DISCUSSION AND SUMMARY

The 1995 study focused on six basic questions related to the long-term success of gender-
integrated BCT:

1. What is the entry-level physical condition of male and female soldiers and what are the
implications for gender-integrated training?

2. Does training in a gender-integrated environment affect the training performance of
soldiers?

3. Does gender-integrated training affect the soldierization process?

4. What are the attitudes of drill sergeants toward gender-integrated training?

5. How well prepared are drill sergeants to train in a gender-integrated environment?

6. What is the pattern of attrition in gender-integrated training?

Entry-Level Physical Condition and Implications for Gender-Integrated Training

The physical condition of new soldiers is of major concern to Army trainers. Soldiers in poor
condition require more conditioning, are more susceptible to injury (such as stress fractures), and
are more likely to attrit from BCT. As shown by the 1995 data, many soldiers (particularly
females) are in poor physical condition at entry. A smaller percentage of females than males were
able to score at least 50 points in the push-up, sit-up and run events of the APFT.

The entry-level physical condition of soldiers has a major impact on the time and resources of
the drill sergeants. More time is spent doing remedial physical training (PT) with poorly
conditioned soldiers. Also more drill sergeants must be present for early morning PT in order to
cover all of the run groups, thus affecting the drill sergeants’ time away from the soldiers. Drill
sergeants noted the physical condition of soldiers--especially female soldiers--as one of the major
problems they encountered.

The lack of a physical fitness standard for accession requires BCT to screen and separate
soldiers who cannot meet the physical demands of BCT and of the Army. Several questions
address this issue. Should the Army implement a physical fitness standard for accession at the
recruiting centers? Should the Army modify the push-up requirement in use at the Reception
Battalions? Should the Army include Master Fitness Training in either the Drill Sergeant Course
or some other NCO course?

At atime when the Army is under pressure to reduce first-term attrition, one way to reduce
attrition from BCT is to effectively screen soldiers for existing medical conditions and for physical
fitness as part of the recruitment process. Another method involves informing recruits of the
actual physical demands of BCT and encouraging recruits to condition themselves prior to BCT.
As part of this effort, ARI is developing a BCT handbook with suggestions for exercises and diet
that could be distributed at the recruiting offices.

51



Table 10. Parental Support for Army Career Pre-Training (in Percent)

How supportive are your parents/guardians of

your being in the Army now? Males Females
Very supportive 64 72
Fairly supportive 19 9
Mixed or neutral 13 12
Fairly unsupportive 2 2
Very unsupportive 1 2

1 3

Don’t know/not applicable

Table 11. Support of Spouse/Boyfriend/Girlfriend for Army Career Pre-Training (in Percent)

How supportive is your spouse/boyfriend/

girlfriend of your being in the Army now? Males Females
Very supportive 24 38
Fairly supportive 19 13
Mixed or neutral 23 17
Fairly unsupportive 5 3
Very unsupportive 5 4

25 25

Don’t know/not applicable

A series of questions measuring soldiers’ commitment to the Army were included. Table 12
shows the levels of commitment to completing their full term of enlistment. Both males and
females report high levels of commitment to completing their full term of enlistment.

17



U.S. ARMY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
FOR THE BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

A Field Operating Agency Under the Jurisdiction
of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel

EDGAR M. JOHNSON
Director

ae
Technical review by

John Hayes
Directorate of Plans, Training and Mobilization
at Fort Jackson, South Carolina

NOTICES

DISTRIBUTION: Primary tribution of this report has been made by ARI. Please nddcess

_....... corresporidence conceming distribution of reports to: U.S. Army Resefrch Institute for the
Behavioral and S Sciences, ATTN: PERI-STP; i fer Ave., Alexandria, Virginia
22333-5600.

FINAL DISPOSITION: This report may be destroyed when it is no longer needed. Please do not
retum it to the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences.

NOTE: The findings in this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army
position, unless so designated by other authorized documents.



- Date:

Battalion:

Company : Time:

Gender of Group: Facilitator:
Note Taker:

Number in Group:

1. THE DRILL SERGEANT JOB

What are some of the best parts of being a drill sergeant?

What are some of the worst parts of being a drill sergeant?

PROBE:

* Do you feel "pressure" to meet battalion or brigade
goals for the APFT, BRM qualification, or graduation rates?

* If so, where does the pressure come from?
* Has anyone not met their goals? What happened?



ies)

NOTICE

The BASIC COMBAT TRAINING SURVEY collects information on a
wide range of issues important to the Army’s leadership, trainers, and
soldiers. The results of the survey are used by Army policy-makers to
assess policies and develop plans for providing the most effective basic
entry training possible for all soldiers.

READ CAREFULLY EACH QUESTION AND ALL THE POSSIBLE
ANSWERS before selecting your answer.

YOUR PARTICIPATION IS NEEDED. The Army needs information
from you in order to make informed decisions. Your participation in the
survey is voluntary. Failure to respond to any question will not result in
any penalty. However, your participation is encouraged so that the data will
be complete and representative. Your responses on the survey will be used
for research purposes only. They will not become a part of your permanent

record.

Prepared by:

ARMY PERSONNEL SURVEY OFFICE
U.S. Army Research Institute
for the Behavioral and Social Sciences
ATTN: PERI-RZD
5001 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22333-5600

PHONE: Commercial (703) 617-7801
DSN 667-7801
E-mail: APSO@alexandria-emh2.army.mil



NOTICE

4. The BASIC COMBAT TRAINING SURVEY II collects information

on a wide range of issues important to the Army, trainers, and

soldiers. The results of the survey are used by Army
policymakers to assess policies and develop plans for providing

basic entry training for all soldiers.

READ CAREFULLY EACH QUESTION AND ALL THE POSSIBLE

ANSWERS before selecting your answer.

. YOUR PARTICIPATION IS NEEDED. The Army needs information

from you in order to make informed decisions. Your
participation in the survey is voluntary. Failure to respond to

any question will not result in any penalty. However, your
participation is encouraged so that the data will be complete and

representative.

Prepared by:

ARMY PERSONNEL SURVEY OFFICE
U.S. Army Research institute
for the Behavioral and Social Sciences
ATTN: PERI-RZD
5001 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22333-5600

PHONE: Commercial (703) 617-7801
DSN 667-7801
E-mail: APSO@alexandria-emh2.army.mil

2



The 1995 pre-training soldier questionnaire (see Appendix A) consisted of 80 questions on
attitudes toward the Army, expectations of BCT, and demographic characteristics. An additional
60 item assessment of background and life experiences that is being tested as a potential
screening instrument was also included, but the analyses of those data are not part of this report.
The questionnaire was administered at the Reception Battalions of the respective sites.

The post-training questionnaire (see Appendix B) contained 123 questions on attitudes toward
the Army; expectations of basic training; equal opportunity; sexual harassment; equal treatment,
men and women in the Army; training experiences; and demographic characteristics. These
questionnaires were administered by ARI staff/contractors during the last week of the 8-week
training cycle. A total of 1,884 soldiers in the 1993 study, 867 in the 1994 study, and 1,212 in
the 1995 study completed the post-training questionnaires.

The drill sergeant questionnaire (see Appendix C) contained 84 questions on details of the
drill sergeant job; attitudes and opinions toward training in a gender-integrated environment;

opinions of their drill sergeant training; and background information.

The attrition questionnaire (see Appendix D) contained 65 questions asking soldiers their
expectations of civilian life and their Army experiences. In addition, they were asked to write in
responses about their reasons for leaving, what the Army could have done to better prepare them
for BCT, what the Army could have done to increase their chances of completing BCT, and if
there was anything they could have done to better prepare themselves for BCT. The attrition
questionnaires were distributed by the training battalion to soldiers who were leaving the Army
before completion of BCT. They were collected by the training officer of each battalion and
given to the ARI staff for analysis.

Most of the scales used on the questionnaires were 5-point Likert scales which ranged from 1
(strongly agree) to 5 (strongly disagree) with a neutral mid-point. For the data tables in this
report, scales were collapsed. “Strongly agree” and “agree” were combined and “disagree” and
“strongly disagree” were combined, yielding a 3-point scale with a neutral mid-point.

Focus Group Protocols and Procedures

An additional component of the study was the collection of qualitative information through a
series of focus group discussions. These discussions were conducted during the last week of the
8-week BCT course. Separate focus groups were conducted with male and female soldiers and
male and female drill sergeants.

Two protocols (see Appendices E and F) were designed for collecting qualitative data: (1) the
Trainee Focus Group Protocol; and (2) the Drill Sergeant Focus Group Protocol. Major topics
from the survey questionnaires were included in these protocols, providing an important link for
interpreting the survey results. Several new questions, not covered in the surveys, were added to
the protocols to identify the most and least effective training techniques and to elicit
recommendations for improving gender-integrated training.

7



Please rate yourself in each area listed below.

Very High

High |

Average | |

low | | |

Very Low | | | |

rida

55. Your level of physical fitness ABCDE
56. Your level of self-confidence ABCDE
57. Your degree of mental toughness ABCDE
58. Your ability to cope with stress ABCDE
59. Your ability to lead ABCDE
60. Your overall health ABCDE
61. Your ability to succeed in the Army ABCDE

62. Since you were 12 years old, to what extent have you participated in organized
activities (such as sports, community groups, school clubs, church groups, or
Boy/Girl Scouts?

Very great extent

Great extent

Moderate extent

Slight extent

Not at all

mMONe>

How do you feel about going through basic training in the Army?

Very Much

Moderately |

Somewhat | |

Not at all | {| |

oe

63. | feel calm ABCD
64. | feel nervous ABCD
65. | feel confident ABCD
66. | am worried ABCD



1ST TIMES

Bsc 8G! «MGI «8SGI
MALES FEMALES

Figure 9. Percent of male and female soldiers who passed the Individual Proficiency Tests on
the first attempt during Basic Combat Training

Post-Training Questionnaire Results

Many of the items in the 1993 and 1994 post-training questionnaires were also included in the
1995 study. For those replicated items, data for all three studies are displayed. Data unique to the
1995 study are shown for males and females only.

Data analyses include comparisons between: (1) males in the 1995 study and males in the
previous studies; (2) females in the 1995 study and females in the previous studies; (3) males and
females in the 1995 study; and (4) pre- and post-training results for males and females in the
1995 study.

Attitudes Toward the Army
As seen in Table 15, soldiers remained proud to be in the Army and believed the Army offers

opportunities for their personal development. There were no significant differences between type
of company (single-gender or gender-integrated), gender, or pre- post-administrations.

Both males and females reported they were satisfied/very satisfied with their choice to enlist
in the Army (Table 16). There were no significant differences among females, but males in the
“93 GI companies were significantly less satisfied than males in the “95 study (t = 4.032).

An additional question that was added to the 1995 study asked soldiers how pleased they were
with their decision to join the Army (Table 17). There were no significant differences between
males and females in the 1995 study. There were significant differences between responses in

24



APPENDIX D. ATTRITION QUESTIONNAIRE

101



Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

The 1995 study included questions on discrimination and sexual harassment. As shown in
Table 23, significantly more females than males reported they had been subjected to
discrimination during BCT (t = -2.92). Most of the difference lies in the area of gender
discrimination with 24% of the females reporting they had been subjected to gender

discrimination compared with 7% of the males reporting the same (t = 9.55).

The survey also included questions on sexual harassment, using the following definition of
sexual harassment (AR 600-20):

Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination that involves deliberate or
repeated unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other
verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Soldiers were then asked if they had experienced sexual harassment since their enlistment and
the places where this harassment had occurred. Table 24 shows the reported incidence of sexual

Table 23. Soldiers Subjected to Discrimination (in Percent)

Types of discrimination experienced? Males Females
None 74 66*
Racial 13 11
Religious 4 3
Gender 7 24*
National origin 2 2
Other (age, weight, etc.) 11 12

*Statistically significant at p<.01

harassment. Females were significantly more likely than males to report they had experienced
sexual harassment (t = -8.70). Most often the harassment occurred in the barracks or during
training activities. Other trainees accounted for most of the harassment with drill sergeants the
second most frequently mentioned source. About half of those who were harassed reported the
incident to their chain of command, with action being taken about half of the time.

In all three surveys, soldiers were asked about their perceptions of equality of treatment and
performance. Data for the gender-integrated companies for each year are shown in Table 25.
For both males and females, soldiers in the “95 GI companies were significantly more likely than
soldiers in the ‘93 GI or the ‘94 GI companies to report that males and females were expected to
achieve to the same standards, worked as hard in performing their tasks, performed equally well

in their assigned tasks, and worked well together as a team.

31



report some male drill sergeants expect less of female soldiers and treat female soldiers differently
than male soldiers, Female drill sergeants also report receiving unequal treatment at the Drill
Sergeant School and at their units. Training in these areas must reinforce Army policies and
values. Current training does not appear adequate for either soldiers or drill sergeants.

In the 1995 study, drill sergeants were split in their evaluation of gender-integrated BCT.
There is a difference between battalions and between Combat Arms and Combat Support/Combat
Service Support MOS drill sergeants. Drill sergeants believe gender-integrated BCT makes their
jobs more difficult--communication in the barracks is difficult to achieve and fraternization
between soldiers is more difficult to control. Battalions whose drill sergeants were most negative
about gender-integrated training have soldiers who report lower levels of soldierization. Also,
soldiers rate these drill sergeants lower on showing support for soldiers and for the platoon. A
command climate that supports gender-integration is essential to training success.

Drill sergeants believe that the Drill Sergeant Course does not adequately prepare them for
conducting gender-integrated BCT. The training procedures as well as the content of the DSC
need revision. At the DSC, drill sergeants are treated as privates by the Drill Sergeant Leaders
(course instructors). Drill sergeants request more emphasis on how to conduct training. For
example, treating drill sergeant candidates as privates at the firing ranges and “training” them to
fire is not the same as teaching drill sergeant candidates how to train privates who have never
handled a weapon how to fire. They also need more information on how to conduct gender-
integrated training. The current curriculum covers training differences between men and women,
but does not discuss how to train men and women together.

Soldiers who attrit from BCT were less committed to the Army and were less confident in
their abilities to perform in BCT and to cope with stress before they started training. Activities
that build confidence and teach soldiers how to cope with stress may prove useful. A film
showing BCT activities and how soldiers cope with the pressures to succeed could be shown at
the recruiting station or at the reception center to help prepare new soldiers for BCT.

Data from the 1995 study and from other training centers indicate that gender-integrated BCT
has not resulted in increased attrition.

Chain of command support is necessary for the continued success of gender-integrated BCT.
This includes the preparation of drill sergeants to work with and train female soldiers.

56



Table 18. Post-Training Expectations of Army Life (in Percent)
So far, how does Army life compare to your 7

expectations? Males Females
Much better than I expected 21 : 25
Somewhat better than I expected 31 34
About the same as I expected 37 32
Somewhat worse than I expected 9 8
Much worse than I expected 2 1

Morale, Teamwork, and Cohesion

Morale, camwork, c——_—*

A series of questions measured platoon and individual morale, teamwork and cohesion in all
three studies. The 1993 study found that males trained in gender-integrated companies and
females trained in single-gender companies reported lower rates of platoon morale, teamwork,
and cohesion than their counter-parts. ‘

As seen in Table 19, males in the ‘95 GI companies study reported significantly higher levels
of platoon morale than ‘93 GI males (t = 3.70), but as a group they were still lower than males in
the ‘93 SG companies (t = 2.976). Females in the ‘95 GI companies reported significantly
higher levels of platoon morale than females in the ‘93 SG companies. Overall, females in the
gender-integrated companies reported higher platoon morale than females in the single-gender
companies (t = 5.425). There were no significant differences in platoon morale for males and

females in the 1995 study.

There were no significant differences in reports of individual morale between training
companies or between males and females (Table 20). Individual morale is higher than reports of
platoon morale and have remained consistently high over the study period.

Six items were used to measure platoon teamwork (Table 21). These items were factor
analyzed using principal components analysis with an orthogonal rotation. The factor matrix
yielded a single factor which included all six items. All items were correlated at the .70 or above
level using Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient. A reliability analysis produced a
Cronbach’s alpha of .82, indicating the items are measuring the same construct. Item-total
correlation’s were all .72 or higher giving further evidence of the items forming a single measure

of teamwork. Similar analyses were conducted on each study group with comparable results.

27



SURVEY APPROVAL AUTHORITY: U.S. ARMY. RESEARCH INSTITUTE
FOR THE BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
SURVEY CONTROL NUMBER: PERI-AO-95-22A
RCS: MILPC-3

BASIC COMBAT
TRAINING
SURVEY

[ORIGINAL SURVEY WAS FOR OFFICIAL USE
ONLY. THIS APPENDIX IS UNLIMITED.|

1995



EX)
Before you enlisted, how much A Great Deal How important were each of the following in
influen ‘ou to join the Army? Extremely Important
ALo |
Some | 1 Very Important
Hl
ALitle | | \ Moderately Important |
ittle Impo rt
None/Nothing {| {| | 1 A little rant |
bo.) a4 Not at ail Important | | !
Horo o bot ren
Pyotr dot ryt
1, did knc bout the Army? hora
you know about the Army A BC D_ E | 45. oppornsnity to receive job training in chosen field © A BC D
2. did you know about BCT? A BC DE | 14. Opportunity to get and stay physically fit ABCD
3 i 15. Opportunity to eam a living ABCD
le ?
respect did you have for the Army? A B cD E | i, Opportunity to become more self-disciplined ABCD
17. Medical/dental care benefits ABCD
18. Opportunity to develop leadership skills ABCD
4. How much did Army life compare with your 19. Opportunity to visit foreign countries ABCD
expectations?
20. Job security ABCD
A. Much better than I expected 21. Opportunity to serve your country ABCD
B, Somewhat better than I expected 22. Adventure ABCD
C. About the same as I expected A .
D. Somewhat worse than I expected 23. Opportunity to receive educational benefits ABCD
E. Much worse than I expected 24. Opportunity to make new friends ABCD
25. Other (Please list) ABCD
5. If given the choice, would you choose to stay in the
Army?
1 How likely is it that you will be able to
A. L would DEFINITELY choose to STAY in the Army ing in civilian life? Extremely Like
B. I would PROBABLY choose to STAY in the Army do each of the following in cittian Ts* ely Like
C. I would DEFINITELY choose to LEAVE the Army Very Likely
DI would PROBABLY choose to LEAVE the Army Moderately Likely |
E. I don't know
A little Likely | |
F rot
Please rate how helpful each of the following Notacal Likely fT |
were in helping you try to stay in the Army. Pri
ot 1
pide
Extremely helpful 26. Receive job training in chosen field. ABCD
Very helpful | 27. Get and stay physically fit ABCD
Moderately helpful | | 28. Obtain a rewarding job ABCD
. 29. Become more seif-disciplined ABCT
A little helpful | | | . -
30. Receive medical/dental care benefits ABCT
Not at all helpful | {i | 31. Develop leadership skills ABCL
py rd 32. Visit foreign countries ABCLI
rrddd 33. Have job security ABCLI
6. Buddy ABCDE 34. Serve your country ABCLI
7. Members of your squad ABCDE 35. Have adventures ABCTLI
8. Members of your platoon ABCDE i ‘
. Receive educational ABCTI
9. Squad leader ABCDE 36. Receive educational benefits
10. Platoon leader ABCDE 37. Make new friends ABCI
11, Drill sergeant ABCDE 38. Other (Please list) ABCI
12. Company commander ABCDE



(t = 3.349), and in the chain of command working well (t= 3.539). There were no significant
differences between males and females on any of these questions..

