Okay, I have a feeling that there ars going to be people watching this who have never experienced the shark attack and won't know what Ward is talking about...having been in BCT back in 2001, I will take this opportunity now to elaborate... The shark attack was developed specifically to simulate the "fog of war" that soldiers in real combat have to be prepared to face. In actual combat, things are likely to get very confusing for any soldier as you have explosions going off, live rounds shooting off everywhere, people shouting all over the place...it can get very hectic and this is something new soldiers have to be prepared for so they can keep a level head and hopefully SURVIVE... The technique is simple yet effective...a drill instructor barks out an order that's deliberately muddled so as to be barely understood yet must be followed exactly TO THE LETTER and more rapidly than any raw recruit could ever be expected to complete, assuming they even know WHAT it is they are supposed to complete. This pretty much guarantees failure out of almost every recruit...but success really isn't the goal here, the goal is to have failures so this next, very CRUCIAL part can kick in... A recruit fails in the task and is IMMEDIATELY zeroed in on by one of the DIs who then starts screaming in the recruits face...as this is happening, like sharks smelling blood, the other DIs close in and start doing the same thing...each one screaming over the other with contradictory orders and insults to the recruit. The effect is pure shock-and-awe as the recruit now has about 5-6 DIs all screaming in their face at the exact same time, some demanding push-ups, some demanding he/she stand at attention, some screaming because the recruit just happened to look towards them, one screaming about how slow the recruit is...it just becomes a mess and it can be real tough to not just break down at that moment... And that's the whole point...it's to show the recruits how woefully unprepared they are for what they are about to be facing should they manage to make it all the way through so they each realize how much they need to pay attention to these DIs over the next several weeks so they can keep a level head should they face a similar situation in combat where instead of the threat of hard physical exercise (smoking), the threat could well be the loss of their life or the life of their fellow soldiers (battle buddies). It's meant to break you out of the independent civilian mindset where it's just all about yourself and into the Army mindset of thinking of your fellow soldiers ahead of yourself... I shudder to think what the Army is going to replace this with as getting out of the entitlement mindset for new soldiers is more important now than ever before...😵
From what I heard the 100 yards is basically like elementary school field day... you show up, the DI’s give you a presentation and demonstration of a march or some kind of task that’s all fanfair and a show; then you get broken up into teams to do these tasks and you work as a group to complete the tasks. Mentally I’m picturing the “hula hoop-arm link” challenges, and scaling a wall as a team. At worst it’ll be a tough-mudder run. Which civilians do for fun all the time, it’s not going to snap them into the “oh f*ck” mindset. Maybe the gas chamber will, but I’ve heard that’s pretty weak right now too, and obviously you can’t wait until you drop them into combat for the shift to occur- it definitely will then, but by then it’s a little bit late.
I hope they change back soon the shark attack was the most important part it showed everyone that we ain’t s__t and you don’t know anything you don’t know how to walk how to stand, sit, look or even breath right and that your life is about to change a lot and there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it
Army used to be my second choice if I didn’t make it in the Marine Corps but since they’re getting rid of shark attack I need to find a new second choice
I just went to the recruiting office yesterday. Thank you for everything you’ve done! You were the main catalyst for me to want to go into the army. Thank you!
Have been watching your videos awhile and have found them very helpful. I am Joining as an older recruit ( 28 years old) and leave for basic on October 27th. Was really looking forward to the shark attack at the beginning. Now a little disappointed, but still excited overall to start this new journey in my life.
It's because of all this bs from all the politically correct idiots who don't understand the point of it, I hope this isn't permanent though because we'd be in big trouble
I just graduated basic training 3 weeks ago (now at AIT). My basic had that yellow phase before red phase deal. Honestly being awarded soldier felt like a participation award. Privates who failed their pt tests still graduated, people who fell out of all the ruck marches still graduated...
Before the change, I wasn’t really THAT afraid of the shark attack personally. But now that it’s gone, I do agree when you said that the mental change that you get from it will be lost. Unless they implement a new way of doing it.
I'm at reception rn at for Benning while in quarantine here I agree there wont be tht switch at the beginning but your still going to have drill sergeants screaming at you in your face sooner or later so the switch happens I watched a drill sergeant give a kid in quarantine a lil small shark attack bc he wasn't down for formation so I still feel like it's there even tho it's not officially there
So I just finished Basic Training a couple of weeks ago and I saw this first-hand. With no “shark attack,” and the whole COVID “yellow phase,” the whole thing was honestly disappointing. Granted I am pretty old going through all of this (39), so I may have a different perspective than others, but because of these factors there was no real shock when we got there, no real intense physical disciplinary actions, and so there was a HUGE lack of discipline, lack of respect, and lack of “taking this seriously.” It’s been super frustrating.
Quick question, how is basic training since you were 39. I am 27 years old, & honestly I’m anxious about basic training, will I fail? Like how hard is it, because I normally never give up especially if I’m passionate about it. Is it constant moving on your feet 24/7 because if so then I will have to adapt by just exercising 3 times a day! Sorry I’m just clueless & want to be educated about this. Thanks!
I'm going to Jackson in Feb and then OCS right after, really disappointed but as an older recruit, I don't think that I will be affected too much. I know what I'm getting into when I step off that bus. But I do worry for the younger recruits. I'll definitely send you a patch when I get mine!
How old are you going into this? I was 31 when I went through all this and the Shark Attack didn’t phase me really, since it’s a game. It still needs to happen though.
I was lucky to have had a shark attack in 2016, now in 2020, I’m trying to ship out before the year ends(19D), and looking forward to how things will go! Thanks for the videos Matt
As someone who is 31 and a mother rolling into FLW in January....I’m not looking forward to dealing with all these kids. And to take out the FPT requirement? Ugh.
