Training focus has shifted from platoon-level instruction to skills development. And gone forever are the days of the mean, spiteful drill sergeant. They will yell, though. Within the U.S. military, Fort Jackson commands respect high and wide. Keeton and the rest of the command are pleased with their record for turning out progressively better soldiers despite nationwide military funding cutbacks.
Resources are a constant concern, however.
We re now being used more and more all over the world. A key to the post staff s ability to do their job train soldiers is the increase in civilian workers to perform tasks soldiers once handled. Civilian employees at the fort today provide a wide range of services, from public safety to fiscal management to weapons and equipment maintenance to transportation to child care. Civilians on base also have initiated projects that benefit the community directly. Richard Lucas, for example, has won national awards for his advanced recycling program.