The 1995 study added four questions to measure soldiers’ perceptions of their drill sergeants’
support for them personally (Table 35). Most male and females soldiers felt their drill sergeants
were understanding, supportive, and knew their soldiers’ capabilities. There were no significant
differences between males and females on any of these questions.

Table 33. Soldiers’ Ratings of DS Performance (Percent Agree/Strongly Agree)

Study Group
Males Females

Item ‘93 93 94 ‘95 93 ‘93. ‘94 ‘95

sc Gl Gt Gi sG Gl Gl Gi
The drill sergeants in my platoon g4* 72 75 73 84 82 74 75
work right along with their soldiers
under the same hardships in the
field.
The drill sergeants in my platoon 94 86 87 86 87 88 86 93

can show the soldiers how best to
perform a task.

Drill sergeants in my platoon keep 86* 76 #75 #74 83 83 81 79
themselves informed about the

progress soldiers are making in

their training.

“The drill sergeants in my platoon 97 86 90 89 88 88 88 93
really know their stuff.”

The drill sergeants in my platoon 93* 82 84 83 77 81 «85 85
are the kind that soldiers want to
serve under in combat.

Soldiers respect the drill sergeants 90* 79 #77 81 77 82 83 83
in my platoon. :

*Statistically significant at p<.01

37



YOUR EXPERIENCE IN: YOUR PLATOON

For the next several questions, please indicate the degree to which you agree or
disagree with the statement.

Strongly disagree
Disagree |
Neither agree nor disagree rot
Agree |} | i
Strongly agree; 1 tot
poate t
tora
74. In my platoon the soldiers really care about what port yy
happens to each other. ABCDE
72. Soldiers in my platoon can trust one another. ABCDE
73. Soldiers in my platoon feel very close to each other. ABCODE
74. Soldiers like being in this platoon. ABCDE
75. Soldiers in my platoon really respect one another. ABCODE
76. Soldiers in my platoon like one another. ABCDE
77. The soldiers in my platoon make each other feel like
doing a good job. ABCDE
78. The soldiers in my platoon work well together. ABCDE
79. Members of my platoon help each other to get
the job done. ABCODE
80. Members of my platoon encourage each other to
succeed during training. ABCODE
81. Members of my platoon work hard to get things done. ABCDE
82. Members of my platoon pull together and share
the load during training. ABCDE
83. Soldiers respect the drill sergeants in my platoon. ABCDE
84. When a soldier in my platoon goes for help, the drill sergeants
listen well and are concerned about what the soldier says. ABCDE
85. Drill sergeants in my platoon work weil together. ABCDE
86. When a soldier wants to talk, the drill sergeants make
ABCDE

themselves available.

10



CONTENTS (Continued)

TABLE

FIGURE

39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44,
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.

_ COMMON TASKS ON THE INDIVIDUAL PROFICIENCY TEST

LIST OF TABLES (CONTINUED)

OVERALL RATING OF TRAINING RECEIVED
DRILL SERGEANTS’ BACKGROUND INFORMATION
MAJOR PROBLEMS FOR DSS .........s::c:eseeesseteeeetseerietitses
DS’s ATTITUDES TOWARD GENDER-INTEGRATED TRAINING
DS’s ATTITUDES TOWARD NUMBER OF FEMALE DSS
DS’s LEARNED MORE EFFECT WAYS TO TRAIN
USEFULNESS OF DSC COURSE MATERIALS ..

QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION AT THE DSC.
DSC MADE ME MORE CONFIDENT AS DS
PREPARATION TO BE DS IN GI COMPANY .........--
OVERALL QUALITY OF DRILL SERGEANT SCHOOL
LEVEL OF DETAIL FOR DSC Topics an
REASONS ATTRITERS GAVE FOR LEAVING THE ARM

LIST OF FIGURES

PERCENT OF MALES AND FEMALES SCORING 50 OR MORE POINTS ON THE PUSH-UP, SIT-
UP AND RUN EVENTS ON THEIR FIRST (DIAGNOSTIC) ARMY PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST
(ABET) osescsssessessessnvevntanntncntnsvtvetnnsenntnnnnenetstntnnnnnnnestnenenenerstnt 19

_ PERCENT OF MALE AND FEMALE SOLDIERS WHO PASSED THE ARMY PHYSICAL FITNESS

TEST DURING BASIC COMBAT TRAINING (BCT) WITH SCORES OF 150 OR MORE
POINTS
PERCENT OF MALE AND FEMALE SOLDIERS WHO SCORED 60 OR MORE POINTS ON THE
PUSH-UP PORTION OF THE ARMY PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST DURING BASIC COMBAT

. PERCENT OF MALE AND FEMALE SOLDIERS WHO SCORED 60 OR MORE POINTS ON THE

SIT-UP PORTION OF THE ARMY PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST DURING BASIC COMBAT
TRAINING .occccccsccscssesecsvssvsseescsceecsessesecseesseeueesencacerensensascassaenetacenersesccacescsscasgnsenensts 22

. PERCENT OF MALE AND FEMALE SOLDIERS WHO SCORED 60 OR MORE POINTS ON THE

RUN PORTION OF THE ARMY PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST DURING BASIC COMBAT

TRAINING «ooo. ccscsccscssessesessessesecsesseeeesscsscsesuesecucecersnsessesssenssacnecacercenesscessrsesenacisnstestt# 22
PERCENT OF SOLDIERS WHO QUALIFIED AT BASIC RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP ON THEIR
FIRST ATTEMPT TO QUALIFY DURING BASIC COMBAT TRAINING........--+s2:-ssssesetteees 23

. PERCENT OF SOLDIERS WHO QUALIFIED ON BASIC RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP BY THE END

OF THE FIRST DAY OF QUALIFY FIRING DURING BASIC COMBAT TRAINING. ......--+0s+ 23

|. PERCENT OF MALE AND FEMALE SOLDIERS WHO PASSED THE INDIVIDUAL PROFICIENCY

TESTS ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT DURING BASIC COMBAT TRAINING. ........-++++-sseeessseey 24



FOREWORD

At the request of General Franks, then Commanding General of the U.S. Army Training and
Doctrine Command (TRADOC), the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social
Sciences conducted a progressive series of studies on squad-level, gender-integrated Basic

Combat Training (BCT).

The findings of Phase I conducted in the summer and fall of 1993 led to the decision by then
Chief of Staff, Army, General Gordon R. Sullivan, to integrate BCT at the squad level for Combat
Support and Combat Service Support military occupational specialties. Phase II confirmed that
gender-integrated basic training worked well at another training installation.

Phase III continued to collect data on the soldiers’ attitudes and their evaluation of their BCT
experiences, as well as examining attrition from BCT and physical conditioning of soldiers at entry
through graduation from BCT. It also examined drill sergeants’ attitudes concerning gender-
integrated training, their evaluation of the drill sergeant course, and their suggestions for
improving BCT. In addition, the study identified ways in which both BCT and drill sergeant

training could continue to improve.

Results from Phase I were briefed to General Franks and to General Sullivan. Results from
Phases II and III were briefed to the TRADOC Gender-Integrated Training General Officer
Steering Committee headed by the Deputy Chief of Staff for Training, TRADOC in January 1996.
The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs was also briefed.

U

EDGAR M. JOHNSON

ZITA M. SIMUTIS
Director

Technical Director



For all soldiers, parents/guardians remained very supportive of their being in the Army
(Table 28). There were no significant differences between males and females in the post-training

survey nor were there significant differences from pre- to post-training.

Table 28. Post-Training Parental Support for Army Career (in Percent)

How supportive are your parents/guardians of

your being in the Army now? Males Females
Very supportive 71 74
Fairly supportive 15 11
Mixed or neutral 10 10
Fairly unsupportive 2 1
Very unsupportive 1 1
Don’t know/not applicable 1 4

Although levels of support of spouses, boyfriends or girlfriends remain lower than that of
parents or guardians, the level of support for males and females remains consistent (Table 29).
There are no significant differences between males and females and from pre-to post-training.

In both the pre- and post-training surveys, soldiers were asked how committed they were to
completing their full term of enlistment. As seen in Table 30, commitment has remained high
and stable for both males and females. There were no significant differences in commitment
between males and females and from pre- to post-training.

Table 29. Post-Training Support of Spouse/Boyfriend/Girlfriend for Army Career (in Percent)

How supportive is your spouse/boyfriend/

girlfriend of your being in the Army now? Males Females
Very supportive 34 39
Fairly supportive 18 12
Mixed or neutral 17 13
Fairly unsupportive 3 3
Very unsupportive 5 3
Don’t know/not applicable : 23 31
34



MEN AND WOMEN IN THE ARMY

Use the scale below to indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following

statements:
Strongly disagree

Disagree

Neither agree nor disagree
Agree

Strongly agree

1

if
43. Women should be assigned to any Army jobs (MOS) i
for which they can pass a test to qualify. A

m------------

1

1
rot
tot
tot
tot
Io
tot
1 ot
tot
cD

w-----—-

44. Women would make just as good front line soldiers

as men if they were given the same training. ABCDE
45. If more women were placed in leadership positions,

the effectiveness of the Army would go down. ABCDE
46. The leadership of the Army should be largely in the

hands of men. ABCDE
47. \n the Army, men should be given preference

over women in being assigned to key jobs. ABCDE
48. On the average, women are smarter than men. ABCDE
49, On the average, men are more aggressive than women. ABCDE
50. Women can endure hard living conditions (like living

outdoors or in the field with little food, water,

and shelter) better than men. ABCDE
51. Men can better endure physical threats and danger

(like being shot at) than women. ABCDE
52. In general, women are more willing to risk their lives

for their friends and companions than men. ABCDE
53. Men usually perform better under mental stress (like

getting lost in a strange place and finding a way

out) than women. ABCDE
54. Women usually work better in groups than men. ABCDE



Please rate how helpful each of the following were in helping you to complete BCT.

7 Extremely helpful

Very helpful |

Moderately helpful | H

Alittle helpful | 1 1

Did not help at all yorob gy

yoror ott

Phot

25. Your buddy ABCDE

26. Members of your squad ABCODE

27. Members of your platoon ABCDE

28. Your squad leader(s) ABCODE

29. Your platoon guide(s) ABCODE

30. Your drill sergeants ABCDE

31. Your First Sergeant ABCDE

32. Your Company Commander ABCODE
Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following:

Strongly disagree

Disagree |

Neither agree nor disagree ro

Agree | i |

Strongly agree | i i |

toronto

tatu

33. My drill sergeants understand my problems and needs. ABCODE

34. My drill sergeants give me the help and support | need

to get the job done. ABCDE

35. My drill sergeants know what | am capable of doing. ABCDE

36. | usually know how satisfied my drill sergeants are with what | do. ABCODE

37. My drill sergeants do not tell me what they expect from me. ABCODE



The 1995 Gender Integration of
Basic Combat Training Study

Jacqueline A. Mottern, David A. Foster,
and Elizabeth J. Brady
U.S. Army Research Institute

Joanne Marshall-Mies
Swan Research, Inc.

19970310 068

United States Army Research Institute
for the Behavioral and Social Sciences

February 1997 ric qualsTy mnsenommp $

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.



PHASE III BASIC TRAINING
FOCUS GROUP PROTOCOL

SOLDIER PROTOCOL

INTRODUCTION
1. Good moming/aftemoon and thank you for coming. | am... and this is ...
2. Please fill out the name cards on the table. We only want your first name or any name

you choose to use. Names just make it easier for us to ask questions of specific
individuals during our discussion.

3. We work for the U.S. Army Research Institute in Virginia. The Army asked us to
talk to soldiers finishing Basic Training to get your opinions and attitudes toward
your training.

We are conducting several focus groups with soldiers at Fort Jackson and Fort Leonard
Wood. We asked your battalion to randomly select representatives from each company
to participate. We pian to spend one hour in our focus group.

4. INTRODUCE OBSERVERS. Our observers are part of the research team and are here
only to listen to your opinions.

GROUND RULES

1. There are a few ground rules associated with focus groups. First, the term
“focus group" is just another way of saying we're going to have a group
discussion. | will ask you to focus on various topics, and I'd appreciate hearing your
honest opinions. We want to hear all your ideas, opinions and comments.

2. The most important ground rule of a focus group is that there are no right or wrong
answers. Please feel free to say what's on your mind. If you don't agree with
someone else who's talking, please speak up. We want to know what all of you

think.

3. Concrete examples are helpful in our discussion, but please don't use any
actual names.

4. Everything you say in this room is confidential. You will never be identified by

anything you say. Some of your responses may be quoted in our reports, but we will
never use your name. We also request that you not repeat anything that is said
today. It is a confidential discussion.

HOW THE GROUP WORKS

4. ... is taking notes during the group, but that is only to help us remember the
points you make.

2. Since we have limited time, | may have to cut you off occasionally, to move on to
anew topic. We want to ensure we get your thoughts on ail the topics.

NOW ID LIKE TO ASK YOU YOUR NAME AND TELL US WHERE YOU'RE FROM.



Study Report 97-01

The 1995 Gender Integration of Basic Combat
Training Study

Jacqueline A. Mottern
David A. Foster
Elizabeth J. Brady

U.S. Army Research Institute

Joanne Marshal-Mies
Swan Research, Inc.

Army Personnel Survey Office
Morris P. Peterson, Chief

U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences
5001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22333-5600

Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel
Department of the Army

February 1997

el

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited



that

What

SOLDIER FOCUS GROUP PROTOCOL

Battalion:

Company:

Gender of Group:

Number in Group:

Number Peer Leaders in Group:

REACTIONS TO BASIC TRAINING (5 MIN)

You will graduate from BT this week.

happened?

* Training accomplishments (eg.,

* Meeting goals/overcoming fears (eg.,

* Learning self-discipline/control (eg.,

* Developing leadership skills (eg.,
* Friendships/people (eg.,

* Other

Date:

Time:
Facilitator:
Note Taker:

What are the best things

are the worst things that happened?

* Getting use to military life (eg.,

* Specific training events (eg.,

* Training not challenging (eg.,

* Lack of discipline & teamwork (eg.,

* Living arrangements & conditions (eg.,

* Negative attitudes of other trainees (eg.,
* Other



{SCORING 40+ POINTS

yr ee
FEMALES

Figure 5. Percent of male and female soldiers who scored 60 or more points on the sit-up portion
of the Army Physical Fitness Test during Basic Combat Training

‘% SCORING 60 + POINT

FEMALES

Figure 6. Percent of male and female soldiers who scored 60 or more points on the run portion
of the Army Physical Fitness Test during Basic Combat Training

22



BASIC COMBAT TRAINING EXPERIENCES

The next several questions ask your opinion about how male and female soldiers
performed during Basic Combat Training.

100.

101.

102.

103.

Do you think that male and female soldiers were expected to achieve to the same
standards (excluding PT requirements) during Basic Combat Training?

Male soldiers were expected to achieve much more.

Male soldiers were expected to achieve slightly more.

Both were expected to achieve to the same degree.

Female soldiers were expected to achieve slightly more.

Female soldiers were expected to achieve much more.

Not enough experience to say

mmMoOm>

Do you think that male and female soldiers worked as hard in performing their
assigned tasks during Basic Combat Training?

Male soldiers worked much harder.

Male soldiers worked slightly harder.

Male and female soldiers worked equally hard.

Female soldiers worked slightly harder.

Female soldiers worked much harder.

Not enough experience to say

mmoom>

Do you think that female and male soldiers performed equally as well in their
assigned tasks?

Female soldiers nearly always performed their assigned tasks better.

Female soldiers usually performed their assigned tasks better.

Female and male soldiers performed their assigned tasks equally well.

Male soldiers usually performed their assigned tasks better.

Male soldiers nearly always performed their assigned tasks better.

Not enough experience to say

mmooOMP

Do you think male drill sergeants equally encourage female and male soldiers to
succeed in BCT?

Female soldiers are encouraged much more.

Female soldiers are encouraged slightly more.

Female and male soldiers are equally encouraged to succeed.

Male soldiers are encouraged slightly more.

Male soldiers are encouraged much more.

Not enough experience to say

mmpom>

12



42. Since you enlisted in the Army, have YOU been sexually harassed?
MARK ALL THAT APPLY. 7

No: >GO TO QUESTION 46 ON PAGE 8.

Yes, at my Recruiting Station

Yes, at the Reception Center on post

Yes, during training activities

Yes, in the barracks

Yes, elsewhere on post

mmoom>

43. Who sexually harassed YOU. MOST RECENT INCIDENT. MARK ONE.
Drill Sergeant

First Sergeant

Officer in my chain of command

A non commissioned officer (NCO)

An enlisted person (not an NCO)

Another trainee

A civilian employee

Other

ronmoop>

44, Did you report the incident to your chain of command or other military authority?
MARK ONE.
A. Yes, but | am not aware of the results.
B. Yes, and something was done about it.
C. Yes, and nothing was done about it.
D. No, | handled it myself.
—. No, | didn’t think anyone would do anything about it.
F. No, it was a minor incident and didn't really bother me.
G. No, | was afraid of reprisals from the chain of command.

45. What type(s) of sexuai harassment have you experienced in the Army?
MARK ALL THAT APPLY.
A. Touching, leaning over, comering, pinching, or brushing against you

of a sexual nature

Sexually suggestive looks, gestures or body language

Pressure for sexual favors

Rape or attempted rape

Sexual assault

Letters or materials of a sexual nature

Pressure for dates

Teasing, jokes. remarks, whistles, cails, hoots or yells of a sexual nature

Attempts to get your involvement/participation in any other sexual activities

Other sexual harassment

TH LTaNMIOD

ba



Review of Literature

In 1976 the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel tasked the Training and
Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and
Social Sciences (ARI) with developing and field testing a new Program of Instruction (POI) for
Basic Initial Entry Training (BIET) as part of a study of women in the Army. The new POI set
the same standards for both males and females, with the exception of the APFT. For the first
time, a training battalion would consist of both male and female companies. Prior to this, training
battalions consisted of all male or all female companies.

The ARI study (Earl, 1978) focused on the attitudes and opinions of soldiers and training
cadre toward a wide range of issues concerning their training. The study recommended further
revision of the POI (especially the physical fitness training and test), integration of males and
females in companies with same gender platoons, and increasing the length of BIET to eight (from
seven) weeks, These recommendations were adopted.

In 1982, TRADOC announced that the Army was discontinuing gender integration of BCT.
No official statement has been found in the TRADOC historical archives that gives reasons or
rationale for this decision.

In 1991, the Commander, TRADOC requested that Fort McClellan develop a prototype for
Gender-Integrated Initial Entry Training. From 1 September 1991 through 31 August 1992, Fort
McClellan collected data from 3 battalions: one battalion integrated to the squad level and two
battalions integrated to platoon level. After tracking training performance, they reported “no
significant trend, positive or negative, associated with gender-integration.” Their
recommendation was to gender integrate BCT at the lowest possible level to parallel how soldiers
in these MOS will fight.

In 1992, the Navy conducted a pilot program to evaluate the feasibility of gender-integrated
companies at the Orlando training center. The Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute
(DEOMI) evaluated the success of the program and recommended that the Navy continue gender-
integrated training (Scarpate and O’Neill, 1992).