@@valerie_d not full of myself. Going in optimistic, but have a different view as a mature adult. Plus I have the opinion of others to prove myself against the rest with. My SO is SSG currently trying to train new soldiers to deploy, and some of them literally whine when he tells them to do something. “Seriously?” “Do I have to?” “I’ve been out here all day.” This is what I get to look forward to, on top of a bunch of kids who aren’t required to be physically fit? I’ve been busting my ass pulling 25min 3 mile rucks just for it to be blown to the wind. I Crossfit 3-5 times a week. Don’t bust my balls, girl. I know what I’m getting into, and hoping I can make a small difference. Whether it be I. My MOS, inspire the 18 year olds, just my battle buddy, maybe nobody in the military.
My husband just got shipped to basic today, Ft Benning/Infantryman, I understand where you're coming from, but the mental shift and adjustment occurred regardless, the "oh crap" moment definitely happened and it began during the 3.5 week reception. Love your videos, thank you for this!
Just graduated OSUT training a week ago as a 19K here at Fort Benning and I was actually the first cycle to have a “Thunder Run” and a experience a bunch of new changes throughout basic training and my AIT portion.
Brian Costa Dont lose yourself in the beginning of basic training. My drill sergeants mentally tricked us in so many ways possible. It sucks in the beginning but once you reach black phase, it’s gets a whole lot better. You get to actually go to the motor pool and work with the Tank Commanders and instructors about the tanks and stuff. Always take notes on the tanks and make sure to pay good attention to everything. If you get a good drill sergeant during your basic training portion and they were a tanker, it’s most likely you get to ask questions about tanks and stuff. Also, when you have to qualify with your M4A1 and the M17,(during black phase) just listen to what your drills say and follow the Riflemarksmanship fundamentals. Good luck and I’d like to hear back from you when you finally graduate! Stay on the tank!
I totally agree with you on that. I remember back on January 21st 2015 when I had mine at Fort Benning. I think it’s ridiculous they are getting rid of it for now.
I leave for basic training oct.13th. I've watched your videos for over a year and a half and I want to thank you for all the information you have provided that has helped me understand the enlisting process and giving me an understanding of what to expect while I'm there. I'm going in as 11x at fort benning. HOOAH!
I just came back from Ft. Benning in august for my basic training before the announcement of the first 100 yards. It caught my whole company off guard when we were only yelled at only a little bit. My company still found ways to implicate the a more toned down shark attack. it was still intense but not at all what i imagine. I was very let down once i’d known we weren’t going to get the shark attack. but you still do not lack discipline and respect for your drill sergeants after first 72 hours.
Our military is being 'wussified'. Standards have consistently been lowered since women were allowed in combat units. And, yes, I'm a 13-year veteran, and my son is currently in the Army. Personal eye-witness. The Chinese are going to eat our lunch.
I went through the Shark Attack nearly 40 years ago, although I didn't know they actually had a name for it. I just remember a couple trucks of drill sergeants pulling up and screaming at us. They were having us fall in line, and there was one particular drill sergeant who was especially off his rocker, and I was in his line. I took two quick steps to my right and got into another line. It turned out to be a good decision, but it would have been absolutely horrible if I had been caught doing it. Oh yeah, good times. I really do think it is a shame that they are doing away with it.
Happy that I was able to experience the hell week and shark attack at ft. Benning in 2015. I’m heading back now and I was super excited to see the fresh meats face when they get attacked or smoked. Unfortunately I guess that’s gone. It was a right of passage, the initiation and a way to say hey embrace the suck!!! And wtf is yellow phase!? Also is it true they have stress cards now!? Like what is that!? Why join if you have to use a stress card!!!? Also I’m going 11B again because I’m a grunt at heart. I hope they’re still harder than most mos’s
Glad im done with basic and ait and it sucks knowing im one of the last cycles to have the shark attack its implanted in my head the first day at basic and the hardships me and my battles went through such a memorable experience taken from the future soldiers coming in
I was supposed to ship end of March as a 12B but got pushed to November because of COVID 😒 When I found out the shark attack was removed and was actually disappointed. I just hope the rest isn’t “soft” because I didn’t enlist to do something easy that anyone could do. I think you need to really break civilians down to build them up to soldiers. Guess I’ll find out in a few weeks...
So when will the DI’s have to start spoon feeding recruits and wiping their bottoms? Well, to be honest, when I went through Basic in 1964, I didn’t experience a Shark Attack. It didn’t take numerous DIs to scare the crap out of me. SSg Luzio was perfectly capable of doing that all by himself. After experiencing one of his “reprimands,” the last thing we wanted to do was draw the attention of the SDI.
I am sorry but I am a former Airforce Active Duty A10 crewchief call me chair force whatever after I got out became a cop and now I am looking at joining the Army reserve. I just think that y'all are underestimating the drill sergeants! I am pretty sure these men and women can find a way to "attack".
Yeah I agree that there should be a fear aspect but like in the sense of "I'm intimidated but also inspired by this person" And I feel like not having the shark attack will just lead to a worse time for people in combat zones/ the "real Army" or even when they reach the later stages of BCT because it wasn't instilled in them to be able to work well under stress and listen to orders without question and work well as part of a team.
Leaving for Benning in 6 days, and I’m kinda pissed, it felt like a right of passage, generations of grandparents went through it and I wanted my chance too! :(
I had several shark attacks when going through Phase I at OCS. SFCs, First Sergeants, CPTs, and Majors would light people up particularly if the officer candidate did not make a decision when serving in a position of leadership for a day or two. In those cases, they would shout inches away from your face, "make a decision, sir, making a f*cking decision!" Their goal here was to convey the simple (yet key) leadership idea that if you are a leader and you hesitate to make a choice, people die. "It's better to make a wrong choice than to not make one at all."
