Basic training revamp (about time!)

In 2004, US armed forces had been conducting combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan for nearly 2 years. Despite the experiences of the returning personnel, USAF inspections continued to emphasize donning chemical warfare ensembles (MOPP gear) and firing weapons while wearing the chem mask. There had been (and continues to be) no instance of Iraqi or Taliban forces using chemical weapons against Coalition forces. Instead, US military personnel had to cope with wearing heavy and restrictive body armor in 120+ degree heat. Support and maintenance personnel had to still perform their duties while wearing body armor making turning wrenches on a jet or tank exhausting work. Finally after six years, the Army and Marines are changing how they train recruits to better prepare them to deal with the realities of 21st Century warfare. Nobody is going to run 7 miles over there (at least at one time). It is more sprints while ducking and jinking behind cover in order to engage the enemy. For USAF personnel, its about performing duties out in the heat while wearing body armor and not dropping from exposure.

Rangers are found of running their recruits until they drop and then running them some more. Great for building toughness but the wear and tear it puts on joints means the future Ranger's useful days have been reduced. Training military personnel to strengthening and conditioning their bodies without destroying their knees and should joints is a great step in the right direction.

Army drops bayonets, busts abs in training revamp

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