During the spring of 1993, the Commander, TRADOC tasked Fort Jackson, South Carolina
with running a test of squad level gender-integrated BCT. The logic behind this test was based on
the premise that “We train as we fight: If support forces will work and deploy as gender-
integrated units, then they should be trained in gender-integrated units.”

For the pilot study/test, Fort Jackson selected a training battalion to gender-integrate to the
squad level. They compared the training performance (scores on first-time-go rifle qualification,
individual proficiency tests, and final physical fitness tests for push-ups, sit-ups, and run times) of
males and females in single-gender and gender-integrated companies. Fort Jackson found no
differences in performance between males and females trained in single gender and gender-
integrated companies. Fort Jackson recommended no change to the current system. The

4



Table 46. Quality of Instruction at the DSC (in Percent)

The quality of instruction in the DSC was Drill Sergeants
excellent.
Agree/Strongly Agree 51
Neither Agree nor Disagree 20
Disagree/Strongly Disagree 29

Table 47. DSC Made Me More Confident as DS (in Percent)

‘As aresult of the DSC I am more confident in Drill Sergeants
my role as a Drill Sergeant.
Agree/Strongly Agree 41
Neither Agree nor Disagree 31
Disagree/Strongly Disagree 29

The DSC as of the summer of 1995 did not contain material that addressed topics related to
how to conduct gender-integrated training. While the course does discuss differences in training
males and females, it does not specifically deal with how to train males and females together.
Not surprisingly, 42% of the drill sergeants reported the DSC prepared them to a slight or no

extent (Table 48).

46



YOUR BACKGROUND

Counting this current training cycle, please indicate how many cycles of Basic

Training you have conducted for each of the types of platoons listed. (Include all

previous assignments as a Basic Training Drill Sergeant.)

a
o|T lr | Fle|s ]s |e | MORE |N
N|W|H]O I i) E 1 THAN | O
eE|/o|R| UY x | Vv |G] EIGHT | N
E R E E |] H E
E N | T
1. All male platoon aA|pjc{|o}]e|FL[G|H I J
2. All female platoon A|Bic]O — F Gil 1 J
3. Gender-integrated platoon B{cj}D E F GjH 1 J
4. Please indicate the total number of 7. How did you get your current
years you have been in the Army assignment as a drill sergeant?
(including prior service). A. | volunteered
A. 4 years or fewer B. | was selected
B. 5-6 years C. Not applicable
C. 7-8 years
D. 9-10 years
E. 11-12 years 8. Are you:
F. 13-14 years A. Male
G. 15-16 years B. Female
H. 17-18 years
I. 19-20 years
J. 20+ years 9, Please indicate your age group.
A. 25 or younger
B. 26-30
5. What is your MOS area? C. 31-35
A. Combat Arms D. 36-40
B. Combat Support E. 41-45
C. Combat Service Support FL 45+
6. What is your rank? 10. Are you:
A. First Sergeant : A. Married
B. Master Sergeant B. Single
C. Sergeant First Class C. Divorced
D. Staff Sergeant D. Separated
E. Sergeant



BACKGROUND INFORMATION

67. What was your age on your last 72. What is your current marital

68.

69.

birthday? status?

A. 17-18 years A. Single

B. 19-20 years B. Married

C. 21-22 years C. Legally separated

D. 23-24 years

£. 25-26 years

F. 27 or more years 73. How many dependent children do

Are you male or female?
A. Male
B. Female

Are you of Hispanic/Spanish
origin or ancestry (of any race)?
A. Yes

B. No

74.

you have? (Count all children for
which you have a financial
responsibility for half or more of

their support.)
A. 0

B. 1
Cc 2
dD. 3
BE 4
F. 5 or more

What was your ranking in your high

70. What is your racial background? school graduating class?
A. American Indian, Eskimo or A. Inthe top 5%
Aleut B. In the top 6% - 10%
B. Asian or Pacific Islander C. Inthe top 11% - 25%
Cc. Black D. In the top 26% - 50%
D. White E. Below the top 50%
F. My school did not have class
rankings
71. What is the highest level of G. I did not graduate from high
education you have completed? school

A. Some high school or less, but

no diploma, certificate or GED
B. High school diploma 75. In which of the following types
C. GED or other alternative of communities did you spend
D. From 1 to 2 years of college, most of your life?

but no degree

A. Rural - population less

. Associate degree than 500
F. From 3 to 4 years of college, B. Town - population 500 to
but no degree 25,000

G. Bachelor’s degree or higher

C. Suburb or small city -
population 25,000 to 100,000

D. Large city - population over
100,000



Table 19. Platoon Morale (in Percent)

Study Group
Males Females
Rating of current level of moralein ‘93 ‘93 ‘94 ‘95 ‘93 ‘93 ‘94 ‘95
your platoon sG Gl Gl Gl sc Gl Gl ad
High/Very high 67* 50* 63 58 36* 51 S155
Moderate 25 37 28 32 48 39 43 36
Low/Very low 8 13 8 9 16 10 6 10
* Statistically significant at p<.01
Table 20. Individual Morale (in Percent)
Study Group
Males Females
Rating of individual’s current level ‘93 ‘93 ‘94 ‘95 93 93 ‘94 ‘95
of morale sc al Gl Gl sG Gl Gl Gi
High/Very high 76 #72 ~«#«75~=«74 1 #67 «+66 «69
Moderate 20 22 «+19 20 24 28 «430 «28
Low/Very low 4 6 6 5 5 5 5 4
teamwork than males in the ‘93 Gl

Males in the ‘95 GI companies reported significantly more
companies (t = 3.721). On four of the six items, males in the ‘93 GI companies reported lower
amounts of teamwork in their platoons than did ‘95 GI males: soldiers make each other feel like
doing a good job (t= 4.277); soldiers work well together (t= 3.551); members help each get the
job done (t = 6.396); and members work hard to get things done (t = 4.528). On the item
“Members of my platoon encourage each other to succeed during training” the ‘95 GI males were
significantly lower the than the ‘93 SG males (t = 4.278).

Females in the ‘93 SG companies reported significantly less teamwork than females in the ‘95

d lower teamwork than

study (t = 7.612). In fact, females in the single-gender companies reporte
28



Table 36. BCT Was Harder/Easier Than Expected (in Percent)

Study Group
Males Females

Rating of the Hardness/Ease of ‘93 ‘93. ‘94. ‘95 93 93. 94 695
BCT* sc Gl Gl GI sc Gl Gl Ga
Harder than expected 13. =«7 14 22 25 10 24 30
About what was expected 17 8 17 20 13° 13° «10=«17
Easier than expected 70 85 69 58 62 77 66 53
*Statistically significant at p< .01
Table 37. How Hard Pushed During Training (in Percent)
Percent reporting they were pushed Males Females
Not at all 4 1
Not nearly hard enough 24 15
The right amount 62 70
Somewhat too hard 8 12
Much too hard 3 2

40



APPENDIX F. DRILL SERGEANT FOCUS GROUP PROTOCOL

119



Evaluation of the Drill Sergeant Course (DSC)

In the 1995 study, a section of the drill sergeant questionnaire was devoted to an evaluation of
the Drill Sergeant Course, a requirement for all drill sergeants. General information about drill
sergeant training and an assessment of the amount of detail that should be taught on the areas of

concentration currently in the DSC were asked.

Drill Sergeants gave the DSC mixed reviews. When asked if they learned more effective
ways to train soldiers in the DSC, 27% agreed/strongly agreed and 48% disagreed/strongly
disagree (Table 44). However, 43% reported the course materials they received had been very
useful (Table 45), 51% reported that the quality of instruction was excellent (Table 46), and 41%
said the course had made them more confident in their role as drill sergeant (Table 47).

Table 44. DS’s Learned More Effect Ways to Train (in Percent)

In the Drill Sergeants’ Course I learned more Drill Sergeants
effective ways to train soldiers.
Agree/Strongly Agree 27
Neither Agree nor Disagree 26
Disagree/Strongly Disagree 48

Table 45. Usefulness of DSC Course Materials (in Percent)

The course materials I received in the DSC have Drill Sergeants
been very useful to me.
Agree/Strongly Agree 43
Neither Agree nor Disagree 20
Disagree/Strongly Disagree 37

45



Table 38. Improved After Basic Combat Training (in Percent)

Study Group
Males Females

Compared to before you started BT,

each of the following areas 693 93 94.195 “93°93 ‘94°95
improved: sG GI Gl Gi sG Gl GI GI
Level of physical fitness 92 93 «8492. 95 94 90 93
Level of self-confidence 719 73 78 74 14. «73 #78 74
Degree of mental toughness 71 69 77 75 1 69 +79 73
Ability to cope with stress 67 62 70* 62 64 60 «63 «64
Ability to lead 64 60 66* 55 58 54 62 S57
Ability to succeed in the Army 7% #711 #77 «79 77 +78 84 80

*Statistically significant at p < .01

The 1995 survey asked soldiers to give an overall rating of the training they received during
BCT (Table 39). Most of the males (68%) and the females (75%) rated their training excellent or
above average. Few males (9%) or females (5%) rated their training below average.

Table 39. Overall Rating of Training Received (in Percent)
Overall, how would you rate the training you

have received during BCT? Males Females
Excellent 33 35
Above Average 35 40
Average 23 21
Fair 7 4
Poor 2 1

41



SURVEY APPROVAL AUTHORITY: U.S. ARMY RESEARCH INSTITUTE.
FOR THE BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
SURVEY CONTROL NUMBER: PERI-AO-95-22B
RCS: MILPC-3

BASIC COMBAT
TRAINING
SURVEY Il

1995



87.

88.

89.

90.
91.

92.

93.

94.

95.

96.

97.

98.

99.

Drill sergeants really understand the soldiers
in my platoon.

When asked for help in solving a personal problem,
drill sergeants in my platoon do their best to help out.

The drill sergeants in my platoon are the kind that
soldiers want to serve under in combat.

“The drill sergeants in my platoon really know their stuff."
The chain of command works well in my platoon.

The drill sergeants in my platoon keep their
soldiers well informed about what is going on.

The drill sergeants in my platoon can show the
soldiers how best to perform a task.

The drill sergeants in my platoon work right along with
their soldiers under the same hardships in the field.

Drill sergeants in my platoon keep themselves informed
about the progress soldiers are making in their training.

In my platoon, male drill sergeants discipline females less
severely than males for the same offense.

in my platoon, female drill sergeants discipline females less
severely than males for the same offense.

How would you rate the current level of morale in your platoon?
Very high

High

Moderate

Low

Very Low

xz moow>

low would you rate your current level of morale?
Very high

High

Moderate

Low

Very low

monopPr

11

Strongly disagree
Disagree {|
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
1

\
\
I
A

m__---

1
i
'
\
1
1
'
i
Cc

O__--------

m-_----------



Table 30. Post-Training Commitment to Completing Obligation (in Percent)

How committed are you to completing your full ~
term of enlistment? Males Females

Very strongly committed 62 63
Strongly committed 25 25
Moderately committed 9 10
Slightly committed 3 1
Not at all committed 1 1
Table 31. Effects of BCT on Commitment to Army Career (in Percent)

How has your commitment to an Army career

changed since you started BCT? Males Females
Much greater now 31 34
Somewhat greater now 29 25
About the same as it was when I started BCT 33 32
Somewhat less now 6 7
Much less now 2 2

The pre-training questionnaire asked if soldiers’ commitment to an Army career had changed
since signing their contract. The post-training questionnaire asks if their commitment has
changed since starting BCT (Table 31). Sixty percent of the males and 59% of the females
reported their commitment had increased since starting BCT.

The 1993 through 1995 studies included a question on career intent that asks if soldiers plan
to probably or definitely stay until retirement, probably or definitely stay beyond their current
obligation, or probably or definitely leave at the end of their current obligation. Table 32 shows
their career intentions. Intent has remained stable for males and for females during the study
period. There were no significant differences in intent for males or females regardless of the type
of training company, their gender, or from pre- to post-training.

Soldiers’ Ratings of their Drill Sergeants
The post-training questionnaires contained a series of questions that ask soldiers about their

drill sergeants. Using factor analysis, these items grouped into three factors: drill sergeant
performance, drill sergeant support for the platoon, and drill sergeant personal support.

35



4. PHYSICAL TRAINING

What was PT like? Do you feel it was challenging?
How often did you do PT?

How did your company compare to other companies in terms of

how challenging PT was?

PROBE
* How did the ability groups work? Were ability
£ fitness successful?

groups to "equalize" level o



I’m going to ask your opinions about a few things others
mentioned as possible changes to your training.

* More training in instructional techniques

* More training in topics formerly taught by CTC
* More information on effective PT for BIC

* Having more Master Fitness Trainers

Any other suggestions?

Do you have any suggestions for improving BCT?

have



REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE

1. REPORT DATE 2. REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED (from. . . to)
1997. February Final August 1993-September 1995
4, TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a, CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMBER
MDA903-93-D-0032_ 0004
The 1995 Gender Integration of Basic Combat Training Study 5b. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER
433709
6. AUTHOR(S) Sc. PROJECT NUMBER
N/A
Jacqueline A. Mottern. David A. Foster. Elizabeth J. Brady (ART): 5d, TASK NUMBER
and Joanne Marshall-Mies (Swan Research. Inc.) NA
5e. WORK UNIT NUMBER
7001
7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER
U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences
ATTN: PERI-PS
5001 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria. VA 22333-5600
9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. MONITOR ACRONYM
U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences ARI
5001 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22333-5600 41, MONITOR REPORT NUMBER
Study Report 97-01

12, DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
Approved for public release: distribution is unlimited.

143. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

44. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words):

This report summarizes a series of studies from 1993 through 1995 of the attitudes of soldiers-in-training and their training
cadre during squad-level, gender-integrated Basic Combat Training (BCT) for soldiers in Combat Support and Combat Service
Support military occupational specialties. During each of the three phases, soldiers completed a pre-training and post-training
questionnaire, and the training cadre completed a post-training questionnaire. A total of 3,963 soldiers and 277 training cadre
were surveyed. Focus groups were conducted with all-male and/or all-female groups from each of the participating companies
and with male and female training drill sergeants. Training performance and soldierization in a gender-integrated
environment were more positive for female soldiers and as positive as single-gender training for male soldiers. Preparation of
drill sergeants--especially training to work with and train female soldiers--is key to the success of gender-integrated BCT.
Chain of command support is necessary for continued success of gender-integrated training.

15. SUBJECT TERMS
Army Basic Training Gender-integrated Drill Sergeants
Attitudes Performance

“ SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF | 49, LIMITATION OF | 20. NUMBER | 21. RESPONSIBLE PERSON

ABSTRACT OF PAGES (Name and Telephone Number)

16. REPORT 147. ABSTRACT | 18. THIS PAGE 126

Unclassified | Unclassified | Unclassified | Unlimited



PLEASE WRITE YOUR RESPONSES DIRECTLY ON THIS SHEET. USE THE BACK IF NECESSARY.

61. What is/are the main reason(s) for your leaving the Army?

62. Is there anything the Army couid have done before BCT to better prepare you for entering BCT?

63. Is there anything the Army could have done during BCT that might have increased your chances of completing BCT?

64. Is there anything you could have done to better prepare yourself for entering BCT?



APPENDIX A. PRE-TRAINING QUESTIONNAIRE

59



_Table 41. Major Problems for DSs (In Percent)

How much of a problem are the following in Major Problem
performing your job as a drill sergeant?

Lack of washers/dryers for soldiers in the

barracks 55
Timely repairs/modifications in the barracks 48
Entry-level physical condition of female trainees 47
Having “to do more with less” 39
Controlling male-female relationships between 31

male and female soldiers

Table 42. DS’s Attitudes Toward Gender-Integrated Training (in Percent)

I believe BT for those MOS open to both men Drill Sergeants
and women should be conducted in gender-
integrated platoons.

Agree/Strongly Agree 33
Neither Agree nor Disagree 8
Disagree/Strongly Disagree 59

Table 43. DS’s Attitudes Toward Number of Female DSs (in Percent)

Having a female drill sergeant in each platoon is Drill Sergeants
important to training gender-integrated platoons.

Agree/Strongly Agree 54
Neither Agree nor Disagree 15
Disagree/Strongly Disagree 31

44



YOUR DRILL SERGEANT TRAINING

The next group of items asks you for your evaluation of the training you received in
the Drill Sergeants’ Course (DSC).

Strongly disagree
Disagree |
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree |
{
1

!
i
1

tol
rod
bot

55. In the DSC | learned more effective ways

to train soldiers. ABCDE
56. The course materials | received in the DSC

have been very useful to me. ABCDE
57. The quality of instruction in the DSC was excellent. ABCDE
58. Asa result of the DSC, | am more confident in my role as a

Drill Sergeant. ABCDE

59. To what extent did the DSC prepare you for your job as a drill sergeant in a
gender-integrated company?
A. Very great extent
B. Great extent
B. Moderate extent
C. Slight extent
D. No extent

60. Which Drill Sergeant School did you attend?
A. Fort Jackson
B. Fort Leonard Wood
C. Fort McClelland
D. Fort Benning
£. Other

61. Overall, how would you rate the quality of the DSC you attended?
A. Excellent
B. Good
C. Average
D. Fair
E. Poor



Table 12. Pre-Training Commitment to Completing Obligation (in Percent)

How committed are you to completing your full

term of enlistment? Males Females
Very strongly committed 63 67
Strongly committed 30 27
Moderately committed 5 4
Slightly committed 1 0
Not at all committed 1 1

Soldiers were asked if their commitment to an Army career had changed since signing their
Army contracts (Table 13). Both males and females were more likely to report that their levels
of commitment were somewhat greater (35% and 32%) and much greater (26% and 28%) than
when they signed their Army contracts.

Table 13. Change in Commitment to Army Career (in Percent)

How has your commitment to an Army career

changed since you signed your Army contract? Males Females
Much greater now 26 28
Somewhat greater now 35 32
About the same as it was when I signed 31 33
Somewhat less now 6 6
Much less now 2 1

Soldiers were also asked about their current Army career intentions. There were no
significant differences between males and females in their career intent (Table 14). While 43%
of the males and 38% of the females report they will probably or definitely stay in until
retirement, 31% of the males and 32% of the females report they will probably or definitely leave
the Army at the end of their obligation.

18



Included in the questionnaire were several questions that asked soldiers about their
expectations of the Army and of BCT and how confident they were that they could meet the
training challenges. Most the of the soldiers either reported their first few days of Army life to
be the same or better than they had expected (Table 5). Sixteen percent of the males and 17% of
the females thought Army life was worse than they expected.

Table 5. Pre-Training Expectations of Army Life (in Percent)

So far, how does Army life compare to your

expectations? Males Females
Much better than I expected 11 10
Somewhat better than I expected 27 27
About the same as I expected 47 46
Somewhat worse than I expected 13 14
Much worse than I expected 3 3

The level of confidence in their ability to perform certain tasks at BCT varied for males and.
females (Table 6). Both males and females expressed similar levels of confidence in their
abilities to get along with people from all walks of life, to live in close quarters, to be away from
their family and friends, and to adjust to the Army lifestyle. However, males were significantly
more likely to be confident in their abilities to perform physical tasks: completing 12-mile road
marches (t = -.83); complete fire and maneuver course (t=-10.0); qualify on a rifle
marksmanship test (t = -9.15); complete a 2-mile run (t = -6.99); complete the required push-ups
on the APFT test (t = -7.92); throw a live grenade (t= -8.79); and climb a vertical ladder that is
several stories high (t = -7.89).