Love from the Bahamas Matt 🇧🇸 I'm a marine and we adopted a lot of our training directly from the USMC including shark attacks. I'd be really sad if they removed it, it made me 😂💯
It pisses me off because now I feel like my comrades aren’t going to be as committed as they are supposed to be. I’m now thinking what if we do go to war, how am I going to trust that they got my back on the battlefield?🤦♂️
I’ll be going to Fort Leonard Wood in January after I finish college (I’m doing CID direct accessions), and I was devastated to hear this. I feel like I’m missing a right of passage🙁
Ft. Leonard Wood (aka Fort Lost-in-the-woods 😅) is actually where I went to BCT back in 2001! COOLZ! 😁 Shark attack was definitely still a thing back then...read my comment to get a good description of the technique because it really is a shock-and-awe moment...I can definitely still remember standing at attention trying hard not to crack up as I had about 6 DIs all over me at once screaming literally just INCHES from my face...you've never felt true confusion until THAT happens...😬😵😅
I didn't like when the army got rid of the shark attack, when I went through BCT in 2018, during reception, that is what people asked the cadre and drill sergeants about what their BCT experience was like and what it was like going through the Shark Attack some of them told us what their shark attack was like, but they just told us it's part of the process. After going through the shark attack myself and then watching other people go through it, before the army got rid of it, you see why it's important. It breaks you of civilian habits and it creates stress and tests how you handle that stress. Think of it this way, if you can't handle drill sergeants in your face screaming at you, how can you handle yourself overseas with live rounds flying over your head?
Basically I just got out of BCT. There is no shark attack there because we go straight to the battery. However, I heard the first sergeant said about Gen Funk and the plan to make BCT actually a training.
I am so glad i can say that i was the last cycle to get shark attacked but im so mad they took it out when we had new troops come in and not get shark attacked we were pissed
I still remember my first day at boot camp ft sill summer 84 hot ,cattle cars to our barracks these drill sergeants came from the gates of hell one curse word after another . They would not let up for what seems like eternity
This is one of the things that made me make my choice of joining the Marine Corp. Nothing against the army but I just feel as if the Marines will make me a better person. Much love man, love your videos and keep it up.
@GothChicks4Lyfe zzz yeah my dad was in the army from 1997 to 2006. Was deployed to Iraq when things went south and invaded Baghdad. He inspired me to go to the army but I thought to myself. Everyone in my family that went to the military was army so I decided to break it up and be the first to join the Marines.
Bruh the military doesn't make a person did you just hear about the marine making racist comments towards Chinese people it's the man in the uniform not the uniform
@@Hxxva5252 I dont concern myself with that because thats not me. Also I'm my own person. I'm joining up to make something of myself. Not to include myself in those problems.
@@pixelspartan7713 there is the issue when you join its not about you or you anymore you learn that at Paris island man what you do reflects your branch as a whole my guy
@@Hxxva5252 yes well im a positive person and I'd like to think that what I do would positively represent the marine corp. Not saying that ill be thinking about myself most of the time. At the end of the day I've decided to join the marine corp and im not gonna let negativity get in my way
I'm shipping to BCT in 3 months, Jan 2023. I'm disappointed in a way to learn this actually. I've been preparing and imo the shark attack lets me know from the first instant what to expect. I would assume that it helps to make that "mental shift" you talked about. Nothing that I've learned about BCT has made me think anything that happens in BCT, is anything but the Army trying to prepare you to be the best that you can be in any situation.
This was definitely a bizarre move, in my opinion, but I have faith in the U.S. Army with or without the shark attack. Our military has gone through so many changes and evolution throughout its history, and despite the differences, it always seemed to come out stronger than ever. One thing is for certain though, we should be glad that we have drill sergeants to make something of recruits. Perhaps I will see them in a slightly different light after I enlist and go through training, but until then, I have a deep appreciation for them and what they do, lol.
As a US Army Airborne Infantryman Combat Veteran who enlisted in 1984 went to Benning for OSUT and Airborne School and came back later to Benning for Pathfinder School I'm kind of bummed out hearing about this decision. Back then Benning was known for it's legendary Drill Sergeants and being a hellhole for Training to me the shark attack was just part of the Initiation and part of training to be a Soldier and a rite of passage. Now saying all that, this is the 21st Century and our Society is changing so much. Football has really changed at every level. They can't have two a days practice anymore, limited practice time and contact. Football is a tough and aggressive sport too, but it just shows you how much society has changed. Maybe the Army knows something we don't know, we will just have to see how it goes.
I mean, I went through back in March, and even then what was left of the shark attack was largely underwhelming. I'd been expecting some kind of grueling smokefest to happen based on the stories I'd been told, and then the actuality was we did some squats and a couple pushups, and then it was over. The fucking shower drills were more stressful than our shark attack, the practice had grown so soft. I agree with the CSM that a change was in order, but personally I would've reverted to the original shark attack that was actually a shock to the system, not gotten rid of it altogether
It's funny too because even in actual basic training, quitters leave in less than a month now. My basic training was the last "real" group, covid started affecting everything in white/blue phase, AIT was on complete lock down
BMT for me was three months in the 80s and 7 months to get AIT you call it. I think? Before assigned to my unit, which is a reckoning unit, stayed there for 2 Years, they were the best three years of my life But the first days of being drilled was a real wake-up call. Like Hey, your lazy lives are over. Everything is gone softer and softer, and if these peeps has to be deployed, I'm sure there will be some "problems" but you know this already?
I leave in January. I’m currently a Wildland firefighter and Joined the National Guard. I want a new challenge and experience. But right after I enlisted this news comes out makes me kind of sad. I don’t want it to be easier. That’s not what I joined for. What is wrong with the overhead in the Army
I'm going to be joining the Navy soon, shout out to you mat by the way thanks for teaching me so much about the Army and helping my decision, but why does it seem like the Navy is going harder than the Army now? That just doesn't seem right to me the Army NEEDS to be able to have able soliders who can withstand pressure and this just isn't the way to go.
Yes they stopped it because of COVID but this is an actual long term plan to change it up and completely remove it, not for just health reasons like earlier this year
I'm leaving end of October for BCT, and I'm very disappointed the shark attack is gone. I feel like I'll be missing out on the full experience that truly makes you a soldier.
