Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is contemplating reinstating the controversial “shark attack” method, a traditional but aggressive training technique used by drill sergeants during U.S. Army basic training. Historically, this method involved multiple drill sergeants loudly surrounding trainees to create a chaotic and intimidating environment, aimed at fundamentally altering their civilian mindset. Hegseth emphasized the importance of returning to these foundational training practices to instill discipline and prepare recruits effectively for military life. He stated that such methods are essential to creating great military officers and fostering a “warrior mentality” among the troops.
The Army phased out the shark attack in recent years, formally ending it in 2020. This practice was replaced by the “First 100 Yards,” a more structured exercise meant to foster camaraderie and teamwork among recruits during their initial training. The program, rooted in the Army’s heritage, guides trainees through physical and mental challenges as their first encounter with drill sergeants. Advocates for the new approach maintain that it builds cooperative skills, while detractors argue that the lack of intensity may undermine readiness for future combat situations.
The decision to abandon the shark attack originated from discussions among senior leaders at the Army Infantry School, who viewed it as outdated but did not perceive the shift as an attempt to undermine the rigorous training standards necessary for military preparation. Some supporters of the shark attack argue that it plays a crucial role in helping recruits transition from civilian life to the military, simulating the chaotic conditions they may face in combat. Hegseth’s current push to revisit and possibly restore these traditional methods reflects a broader desire to uphold military standards and ensure recruits are equipped for the challenges ahead.
Hegseth, alongside Defense Department press secretary Kingsley Wilson, has indicated that restoring aggressive training techniques is part of a comprehensive review of basic training standards. Wilson confirmed that Hegseth aims to elevate the quality of training and emphasizes the need for strong warfighters, starting at the foundational level of training. The call for restoring the shark attack is thus intertwined with efforts to enhance overall military readiness and effectiveness during basic training.
In conjunction with the debate surrounding the shark attack, another traditional practice known as “tossing bays” was recently reinstated by an Army unit after a brief prohibition. This method involves drill sergeants overturning personal belongings in trainees’ living quarters to instill discipline and encourage cleanliness. Following a memo that initially prohibited such actions, Col. Christopher J.C. Hallows of the 197th Infantry Brigade later reversed the ban, aligning with Hegseth’s sentiments on retaining traditional practices that have defined basic training.
Hegseth advocates that these rigorous training methods are vital for preparing recruits for the reality of military service. He asserts that drilling recruits under stressful conditions helps to forge resilient American warriors capable of navigating the pressures of military life. By reinstating practices like the shark attack, he aims to accentuate the challenges that recruits face in basic training, promoting a culture of discipline and readiness essential for future military engagements. In this context, he views the return to aggressive training techniques as a restoration rather than a regression, aimed at maintaining high standards in the Army’s foundational training programs.
