The bus arrived at 7:45 a.m., with new recruits who knew little or nothing about the training day ahead of them. Drill sergeants began the transition from civilian to Soldier by instilling discipline in the new recruits at the onset of training.
Introductions and a safety briefing were given, followed by classes in drill and ceremony, customs and courtesies, military time, the military alphabet, basic first aid and map reading. The training concluded with a question and answer session with the cadre.
Lt. Col. Heber Meeks, 1-415th Battalion commander, also participates in the DEP training, sharing his Basic Training experiences with future Soldiers. “The training you have received today will most definitely prepare you for the beginning of your military career,” he said to the new recruits assembled in class.
Sgt. Alejandro Navarro, one of the battalion’s drill sergeants, is personally responsible for the success of this program, spending time each month visiting various recruiting stations to promote the DEP training throughout the Las Vegas area.
Commanded by 1st Lt. Matthew P. Moore, Delta Company is a single detachment within the 1-415th Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 95th Division (Instructor Training), headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz. Comprised of certified drill sergeants and drill sergeant candidates, the detachment provides qualified Soldiers to conduct Basic Training at numerous Army Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) installations across the country.
Since taking command in May 2009, Moore, along with his high-speed, highly motivated drill instructors, began incorporating DEP Training into the unit’s monthly training schedule. Delta Company has already conducted five DEP training sessions, preparing more than 75 new Soldiers for Basic Training since the program began there in August 2009. As the program grows, the detachment plans to enhance and expand the training to better prepare new recruits.