I think the military as a whole holds on to traditions too much. We need to evolve to keep being a superior fighting force. A feigned “shark attack” does nothing to prepare you for actual combat. I didn’t have a shark attack because COVID apparently, but I still felt “the switch.” The Army way of learning and indoctrination is so drawn out and outdated. Respect > fear. Efficiency > traditions. Get straight to the point of learning Army values and history, do PT, and quit with the theatrics lol. But thats just my opinion
Leaving for basic in 18 days. I personally don’t feel that this an overall loss or some terrible decision that was made. Things are going to change regardless, up to the individual to decide if it’s for better or worse.
I’m in quarantine at Fort Benning right now and I still haven’t finished processing yet but I was wondering what’s the best way to look at BCT and AIT for it to go by as fast as Possible
Without the Shark Attack your primary tool to gaging a recruits response to " STRESSFUL SITUATIONS" is removed. So in short you get an unknown. Very dangerous to those serving with them to the left and right when under FIRE. GOOD LUCK ARMY.
Pretty sad to hear about this I myself went through basic about 6 months ago and the shark attack seemed needed that was the switch that flipped in our brains like holy crap this is the army not back home anymore. It’s when like you said your having that mindset switch from civilian to soldier.
Sooooo many won’t like this but I couldn’t possibly care less. Not saying this moment isn’t important, just saying there’s way too much emphasis on it. The video makes it seem like none of the other weeks, moments, training means anything. There are so many other moments meant to break down a person for rebuilding. Removing it does not take all of that away....all of the influence, instruction and efforts that drill sergeants put into basic, saying it does is doing them a disservice and discounting them and their work. To say without it, soldiers coming out will be a different breed and missing key aspects of being a soldier begs the question “why do you need anything else if that’s all it takes?” As stated, it was meant to shock voluntold drafted individuals, that’s not who is joining now. For the most part, people joining want to be a good soldier and do well; not feel like a failure off the bat because they were set up to fail. Let’s call it what it is.....it’s an initiation. Just like a sorority or fraternity. And a moment for drill sergeants to sit back and laugh at how scared the knuckleheads were. Anywho, just an opinion....my opinion and you do not have to like it but I have a right to it SO if you want to argue, go argue with someone else..... I have no desire to debate.
Okay, I have a feeling that there ars going to be people watching this who have never experienced the shark attack and won't know what Ward is talking about...having been in BCT back in 2001, I will take this opportunity now to elaborate...
The shark attack was developed specifically to simulate the "fog of war" that soldiers in real combat have to be prepared to face. In actual combat, things are likely to get very confusing for any soldier as you have explosions going off, live rounds shooting off everywhere, people shouting all over the place...it can get very hectic and this is something new soldiers have to be prepared for so they can keep a level head and hopefully SURVIVE...
The technique is simple yet effective...a drill instructor barks out an order that's deliberately muddled so as to be barely understood yet must be followed exactly TO THE LETTER and more rapidly than any raw recruit could ever be expected to complete, assuming they even know WHAT it is they are supposed to complete. This pretty much guarantees failure out of almost every recruit...but success really isn't the goal here, the goal is to have failures so this next, very CRUCIAL part can kick in...
A recruit fails in the task and is IMMEDIATELY zeroed in on by one of the DIs who then starts screaming in the recruits face...as this is happening, like sharks smelling blood, the other DIs close in and start doing the same thing...each one screaming over the other with contradictory orders and insults to the recruit. The effect is pure shock-and-awe as the recruit now has about 5-6 DIs all screaming in their face at the exact same time, some demanding push-ups, some demanding he/she stand at attention, some screaming because the recruit just happened to look towards them, one screaming about how slow the recruit is...it just becomes a mess and it can be real tough to not just break down at that moment...
And that's the whole point...it's to show the recruits how woefully unprepared they are for what they are about to be facing should they manage to make it all the way through so they each realize how much they need to pay attention to these DIs over the next several weeks so they can keep a level head should they face a similar situation in combat where instead of the threat of hard physical exercise (smoking), the threat could well be the loss of their life or the life of their fellow soldiers (battle buddies). It's meant to break you out of the independent civilian mindset where it's just all about yourself and into the Army mindset of thinking of your fellow soldiers ahead of yourself...
I shudder to think what the Army is going to replace this with as getting out of the entitlement mindset for new soldiers is more important now than ever before...😵
I've heard The First 100 Yards has recruits carrying MRE boxes and other "team-building" exercises
Antonio Jones duffel bags
From what I heard the 100 yards is basically like elementary school field day... you show up, the DI’s give you a presentation and demonstration of a march or some kind of task that’s all fanfair and a show; then you get broken up into teams to do these tasks and you work as a group to complete the tasks. Mentally I’m picturing the “hula hoop-arm link” challenges, and scaling a wall as a team. At worst it’ll be a tough-mudder run. Which civilians do for fun all the time, it’s not going to snap them into the “oh f*ck” mindset. Maybe the gas chamber will, but I’ve heard that’s pretty weak right now too, and obviously you can’t wait until you drop them into combat for the shift to occur- it definitely will then, but by then it’s a little bit late.
That really sounds important why tf would they get rid of that. That makes no sense whatsoever
I hope they change back soon the shark attack was the most important part it showed everyone that we ain’t s__t and you don’t know anything you don’t know how to walk how to stand, sit, look or even breath right and that your life is about to change a lot and there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it
I'll bet the Marines are laughing their asses off at this.
It's all a conspiracy by the Marine Corp to destroy their competition, lol.
Army used to be my second choice if I didn’t make it in the Marine Corps but since they’re getting rid of shark attack I need to find a new second choice
NinjaKED12
Just join the Air Force and make money which will benefit you after, or be me and go infantry for marines
Lmao
Marshal Murat I’m actually aiming for artillery in the Corps, or military police
They'll be next. Lol
I just went to the recruiting office yesterday. Thank you for everything you’ve done! You were the main catalyst for me to want to go into the army. Thank you!
Congrats and wow I appreciate that! Good luck on your process to joining!