The only physical activity the females were as confident in their ability to perform as males
was completing the required number of sit-ups on the APFT test. This was surprising given the
soldiers’ reports of physical activities they had performed in the month before they came to BCT
(Table 7). While the types of activities showed some variation by gender, there was no
significant difference in the number of males and females who reported doing some activity to
help prepare them physically for BCT.

14



If you had completed BCT, how likely is it
that you would have been able to do each

of the following in the Army?

39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
. Develop jeadership skills
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.

§2.

Moderately Likely
A litle Likely}
Not at all Likely

Receive job training in chosen field.
Get and stay physically fit

Obtain a rewarding job

Become more self-disciplined
Receive medical/dental care benefits

Visit foreign countries

Have job security

Serve your country

Have adventures

Receive educational benefits
Make new friends

\
!
1
c
Cc
c
Cc
Cc
Cc
Cc
c
Cc
c
c
Cc

Other (Please list) Cc

nl
'
n
1
\
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B

Pe a

During BCT, did you receive deliberate or repeated unwelcome

Extremely Likely
Very Likely

;
i

i
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E

sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or other verbal or

physical conduct of a sexual nature?

A. Yes
B. No

> GO TO QUESTION 55

|. Who initiated these deliberate or repeated unwelcome sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or other verbal or

physical conduct of a sexual nature?

A. An officer

B. A drill sergeant

C. An enlisted person

D. Another soldier in wraining
E. Someone else

54, Did you report the incident to your chain of command 0
other military authority? MARK ONE.

A. Yes, but [ am not aware of the results.

B. Yes, and something was done.

C. Yes, and nothing was done about it.

D. No, I handled it myself.

E. No, I didn’t think anyone would do anything about it.
F. No, it was a minor incident and didn’t really bother me.
G. No, I was afraid of reprisals from the chain of comman

55. During BCT, have you been subjected to discrimination
MARK ALL THAT APPLY

A. No

B. Yes, racial

C. Yes, religious

D. Yes, gender (sex)

E. Yes, national origin

F. Yes, other (age, weight, etc.)

56. During physical training, how hard were you "pushed"

A. I was not pushed at all

B. I was not pushed nearly hard enough
C. I was pushed the right amount

D. I was pushed somewhat too hard

E. I was pushed much too hard

How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the amount of:

Very Satisfie:

Satisfied

Dissatisfied |

Very Dissatisfied {| |

No Opinion | | |
bhdb

57. showers available in the barracks ABCD
58. latrines available in the barracks ABCD
59. latrines available in the field ABCD
60. privacy you had in the barracks ABCD



Table 16. Satisfaction with Choice to Enlist--Post-Training (in Percent)

Study Group
Males Females
How satisfied are you with your “93 93 ‘94 ‘95 ‘93 93 ‘94 ‘95
choice to enlist in the Army? sc Gl Gl Gl sc Gl @ Ga
Satisfied/Very satisfied 90 68* 89 86 87 87 85 84
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied 8 17 9 12 8 6 10 13
Dissatisfied/Very dissatisfied 2 16 2 2 4 7 5 3

*Statistically significant at p>01

Table 17. Pleased with Decision to Join the Ammny--Post-Training (in Percent)

How pleased are you with your decision to join

the Army? Males Females
Extremely pleased 49 53
Somewhat pleased 34 29
Not sure 12 12
Somewhat displeased 4 4
Extremely displeased 2 1

Another item unique to the 1995 study asked how Amny life compared to their expectations
(Table 18). Again, there were no significant gender differences but there were significant
differences from the pre- to post-training responses. After BCT, males (t = 2.871) and females
(t = 3.752) were more likely to report Army life was better than they expected.

26



Think about all of your drill sergeants and the training you
received here at BT? What kinds of things did the drill
sergeants do that really helped you to improve your ability/
learn a skill/task?

What did they do that really demoralized you or hindered your
progress?

LIVING CONDITIONS (5 MIN)

What were your living quarters like?

PROBE
. Lack of privacy?
* Communication within platoon/squad?
* Communication between males and females in
platoon/squad?

* Availability of showers/latrines?
Positive aspects?
- Negative aspects?

*



Table 51. Reasons Attriters Gave for Leaving the Army (in Percent)

What is/are the main reason(s) for your leaving Percent

the Army?
Pre-existing medical condition 39
Failure to adapt 21
Injury during training 18
Personal/family problems 9
Mental stress 7
Unable to pass qualifications 5

Attritees were asked “Is there anything the Army could have done before BCT to better
prepare you for entering BCT?” In general, attritees felt the Army could have provided the
trainees with more information about BCT prior to the start of training in terms of providing
realistic expectations of training and providing them with suggestions for physical conditioning.

Attritees were also asked “Is there anything you could have done to better prepare yourself for
entering BCT?” The most common response was that they could have prepared themselves

better physically prior to BCT.

Attritees were asked “Is there anything the Army could have done during BCT that might
have increased your chances of completing BCT?” The attritees indicated that the Army should
attempt to minimize the severity of training injuries by early identification and treatment of
injured trainees.

50



3. Were all of the soldiers in your platoon treated equally,
without regard to:

Race or ethnicity?
Gender?

Religion?
National origin?

* Who was treating them differently?

* Circumstances?
* Did anyone report the incident? Why or why not?
4

Were soldiers expected to achieve to the same standard?
Were soldiers equally encouraged?

Did you see any soldiers in your company being sexually
harassed?

* If yes, how often did this occur?
Did anyone report the incident to a superior?
Was the person doing the harassing a trainee? DS? Who?



76.

77.

78.

79.

80.

81.

What component of the Army did you join?
A. Army Reserve

B. Regular Army

C. National Guard

In the month before you came to Basic Training, did you do any of the following
physical activities to prepare yourself? MARK ALL THAT APPLY.

| walked/ran/did aerobics several times a week.

| did exercises to strengthen my upper body several times a week.

| did sit-ups/crunches several times a week.

| did some other kind of exercise several times a week.

No

mONS>

Were you employed in the 12 months before you entered the Army?
A. No, | was a student and did not work,

B. No

C. Yes, full-time

D. Yes, part-time

If you were employed before you entered the Army, what was your
yearly income then?

A. — Less than $10,000

B. $10,000 to $14,999

C. $15,000 to $24,999

D. $25,000 or more

E. Was not employed

Do you expect to be better off financially as a result of joining the Army?
A. Yes, much better off

B. Yes, somewhat better off

C. Yes, but only slightly better off
D. No, | expect little change

E. No, | will be worse off financially

Did you live at home with your parents/guardians in the 12 months before you
entered the Army?

A. Yes, for 6 months or less

B. Yes, for more than 6 months

Cc. No

THIS IS THE END OF THE SURVEY.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION.

10



‘An assessment of entry-level physical condition gives drill sergeants information about the
condition of individual soldiers as well as that of their platoon. Also, run times are used to
assign soldiers to run groups. By grouping soldiers with similar times, soldiers are able to
achieve aerobic conditioning regardless of their entry-level condition.

As shown in Figure 2, males were more likely than females to score at least 50 points in push-
ups, sit-ups and run. Both males and females performed better in the run than in the other two
events.

Training Performance

Measures of training performance used are: (1) percent of soldiers scoring at least 50 points
on each of three events on the final Army Physical Fitness Test; (2) percent of soldiers qualifying
on the Basic Rifle Marksmanship test; and (3) percent of soldiers achieving a first-time-go on
end-of-cycle Individual Proficiency Tests.

Data for males and females in the 1993 single-gender companies (‘93 SG), the 1993 gender-
integrated companies (‘93 GI), the 1994 gender-integrated companies (‘94 GI), and the 1995
gender-integrated companies (“95 GI) are included in tables.

As seen in Figure 3, almost all soldiers are able to pass their end-of-cycle APFT (150 points).

From AIT throughout their Army career, soldiers must score at least 60 points in each of the
events (push-ups, sit-ups, and run) for a total of 180 points. The percent of soldiers scoring at
this level for each of these events is shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6. In Figure 4, males in the ‘95
GI companies were less likely to score 60 points in the push-up event, but females in the ‘95
study continued to excel. As seen in Figure 5, males and females in the ‘95 GI companies were
more likely to achieve 60 points in the sit-up event. Both the males and the females in the ‘95 GI
companies were more likely to score at least 60 points in the 2-mile run (Figure 6). Overall,
females in the ‘95 GI companies performed better than females in the other companies on all
three events. Males in the ‘95 GI companies did better on 2 of the 3 events.

Soldiers in the 1995 study did not perform as well as soldiers in the previous studies on first-
time-go on BRM qualification (Figure 7). However, end-of-day-go rates are consistent with
those from the 1993 and 1994 studies (Figure 8).

A high percentage of soldiers in all companies scored first-time-go on the end-of-cycle tests
(Figure 9). Both males and females performed equally well.

20



SURVEY APPROVAL AUTHORITY: U.S. ARMY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
FOR THE BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
SURVEY CONTROL NUMBER: PERI-AO-95-22C
RCS: MILPC-3

DRILL SERGEANT

SURVEY

1995



TASK ANALYSIS OF A MOBILITY AND SURVIVABILITY CRITICAL COMBAT
FUNCTION AS ACCOMPLISHED BY A BRIGADE

INTRODUCTION

The Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948 established the permanent status of
women in the armed services. Since that time, changes to this policy have further defined the
roles of men and women in the military. One such change occurred in 1994 when the Chief of
Staff, Army ordered that Army Basic Combat Training (BCT) for soldiers entering Combat
Support (CS) and Combat Service Support (CSS) Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) be
conducted in a gender-integrated environment.

Basic Combat Training Course

Basic Combat Training, the first 8 weeks of life for soldiers, is designed to teach the rudiments
of soldiering. Once BCT is completed, soldiers attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT)--the
second and final step of initial entry training. Training at AIT varies in length and focuses on
soldiers’ learning a military occupational specialty, such as legal assistance or light- and heavy-
wheeled vehicle repair. After AIT, soldiers are assigned to an Army unit. Prior to August, 1994,
soldiers in CS and CSS MOS were assigned to single-gender (all male or all female) training
companies for BCT, and were gender-integrated during their AIT. Soldiers in the military police
MOS are gender-integrated from the day they begin Army training, receiving one-station
individual training (OSIT) which combines Basic Combat Training and AIT in an integrated
environment.

The BCT course is 8 weeks long and is designed to teach “soldierization”. “Soldierization is a
tough, comprehensive process that transforms civilians into soldiers. Its hallmark is the standard
that IET soldiers are to be taught and expected to think, look, and act as soldiers always (IAW
TR 350-6).” When individuals join the Army, they are transported to one of the Army’s training
centers to begin training. Upon arrival, recruits are in-processed through a reception battalion.

At the reception battalion, male and female soldiers are assigned to single-gender (all male or all
female) platoons and are housed in separate barracks. These platoons contain about 50-60
soldiers each, and are the basic organizational unit for managing the flow of soldiers through the
reception battalion. At the reception battalion, soldiers receive a general orientation, complete
various personnel, financial and medical records, receive immunizations, and are screened for their
ability to complete push-ups.

Male soldiers must perform 13 push-ups and female soldiers must perform 1 push-up in order
to advance to a training battalion. Ifa soldier is not able to perform the required push-ups, he/she
may be assigned to a fitness training company. While assigned to the fitness company, the soldier
receives fitness training and participates in fitness activities. A soldier has up to 21 days to
successfully achieve the fitness standard of the fitness company. Male soldiers must complete 20
push-ups and female soldiers must complete 6 push-ups in order to advance to a training

1



APPENDIX B. POST-TRAINING QUESTIONNAIRE

71



EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Equal opportunity refers to the fair, just, and equitable treatment of all soldiers and family

members, regardless of race, religion, gender (sex), Or national ongin.

38. During BCT, have you been subjected to discrimination?
MARK ALL THAT APPLY.

No

Yes, racial

Yes, religious

Yes, gender (sex)

Yes, national origin

Yes, other (age, weight, etc.)

TMOOMP

39. Did your race influence whether you got a fair deal in your company?

No, my race had no influence
Yes, a positive influence
Yes, a negative influence

Do not know

pomPr

40. Did your gender (sex) influence whether you got a fair deal in your company?

| A. _ No, my gender had no influence
| B. Yes, a positive influence

| C. Yes, a negative influence

D. Do not know
|

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

t involves deliberate or repeated

Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination thai
and other verbal or physical

unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors,
conduct of a sexual nature (AR 600-20).

41, Have you observed sexual harassment at the Reception Battalion or in your
training company during BCT?

No

Yes, 1 time

Yes, 2 times

Yes, 3 times

Yes, 4 or more times

moom>



Soldiers who attrit from BCT were less committed to the Army and were less confident in
their abilities to perform in BCT before they started training. Data from the training center does
not indicate that gender-integrated BCT has resulted in increased attrition.

Utilization of Findings:

In 1994, the Chief of Staff, Army and the Secretary of the Army agreed that gender-integrated
BCT should be permanent. The Secretary of Defense approved the Army’s plan on 28 July 1994.
Excerpts of the drill sergeant data from the 1995 study was provided to Fort Jackson for use in

drill sergeant training.

|
|
ix



2. TRAINING EXPECTATIONS AND EXPERIENCES (15 MIN)

What were some of your expectations before you started
training?

Did BT meet these expectations? Why/why not?

How did the soldiers in your squad get along? In your
platoon?

PROBE

Teamwork?

Competition?
Cooperation/helping others?
Respect for one another?

+e ee

How were peer leaders chosen in your platoon?

How did it work to have both male and female peer leaders?



EXPECT “ATIONS OF BASIC TRAINING

Basic Training demanded that you perform many new activities and live closely with
other soldiers. How easy/difficult were the following for you to do:

Much more difficult than | expected
Somewhat more difficult than | expected
About the same as | expected
Somewhat easier than | expected

Much easier than | expected

\

'

f
\

\
rid
rid

42. Get along with people from all walks of life? AB D
D
D

1

1

1

1 1

fr \

\ \

1 1

\ \

i i

Cc E

43. Complete road marches of up to 10 kilometers? ABC E

44. Live in close quarters with many other people? ABC E

45, Remain calm under stress? ABCDE

46. Hit enough targets to qualify on the rifle marksmanship test? ABCODE

47. Be away from your family and friends? ABCODE
48. Complete the 2-mile run on your final Army physical fitness

test (APFT) in the time allowed? ABCDE

149. Complete the required push-ups on your final APFT? ABCODE

20. Complete the required sit-ups on your final APFT? ABCDE

21. Adapt to the disciplined lifestyle of the Army? ABCDE

22. Throw a live hand grenade into an enemy position? ABCODE

ABCODE

23. Complete the requirements of Basic Training?

24. Which of the following activities would you recommend to prepare people like
yourself for Basic Training? MARK ALL THAT APPLY.

Walk/run/do aerobics several times a week before starting BCT.

Do exercisesilift weights to strengthen the upper body before BCT.

Do sit-ups/crunches several times a week before BCT.

Do some other form of exercise several times a week before BCT.

Lose weight.

moOOD>r



APPENDIX E. SOLDIER FOCUS GROUP PROTOCOL

107



115.

116.

117.

118.

119.

Overall, how would you rate the
training you have received during
BCT?

Excellent

Above Average

Average

Fair

Poor

moOoOD>

How committed are you to
completing your full term of
enlistment?

A. Very strongly committed
B. Strongly committed

C. Moderately committed

D. Slightly committed

E. Not at all committed

How has your commitment to an
Army career changed since you
started BCT?

Much greater now

Somewhat greater now

About the same as it was when |
started BCT

Somewhat less now

Much less now

mo Op>

How supportive are your
parents/guardians of your being
in the Army now?

Very supportive

Fairly supportive

Mixed or neutral

Fairly unsupportive

Very unsupportive

Don’t know/not applicable

mmoom>

How supportive is your
spouse/boyfriend/girifriend of
your being in the Army now?
Very supportive

Fairly supportive

Mixed or neutral

Fairly unsupportive

Very unsupportive

Don't know/not applicable

mmoom>

15.

120.

121.

122.

123.

How pleased are you with your
decision to join the Army?
Extremely pleased
Somewhat pleased

Not sure

Somewhat displeased
Extremely displeased

moom>

How confident are you that you
will be able to adapt to the
disciplined lifestyle of the Army?
A. Extremely confident

Very confident

Moderately confident

Slightly confident

Not at all confident

moom

How confident are you that you
will be able to complete your full
term of enlistment?

Extremely confident

Very confident

Moderately confident

Slightly confident

Not at ail confident

moom>

How confident are you that you
will be able to perform well in
your AIT?

Extremely confident

Very confident

Moderately confident

Slightly confident

Not at ail confident

moom>

THANK YOU FOR COMPLETING THIS
IMPORTANT SURVEY!



Impact of Gender-Integrated Training on Physical Performance

Soldiers trained in gender-integrated companies have performed as well, if not better than
soldiers trained in all male or all female companies. In fact, females trained in gender-integrated
companies performed better in all three APFT events than did the all female companies. Males in
gender-integrated companies performed better on sit-ups and run, with males in single-gender
companies performing better in the push-up event. Almost all soldiers were able to pass the
APFT at the BCT level by the end of BCT.

Soldiers reported great variation in the frequency and types of activities of PT. For example,
some ran more frequently or greater distances than others. Also, most platoons separated soldiers
into ability groups for running. Soldiers who were in ability groups reported that these groups
worked well and helped them improve their running skills. However, not all platoons used ability
groups and those that did have them used them in different ways. Some platoons used ability
groups most of the time; others used them infrequently or only during the first 2-3 weeks of
training.

According to comments made during the focus groups, many soldiers considered PT to be
challenging. The soldiers who began BCT less fit often noted how much they had improved
during the 8 weeks of training. For soldiers who were very physically fit at the beginning of BCT,
PT was too easy. They were accustomed to longer, faster runs or more physical workouts than
BCT provided. Some of the males complained that the females slowed them down during PT;
however, males in all male companies that did not use ability run groups had the same complaints
about other males.

Effects of Gender-Integrated Training on Soldierization

Soldiers were very positive about the Army when they began training and remained positive at
the end of BCT. There were no differences between soldiers trained in gender-integrated or
single-gender companies. This suggests that BCT is building on and promoting the pride and
commitment to the Army the soldiers bring to BCT.

Levels of teamwork and cohesion improved for females in the 795 gender-integrated
companies compared with females in single-gender companies. Comments from females indicate
that they feel most challenged by training with males and that drill sergeants push them harder in
gender-integrated companies.

Levels of teamwork and cohesion remained stable for males in the ‘95 gender-integrated
companies compared with males in single-gender companies. In the focus group discussions, both
males and females described how they helped each other during training activities, motivated each
other, and--in so doing--gained respect for each other.

There were negative comments, however. These comments were split between concerns
about soldiers’ lack of respect for one another and conflicts between male and female soldiers.

