U.S. Army photo
Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, deputy commanding general for initial military training, tells Outside the Wire that he is keenly aware of the price drill sergeants and their families pay.
He said the command is working hard to “debunk the myth that going to TRADOC is taking a knee.” While it may seem a nice break from the high ops tempo the Army has faced for nine years, the fact is drill sergeants often work 16-18 hour days. It is a duty that is professionally rewarding, but challenging.
As such, the three-star said he is looking at Quality of Life initiatives and other data to ensure families don’t come out of the stress of combat and into an unexpectedly or unnecessarily stressful environment.
We’ll keep you posted on what is learned, and how the Army will respond.