I’m going into basic training soon and I’m pretty sad they got rid of it. :( I always thought of it like initiation into the army
Yeah it is kinda, which funny you said that cause that's part of what I talk about in the video
@@MattWard89 I ship out December 28th and now I am majorly bummed.
DynastyOnBlitz same
Hows it been man?
Honest question: “I thought this was the Army not the Navy?”
lol
Now the Navy is better then us this can not be good
*air force*
@@stefanrichter6775 Not that low... Not yet....
You mean the Air Force
Recruitment without shark attack is like cornflakes without the MILK!
Me who eats cornflakes without milk 😐
Have been watching your videos awhile and have found them very helpful. I am Joining as an older recruit ( 28 years old) and leave for basic on October 27th. Was really looking forward to the shark attack at the beginning. Now a little disappointed, but still excited overall to start this new journey in my life.
Yeah it's crazy I agree 100% with you cause I'm about to sign here soon and just heard this news.
I thought this was the most powerful army in the world with over 200 years of combat experience. I thought they will stick with what works.
It's because of all this bs from all the politically correct idiots who don't understand the point of it, I hope this isn't permanent though because we'd be in big trouble
Because our enemy was usually drain from other wars
part 3 Russia never had America colonies it was Britain
Idk about you guys but the first 100 yards felt so much harder than the shark attack
Just swore in Tuesday and was told countless times “ get ready for the shark attack “
I just graduated basic training 3 weeks ago (now at AIT). My basic had that yellow phase before red phase deal. Honestly being awarded soldier felt like a participation award. Privates who failed their pt tests still graduated, people who fell out of all the ruck marches still graduated...
I graduated 2 weeks ago and for us they failed a bunch of people for those 2 things
Shipping out to Fort Jackson in December and idk how i feel about this i was kinda excited for it
It’s not bad what’s gonna screw you over the most is the people in ur platoon
I’m going to fort Jackson in January
They still gonna smoke you watch when u and ur platoon screw up
Ditto signing everything this Tuesday and he was telling me about this... donno how I feel about it
I go to Benning next week and am sorely disappointed.
What do yall think about this?! Let me know!
Late upload but here you go :)
Matt how is army life?
Before the change, I wasn’t really THAT afraid of the shark attack personally. But now that it’s gone, I do agree when you said that the mental change that you get from it will be lost. Unless they implement a new way of doing it.
I'm at reception rn at for Benning while in quarantine here I agree there wont be tht switch at the beginning but your still going to have drill sergeants screaming at you in your face sooner or later so the switch happens I watched a drill sergeant give a kid in quarantine a lil small shark attack bc he wasn't down for formation so I still feel like it's there even tho it's not officially there
NO! Get rid of whoever is making these changes. They are setting up those guys in basic for failure.
@@mako8091 basic training not boot camp obv never been they smoke you for tht we're not marine's
So I just finished Basic Training a couple of weeks ago and I saw this first-hand. With no “shark attack,” and the whole COVID “yellow phase,” the whole thing was honestly disappointing. Granted I am pretty old going through all of this (39), so I may have a different perspective than others, but because of these factors there was no real shock when we got there, no real intense physical disciplinary actions, and so there was a HUGE lack of discipline, lack of respect, and lack of “taking this seriously.” It’s been super frustrating.
Quick question, how is basic training since you were 39. I am 27 years old, & honestly I’m anxious about basic training, will I fail? Like how hard is it, because I normally never give up especially if I’m passionate about it. Is it constant moving on your feet 24/7 because if so then I will have to adapt by just exercising 3 times a day! Sorry I’m just clueless & want to be educated about this. Thanks!
@@kevinkim6613 did you end up joining? I’m 29 and about to join… waiting to do my physical at MEPS
@@deejayy8303 yes I am in AIT, it wasn’t hard
@@kevinkim6613 good to hear, and congrats man!
I'm going to Jackson in Feb and then OCS right after, really disappointed but as an older recruit, I don't think that I will be affected too much. I know what I'm getting into when I step off that bus. But I do worry for the younger recruits. I'll definitely send you a patch when I get mine!
I ship there at the end of this month
How old are you going into this? I was 31 when I went through all this and the Shark Attack didn’t phase me really, since it’s a game. It still needs to happen though.
Robert Levy I’m 18
I was lucky to have had a shark attack in 2016, now in 2020, I’m trying to ship out before the year ends(19D), and looking forward to how things will go! Thanks for the videos Matt
As someone who is 31 and a mother rolling into FLW in January....I’m not looking forward to dealing with all these kids. And to take out the FPT requirement? Ugh.
Get over yourself.
@@valerie_d not full of myself. Going in optimistic, but have a different view as a mature adult. Plus I have the opinion of others to prove myself against the rest with.
My SO is SSG currently trying to train new soldiers to deploy, and some of them literally whine when he tells them to do something. “Seriously?” “Do I have to?” “I’ve been out here all day.” This is what I get to look forward to, on top of a bunch of kids who aren’t required to be physically fit? I’ve been busting my ass pulling 25min 3 mile rucks just for it to be blown to the wind. I Crossfit 3-5 times a week.
Don’t bust my balls, girl. I know what I’m getting into, and hoping I can make a small difference. Whether it be I. My MOS, inspire the 18 year olds, just my battle buddy, maybe nobody in the military.
If they realize they made a mistake do you think they will bring it back?
I actually discuss that in the next video I will upload. And the answer is I HOPE so..
I was totally looking forward to this. Now I’m a little bummed.
Aside from Fort Hood, the Army seems to be slipping into a level of stupid that is honestly terrifying.
My husband just got shipped to basic today, Ft Benning/Infantryman, I understand where you're coming from, but the mental shift and adjustment occurred regardless, the "oh crap" moment definitely happened and it began during the 3.5 week reception.
Love your videos, thank you for this!
@Gerry Buckets oh my 😬 that alone will absolutely create a mental shift all on itself
he spent almost a month in reception??????