52



Table 50. Level of Detail for DSC Topics (in Percent)

Level of detail needed for each of the areas of Not enough About right Too detailed
concentration taught in the Drill Sergeants’ Course detail level of detail

Trainee stress management 32 63 5
Drill Sergeant stress management 40 50 10
Drill Sergeant leadership 24 67 9
Motivating BT soldiers 32 58 10
Drill Sergeant ethics 29 57 14
Personal counseling 21 65 13
Performance counseling 24 63 13
Fitness training procedures 28 54 18
Principles of exercise 16 mi 12
Injury reduction 43 50 7
‘Weapons training 28 60 12
Drill and ceremony 12 65 22
Methods of instruction 26 56 18
Hand Grenades 19 7 9
Rifle Bayonet 19 68 12
Pugil Training 16 71 12
Unarmed Combat 25 68 7
BT POI, Soldier’s Handbook 33 56 Bt
IET policies and administration 35 59 6
Behavioral characteristics of female soldiers 50 48 2
Impact of physical differences on training _ 38 59 3
Techniques to manage impact of behavioral 43 54 3
differences

Tactical training 52 40 7

48



FINDINGS

Results from the 1995 pre-training questionnaire, the post-training questionnaire, the drill
sergeant questionnaire, and the attrition questionnaire are presented below. Where there are
comparative data from the 1993 and 1994 soldier questionnaires, data for males and females
from each survey period are shown. On items unique to the 1995 soldier questionnaires, only
1995 data for males and females are shown. While the 1995 study soldier data showed
significant differences between the three battalions in the sample on many performance and
attitudinal measures, this report will focus only on the total 1995 data base and will not report
data for each battalion. Because the attrition questionnaire was first added in the 1995 study, and
most of the drill sergeant questionnaire was new in the 1995 study, comparable data from 1993

and 1994 are not available.

1995 Pre-Training Questionnaire

A total of 1,842 completed questionnaires were received from soldiers assigned to the sample
companies at the Reception Battalions. This represents 99% of the soldiers eligible to receive a
questionnaire.

Background Information
Background information on the respondents is shown in Tables 1 and 2. Of those completing

the pre-training questionnaire, 74% were males and 26% were females. Significantly more males
(77%) than females (60%) were white; 32% of the females and 16% of the males were black.
Age and education level are skewed due to the large number of young high school students who
were in the split-option program. Under this program, high school students who have signed an
Amy contract can complete BCT during the summer between their junior and senior years of
high school. After graduation, they attend AIT during the following summer. In our sample,
32% of the males and 28% of the females were in the split-option program.

There were no gender differences in marital status or having dependent children--about 90%
of both males and females reported they were single with no dependents. There were no
significant gender differences in education level completed.

There were no gender differences in type of community soldiers grew up in, whether or not
they lived at home before entering the Army, and their employment status before entering the
Army. Most of the sample came from towns or suburbs/small cities, had lived at home before

then entered the Army, and had a part-time or full-time job before entry.

10



Table 35. Soldiers’ Ratings of DS Personal Support (Percent Agree/Strongly Agree)

Items Males Females
My drill sergeants understand my problems and 53 53
needs.

My drill sergeants give me the help and support I 62 67
need to get the job done.

My drill sergeants know what I am capable of 66 70
doing.

T usually know how satisfied my drill sergeants 57 58

are with what I do.

Soldiers’ Opinions of their Training
Soldiers were asked to evaluate their training on the basis of how hard/easy it was, if they

improved in their abilities, how hard they were pushed during training, and an overall assessment
of their training.

Overall, males in the ‘95 GI companies were more likely than males in the ‘93 SG companies
(t= 4.039), the 93 GI companies (t = 12.75) or the ‘94 GI companies (t = 4.798) to report
training was harder then they had expected (Table 36). The females in the ‘95 GI companies also
were likely than the ‘93 SG companies (t = 3.874), the ‘93 GI companies (t= 7.7), or the ‘94 GI
companies (t = 3.932) to report BCT was harder than they expected.

There were no significant differences between males and females on this item.

Most of the males (62%) and females (70%) in the 1995 study reported they were pushed the
right amount during training (Table 37). Although males were more likely than females to
report they had not been pushed hard enough, there was no statistically significant difference.

A series of questions asked soldiers if they had improved, stayed the same, or gotten worse in
several areas (Table 38). Overall, most soldiers reported they had improved their levels of
physical fitness, self-confidence, degree of mental toughness, ability to cope with stress, ability
to lead, and their ability to succeed in the Army. The only statistically significant differences
were between the ‘95 GI males and the ‘94 GI males in their ability to cope with stress (t=
2.904) and their ability to lead (t = 4.113). Males in the ‘94 GI companies were more likely than
males in the ‘95 GI companies to report they had improved in these areas.

There were no significant differences among females on any of these items, nor were there
any significant differences between males and females in the 1995 study.

39



Table 40. Drill Sergeants’ Background Information (in Percent)

Ttems Drill Sergeants
Gender
Males 84
Females 16
MOS
Combat Arms 69
Combat Support 8
Combat Service Support 23
Marital Status
Single 6
Married 79
Legally separated 6
Divorced
How Became DS
Volunteered 42
Board Selected 58
Rank
First Sergeant
Master Sergeant 0
Sergeant First Class 19
Staff Sergeant 76
Sergeant 5

43



ATTITUDES TOWARD THE: ARMY

Please indicate whether you ag

10.

11.

ree or disagree with the following statements.

Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree H

Agree
Strongly agree

H
\
'
The Army offers you the opportunity to develop H
A

leadership skills.

The Army offers the opportunity to develop self-confidence. A
The Army offers the opportunity to develop your potential. A
The Army experience helps you to develop into a

responsible, mature person. A
| am proud to be in the Army. A
| feel | can make a positive contribution to the Army. A
| am looking forward to being a part of the Army team. A
The Army provides the opportunity to get and stay

physically fit. A
The Army provides a place where you can get away A

from problems with family and/or friends.

How satisfied are you with your choice to enlist in the Army?

A. Very satisfied

B. Satisfied

C. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
D. Dissatisfied

E. Very dissatisfied

So far, how does Army life compare to your expectations?
Much better than | expected

Somewhat better than | expected

About the same as | expected

Somewhat worse than | expected

Much worse than | expected

moom>

o W__-----

oO

1
\
Cc
c
Cc

oa 90 0
0 Oo OO 9D

1
1
\
1
1
'
1
i
1
H
\
D
D
D

f
'
'
'
\

E

E

E

E
E
E
E



Commander, TRADOC then requested that ARI study the attitudes and opinions of soldiers and
drill sergeants toward gender-integrated training.

The 1993 ARI study was conducted at a large training center and included soldiers-in-training
from two battalions. In each battalion, there were all male, all female, and gender-integrated
companies (integrated down to the squad level) Compared with single gender companies,
training performance greatly improved for females in the gender-integrated companies, while
training performance for males in the gender-integrated companies was slightly decreased.

The 1994 ARI study was conducted at a second training center with a battalion that was
gender-integrated to the squad level. The training battalion used information from the 1993 study
to “trouble shoot” the implementation of gender-integrated training and involved the training
cadre in planning the program. The Program of Instruction (POI) was not changed to
accommodate gender-integrated training nor were the standards for graduation altered. Both the
males and females trained in gender-integrated companies in the 1994 study exceeded the
performance of males and females in single-gender companies in the 1993 study.

The 1995 ARI Study

After the decision to conduct BCT in a gender-integrated environment was announced,
TRADOC established a Gender-Integrated Training Steering Committee to examine the conduct
of BCT and to recommend whether, and how, training policies should be altered to assure the
successful long-term implementation of gender-integrated BCT.

At the request of the steering committee, this study attempts to describe the entry-level
physical condition of soldiers, their performance during BCT, and their opinions of their training.
Additional data were collected for those soldiers who attrited during BCT. The opinions of drill
sergeants and the preparation drill sergeants receive to conduct gender-integrated BCT are also

included.

The focus of this report centers around six basic questions from the 1995 study:

1, What is the entry-level physical condition of male and female soldiers and what are the
implications for gender-integrated training?

Does training in a gender-integrated environment affect the training performance of
soldiers?

Does gender-integrated training affect the soldierization process?

What are the attitudes of drill sergeants toward gender-integrated training?

How well prepared are drill sergeants to train in a gender-integrated environment?
What is the pattern of attrition in gender-integrated training?

nN

Dw ew



Table 48. Preparation to be DS in GI Company (in Percent)

To what extent did the DSC prepare you for your Drill Sergeants
job as a drill sergeant in a gender-integrated

company?
Very great/great extent 28
Moderate extent 31
Slight/No extent 42

In an overall assessment of the quality of the Drill Sergeant School, 56% said the DSS was
d 22% rated it fair or poor in quality (Table 49).

excellent or good, 21% rated it average, an¢
There were no significant differences in the ratings given the different Drill Sergeant Schools.

Table 49. Overall Quality of Drill Sergeant School (in Percent)

Overall, how would you rate the quality of the Drill Sergeants
DSC you attended?
Excellent/Good 56
Average 21
Fair/Poor 22

A detailed list of areas of concentration taught at the Drill Sergeants’ Schools as of the

summer of 1995 is in Table 50. Drill sergeants were asked to evaluate the level of detail needed
compared with the level taught on each area. The areas that drill sergeants most frequently
selected as needing more detail were: tactical training, behavioral characteristics of female
soldiers, techniques to manage impact of behavioral differences, injury reduction, drill sergeant

stress management, and the impact of physical differences on training.

47



ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors appreciate and acknowledge the helpful cooperation received from the U.S. Army
Training and Doctrine Command and the staff of Fort Jackson and Fort Leonard Wood. At Fort
Jackson, the Directorate of Plans, Training and Mobilization and the 43rd AG Battalion
(Reception) helped coordinate all of our research activities. At Fort Leonard Wood, the 3rd
Training Brigade staff served as our coordinator. We are especially gratefull to the soldiers and
training staff who took their time to talk with us. We thank the staff of the Army Personnel
Survey Office at the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI)
for their technical and personal support during this project. We also wish to thank Dr. Zita
Simutis, Technical Director at ARI. Her guidance and support are greatly appreciated.



38. Do you look forward to basic training?

MOOFP

Yes, very much _
Yes, somewhat

Not sure

No, not particularly

No, not at all

39. What experiences have you had with the military?
MARK ALL THAT APPLY.

40.

41.

42.

mOOP>

| have not had any experience with the military

Served on Active Duty with the Army or another service
Served/serving with National Guard or Reserve

Child of parent(s) who served/are serving in the military

Member of my family other than my parents who served/is serving
in the military

Other experience with military not listed above

Which ONE of the following best describes your current Army career intentions?

A.
B.
Cc.
D.

E.
F.

PROBABLY stay in until retirement

DEFINITELY stay in until retirement

PROBABLY stay in beyond my present obligation but not until retirement
DEFINITELY stay in beyond my present obligation but not until
retirement

PROBABLY leave upon completion of my present obligation

DEFINITELY leave upon completion of my present obligation

How supportive are your parents/guardians of your being in the Army now?

TMMOOB>

Very supportive

Fairly supportive

Mixed or neutral

Fairly unsupportive

Very unsupportive

Don’t know/not applicable

How supportive is your spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend of your being in the Army now?

mmo OB>

Very supportive

Fairly supportive

Mixed or neutral

Fairly unsupportive

Very unsupportive

Not applicable; | don’t have a spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend.



Table 14. Current Army Career Intentions--Pre-Training (in Percent)

Males Females
Probably stay in until retirement 32 30
Definitely stay in until retirement st 8
Probably stay in beyond my present obligation 22 22
Definitely stay in beyond my present obligation 4 8
Probably leave at end of my present obligation 24 27
7 5

Definitely leave at end of my present obligation

Entry-level Physical Performance

The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) is administered four times during BCT. The first
administration usually occurs on the second or third day after reporting to the training company.

Drill sergeants administer and grade the test
their performance.

and give feedback to soldiers to help them improve

oon

‘£eCoRING 0 + PONT
5
ba

TM- Males Fomaies Mates Fomaies Mates
pusiues STUPS

RUN

Feraies

Figure 2. Percent of males and females scoring 50 or more points on the push-up, sit-up and run

events on their first (diagnostic) Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT).

19



EXPECTATIONS OF BASIC TRAINING

Basic Training demands that you perform many new activities and live closely with
other soldiers. How confident are you that you will be able to do the following:

Not at all confident
Slightly confident
Moderately confident |
Very confident
| Extremely confident
if

\
\
|
\
\
i
\

i \

E

1
17. Get along with people from all walks of life? AB

0 O U-------
m

1
1
|
i
Cc
18. Complete road marches of up to 12 miles? ABC
19. Live in close quarters with many other people? ABC E
20. Complete the fire and maneuver course? (You and one
other trainee must attack an enemy position.) ABCDE
21. Remain calm under stress? ABCDE
22. Hit enough targets on a range to qualify on a
rifle marksmanship test? ABCDE
23. Be away from your family and friends for a long period
of time? ABCDE
24. Complete the 2-mile run on the Army physical fitness test
(PT Test)? ABCDE
25. Complete the required push-ups on the PT test? ABCDE
26. Complete the required sit-ups on the PT test? ABCDE
27. Adapt to the disciplined lifestyle of the Army? ABCDE
28. Throw a live hand grenade into an enemy position? ABCDE
29, Climb a vertical ladder that is several stories high? ABCDE
30. Perform well in Basic Training? ABCDE
CDE

31. Complete your full term of enlistment? AB



Soldier Attrition From BCT

Given the small number of soldiers who attrited during this study, results of the attrition
questionnaire should be used with caution and not generalized to BCT attrition in general There
were implications for further research: (1) soldiers identified a need for more information from
Army recruiters about exactly what they were to encounter in BCT and in the Army; (2) soldiers
wanted to know the physical requirements of BCT and how to best prepare for them; and (3)
soldiers were not effectively screened for prior physical conditions before starting BCT.

SUMMARY

The 1995 Gender-Integration of Basic Combat Training Study focused on several key topics:
the physical condition of soldiers arriving at our training centers, the effect--if any--of training in
gender-integrated squads on soldier performance and on soldierization, the opinions of drill

sergeants about gender-integrated training, the training drill sergeants receive for conducting
gender-integrated training, and attrition during training.

The physical condition of soldiers entering BCT is poor--especially the condition of females.
Most soldiers did not physically prepare for BCT. The number of lower extremity injuries early in
BCT could be partially avoided if soldiers were better conditioned. While drill sergeants can and
do take poorly conditioned recruits and turn them into well-conditioned soldiers in 8 weeks, the
physical toll on the soldiers and the time required by the drill sergeants could be eased if soldiers
entered BCT in better condition.

Females trained in a gender-integrated environment improved their performance on all
measures of physical performance (push-ups, sit-ups and run) and males in gender-integrated
training improved in two of three areas. Clearly, training in a gender-integrated environment has
positive effects for females and no detrimental effects for males. This has occurred without the
Army fitness standards (APFT) being changed or adjusted for gender-integrated training.

There were no significant differences in end-of-day qualify rates for Basic Rifle Marksmanship;
there were significant differences for 1st-time-qualify for soldiers in some battalions in the 1995
study. There were no significant differences on end-of-cycle tests.

The soldierization process--measured by self-reported levels of pride and commitment,
individual improvement during BCT, individual and platoon morale, teamwork and cohesion--
worked well for both males and females. Female soldiers reported higher levels of soldierization
in gender-integrated environments than female soldiers in the all-female training environment.
Male soldiers in the 1994 and 1995 study reported the same or higher levels of soldierization as
males in all-male companies. Differences in soldierization for the 1995 study reflect battalion
differences rather than treatment differences.

Sexual harassment and equal opportunity are key issues of soldierization. Both soldiers and
drill sergeants identified sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, and unequal treatment as
occurring during training. Both male and female drill sergeants and male and female soldiers

55



Table 2. Soldiers’ Background Information II (in Percent)

Items Males Females

Type of community you grew up in

Rural (population less than 500) 12 12
Town (population 500 to 25,000) 38 36
Suburb or small city (25,000-100,000) 29 31
Large city (over 100,000) 21 21

Live at home with parents/guardians

Yes, for 6 months or less 12 13
Yes, for more than 6 months 72 67
No 16 21

Employed before entering the Army

No, full time student 18 19
No 6 8
Yes, part-time 54 48
Yes, full-time 23 25

Component of the Army you joined

Army Reserve 32 35
Active Army 43 42
National Guard 26 23

A series of items measuring pride in the Army and expectations of the Army were included in
the pre-training questionnaire. As seen in Table 3, the soldiers were very proud to be in the
Army and were aware of the opportunities the Army offers.

12



in any of the gender-integrated companies. Females in the ‘93 SG companies were significantly
lower then the ‘95 GI females on: soldiers make each other feel like doing a good job

(t= 6.366); soldiers work well together (t = 3.91); members work hard to get things done

(t= 4.419); and, members pull together and share the load (t = 5.129).

Table 21. Soldiers Teamwork (Percent Agree/Strongly Agree)

Study Group
Males Females

Item 93 ‘93 94°95 93 93 94 ‘95

sc gl Glo al sc Gl Gl a
The soldiers in my platoon make 33. 28" «294137 22* 37 «45° 41
each other feel like doing a good
job.
The soldiers in my platoon work 50 39% 47 47 31* 48 43 42
well together.
Members of my platoon help each 54 41" 5955 54 61 55 57

other to get the job done.

Members of my platoon encourage  80* 2 71 «70 75 76 82 77

each other to succeed during

training.

Members of my platoon work hard 61 49* 62 59 47 61 60 62
to get things done.

Members of my platoon pull 52 40* 53 47 38* 52 53 55
together and share the load

*Statistically significant at p<.01

Six items were used to measure platoon cohesion (Table 22). These items were factor
analyzed using principal components analysis with an orthogonal rotation. The factor matrix
yielded a single factor which included all six items. All items were correlated at the .70 or above
level using Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient. A reliability analysis produced a
Cronbach’s alpha of .84, indicating the items are measuring the same construct. Item-total
correlations were all .73 or higher, giving further evidence of the items forming a single measure
of teamwork. Similar analyses were conducted on each study group with comparable results.

29



Soldier Attrition Questionnaire

Soldiers-in-training who were separated/attrited during training completed a short exit
questionnaire. Soldiers who were attriting were asked their reasons for leaving the Army as well
as other background information. Data from their pre-training questionnaires and any APFT
results were also included in the analysis.

Of the 1,997 soldiers who entered the three training battalions, 142 attrited before completing
BCT. Of these, exit questionnaires were completed by 116 of the attritees giving a 82% response
rate. Of the 116 soldiers who completed the attrition survey, 103 had pre-test surveys and
physical fitness data available for analysis. The final sample available for analyses was 103
attritees. Due to the relatively small size of the sample, these data are not considered
representative of all attritees from BCT. Furthermore, the sampling error associated with the
data is too large to allow for between group comparisons which will result in statistically
significant differences. Therefore, any findings should be interpreted with caution and viewed as
between soldiers who attrit and soldiers who graduate.

areas of possible difference

Comparison of the demographic characteristics of graduates and attritees indicated that female
trainees, trainees with one or more children, and trainees from communities with populations
greater than 25,000 attrited from BCT in numbers higher than expected. There were no
differences between graduates and attritees in age, race, education, or marital status.

Comparisons of the attitudes of graduates and attritees indicated that differences between the
groups may have existed prior to the start of training. Attritees were more likely than graduates
to report they had: (1) less confidence in their ability to adapt to the Army; (2) less confidence in
their ability to perform physically; (3) more anxiety; (4) decreased commitment since joining the
Army; (5) lower expectations of their performance in BCT; (6) fewer skills to cope with BCT;
and (7) less satisfaction with being in the Army.

