In Week 2 of Basic Training or One Station Unit Training, Trainees must overcome their fears and conquer the Rappel Tower. This event challenges Trainees to build confidence in themselves and their equipment, foundational skills that they will continue to build upon during their transition into a U.S. Army Soldier. Do you remember your first time going down the rappel tower? | U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training

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