@@eunicechoi6155 it was during the whole covid thing, so yes, it was almost a month in reception!
Been watching you for 2 years now while debating if I wanted to go armed
forces learned so much information from your videos. Thank you
I might as well enlist in the Girl Scouts 😒
we will swamp our enemy with cookies, kisses, and stress cards
rubba chicken 😂😂
Just graduated OSUT training a week ago as a 19K here at Fort Benning and I was actually the first cycle to have a “Thunder Run” and a experience a bunch of new changes throughout basic training and my AIT portion.
Im leaving tomorrow to do exactly that, 19k osut at ft benning, any advice for a fellow tanker?
Brian Costa Dont lose yourself in the beginning of basic training. My drill sergeants mentally tricked us in so many ways possible. It sucks in the beginning but once you reach black phase, it’s gets a whole lot better. You get to actually go to the motor pool and work with the Tank Commanders and instructors about the tanks and stuff. Always take notes on the tanks and make sure to pay good attention to everything. If you get a good drill sergeant during your basic training portion and they were a tanker, it’s most likely you get to ask questions about tanks and stuff. Also, when you have to qualify with your M4A1 and the M17,(during black phase) just listen to what your drills say and follow the Riflemarksmanship fundamentals. Good luck and I’d like to hear back from you when you finally graduate! Stay on the tank!
@@TheTankTactician thanks man i really appreciate all thr advice and ill get back to you after i go through it ! 💪🏽
Brian Costa I’ll be expecting the message in a few months. Good luck brother
@@TheTankTactician i got you brother ✊🏽
I totally agree with you on that. I remember back on January 21st 2015 when I had mine at Fort Benning. I think it’s ridiculous they are getting rid of it for now.
I leave for basic training oct.13th. I've watched your videos for over a year and a half and I want to thank you for all the information you have provided that has helped me understand the enlisting process and giving me an understanding of what to expect while I'm there. I'm going in as 11x at fort benning. HOOAH!
I just came back from Ft. Benning in august for my basic training before the announcement of the first 100 yards. It caught my whole company off guard when we were only yelled at only a little bit. My company still found ways to implicate the a more toned down shark attack. it was still intense but not at all what i imagine. I was very let down once i’d known we weren’t going to get the shark attack. but you still do not lack discipline and respect for your drill sergeants after first 72 hours.
Our military is being 'wussified'. Standards have consistently been lowered since women were allowed in combat units. And, yes, I'm a 13-year veteran, and my son is currently in the Army. Personal eye-witness. The Chinese are going to eat our lunch.
Nailed it.
Who knows, maybe instead they have other plans. Times change strategies change.
Lmaoooo that sucks I just graduated from fort Leonard Wood and got one of the last shark attacks
My BCT was already soft back in 2017 at Fort Jackson. This is 100% the wrong direction. Horrible.
I leave for basic in January and I was looking forward to the shark attack because its a tradition in the military
Yeah I leave in January as well but my friend left in September so I’ll have to ask him what happened and if he experienced a shark attack
@@brassbranden2368 @Lil Darby I ship in January as well but to Fort Jackson
Just graduated BCT in fort Leonard Wood, I'm pretty sure we were the last cycle to ever experience the shark attack, and I'm grateful for that 😔
It will create a large amount of undisciplined soldiers. Lack of motivation, respect and appreciation to brotherhood
I have a post on my insta of you talking about this, amazing stuff Matt.
I was Batallion 1-34 Basic Ft. Jackson during March 2019 and we were one of the last normal training Batallion before covid changed everything.
What’s changed now?
I went through the Shark Attack nearly 40 years ago, although I didn't know they actually had a name for it. I just remember a couple trucks of drill sergeants pulling up and screaming at us. They were having us fall in line, and there was one particular drill sergeant who was especially off his rocker, and I was in his line. I took two quick steps to my right and got into another line. It turned out to be a good decision, but it would have been absolutely horrible if I had been caught doing it. Oh yeah, good times. I really do think it is a shame that they are doing away with it.
Happy that I was able to experience the hell week and shark attack at ft. Benning in 2015. I’m heading back now and I was super excited to see the fresh meats face when they get attacked or smoked. Unfortunately I guess that’s gone. It was a right of passage, the initiation and a way to say hey embrace the suck!!! And wtf is yellow phase!? Also is it true they have stress cards now!? Like what is that!? Why join if you have to use a stress card!!!? Also I’m going 11B again because I’m a grunt at heart. I hope they’re still harder than most mos’s
Glad im done with basic and ait and it sucks knowing im one of the last cycles to have the shark attack its implanted in my head the first day at basic and the hardships me and my battles went through such a memorable experience taken from the future soldiers coming in
I was supposed to ship end of March as a 12B but got pushed to November because of COVID 😒 When I found out the shark attack was removed and was actually disappointed. I just hope the rest isn’t “soft” because I didn’t enlist to do something easy that anyone could do. I think you need to really break civilians down to build them up to soldiers. Guess I’ll find out in a few weeks...
So when will the DI’s have to start spoon feeding recruits and wiping their bottoms? Well, to be honest, when I went through Basic in 1964, I didn’t experience a Shark Attack. It didn’t take numerous DIs to scare the crap out of me. SSg Luzio was perfectly capable of doing that all by himself. After experiencing one of his “reprimands,” the last thing we wanted to do was draw the attention of the SDI.
Going to MEPS next Friday
I am sorry but I am a former Airforce Active Duty A10 crewchief call me chair force whatever after I got out became a cop and now I am looking at joining the Army reserve. I just think that y'all are underestimating the drill sergeants! I am pretty sure these men and women can find a way to "attack".
shipping to ft leonard wood on the 26th and i was looking honestly looking forward to the shark attack
Yeah I agree that there should be a fear aspect but like in the sense of "I'm intimidated but also inspired by this person"
And I feel like not having the shark attack will just lead to a worse time for people in combat zones/ the "real Army" or even when they reach the later stages of BCT because it wasn't instilled in them to be able to work well under stress and listen to orders without question and work well as part of a team.
