FORT JACKSON, S.C. — A board adorned with index cards at Fort Jackson illustrates the candid motivations that led new recruits to participate in a unique initiative aimed at facilitating their entry into the Army.
One recruit expressed, “Eviction notices motivate me,” while others highlighted aspirations like receiving a college education, securing stable employment, and making positive life changes.
This initiative, referred to as the “Why Wall,” serves as both a source of inspiration and a reminder for recruits who fell short of the Army’s physical and educational standards. They have joined the Future Soldier Prep Course, which offers them numerous weeks of tailored instruction to enhance their scores.
Launched a couple of years ago as a pilot program to counter declining recruitment figures, the prep course has become a vital component of the Army’s efforts to rebound in enlistment numbers. Enrollment challenges have affected all military branches in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with low unemployment rates and fierce competition from the private sector that often provides better pay and benefits.
As the current budget year concluded on September 30, the Army successfully achieved its recruitment target of 55,000 new members, with more than 13,000 recruits—approximately 24%—entering active duty through this preparatory course.
In light of this success, Army officials have increased the recruitment goal to 61,000 for the upcoming year and are depending heavily on the prep course to fill a substantial portion of this target.
During a recent trip to Fort Jackson, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth engaged with recruits and program coordinators to assess the course’s effectiveness and identify potential improvements. She commended the prep course as a valuable opportunity, noting that over 31,000 trainees have participated since its inception and advocated for its permanence.
Wormuth indicated that adjustments may be needed based on a forthcoming longitudinal study evaluating the recruits’ performance following their training, including examining their behavior and discipline during their initial commitments.
“We’re eager to understand the kind of soldiers who emerge from this course, particularly regarding their disciplinary records,” Wormuth stated.
Concerns have been raised by drill sergeants about a noticeable increase in discipline issues, along with disrespect and complaints among those in the academic section of the program. They have also noted that recruits who are not native English speakers struggle with comprehending commands and interacting with technology.
Conversely, while discipline issues appear less frequent among recruits focused on fitness, there has been a rise in injuries like ankle, knee, and hip problems. Consequently, there is a consensus that these trainees may require a more gradual approach to training to enhance strength and conditioning, rather than being expedited into basic training once they meet minimal requirements.
Commanders informed Wormuth that the fitness initiative aims to establish a solid foundation for trainees’ dietary habits and workout routines. Instructors are cautious not to overwhelm recruits before their transition to basic training, integrating yoga, stretching, and other preventative measures to help mitigate injury risks.
Academically, recruits are working on fundamental math and English skills, with most participants enrolling in the educational segment of the program.
So far, Wormuth pointed out that data does not entirely reflect the concerns raised by drill sergeants and commanders. Instead, Army leaders have noted that the average graduation rate from basic training stands at approximately 94% for those who completed the prep course, slightly higher than the 92% rate for those who did not.
This positive trend continues to draw motivation from the “Why Wall” sentiments.
The concept of the wall originated from company commanders last year, allowing recruits to articulate their personal goals in the early days of their training cycle, enabling them to revisit these aspirations weekly for motivation and progress assessment.
A bright yellow sign above the wall encourages recruits with the message: “Your WHY will keep you going even when you want to QUIT the most.” Many expressed the drive to prove themselves—both to their families and to themselves.
One recruit shared, “I joined the Army because my family thought I couldn’t achieve anything in life. So I had to prove them wrong.” Another wrote, “I want to show my family that I am valuable.” Others voiced intentions to “become a better person,” “gain independence,” and “demonstrate that I can achieve my goals and won’t back down.”
One recruit simply stated, “To show her I won’t become who she predicted I would.”
Those near the wall expressed to Wormuth that the physical preparation program has been beneficial. Couper Godleski from Pennsylvania shared that he has shed 20 pounds in just ten weeks. Meanwhile, Britney Vaughn from Louisiana reported a loss of 30 pounds over six weeks, adding, “I miss my 3-year-old daughter, but I believe it will all pay off.”
Academically, recruits conveyed to Wormuth that despite challenges in subjects like math and English, they are receiving ample support from their instructors while adapting to the Army’s structure and discipline. A significant aspiration mentioned by one female recruit was to “be a role model for my nieces and nephews” while securing college funding to avoid debt.
The insights gathered during Wormuth’s visit reinforced the Army leadership’s commitment to sustaining the program, acknowledging that the hurdles for recruitment are unlikely to diminish.
“I believe we will continue to see low unemployment levels, and a significant number will pursue higher education. This makes the job market increasingly competitive,” she remarked. “Thus, we must continue intensifying our efforts to attract new recruits.”
