Today marks the conclusion of our two-day Basic Training Experience and Career Expo 2025, where the future of our Army—high school students from across Texas—stepped into the boots of Soldiers. Whether athletes, JROTC Cadets, or fine arts students, they gained firsthand insight into the diverse careers the U.S. Army offers, from dentistry and medical fields to piloting helicopters, operating tanks, and manning critical combat roles. More than just an introduction to career paths, this experience

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