Leaving for Benning in 6 days, and I’m kinda pissed, it felt like a right of passage, generations of grandparents went through it and I wanted my chance too! :(
I had several shark attacks when going through Phase I at OCS. SFCs, First Sergeants, CPTs, and Majors would light people up particularly if the officer candidate did not make a decision when serving in a position of leadership for a day or two. In those cases, they would shout inches away from your face, "make a decision, sir, making a f*cking decision!" Their goal here was to convey the simple (yet key) leadership idea that if you are a leader and you hesitate to make a choice, people die. "It's better to make a wrong choice than to not make one at all."
Love from the Bahamas Matt 🇧🇸
I'm a marine and we adopted a lot of our training directly from the USMC including shark attacks. I'd be really sad if they removed it, it made me 😂💯
They dont have no shark attack in the marines guy I been to Paris island there is a speech
@@Hxxva5252 did you even read my comment properly??
@@shandawg9762 yea you said I'm a marine and we adopted allot of our training for the usmc
@@Hxxva5252 correct and even though i said including i was referring to the army not marine corps. I'm also aware of the speech
i just graduated yesterday and i will say this… they waited till we got up in the bay and then they did it for us
It pisses me off because now I feel like my comrades aren’t going to be as committed as they are supposed to be. I’m now thinking what if we do go to war, how am I going to trust that they got my back on the battlefield?🤦♂️
I just graduated Fort Leonard wood and we still had a shark attack
I’ll be going to Fort Leonard Wood in January after I finish college (I’m doing CID direct accessions), and I was devastated to hear this. I feel like I’m missing a right of passage🙁
Ft. Leonard Wood (aka Fort Lost-in-the-woods 😅) is actually where I went to BCT back in 2001! COOLZ! 😁
Shark attack was definitely still a thing back then...read my comment to get a good description of the technique because it really is a shock-and-awe moment...I can definitely still remember standing at attention trying hard not to crack up as I had about 6 DIs all over me at once screaming literally just INCHES from my face...you've never felt true confusion until THAT happens...😬😵😅
I didn't like when the army got rid of the shark attack, when I went through BCT in 2018, during reception, that is what people asked the cadre and drill sergeants about what their BCT experience was like and what it was like going through the Shark Attack some of them told us what their shark attack was like, but they just told us it's part of the process.
After going through the shark attack myself and then watching other people go through it, before the army got rid of it, you see why it's important. It breaks you of civilian habits and it creates stress and tests how you handle that stress. Think of it this way, if you can't handle drill sergeants in your face screaming at you, how can you handle yourself overseas with live rounds flying over your head?
Got two weeks left at A.I.T, in FLW
Basically I just got out of BCT. There is no shark attack there because we go straight to the battery. However, I heard the first sergeant said about Gen Funk and the plan to make BCT actually a training.
I am so glad i can say that i was the last cycle to get shark attacked but im so mad they took it out when we had new troops come in and not get shark attacked we were pissed
hope you find time to upload again your videos help many people
I still remember my first day at boot camp ft sill summer 84 hot ,cattle cars to our barracks these drill sergeants came from the gates of hell one curse word after another . They would not let up for what seems like eternity
Yeah I just Graduated BCT and I'm in my mid cycle pass and it's kinda sad that I didnt get to experience it
This is one of the things that made me make my choice of joining the Marine Corp. Nothing against the army but I just feel as if the Marines will make me a better person. Much love man, love your videos and keep it up.
@GothChicks4Lyfe zzz yeah my dad was in the army from 1997 to 2006. Was deployed to Iraq when things went south and invaded Baghdad. He inspired me to go to the army but I thought to myself. Everyone in my family that went to the military was army so I decided to break it up and be the first to join the Marines.
Bruh the military doesn't make a person did you just hear about the marine making racist comments towards Chinese people it's the man in the uniform not the uniform
@@Hxxva5252 I dont concern myself with that because thats not me. Also I'm my own person. I'm joining up to make something of myself. Not to include myself in those problems.
@@pixelspartan7713 there is the issue when you join its not about you or you anymore you learn that at Paris island man what you do reflects your branch as a whole my guy
@@Hxxva5252 yes well im a positive person and I'd like to think that what I do would positively represent the marine corp. Not saying that ill be thinking about myself most of the time. At the end of the day I've decided to join the marine corp and im not gonna let negativity get in my way
I'm shipping to BCT in 3 months, Jan 2023. I'm disappointed in a way to learn this actually. I've been preparing and imo the shark attack lets me know from the first instant what to expect. I would assume that it helps to make that "mental shift" you talked about. Nothing that I've learned about BCT has made me think anything that happens in BCT, is anything but the Army trying to prepare you to be the best that you can be in any situation.
Matt Ward is my hero
You're MY here!
Matt Ward typo haha
This was definitely a bizarre move, in my opinion, but I have faith in the U.S. Army with or without the shark attack. Our military has gone through so many changes and evolution throughout its history, and despite the differences, it always seemed to come out stronger than ever. One thing is for certain though, we should be glad that we have drill sergeants to make something of recruits. Perhaps I will see them in a slightly different light after I enlist and go through training, but until then, I have a deep appreciation for them and what they do, lol.
As a US Army Airborne Infantryman Combat Veteran who enlisted in 1984 went to Benning for OSUT and Airborne School and came back later to Benning for Pathfinder School I'm kind of bummed out hearing about this decision. Back then Benning was known for it's legendary Drill Sergeants and being a hellhole for Training to me the shark attack was just part of the Initiation and part of training to be a Soldier and a rite of passage. Now saying all that, this is the 21st Century and our Society is changing so much. Football has really changed at every level. They can't have two a days practice anymore, limited practice time and contact. Football is a tough and aggressive sport too, but it just shows you how much society has changed. Maybe the Army knows something we don't know, we will just have to see how it goes.
