US Army Training Center - Armor Yearbook (Fort Knox, KY)

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l Ml:S'5f0II Trafbfh directly commanded by a platoon sergeant, a well-trained and highly-qualified soldier, who is usually a combat veteran of World War II or the Korean conflict. He is with his men from reveille to retreat and often during the evening hours for informal and instructive bull sessions. The platoon is also broken down--into four squads of about a dozen men. Squads are directed to fellow trainees with unusually high aptitudes and leadership qualities. The squad and platoon systems instill in the trainees a pride in each of these units and there is always spirited competition for the designation of best squad or best platoon. Trainees become endowed with a formidable esprit de corps and a sense of unit identification. Instruction in the various Basic Combat Training subjects is given by specially trained officers and non-commissioned officers from regimental in- structor groups. An instructor group is similar in structure to a college or university factulty, with each professor a specialist in his field, who also has the ability to pass on his knowledge to the trainees. In addition to formal instruction from regimental personnel, the trainees receive individual in- struction from their platoon sergeants. Contrary to popular belief, the Army isn't an impersonal organization, Each trainee at USATCA receives all the individual attention necessary for the development of a competent soldier. While Basic Combat Training is necessarily intensive, because there is a great deal to be taught in a comparatively short period, the men receive an ample amount of free time for recreation. Fort Knox is a large city with excellent recreational facilities. Men can participate in any sport, or read books from well-stocked libraries. There are large swimming pools and base- ball and football fields near company areas. Convenient service clubs provide the trainees with excellent facilities for letter-writing, reading, listening to music and just plain talking. Weekly dances and shows are also held in each service club and the latest movies are shown at the post theatres. Trainees also visit nearby Louisville, a large, progressive community with impressive recreational and cultural facilities. Tours are also arranged to Mammoth Cave, the birthplaces of Abraham Lincoln and Daniel Boone, Stephen Foster's Old Kentucky Home and the beau-tiful Bluegrass Region. The trainee's spiritual life is highly stressed during Basic Combat Training at USATCA. Character guidance lectures from Training Center chaplains are an integral part of the training curriculum and the men are encouraged to attend services of their choice at one of the many post chapels. The chaplains are also available for individual discussions with the men at any time. Thus, the Basic Combat Training program at USATCA may be considered two-fold. While the development of a well-trained soldier is naturally stressed, the development of a man is not forgotten. Upon completion of Basic Combat Training, the trainee is not only a trained riflemang he is also a worthy citizen of his community and his nation.

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Til 8 Basil' Combat Basic Combat Training at the United States Army Training Center, Armor is a team endeavor, requiring the maximum of both the new train-ee and his superiors. The main purpose of Basic Combat Training is the development of quali- fied riflemen, whose individual talents will be supplemented later through more specialized instruction. Four training regiments are responsible for administering Basic Combat Training to Regular Army, Selective Service and Reserve Forces Act.per- sonnel at the USATCA. Carefully screened officers and non-commissioned officers are entrusted with the mission of transforming young civilians into well-trained and disciplined soldiers, prepared for efficient and honorable service. A very intensive program, Basic Combat Training covers over thirty major subjects--from military courtesy to squad tactics. Major emphasis, however, is placed on mastery of the M-1 rifle, the basic weapon of the Infantry, More than a week is devoted to handling, maintaining and firing the 9M pound weapon, and the trainee finds that it is practically his constant companion throughout the training cycle. When he completes Basic Combat Training, the trainee realizes that his weapon is his best friend in combat. In order to obtain the maximum from Basic Combat Training, a man's physical condition must be continually improving. This is achieved through daily participation in the Army Daily Dozen --a series of calisthenics designed to harden muscles, slim waist lines and increase physical stamina. In addition to intensive exercise, the trainee's physical condition is improved by good food and a well-balanced diet. Trainees also receive instruction in such varied subjects as bayonet drill, first aid, interior guard duty, camouflage and concealment, mines and booby traps, signal communications, field sanitation, intelligence, night vision, battle indoctrination, map and compass reading. They learn that combat, unlike a baseball game, is not postponed because of darkness or inclement weather. Combat conditions are simulated whenever possible and practicable, so that the men can be taught what to expect in the event of national emergency. During the seventh week, trainees live in the field as combat soldiers. They rough it by sleeping in tents, eating outdoors from mess kits and waging a constant battle against the elements, The trainees also participate in mock battles against Agressor troops from their own company, who are dressed in different uniforms and instructed to attack and harass when least expected, Approximately 220 men train together in a company, with each company broken down into four platoons, that occupy four barracks. Each platoon is

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