Blakey feels the changes made to IET are positive steps. The additional executive officers will permit company commanders to have the time for such things as BCT mid-cycle sensing sessions, and more daily contact with the training platoons. He thinks company commanders may get valuable input from the sensing sessions. Trainees will learn their commander's position on issues, know he is active in the training process and not just someone you see only when you're in trouble. Having more chaplains in IET is a tremendous help to drill sergeants, Blakey said.
Chaplains can see trainees at whatever location they are during the day.
A chaplain can provide counseling or spiritual guidance to a trainee in private on the range, but with minimum interruption to the training schedule. The chaplain will determine if the trainee needs help that requires more time. The recommendation to add a week to IET was studied by BCT officials at Fort Benning, Ga., who were tasked with studying the idea. They suggested specific subjects to be added to the current program of instruction. Those topics include values, prevention of sexual harassment and rape, equal opportunity and drug and alcohol abuse.