Went to fort Jackson in October 2019 lucky bastards 😂
I mean, I went through back in March, and even then what was left of the shark attack was largely underwhelming. I'd been expecting some kind of grueling smokefest to happen based on the stories I'd been told, and then the actuality was we did some squats and a couple pushups, and then it was over. The fucking shower drills were more stressful than our shark attack, the practice had grown so soft. I agree with the CSM that a change was in order, but personally I would've reverted to the original shark attack that was actually a shock to the system, not gotten rid of it altogether
This is more of how the military wants to be like a corporation.
I just finished basic at flw with D CO 31st En Bn and for us they did both
Happy Friday Matt!
Thanks you too!
I think this is already part of the major incidents from 2020.
off to benning january 11th for infantry osut
It's funny too because even in actual basic training, quitters leave in less than a month now. My basic training was the last "real" group, covid started affecting everything in white/blue phase, AIT was on complete lock down
My summer football camp was harder than basic training
I leave tomorrow now it’s going to always be that cloud that “we got it easy”🤦🏾♂️
I was at basic training when they had the shark attack
In the army i wouldn't recommend doing it. Too many toxic leaders and pointless things they do.
It not pointless it put u on the mental mind set.
That’s everywhere bud toxic leadership is everywhere
BMT for me was three months in the 80s and 7 months to get AIT you call it. I think? Before assigned to my unit, which is a reckoning unit, stayed there for 2 Years, they were the best three years of my life But the first days of being drilled was a real wake-up call. Like Hey, your lazy lives are over. Everything is gone softer and softer, and if these peeps has to be deployed, I'm sure there will be some "problems" but you know this already?
Can't believe IT'S SOOOOOOOOOOOO wrong why fix something when its not broken !!!!💚Go Army fort Jackson army family 💚💚💚
Always great videos Matt. Thank you for your content... Is this officially implemented as of now?
Yea
I leave in January. I’m currently a Wildland firefighter and Joined the National Guard. I want a new challenge and experience. But right after I enlisted this news comes out makes me kind of sad. I don’t want it to be easier. That’s not what I joined for. What is wrong with the overhead in the Army
Got to the end of the video without knowing what a shark attack was lmao
I'm going to be joining the Navy soon, shout out to you mat by the way thanks for teaching me so much about the Army and helping my decision, but why does it seem like the Navy is going harder than the Army now? That just doesn't seem right to me the Army NEEDS to be able to have able soliders who can withstand pressure and this just isn't the way to go.
I heard the barracks aren’t that bad like they used to be either from my recruiter lol
Went to basic at Ft. Jackson back in June and never got shark attacked. My drills told me they stopped doing shark attacks 3 cycles before me.
Yes they stopped it because of COVID but this is an actual long term plan to change it up and completely remove it, not for just health reasons like earlier this year
Glad to at least experience it.🥺
Man that sucks.. me and my wife were looking forward for that Shark attack experience at BCT
Idk what they are doing to the military. It went from weeding out the weak to trying to keep as many people as possible
So what will they remove next? Using real ammo? Pushups?
Voluntold.... ok new word i like it.
Another thing to add to my dad and brothers saying how much easier the army is now and how im gonna have it easy
I'm leaving end of October for BCT, and I'm very disappointed the shark attack is gone. I feel like I'll be missing out on the full experience that truly makes you a soldier.
I think the military as a whole holds on to traditions too much. We need to evolve to keep being a superior fighting force. A feigned “shark attack” does nothing to prepare you for actual combat. I didn’t have a shark attack because COVID apparently, but I still felt “the switch.” The Army way of learning and indoctrination is so drawn out and outdated. Respect > fear. Efficiency > traditions. Get straight to the point of learning Army values and history, do PT, and quit with the theatrics lol. But thats just my opinion
Damn, said the new age 18 year old soldier.
Leaving for basic in 18 days. I personally don’t feel that this an overall loss or some terrible decision that was made. Things are going to change regardless, up to the individual to decide if it’s for better or worse.
You need to find a gardening club. Skip the military. It's for warriors only
I’m in quarantine at Fort Benning right now and I still haven’t finished processing yet but I was wondering what’s the best way to look at BCT and AIT for it to go by as fast as Possible
I leave to ft Benn 19D Oct 19th and Oct 18at hotel day before. I'll be the leader with or without it because my goal is to become a soldier
Bruh I ship next June like lmao I wanted discipline not kisses
Without the Shark Attack your primary tool to gaging a recruits response to " STRESSFUL SITUATIONS" is removed. So in short you get an unknown. Very dangerous to those serving with them to the left and right when under FIRE. GOOD LUCK ARMY.
Pretty sad to hear about this I myself went through basic about 6 months ago and the shark attack seemed needed that was the switch that flipped in our brains like holy crap this is the army not back home anymore. It’s when like you said your having that mindset switch from civilian to soldier.
Sooooo many won’t like this but I couldn’t possibly care less. Not saying this moment isn’t important, just saying there’s way too much emphasis on it. The video makes it seem like none of the other weeks, moments, training means anything. There are so many other moments meant to break down a person for rebuilding. Removing it does not take all of that away....all of the influence, instruction and efforts that drill sergeants put into basic, saying it does is doing them a disservice and discounting them and their work. To say without it, soldiers coming out will be a different breed and missing key aspects of being a soldier begs the question “why do you need anything else if that’s all it takes?” As stated, it was meant to shock voluntold drafted individuals, that’s not who is joining now. For the most part, people joining want to be a good soldier and do well; not feel like a failure off the bat because they were set up to fail. Let’s call it what it is.....it’s an initiation. Just like a sorority or fraternity. And a moment for drill sergeants to sit back and laugh at how scared the knuckleheads were. Anywho, just an opinion....my opinion and you do not have to like it but I have a right to it SO if you want to argue, go argue with someone else..... I have no desire to debate.
Good Lord, what's happened to my Army?
TRADOC happened
I pray to god that they fix this
Hey how is your 3 month old Atlas? Time has flown since the day he was born