Attritees were asked to indicate “What is/are the main reason(s) for your leaving the Army?”
The responses to this question were collapsed into six categories. Table 51 shows the categories
and the percentage of attritees who indicated they left for that reason.

The most frequently mentioned reason attriters reported they left the Army (39%) because of
pre-existing medical conditions. The conditions given ranged from cervical cancer to fallen

arches. Failure to adapt to the military lifestyle and injury during training were also frequently
cited as reasons for attriting from the Army.

49



Table 6. Soldiers’ Pre-Training Performance Expectations (Percent Very/Extremely Confident )

How confident are you that you will be able

to do the following: Males Females
Get along with people from all walks of life? 77 78
Complete road marches of up to 12 miles? * 66 48
Live in close quarters with many other people? 8 73
Complete the fire and maneuver course? * 82 62
Remain calm under stress? 71 63
Hit enough targets on a range to qualify on a 79 62
rifle marksmanship test? *

Be away from your family and friends for a long 59 60
period of time?

Complete the 2-mile run on the Army physical 83 70
fitness test (PT Test)? *

Complete the required push-ups on the PT test? * 84 69
Complete the required sit-ups on the PT test? 86 80
Adapt to the disciplined lifestyle of the Army? 76 5
Throw a live grenade into an enemy position? * 90 79
Climb a vertical ladder that is several stories 83 68
high? *

* Statistically significant at p<.01

Table 7. Pre-Training Reports of Physical Activity Before BCT (in Percent)

In the month before you came to Basic Training,
which of the following physical activities did

you do to prepare yourself? MARK ALL THAT Males Females
APPLY

Walked/ran/did aerobics several times a week * 54 69
Did upper body exercises several times a week * 55 44
Did sit-ups/crunches several times a week 43 50
Did some other exercise several times a week 51 46
Did not do any physical activities 24 20

* Statistically significant at p<.01
15



104.

105.

106.

107.

108.

Do you think female drill sergeants equally encourage female and male soldiers
to succeed in BCT?

Female soldiers are encouraged much more.

Female soldiers are encouraged slightly more.

Female and male soldiers are equally encouraged to succeed.

Male soldiers are encouraged slightly more.

Mate soldiers are encouraged much more.

Not enough experience to say

amoom>

How weil do you think that male and female soidiers worked together as a
team?

Soldiers of the same sex worked much better together.

Soldiers of the same sex worked slightly better together.

All soldiers worked well together, regardless of sex.

Soldiers of the opposite sex worked slightly better together.

Soldiers of the opposite sex worked much better together.

Not enough experience to say

MMOODY

How do you think that male and female soldiers were treated by male drill
sergeants?

Male soldiers were nearly always treated easier.

Male soldiers were sometimes treated easier.

Male and female soldiers were generally treated the same.

Female soldiers were sometimes treated easier.

Female soldiers were nearly always treated easier.

Not enough experience to say

mmoom>

How do you think that male and female soldiers were treated by female drill
sergeants?

Male soldiers were nearly always treated easier.

Male soldiers were sometimes treated easier.

Male and female soldiers were generally treated the same.

Female soldiers were sometimes treated easier.

Female soldiers were nearly always treated easier.

Not enough experience to say

mmMoOOM>

Would you say Basic Combat Training was harder or easier than you expected?
A. Much harder

B. A little harder

C. twas about what | expected

D. A little easier

—. Much easier

13



The six items that formed the drill sergeant performance factor are shown in Table 33. On all
of the items, the males in the ‘93 SG companies rated their drill: sergeants’ performance higher
than males in the gender-integrated companies. The ‘93 SG males were significantly more
positive than the ‘95 GI males on rating drill sergeants in: working right along with their soldiers
in the field (t = 6.224); keeping informed about the progress soldiers are making (t = 5.864);
being the kind that soldiers want to serve under in combat (t = 6.359); and soldier respect
(t= 5.993).

Table 32. Current Army Career Intentions--Post-Training (in Percent)

Study Group
Males Females

Career intentions ‘93 193 «94 ‘95 93 93 94 ‘95

sc Gl Gl Ga sG Gl Gl Ga
Probably stay in until retirement 30. 35 32 29 28 «270 «#33~—S 25
Definitely stay in until retirement 12 9 16 12 9 8 WU di
Probably stay in beyond my present 20 25 22 24 25 25 26 28
obligation
Definitely stay in beyond my 3 3 6 4 6 7 2 6
present obligation
Probably leave end of my present 29 23 «18 = 25 28 «#25 «21 «25
obligation
Definitely leave end of my present 6 7 5 6 4 8 8 6
obligation

There were no significant differences among females on any of the six items, nor were there
any significant differences between males and females in the 1995 study.

Soldiers’ ratings of drill sergeant support of the platoon are shown in Table 34. Males in the
“93 SG companies rated the drill sergeants more positively than males in the GI companies.
There were significant differences between the ‘93 SG males and the ‘95 GI males on drill
sergeants: listening and being concerned when soldiers go for help (t = 7.945); making
themselves available to soldiers (t = 4.809); understanding soldiers (t = 4.68); helping solve
personal problems (t = 5.787 ); and keeping soldiers informed (t = 8.903).

Females in the ‘95 GI study rated the drill sergeants more positively than females in the ‘93
SG companies on drill sergeants’ understanding soldiers (t = 4.333), keeping soldiers informed

36



YOU AND BASIC COMBAT TRAINING

Compared to before you started Basic Training, would you say each of these areas has
become worse, stayed the same, or improved.

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

53.

FTER BASIC COMBAT TRAINING

AFTER BASIC COMBAT TRAINS

improved

Stayed the same
Become worse {

Your level of physical fitness AB
Your level of self-confidence AB
Your degree of mental toughness AB
Your ability to cope with stress AB
Your ability to lead AB

AB

Your ability to succeed in the Army

1
f
1

c

c

c

c

c

c

Were you ever chosen as a peer leader (platoon guide, assistant platoon guide,

squad leader) during Basic Combat Training?
A. No
B. Yes

During physical training, how hard were you "pushed"?
| was not pushed at all

| was not pushed nearly hard enough

| was pushed the right amount

| was pushed somewhat too hard

| was pushed much too hard

moOoOmPr

How satisfied or dissatisfied were you with the amount of:

Very satisfied

Satisfied |

Dissatisfied | |

Very dissatisfied {| | H

No opinion | 1 1 1

bak dd

showers available in the barracks? ABCDE
latrines available in the barracks? ABCDE
latrines available in the field? ABCODE
privacy you had in the barracks? ABCDE
ABCDE

washers and dryers available in the barracks?



be lowered to accommodate females, especially for PT. They felt they could not go “full bore”
but rather had to “tone down” the training for the stronger males to prevent injuries to the
females. They also felt that females were more sensitive and they could not be as hard on these
females.

Most drill sergeants simply said they did not want to train females--they prefer training all male
companies. They do not like gender-integrated training but would rather do gender-integrated
training than train all female companies. Some of the drill sergeants felt training female soldiers
forced them to be too inhibited--they were afraid to “act naturally” for fear of being charged with
use of improper language or with sexual harassment.

Soldiers reported being demoralized when drill sergeants made negative remarks about
gender-integrated training or about training females. For example, one group of soldiers told of a
road march which was very demoralizing. They were very tired coming in from a firing range,
and one of the drill sergeants went to the front and started calling cadence. This rejuvenated the
soldiers and they increased pace. However, when the cadence ended and they called for more, the
drill sergeant said “No, I don’t know any more IJ can use with females in the company.” The male
soldiers resented the presence of the females and the female soldiers felt they were responsible for
the bad ending of the march.

Drill Sergeants’ Preparation for Gender-Integrated Training

When drill sergeants were asked to what extent the DSC prepared them for conducting
gender-integrated training, 28% reported being prepared to a great/very great extent, 3 1% toa
moderate extent, and 42% slight/no extent. In written comments and in focus group discussions,
drill sergeants had several suggestions for improving their training. First, they suggested changing
the structure of the DSC to focus more on “training the trainer” activities, such as instructional
techniques and developing lesson plans. They also suggested the DSC provide more hands-on
training and involve drill sergeants in actually preparing and presenting classes instead of the
current requirement of memorizing and presenting a module. They wanted the DSC to de-
emphasize modulation and focus on effective techniques to address problems likely to be
encountered in BCT. They suggested the DSC be more like other NCO courses which require the
NCOs to give more classes and perform more.

Drill sergeants also had specific topics they felt should be added to the curriculum. Equality of
treatment of male and female soldiers, techniques for training BRM, prevention and treatment of
injuries, combat tactics, counseling techniques and communications were requested.

Other suggestions for improving the course included improving the selection and training of
Drill Sergeant Leaders (instructors), requiring candidacy or on-the-job training at BCT prior to
attending the DSC, and being more respectful of drill sergeant candidates. Drill sergeants want to
be treated with respect--not like privates. They also noted that male and female drill sergeants are
not treated equally. Having drill sergeant candidates work as assigned teams and breaking up

cliques that form were mentioned as possible improvements.
54



MEN: AND. WOMEN’ IN: THE:ARMY:

Please indicate

59. Women should be assigned to any Army jobs (MOS) H

whether you agree or disagree with the following statements.

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Neither agree nor disagree H
Agree

Strongly agree

1

1

'
’
'
1
n
1
1
'
1
1
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'

O_--------

f
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rot
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tot
rot
ABC

for which they can pass a test to qualify.
60. If more women were placed in leadership positions,

the effectiveness of the Army would go down. ABCDE
61. Women would make just as good front line soldiers

as men if they were given the same training. ABCDE
62. The leadership of the Army should be largely in the

hands of men. ABCDE
63. Inthe Army, men should be given preference

over women in being assigned to key jobs. ABCDE
64. When men are present in training, women will push

themselves harder to achieve. ABCDE
65. Itis distracting to have soldiers of the opposite sex

in the same platoon. ABCODE
66. Mixing males and females in a platoon has a negative

effect on individual performance. ABCDE
67. It is more difficult to take orders from someone of

the opposite gender. ABCDE
68. Mixing males and femaies in a platoon has a negative effect

on individual physical conditioning. ABCDE
69. Mixing males and females in a platoon can have a positive

influence on group cohesion/cooperation. ABCODE
70. When women are present in training, men will push

a ABCDE

themseives harder.



Now I’d like to spend some time talking about your drill sergeant

training.

Which Drill Sergeant School did you attend?
Are they all the same?

pid your Drill Sergeant Course prepare you to do gender-

integrated BCT?

Are there any topics the course should add? Delete? Change?



‘% SCORING 60+ POINTS:

5G s3Gl OG! «8SGT rT Co)

MALES FEMALES

Figure 5. Percent of male and female soldiers who scored 60 or more points on the sit-up portion
of the Army Physical Fitness Test during Basic Combat Training

% SCORING 60+ RONTS.

ws Gl |G} BSG O3Gl | GIS
MALES FEMALES.

Figure 6. Percent of male and female soldiers who scored 60 or more points on the run portion of
the Army Physical Fitness Test during Basic Combat Training

23



CONTENTS (Continued)

TABLE 1.

OIAMHRWN

ws

. SOLDIERS’ BACKGROUND INFORMATION II .
_ SOLDIERS’ PRE-TRAINING ATTITUDES TOWARD THE ARMY
_ PLEASED WITH DECISION TO JOIN THE ARMY PRE-TRAINING

. SOLDIERS’ PRE-TRAINING PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS ..

. CONFIDENCE IN PERFORMING WELL IN BCT
. PARENTAL SUPPORT FOR ARMY CAREER PRE-TRAINING .
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.

Page

LIST OF TABLES

SOLDIERS’ BACKGROUND INFORMATION I ...

PRE-TRAINING EXPECTATIONS OF ARMY LIFE .........-:-51+++

PRE-TRAINING REPORTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BEFORE BCT
PRE-TRAINING CONFIDENCE IN COMPLETING ENLISTMENT TERM ..

SUPPORT OF SPOUSE/BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND FOR ARMY CAREER PRE-TRAINING ... 17
PRE-TRAINING COMMITMENT TO COMPLETING OBLIGATION
(CHANGE IN COMMITMENT TO ARMY CAREER ....-.esseeeeecees
CURRENT ARMY CAREER INTENTIONS--PRE-TRAINING
SOLDIERS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD THE ARMY ..........-+-
SATISFACTION WITH CHOICE TO ENLIST--POST-TRAINING ...
PLEASED WITH DECISION TO JOIN THE ARMY--POST-TRAININ
Post-TRAINING EXPECTATIONS OF ARMY LIFE .........--.--00+
PLATOON MORALE .
INDIVIDUAL MORALE .
SOLDIERS’ TEAMWORK .
SOLDIERS’ COHESION ...
SOLDIERS SUBJECTED TO DISCRIMINATION .
INCIDENCE OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT ...
SOLDIERS’ OPINIONS OF PERFORMANCE,
POST-TRAINING CONFIDENCE IN COMPLETING ENLISTMENT TERM
POST-TRAINING CONFIDENCE IN PERFORMING WELL AT AIT .
POsT-TRAINING PARENTAL SUPPORT FOR ARMY CAREER ..
POST-TRAINING SUPPORT OF SPOUSE/BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND FOR ARMY CAREER ..34
PoOsT-TRAINING COMMITMENT TO COMPLETING OBLIGATION
EFFECTS OF BCT ON COMMITMENT TO ARMY CAREER ...
CURRENT ARMY CAREER INTENTIONS--POST-TRAINING .
SOLDIERS’ RATINGS OF DS PERFORMANCE .........+0+00++
SOLDIERS’ RATINGS OF DSS’ PLATOON SUPPORT .
SOLDIERS’ RATINGS OF DSs’ PERSONAL SUPPORT
BCT WAS HARDER/EASIER THAN EXPECTED
How HARD PUSHED DURING TRAINING .....
IMPROVED AFTER BASIC COMBAT TRAINING .

xii



Table 34. Soldiers’ Ratings of DSs’ Platoon Support (Percent Agree/Strongly Agree)

Study Group
Males Females

Item ‘93 93. 94 “95 ‘93 ‘93. ‘94 ‘95

sc Gl Gl Gl sG Gl Gl Gd
When a soldier in my platoon goes 78* 59 61 60 62 71 64 65
for help, the drill sergeants listen
well and are concerned about what
the soldier says.
When a soldier wants to talk, the 73* 58 61 62 63 69 70 67
drill sergeants make themselves
available.
Drill sergeants really understand the 67* 45 58 55 46* 56 54 56
soldiers in my platoon.
When asked for help in solving a 78* 65 67 65 7 76 74 72
personal problem, drill sergeants in
my platoon do their best to help out.
The chain of command works well 52 43 52 47 38* 46 56 50
in my platoon.
The drill sergeants in my platoon g5* 56 65 64 54* 63 71 65

keep their soldiers well informed
about what is going on.

*Statistically significant at p< .01

38



THE 1995 GENDER INTEGRATION OF BASIC COMBAT TRAINING STUDY

CONTENTS
. Page
INTRODUCTION. ccscssssssssseccossscssssscsscosecsssssnscnsecussensosssansnccensccssscanscunscsssssnvesanecansqausannaconconcccescensssenseenseessgenegtee i
Basic CoMBAT TRAINING COURSE .
THE DRILL SERGEANTS

REVIEW OF LITERATURE
THE 1995 ARI STUDY...

STUDY METHODOLOGY ...esssssssssosssscssssnessecconsnsonscsennnsccceccunnnssscnsonsnsnssccnssannssscgqgnnanssoccontssssesereannesseeeeeeeneneeet

QUESTIONNAIRE DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Focus GROUP PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES
SurvEY DATA ANALYSIS ....

1995 PRE-TRAINING QUESTIONNAIRE...
ENTRY-LEVEL PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE
TRAINING PERFORMANCE
POST-TRAINING QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS
DRILL SERGEANTS’ QUESTIONNAIRE...
SOLDIER ATTRITION QUESTIONNAIRE

DISCUSSION AND SUMMARY ...

ENTRY-LEVEL PHYSICAL CONDITION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR GENDER-INTEGRATED TRAINING
IMPACT OF GENDER-INTEGRATED TRAINING ON PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE
EFFECTS OF GENDER-INTEGRATED TRAINING ON SOLDIERIZATION.......
DRILL SERGEANTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD GENDER-INTEGRATED TRAINING ..
DRILL SERGEANTS’ PREPARATION FOR GENDER-INTEGRATED TRAINING ..
SOLDIER ATTRITION FROM BCT....

SUMMARY.......cssssessees

sovesssnseessesssecansssssssoesers SL

REFERENCES......

APPENDIX A. PRE-TRAINING QUESTIONNAIRE

B. POST-TRAINING QUESTIONNAIRE,

C. DRILL SERGEANT QUESTIONNAIRE

D. ATTRITION QUESTIONNAIRE .....+ss+ss+ssoew

E. SOLDIER FOCUS GROUP PROTOCOL...

F. DRILL SERGEANT FOCUS GROUP PROTOCOL......



Table 24. Incidence of Sexual Harassment (in Percent)

Soldiers reporting they have been sexually

harassed since their Army enlistment Males Females
Not experienced sexual harassment 94 79*

Yes, at Recruiting Station 1 2

Yes, at Reception Battalion 1 3

Yes, during training activities 1 8

Yes, in the barracks 1 9

Yes, elsewhere on post 1 3
*Statistically significant at p<.01

Table 25. Soldiers’ Opinions of Performance (Percent Choosing this Answer)

Study Group
Males Females
Ttem 93 ‘93 ‘94 «= ‘95 “93 ‘93 ‘94 ‘95
sc ad Gd ai sG Gl Gl Gl

Male and female soldiers were NA 22* 31 42 NA 42* 55  58*
expected to achieve to the same

standards during BCT

Male and female soldiers worked as NA 39* 43* 54 NA 68 61 69%
hard in performing their assigned

tasks during BCT

Male and female soldiers performed NA 46* 46 57 NA 64 59 71*
equally well in their assigned tasks

Male and female soldiers worked NA 36* 44* 56 NA 55 54 65*

well together as a team

*Statistically significant at p<.01
32



What do you think about gender- integration of BCT?

Positive features:

Negative features:

PROBE:
* Have you trained all-female companies?



Table 1. Soldiers’ Background Information I (In Percent)

Items Males Females

Gender 74 26
Race/ethnicity

White, not Hispanic/Spanish 69 56

Black 16 32

Hispanic/Spanish 10 8

Asian or Pacific Islander 3

American Indian, Aleut, Eskimo 1
Marital Status

Single 90 90

Married 9 9

Legally separated 1 1
Dependent Children

Yes 9 10

No 91 90
High School Rank

Top 10% 11 22

11%-25% 20 21

26%-50% 27 24

Below the top 50% 10 9

Not applicable 32 23

11



STUDY METHODOLOGY

The 1995 study was conducted from April to September, 1995 at Fort Jackson, South
Carolina and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. One training battalion of 4 companies at Fort
Leonard Wood and 3 companies from each of two battalions at Fort Jackson formed the sample.
All of the companies were gender integrated with fills that varied from 23% females to 48%
females. There was great variation in the information on gender-integrated training that training
cadre received prior to the study.

The 1994 study was conducted from June to August, 1994 at Fort Leonard Wood. One
training battalion of 4 companies formed the sample. All companies were gender integrated with
75% males and 25% females. Prior to beginning the training cycle, training cadre were briefed
on the project and participated in planning the implementation of the training. Weekly in-
progress-reviews were conducted at the battalion level.

