US Army Training Center - Yearbook (Fort Polk, LA)

Page 12 text:

RECEPTiON STATION This is the gateway to the Army. How do they get everything accomplished here? This may be one of the thoughts that occurs to a trainee as he processes through the Fort Polk reception station. it becomes quite clear to him that they do get a great deal accomplished during his brief few days stay. Aptitude tests, physical examination, a classification interview, orientation meet- ings, a clothing issue and the creation of a permanent fiIe-all are completed within the few days of processing at the Recep- tion Station. The change from civilian to trainee has to be a swift one. for in the next eight weeks he will receive intensive training in the tun- damentals of combat soldiering that he may have to apply in the defense of his country and his own life. Even as the trainees move to their train- ing companies, they have begun to under- stand a littIe of the routine that will be- come such an important part of their eight weeks in Basic Combat Training.

Page 14 text:

DRILL 8t CEREMONIES Sharp commands echo across the drill field and marching feet beat a tatoo across the ground; another order sounds, and doz- ens of rifles snap in unison. Thesekare the sounds of an institution as old as organized armies: dismounted drill. The hours spent on the drill field have one aim: to develop in the trainee an in- stinct for precision, an ingrained habit of obedience to command, a sense of team- work. He learns squad. platoon. and com- pany drill; the manual of arms, the school of the Soldier without arms. And in the training, he acquires habits which are the foundation of all else he will learn in the Army: discipline. alertness. and trigger-quick response. m can Ill! 2 o E :1: nd Ft: D