveal the sometimes blunt and gritty reasons that new recruits took a chance at a last-ditch program to get into the Army.
The “Why Wall” Inspiration
“Eviction notices motivate me,” one said. Others talked about getting free college, a good job and a way to better themselves.
The Future Soldier Prep Course
Known as the “Why Wall,” the board is meant as an inspiration for the recruits who could not meet the Army’s physical and academic test standards, so they went into the Future Soldier Prep Course. It provides weeks of instruction to help them bring up their scores.
Recruiting Challenges
Started as a trial program two years ago to help boost dismal recruiting numbers, the prep course is fueling the Army’s enlistment comeback. Recruiting has suffered for all the military branches in recent years coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, amid low unemployment and stiff competition from private companies able to pay more and provide similar or better benefits.
Success Story
By the end of this budget year on Sept. 30, the Army had made its recruiting goal of 55,000, and service leaders said more than 13,000 of those recruits — or 24% — came into active duty through the prep course.
Army Secretary’s Visit
Army Secretary Christine Wormuth spoke with recruits and program leaders to see how the course is going and what changes may need to be made. She said the successful program, which more than 31,000 trainees have gone through since it started, deserves to be made permanent.
Concerns and Adjustments
Wormuth said the Army may make adjustments based on a long-term study on the recruits coming out of the course, including looking at how well they did in their first enlistment and whether there were behavioral or disciplinary problems.
Recruits’ Goals and Motivations
Recruits lined up near the wall told Wormuth that the physical fitness program is working for them. Couper Godleski, from Pennsylvania, said that in 10 weeks he had lost 20 pounds. Britney Vaughn, from Louisiana, said she had lost 30 pounds in six weeks.
Academic Side
On the academic side, recruits told Wormuth that even as they struggle with math or English comprehension, they are getting help from instructors while learning the structure and discipline of the Army. A key goal, said one female recruit, is “to be a role model to my nieces and nephews” and get money for college so she doesn’t have to be in debt.
Conclusion
The Future Soldier Prep Course has been a game-changer for the Army, helping to boost recruiting numbers and provide a second chance for those who may not have met the initial standards. With its success, the Army is likely to continue to rely on the program to fuel its enlistment comeback.
FAQs
Q: What is the Future Soldier Prep Course?
A: The Future Soldier Prep Course is a program that provides weeks of instruction to help new recruits bring up their physical and academic test scores to meet the Army’s standards.
Q: Why was the program started?
A: The program was started as a trial program two years ago to help boost dismal recruiting numbers, amid low unemployment and stiff competition from private companies.
Q: How successful has the program been?
A: The program has been very successful, with more than 13,000 recruits coming into active duty through the prep course, and a graduation rate from basic training that is slightly higher than those who did not go through the program.
Q: What are the concerns about the program?
A: Some drill sergeants and commanders have expressed concerns about discipline issues, disrespect, and complaints from trainees in the academic course, as well as injuries in the fitness program. However, Army leaders say that the data does not reflect these concerns, and that the program is working well overall.