The 1993 study was conducted from August to November, 1993 at Fort Jackson. Two
training battalions of 10 companies formed the sample. In each battalion, one company was all
male, one was all female, two 75% males and 25% females, and one company 50% male and
50% female. Training cadre were briefed on lessons learned from a prior test of gender
integrated training conducted at Fort Jackson the previous spring.

Trainees in all three studies did not receive any information or special instructions prior to
training. All of the trainees in 1995 knew they would probably be assigned to gender-integrated
training companies because of the change in policy. Trainees in 1993 and 1994 were aware that
some soldiers were being assigned to gender-integrated companies, but did not know whether
they were assigned to such a company until the day they left the reception center.

During each study, ARI staff/contractors administered a pre-training questionnaire for
soldiers, a post-training questionnaire for soldiers, and a post-training questionnaire for drill
sergeants. ARI staff/contractors also conducted focus group discussions with all-male and/or all-
female groups from each of the companies and with male and female drill sergeants from each
company. As an additional feature of the 1995 study, a short questionnaire was given to all
soldiers who attrited from the training companies. A total of 116 soldiers attrited and 103
completed questionnaires.

Questionnaire Development and Administration

The administration of the pre- and post-training questionnaires remained the same from 1993
through 1995. However, the content of the 1995 questionnaires changed in part to reflect the
study questions of the 1995 study. Copies of the 1993 and 1994 questionnaires and protocols can
be found in the earlier report, Gender-Integration of Basic Combat Training. Comparisons
between the studies are made only on those items with identical wording.

6



THE 1995 GENDER INTEGRATION OF BASIC COMBAT TRAINING STUDY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Research Requirement:

This report sets forth the procedures and findings of the 1995 study of squad-level, gender
integration of U.S. Army Basic Combat Training (BCT) conducted for the U.S. Army Training
and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) by the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and
Social Sciences (ARI). The 1995 study is the last in a series of three studies of the attitudes and
opinions of soldiers-in-training and their drill sergeants who participated in gender-integrated
training. This report compares the findings of the Phase I study conducted in 1993, the 1994
Phase II study, and the 1995 Phase III study, with emphasis on the 1995 study.

Procedure:

The 1995 study was conducted from April to September 1995 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina
and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. One training battalion of four companies at Fort Leonard
Wood and three companies from each of two battalions at Fort Jackson formed the sample. All of
the companies were gender integrated with fills that varied from 23% female to 48% female.

The 1994 study was conducted from June to August 1994 at Fort Leonard Wood. One
training battalion of four companies formed the sample. All of the companies were integrated
with fills at 75% male and 25% female.

The 1993 study was conducted from August to November 1993 at Fort Jackson. Two
training battalions of 10 companies formed the sample. In each battalion, one company was all
male, one was all female, two were 75% male and 25% female, and one company was 50% male
and 50% female.

During each study ARI staff/contractors administered a pre-training survey for soldiers while
at the Reception Battalions, a post-training survey for soldiers during the last week of training,
and a post-training survey of drill sergeants during the last week of training. ARI
staff/contractors also conducted separate focus group discussions with male and female soldiers
from each company and separate focus groups with male or female drill sergeants. As additional
features of the 1995 study, a short questionnaire was given to all soldiers who attrited from the
sample companies, and complete records of soldiers’ Army Physical Fitness Tests (APFT) during
BCT were obtained from the training battalions.

Findings:

The 1995 study focused on several key topics: the physical condition of soldiers arriving at
the training centers; the effect, if any, on training in gender-integrated squads on soldier
performance and on soldierization; the opinions of drill sergeants about gender-integrated

vii



What was the easiest part of BT?

In what ways?

|

| What was the toughest part?
Was is easier or harder than you expected?
|



ATTITUDES TOWARD THE ARMY

Indicate whether you agree or disagree Strongly disagree
with the following statements: Disagree |
Neither agree nor disagree, ;
Agree | | |
Strongly agree | | | |
1. The ARMY offers a wide variety of opportunities ,tor oat
to find a job you can enjoy. ABCDE
2. The ARMY provides the opportunity to get and stay
physically fit. ABCDE
3. ARMY service is an experience you can be proud of. ABCDE
4. The ARMY provides an opportunity to travel and see
the world. ABCDE
5. The ARMY offers you the opportunity to develop
leadership skills. ABCDE
6. Serving in the ARMY can help you in your civilian career. ABCDE
7. The ARMY offers the opportunity to develop self-confidence. ABCDE
8. The ARMY offers the opportunity to develop your potential. ABCDE
9. The ARMY provides a place where you can get away
from problems with family and/or friends. ABCDE
10. The ARMY experience helps you to develop into a
responsible, mature person. ABCDE
11. The ARMY offers training in a lot of useful skills. ABCDE
12. The ARMY gives you the chance to work with high
quality people. ABCDE
13. The ARMY provides a great opportunity to obtain
money for a college or vocational degree. ABCDE
14. 1am proud to be in the ARMY. ABCDE
15. | feel | can make a positive contribution to the ARMY. ABCDE
16. | am looking forward to being part of the ARMY team. ABCDE

3



There were no significant differences between males in females in confidence in their ability
to complete their full term of enlistment (Table 8) or in their confidence that they will be able to
perform well in Basic Training (Table 9).

Table 8. Pre-Training Confidence in Completing Enlistment Term (in Percent)

How confident are you that you will be able to
complete your full term of enlistment? Males Females

Extremely confident 67 65
Very confident 24 26
Moderately confident 7 8
Slightly confident 1 1
Not at all confident 1 0
Table 9. Confidence in Performing Well in BCT (in Percent)

How confident are you that you will be able to

perform well in Basic Training? Males Females
Extremely confident 42 35
Very confident 38 38
Moderately confident 17 21
Slightly confident 2 4
Not at all confident 1 1

Both males and females report their parents/guardians and their spouse/boyfriend/girlfriends
are supportive of their being in the Army. Females were more likely than males to report their
parents/guardians being very supportive (72% vs. 64%) and their spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend
being very supportive (38% vs. 24%). Males and females were more likely to report parental
support than support from their spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend (Tables 10 and 11).

16



push-ups and female soldiers must complete 6 push-ups in order to advance to a training
battalion. Ifa soldier cannot meet/achieve these standards, he/she is separated from the Army on
grounds that they did not meet medical fitness standards (Chapter 11 separation).

Soldiers usually stay at the reception battalion for at least 3 days in order to complete their in-
processing. The general rule followed by the reception battalions is to ship soldiers to their
training battalions as soon a possible. Application of this rule, however, is determined by arrival
rates of soldiers (“fill rate”), completion of initial processing, and the graduation schedule of the
companies just completing training at the training battalion. Once these requirements have been
met, soldiers are transported to a training company to begin BCT.

Each training battalion is made up of 4 or 5 training companies. Each company usually has
approximately 200-250 soldiers divided into 4 platoons each of which has 4 squads. Each platoon
of soldiers has at least 2 but as many as 4 Drill Sergeants in charge of platoon training activities.
Usually, a platoon is housed together on a floor or in a bay (depending upon the type of barracks).

In gender-integrated training, it is not always possible to house a platoon on the same floor/bay.
In the “Star Ship” barracks, a bay can house 60 soldiers and has a self-contained latrine at the
back of the bay. This means that in gender-integrated training, females are in one bay with
females from other platoons and males are in a separate bay, possibly with males from another
platoon. In the “Rolling Pin” barracks, females are either located on one end of a floor or all
females are located on one floor with males on other floors. This complicates communication
between Drill Sergeants and soldiers who are now spread out in two locations. Also, the Drill
Sergeants in charge of a bay/floor may not be the Drill Sergeants in charge of training all of those
soldiers.

To graduate from BCT and advance to AIT in a specific MOS, a soldier must: (1) score at
least 23 out of a possible 40 hits on Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM); (2) attain a score of 50
points on each of 3 events on the end-of-cycle Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT); (3)
successfully complete a series of Individual Proficiency Tests (IPT); (4) negotiate the hand
grenade qualification course; and (5) demonstrate appropriate military bearing and behavior.

Extensive training in the use and maintenance of the M16 rifle is provided soldiers as they
progress on different firing ranges. First-time-go (qualify) and end-of-day go rates are recorded
and maintained by each training company. Hits on the target are scored electronically for each
firing and drill sergeants provide remedial training as needed.

There are usually four administrations of the APFT and soldiers’ scores for push-ups, sit-ups,
and run times are recorded on a card for each soldier. The first test, a diagnostic test, is given
within the first 3 days of arriving at the training company. The first three APFTs are scored by
the company drill sergeants; the final test is scored by drill sergeants from another company or
from a testing cadre. Ifa soldier fails the final APFT, the drill sergeants will work with the soldier
and continue to re-test that soldier up to graduation.



% SCORING 180 + POINT

BSG Gl | MGI (SGI
MALES

FEMALES

Figure 3. Percent of male and female soldiers who passed the Army Physical Fitness Test during

Basic Combat Training (BCT) with scores 0

150 or more points (BCT pass level)

% SCORING 60 + POINTS.

FEMALES.

Figure 4. Percent of male and female soldiers who scored 60

or more points on the push-up

portion of the Army Physical Fitness Test during Basic Combat Training

21



27. Relative to other assignments you have had in the Army, how would you rate
the job stress of your current assignment?

Most stressful to date

More stressful than most of my assignments

About average

. Less stressful than most of my assignments

Least stressful to date

mOO@>

28. Relative to other assignments you have had in the Army, how would you rate
the job satisfaction of your current assignment?

Most satisfying to date

More satisfying than most of my assignments

About average

Less satisfying than most of my assignments

Least satisfying to date

MOOR >

29. Relative to other assignments you have had in the Army, how would you rate
the work demands of your current assignment?

Most demanding to date

More demanding than most of my assignments

About average

Less demanding than most of my assignments

Least demanding to date

mOOS>

30. Relative to other assignments you have had in the Army, how often are you
required to use your personal vehicle or equipment to accomplish your mission?

More often than any other of my assignments

More often than most of my assignments

About average

Less often than most of my assignments

Least often to date

mOOS>

31. Relative to other assignments you have had in the Army, how often have you
had to spend your own money on training aids, cleaning supplies, etc.?

More often than any other of my assignments

More often than most of my assignments

About average :

Less often than most of my assignments

Least often to date

MOOR>



BACKGROUND INFORMATION

409. Are you participating in the Split-Option program for Reserves/National Guard?

A. Yes
B. No

410. What is your racial/ethnic background?
White, not of Spanish/Hispanic origin
Black, not of Spanish/Hispanic origin
Spanish/Hispanic

Asian or Pacific Istander

American indian, Aleut, Eskimo

moom>

441. What is your gender?
A. Male
B. Female

412. What is the highest level of education you have completed?
Some high school or less, but no diploma, certificate or GED
High school diploma or GED

From 1 to 2 years of college, but no degree

Associate degree

From 3 to 4 years of college, but no degree

Bachelor's degree or higher

AMDOWD>

413. in which of the following types of communities did you spend most of your life?
A. Rural - population less than 500
B. Town - population 500 to 25,000
C. Suburb or smail city - population 25,000 to 100,000
D. Large city - population over 100,000

144. Which ONE of the following best describes your current

Army career intentions?

A. PROBABLY stay in until retirement
DEFINITELY stay in until retirement
PROBABLY stay in beyond my present obligation but not until retirement
DEFINITELY stay in beyond my present obligation but not until retirement
PROBABLY leave upon completion of my present obligation
DEFINITELY leave upon completion of my present obligation

mTMmoop

416



The IPT includes 20 skills or abilities on which soldiers receive instruction during BCT (Figure
1). These common skills are graded by non-commissioned officers (NCOs) not assigned to the
training company.

Tasks

1. Put on, wear, and remove a protective mask 11. Evaluate a casualty

2. Nerve agent antidote to self 12. Splint a suspected fracture

3. Recognize/react to an NBC hazard 13. Perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
4. Decontaminate skin and equipment 14. Clear an object from throat

5. Nerve agent antidote to buddy 15. Correct malfunctioning M16A1/A2
6. Determine magnetic azimuth 16. React to challenge and password

7. Measure distance on a map 17. Employ a claymore mine

8. Apply field pressure dressing 18. Prepare AT-4 for firing

9. Put on a tourniquet 19. Misfire procedures for AT-4

10. Treat for shock 20. Battle sight zero M16A1

Figure 1. Common Tasks on the Individual Proficiency Test (IPT)

The Drill Sergeants

A training company consists of a company commander, a training officer, a first sergeant, 10-
12 drill sergeants, and additional support staff. The drill sergeants are responsible for the day-to-
day training of soldiers from the time they leave the reception center until graduation. In our
1995 sample, 69% of the BCT drill sergeants were drawn from Combat Arms MOS, while the
remainder were from CS and CSS MOS. The majority of the drill sergeants (about 84%) were
male and 51% volunteered to be drill sergeants. The remainder were selected by a Department of
the Army board. To become a drill sergeant, an NCO must be selected for and graduate from an
Army Drill Sergeant School. At each school, NCOs complete an intensive 9-week course that
teaches them the job of drill sergeant.

During BCT it is the cadre, especially the drill sergeants, to whom the new soldiers turn for
assistance and support, for knowledge and discipline, for training in military procedures, and for
Army values and behaviors. It is not surprising that soldiers’ comments and attitudes often
directly reflect those of the drill sergeants. Drill sergeants create the setting in which BCT is
conducted—the stage for creating professional soldiers. Therefore, the drill sergeants’ attitudes
and opinions are important to understanding the soldierization process, the way in which gender-
integrated training has been implemented, and the impact of gender-integrated training on the
soldierization process.



THE DRILL SERGEANT JOB

How much of a problem are the following in

11.

12.

15.

16.
17.

18.

20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

26.

performing your job as a drill sergeant?

No problem at all

Slight problem

Somewhat of a problem
Moderate problem
Major problem

Too few drill sergeants available/assigned to
support training in your platoon

Too many hours in the duty day

Controlling male-female relationships between male
and female soldiers

_ Too little time available between training cycles

Adapting training activities to accommodate differences
between male and female soldiers

Entry-level physical condition of female trainees

Entry-level physical condition of male trainees

Availability of vehicles to transport soldiers to/from training sites
Availability of vehicles for drill sergeant use

Lack of appropriate equipment for the training mission

Having to teach courses previously taught by CTC

Lack of showers/latrines for drill sergeants in the barracks

Lack of showers/latrines for soldiers in the barracks

Lack of washers/dryers for soldiers in the barracks

Timely repairs/modifications in the barracks

Having "to do more with less"

H
|
A

A

w-----—

Q--------

a
is)

a (oe ae @ ee)

a a a

UO---------

1s]

on © lo © Rn © © © © ©

m------------



DRILL SERGEANT’S COURSE CONTENT EVALUATION

The following questions ask your opinion on the level of detail for each of the areas of
concentration taught in the Drill Sergeants’ Course. Use the scale below to indicate
your opinion on whether the current level of detail for each area is appropriate.

Much too detailed

A little too detailed

About right level of detail

Not quite enough detail
Not nearly enough detail

m m------ >>

!

if

| 1

1 1

! 1 !

iF i] 1

rt dt

62. Trainee stress management ABCD
ABCD

63. Drill Sergeant stress management
64. Drill Sergeant leadership ABCDE
65. Motivating BT soldiers ABCDE
66. Drill Sergeant ethics ABCDE
67. Personal counseling ABCDE
68. ‘Performance counseling ABCDE
69. _ Fitness training procedures ABCDE
70. Principles of exercise ABCDE
71. — Injury reduction ABCDE
72. Weapons training ABCDE
73. Drill and ceremony ABCDE
74. Methods of Instruction ABCDE
75. Hand Grenades ABCDE
76. Rifle Bayonet ABCDE
77. Pugil Training ABCDE
78. Unarmed Combat ABCDE
79, General subjects: BT POI, Soldier's Handbook ABCDE
80. General subjects: !ET policies and administration ABCDE
81. Behavioral characteristics of female soldiers ABCDE
82. Impact of physical differences on training ABCDE
83. Techniques to manage impact of behavioral differences ABCDE
ABCDE

84. Tactical training

PLEASE ANSWER THE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ON THE SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER.

9



PHASE III BASIC TRAINING
FOCUS GROUP PROTOCOL

DRILL SERGEANT PROTOCOL

INTRODUCTION

1. Good morning/afternoon and thank you for coming. I am... and
this is....

2. We work for the U.S. Army Research Institute in Virginia. The

Army asked us to talk with drill sergeants in BCT and AIT to get
your opinions toward BCT and toward your training as Drill

Sergeants.

We are conducting several focus groups with drill sergeants at
Fort Leonard Wood and Fort Jackson. We asked your battalion to
select representatives from each company to participate. We plan
to spend one hour in our focus group.

3. INTRODUCE OBSERVERS.

GROUND RULES

1. There are a few ground rules associated with focus groups.
First, the term "focus group" is just another way of saying we’re
going to have a group discussion. I will ask you to focus on
various topics, and I’d appreciate hearing your honest opinions.

We want to hear all your ideas, opinions, and comments.

2. The most important ground rule is that there are no right or
wrong answers. Please feel free to say what’s on your mind. If
you don’t agree with someone else who’s talking, please speak up.

We want to hear from all of you.

3. Concrete examples are helpful in our discussion, but please
don’t use any actual names.

4. Everything you say to us is confidential. We will never
identify you with anything you say. Some of your responses may be
quoted in our reports, but we will never use your names. We also
request that you not repeat anything that is said today.

HOW THE GROUP WORKS

1. .... a8 taking notes during the group to help us remember the
points you make.

2. Since time is limited, I may have to cut you off occasionally,
to move to a new topic.



REFERENCES

Department of the Army. (1991). Gender-inte: rated initial entry training: a prototype. Fort
McClelland, AL.

Department of the Army. (1993) Gender integration in BCT: victory starts here. Fort Jackson,
SC.

Earl, William K. (1978). Basic initial entry training (BIET) test attitude survey (ARI Report 78-
18). U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences, Alexandria,
VA. (AD A076 651)

General Accounting Office. (1996). Basic Training. Report to the Chairman, Subcommittee on
Military Personnel, Committee on National Security, House of Representatives (Report

96-153).

Marshall-Mies, J.C., Mottern, J.A., Foster, D.A., & Brady, E.J. (in preparation). Gender
integrated basic combat training 1995 focus group report. Alexandria, VA: U.S. Army
Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Mottern, J.A., Helmick, J.C., Hintze, D.W., Perry, MS., & Marshall-Mies, J.C. (in preparation).
Gender integrated basic combat training study. 1993-1994. Alexandria, VA: U.S. Army
Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Scarpate, J.C. & O’Neill, M.A. (1992). Evaluation of gender integration at recruit training
command. Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, Patrick Air Force Base, FL.

57



32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

How well do you expect to do in Basic Training?
A. Outstanding .
B. Above average

C. Average

How important is it to you to succeed in Basic Training?
A. Extremely important

B. Very important

C. Moderately important

D. Slightly important

—, Not at all important

How committed are you to completing your full term of enlistment?
A. Very strongly committed

B. Strongly committed

C. Moderately committed

D. Slightly committed

E. Not at all committed

How has your commitment to an Army career changed
since you signed your Army contract?

