<p>Fencersmom nothing happens in a vacuum. I assume you are reading books like Absolutely American. They are very instructive and can give a veiw into what your sons are goig through. Basic is run on the same principles, but each service and experience varies in activities. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine, OTS and each academy all have programs that have the same purpose with slightly different activities.</p>
<p>Basic Training is designed to shape individuals to become cohesive members of a group. When a cadet is “singled out” it is almost never without reason (positive and negative). The Cadre have all been selected to do what they are doing, and trained intensively. They are constantly observed by the Officers and NCO’s assigned to basic training. </p>
<p>You will hear stories about the Training Staff tables and other things, but they are all done with purpose and observed closely.</p>