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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