Family Day is the day before Basic Combat Training graduation, where the U.S. Army's newest Soldiers can see their loved ones since their journey to become Soldiers began. Do you remember the first time seeing your loved ones after leaving for Basic Training? | U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training

Basic Combat Training Graduation and Family Day

Before they train Army recruits at basic training, drill sergeants must graduate from the nine-week United States Army Drill Sergeant Academy. Insider spent a week at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, to see what it takes to become a drill sergeant. The Drill Sergeant Academy has adopted a new strategy where the old days of breaking down recruits with yelling and push-ups have been replaced with a more collaborative and respectful tone. Drill sergeant candidates are taught how to effecti