A. Much greater now

B. Somewhat greater now

C. About the same as it was when | signed

D. Somewhat less now

E. Much less now

So far, how does Army life compare to your expectations?

_ Much better than | expected
B. Somewhat better than | expected
C. About the same as | expected
D. Somewhat worse than | expected
—. Much worse than | expected

How pleased are you with your decision to join the Army?
A. Extremely pleased

B. Somewhat pleased

Cc. Not sure

D. Somewhat displeased

E. Extremely displeased



Separate focus groups discussions were conducted for males and females to encourage a more
open discussion of sensitive issues related to gender-integration. Likewise, the drill sergeants and
soldiers were interviewed separately to encourage freedom of expression among peers. Each
focus group session lasted approximately 1 hour. All discussions took place in a private room and
were conducted by ARI staff and contract personnel skilled in conducting such group discussions.

In the 1993 study, males conducted the male groups and females conducted the female groups.
In the 1994 and 1995 studies, groups were conducted without regard to gender of the focus
group facilitators. Two facilitators conducted each group.

Each soldier group consisted of eight soldiers--two from each platoon in a company. In
single-gender companies, only one group was conducted. In gender-integrated companies, one
male and one female group were conducted. Focus group participants were selected by their drill
sergeants. Drill sergeants were asked to use the following criteria in their selection: (1) include
both peer leaders and regular soldiers, (2) include minorities and non-minorities, and (3) represent
the range of attitudes toward gender-integrated training within the soldier population. A total of
16 soldier groups were conducted during the 1993 study, 8 focus groups in the 1994 study, and
20 focus groups during the 1995 study.

The drill sergeant focus group discussions were also gender-segregated to encourage open
discussion. Each company commander was asked to select two male drill sergeants from each
platoon and all female drill sergeants (due to the small number of female drill sergeants). The
company commanders were asked to use the following selection criteria: (1) select both superior
and average drill sergeants, (2) include minorities and non-minorities, and (3) represent the range
of attitudes within the drill sergeant populations. Separate focus groups were conducted with
company first sergeants in the 1993 and 1994 studies, but were discontinued in the 1995 study
due to a different focus. A total of 42 drill sergeants participated in 1993, 23 participated in
1994, and 44 in 1995.

A detailed report on the focus group results is being published as a companion to this report
(Gender-Integrated Basic Combat Training 1995 Focus Group Report, Marshall-Mies, et.al., in
preparation).

Survey Data Analysis

The analysis consisted of: (1) paired-comparisons tests between pre-training and post-training
results for soldier respondents in the 1995 study; (2) comparisons between training conditions
(1993 single-gender, 1993 gender-integrated, 1994 gender-integrated, and 1995 gender-
integrated); and (3) comparisons between male and female soldier respondents in the 1995 study.
Due to the small number of respondents in the sample companies who attrited from the Army, no
detailed analyses were conducted on the attrition questionnaire data.



32.

33.

34.

How many male drill sergeants are assigned to your platoon?
A. One, | was alone.

B. Two

C. Three

D. Four

E. No male drill sergeants are assigned to my platoon.

How many female drill sergeants are assigned to your platoon?

A. One, | was alone.

B. Two

C. Three

D. Four

E. No female drill sergeants are assigned to my platoon.

Was your platoon or company in "split" billeting locations? (Platoon not on the

same floor, not in the same bay, or company not in the same building)
A. Yes
B. No——GO TO QUESTION 42 ON PAGE 7

DID HAVING A "SPLIT" PLATOON OR COMPANY EFFECT ON:

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

Very negative effect

Somewhat negative effect
No effect
Somewhat positive effect |

Positive effect |

1

!

tT

the performance of your platoon/company? AB

the individual performance of soldiers? AB

“getting the word out" (communications) in the unit? ABCD
unit cohesion? ABCD
the morale/esprit de corps of your unit? ABCD
the teamwork/cooperation in your unit? ABCD

To what extent were you and the other drill sergeants able to overcome any
problems caused by the split location ‘of your platoon/company?

Does not apply; we did not have any problems with the split location.
Very great extent

Great extent

Moderate extent

Slight extent

Not at all

TMmON@>

m--—-—--—

m



Table 3. Soldiers’ Pre-Training Attitudes Toward the Army (Percent Agree/Strongly Agree)

Item Males Females
Tam proud to be in the Army. 91 89
1 am looking forward to being a part of the Army 91 89
team.

The Army offers you the opportunity to develop 92 94
leadership skills.

The Army offers the opportunity to develop self- 92 90
confidence.

The Army offers the opportunity to develop your 90 88
potential.

The Army experience helps you to develop into a 90 88
responsible, mature person.

The Army provides the opportunity to get and 98 98
stay physically fit.

The vast majority of both male (75%) and female (74%) soldiers were pleased with their
decision to join the Army (Table 4).

Table 4. Pleased with Decision to Join the Army Pre-Training (in Percent)

How pleased are you with your decision to join

the Army? Males Females
Extremely pleased 41 39
Somewhat pleased 34 35
Not sure 19 21
Somewhat displeased 4 4
Extremely displeased 2 1

13



Drill Sergeants’ Questionnaire

Drill sergeants assigned to the 1995 sample companies were asked to complete a
questionnaire. A total of 98 usable questionnaires were completed. Drill sergeants were asked
questions about their background, their opinions on topics concerning training in a gender-
integrated environment, and their drill sergeant training.

Background Information
Due to the small number of drill sergeants, data are presented for the total group, with no

separate analyses for gender (Table 40). Most of the drill sergeants were males (84%) and from
the Combat Arms MOS (69%). Most were married (79%) and were Staff Sergeants (76%).
Slightly more than half (58%) had been selected by an Army board to be drill sergeants. The
remainder had volunteered for this career enhancing assignment.

Drill Sergeants’ Opinions on Training
Drill sergeants were given a list of items that were mentioned by drill sergeants in the 1993

and 1994 studies as problems for training in a gender-integrated environment. The five areas that
drill sergeants identified as “major problems” are shown in Table 41. Although the order of
frequency varied, these five problems were chosen by drill sergeants in every battalion. The only
problem specific to gender-integrated training is controlling male-female relationships between
soldiers (31%). The others--lack of washers/dryers for soldiers in the barracks, timely repairs in
the barracks, the entry-level physical condition of female trainees, and having to do more with
less--are universal problems for drill sergeants. The lack of washers/dryers in the barracks is
complicated by gender-integrated training if, as in some barracks, the washers and dryers are
located in one of the large latrines, thus limiting the opposite gender open access to the facilities.

Drill sergeants were also asked whether they believed BCT for non-combat arms MOS should
be conducted in gender-integrated platoons (Table 42). Most of the drill sergeants (59%) did not
believe gender-integrated training should be continued. If BCT is gender-integrated, 54% of the
drill sergeants say it is important to have a female drill sergeant in each platoon (Table 43).
Currently there are not enough female drill sergeants in the Army to support this staffing.

42



3.

INTRODUCTION

The DRILL SERGEANT SURVEY collects information on a wide range
of issues important to the Army, trainers, and soldiers. The results of
the survey are used by Army policymakers to assess policies and
develop plans for providing basic entry training for all soldiers.

YOUR PARTICIPATION IS NEEDED. The Army needs information
from you in order to make informed decisions. Your participation in
the survey is voluntary. Failure to respond to any question will not
result in any penalty. However, your participation is encouraged so
that the data will be complete and representative.

INSTRUCTIONS

Please read carefully each question and all the possible answers before
selecting your answer.

In several questions you will be asked about "gender-integrated
training." The definition of gender-integrated training that we would
like you to use for this survey is male and female soldiers integrated in

training down to the squad level.

In several questions, you will also be asked about the drill sergeant
job.

Prepared by:

ARMY PERSONNEL SURVEY OFFICE
U.S. Army Research Institute
for the Behavioral and Social Sciences
ATTN: PERI-RZD
5001 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22333-5600

PHONE: Commercial (703) 617-7801
DSN 667-7801
E-mail: APSO@alexandria-emh2.army.mil



the pre- and post- training questionnaires. Both males (t = 3.548) and females (t = 5.311) were
more pleased with their decision after they had finished training.

Table 15. Soldiers’ Attitudes Toward the Army (Percent Agree/Strongly Agree)

Study Group
Males Females

Item 93 ‘93. ‘94°95 93 ‘93 ‘94 ‘95

sc Gl Gl Gl sG Gl Gl @
I am proud to be in the Army. 95 9 95 95 95 92 90 93
Iam looking forward to being a part 93 92 92 «(93 92 90 87 91
of the Army team.
The Army offers you the 96 «93 «92~—O92 93 93 93 «97
opportunity to develop leadership
skills.
The Army offers the opportunity to 97 96 «97 9S 95 96 94 93
develop self-confidence.
The Army offers the opportunity to 93 93 92 92 90 92 91 94
develop your potential.
The Army experience helps you to go 86 «687 ~— 87 82 84 84 86
develop into a responsible, mature
person.
The Army provides the opportunity 96 98 94 «(96 95 96 93 97

to get and stay physically fit.

25



The statistical tests used for the other analyses were Student’s t for paired comparisons (pre-
and post-training surveys) and Student’s t for independent samples for training condition and
gender differences. A significance level of .01 was chosen for all items.

Because of the large sample sizes of some groups, there were many cases where the t-value
was statistically significant but the percent difference between the groups was small. A decision
was made to subjectively assess all significant differences to determine whether the group
differences were large enough to be of practical significance. To achieve consistency in
reporting results, a decision rule was used as a criterion: a difference in the percentage response
for an item must exceed the between groups’ sampling error. Sampling error is the amount of
measurement error that can occur by chance given the sample size and confidence interval. In
this report, only those items that have a significant t-value and whose percent difference exceeds
the between groups’ sampling error are reported as statistically significant.



Soldiers described platoon and squad members forming cliques, arguing, fighting, and not
cooperating with one another. Male soldiers complained that female soldiers “got over” on the
male drill sergeants, fraternized with drill sergeants, and “rode codes” to get out of training.
Females complained that males resented female leadership and did not show respect for females in
leadership positions. There was great variation between battalions on many of these issues. The
common denominator seemed to be the attitudes of the drill sergeants toward female soldiers and
toward training in a gender-integrated environment.

When drill sergeants continually point out the differences in males and females, tell the soldiers
that standards had been lowered for females, do not treat female drill sergeants with respect, and
encourage the idea that it is a“Man’s Army”, a lack of respect and teamwork among soldiers is
fostered.

Drill Sergeants’ Attitudes Toward Gender-Integrated Training

Drill sergeants were divided in their assessment of training in a gender-integrated environment.
Some drill sergeants believed that training in a gender-integrated environment was harder for
females because they were expected to perform to a higher standard and “keep up” with their
male peers. The competition between the genders was thought to encourage all soldiers to
perform better and to reduce fights and bickering between single-gender companies. Some drill
sergeants also felt that gender-integrated BCT helps bonding between soldiers who must learn to
work together as a team. In this way, soldiers who trained in a gender-integrated environment
were better prepared for AIT and for their careers in a gender-integrated Army.

Other drill sergeants noted negative aspects of gender-integrated BCT. The most common
complaints centered around the facilities. The lack of adequate showers, washers, dryers and
latrines all received mention. The Quartermaster Service placed more stress on the already
inadequate numbers of washers and dryers because soldiers have to launder their own clothes in
order to keep clean clothes. Lost clothing items and amount of time needed to drop and receive
laundry back were common complaints of soldiers. This is especially difficult if the washers and
dryers are located in one latrine on a floor. The opposite gender must then be scheduled to go
into a latrine for doing laundry. Other complaints centered around the fact that some living
arrangements split up platoons which hindered communication and made it more difficult for drill
sergeants to monitor their troops.

Related to the housing problem was a concern that gender-integrated BCT encouraged more
fraternization among male and female soldiers. Drill sergeants felt they had to keep the soldiers
focused on training while the soldiers were focused on one another.

Both male and female drill sergeants acknowledged that some male drill sergeants treated
male and female soldiers differently, often giving female soldiers more slack. Some of the female
drill sergeants felt that male drill sergeants often gave females different types of details or favored
those who were more attractive. Some male drill sergeants insisted that male and female soldiers
require different training techniques. For example, some male drill sergeants said standards had to
53



S. DRILL SERGEANTS (10 MIN)

What do you think about the training given by your
drill sergeants? Were you trained well? Any problems?

Did the male drill sergeants show any differences in the

treatment of male and female soldiers?

Did the female drill sergeants show any differences in the

treatment of male and female soldiers?



SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING BT

What suggestions do you have for improving BT?



training; the training drill sergeants receive for conducting gender-integrated training; and attrition
during training.

The physical condition of most soldiers entering BCT is poor--especially the condition of
females. Most soldiers did not physically prepare for BCT. Although drill sergeants can and do
take poorly conditioned recruits and turn them into well-conditioned soldiers in 8 weeks, the
physical toll on the soldiers and the time required by the drill sergeants could be eased if soldiers
entered BCT in better condition.

Females trained in a gender-integrated environment improved their performance on all
measures of physical fitness (APFT events of push-ups, sit-ups, and 2-mile run) and males in
gender-integrated training improved in two of three events in the 1995 study. This has occurred
without the Army fitness standards (APFT) being changed or adjusted for gender-integrated
training.

There were no significant differences in end-of-day-qualify on Basic Rifle Marksmanship; there
were significant differences for Ist-time-qualify for soldiers in some battalions in the 1995 study.
There were no significant differences of end-of-cycle Individual Proficiency Tests.

The soldierization process as measured by self-reported levels of pride and commitment,
individual improvement during BCT, individual and platoon morale, teamwork, and cohesion was
also examined. Female soldiers in gender-integrated companies reported higher levels of
soldierization than female soldiers trained in an all-female training environment. Male soldiers in
the 1994 and 1995 gender-integrated companies reported the same or higher levels of
soldierization as males in 1993 all-male companies. Differences in soldierization for the 1995
study reflect battalion differences.

Sexual harassment and equal opportunity are key issues of soldierization. Both soldiers and
drill sergeants identified sexual harassment, sex discrimination, and unequal treatment as
occurring during training. Both male and female drill sergeants and male and female soldiers
reported some male drill sergeants expect less of female soldiers and treat female soldiers
differently than male soldiers. Female drill sergeants also reported receiving unequal treatment at
the Drill Sergeant School and at their BCT units.

In the 1995 study, drill sergeants were not consistent in their evaluation of gender-integrated
BCT. There is a difference between battalions and between drill sergeants from the Combat Arms
and Combat Support/Combat Service Support military occupational specialties. Battalions whose
drill sergeants were most negative about gender-integrated training had lower levels of
soldierization and had soldiers who rated their drill sergeants lower on showing support for
soldiers and for the platoon. A command climate that supports gender-integrated BCT is essential

to training success.

Drill sergeants believe that the Drill Sergeant Course does not adequately prepare them to
conduct BCT in a gender-integrated environment. Several changes to the course curriculum were
suggested, including information on how to train males and females together.

viii



APPENDIX C. DRILL SERGEANT QUESTIONNAIRE

89



On two of the six items, males in the ‘95 GI companies reported significantly higher levels of
cohesion than males in the ‘93 GI companies. The ‘95 GI males were more likely than ‘93 GI
males to report that in their platoons soldiers really cared about what happens to each other
(t= 6.307) and that soldiers like being in this platoon (t= 4.065). There were no significant
differences in the levels of cohesion reported by the ‘95 GI males and the ‘93 SG males.

Females in the ‘93 SG companies reported lower levels of cohesion on all six items than any
of the gender-integrated companies. The “95 GI females were significant more likely than ‘93
SG females to report that in their platoons soldiers really care about what happens to each other
(t = 4.904), soldiers trust one another (t = 8.625), soldiers feel close to each other (t = 7.603),
soldiers like being in this platoon (t = 8.103), soldiers respect one another (t = 7.700), and
soldiers like one another (t = 6.444).

Table 22. Soldiers Cohesion (Percent Agree/Strongly Agree)

Study Group
Males Females

Item ‘93 «93. ‘94 “95 93 ‘93 ‘94 ‘95

sG Gl Gd a sc Gl Gd Ga
In my platoon the soldiers really 38 31% 40 44 33* 42 45 47
care about what happens to each
other.
Soldiers in my platoon can trust 37. 28 «= 32354 13* 23 32 30
one another.
Soldiers in my platoon feel very 33.«-27——39 35 21* 31* 39 41
close to each other.
Soldiers like being in this platoon. 61 52* 63 60 34* 51* 64 61
Soldiers in my platoon really 26 18 29° 25 9* 19 28 27
respect one another.
Soldiers in my platoon like one 37 340 41386 24* 39 39 41
another.

*Statistically significant at p<.01

30



MALE AND FEMALE SOLDIERS IN BASIC TRAINING

The next group of items asks you for your opinions about male and female soldiers in
BT. Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements.
Strongly disagree

Disagree

Neither agree nor disagree

Agree |

Strongly agree

42. | believe BT for those MOSs open to both men and women

1

1

1

i

if
oan

1 i

should be conducted in gender-integrated platoons. AB E

'
\
\
i
|
i
D

Q-----

43, When men are present in training, women will push

themselves harder to achieve. ABCDE
44, Here at Basic Training females do not receive

any special privileges. ABCDE
45. In my platoon, males and females worked well together. ABCDE
46. Mixing males and females in a platoon has a negative

effect on individual performance. ABCDE
47. Being part of a team is easier for soldiers-in-training

when they are all of the same gender. ABCDE
48. Having a female drill sergeant in each platoon is important

to training gender-integrated platoons. ABCDE
49. Mixing males and females in a platoon has a negative effect

on individual physical conditioning. ABCDE
50. Mixing males and females in a platoon has a positive

influence on group cohesion/cooperation. ABCDE
51. When women are present in training, men will push

themselves harder. ABCDE
52. Being part of a team is easier for drill sergeants when all

drill sergeants in the platoon are of the same gender. ABCDE
53. During BT, male drill sergeants discipline females less

severely than males for the same offense. ABCDE
54. During BT, female drill sergeants discipline females less

severely than males for the same offense. ABCDE

7



There were significant differences between males and females in the ‘95 study. Females were
significantly more likely than males to report that both males and female soldiers were expected
to achieve to the same standards (t = -7.12), worked as hard in performing their assigned tasks
(t=-6.79), performed equally well in their assigned tasks (t= 8.53), and worked well together
(t= -4.53).

Confidence and Commitment

The 1995 post-training questionnaire included two questions measuring confidence, two
questions on support from family and friends, and three questions on commitment to the Army.
There were no significant differences between males and females in confidence in their ability to
complete their first term of enlistment (see Table 26), nor were there significant differences
among the males and among the females from the pre- to the post-training questionnaires.

Table 26. Post-Training Confidence in Completing Enlistment Term (in Percent)

How confident are you that you will be able to

complete your full term of enlistment? Males Females
Extremely confident 63 57
Very confident 27 29
Moderately confident 8 10
Slightly confident 1 2
Not at all confident 1 2

‘As shown in Table 27, males and females expressed high levels of confidence in their ability
to perform well in their AIT--their next step in becoming soldiers. There were no significant
differences between males and females.

Table 27. Post-Training Confidence in Performing Well at AIT (in Percent)

How confident are you that you will be able to

perform well in your AIT? Males Females
Extremely confident 55 49
Very confident 32 31
Moderately confident : 11 17
Slightly confident 2 1
Not at all confident 1 2

33