When one goes to the United States Army’s Advanced Individual Training (AIT), they often come in as a prior service member. But in some cases, prior service members enter AIT after being chaptered from their former branch. As a result, should they explain the circumstances around their previously being chaptered to every Drill Sergeant/Leader above them?
This is a difficult question to answer and as such, it is best to address by examining both sides of the issue. On one hand, remaining transparent and honest with one’s chain of command is vital to the Army’s structure and may help to create a stronger bond between the Soldier and their chain of command. On the other hand, the Soldier may experience discrimination or judgement by their chain of command, thereby creating an uncomfortable learning environment. In the following essay, I will examine both sides of this issue, as well as considerations that a Soldier may need to take into account when making their decision.
Firstly, it is important to consider the Soldier’s need to remain transparent and honest with their chain of command. In the Army, transparency and honesty are key components to the successful operation of an organization, as well as the development of mutual trust between a Soldier and their chain of command. For this reason, it is essential that a Soldier be honest about their prior service history. While the circumstances around why the Soldier was chaptered may be uncomfortable, admitting these issues to one’s supervisors can ultimately create a stronger bond between them. Additionally, if the Soldier’s issues are not disclosed and the drill sergeant finds out at a later date, this could have negative consequences for the Soldier, such as distrust or loss of promotion opportunities.
On the other hand, it is important to consider the potential negative impacts of disclosing the circumstances around being chaptered to one’s chain of command. In many cases, the Soldier may not know the drill sergeant’s opinion on the issues leading to their previous chapter. The Soldier may fear that the drill sergeant will judge them or discriminate against them, thus creating an uncomfortable learning environment. Additionally, the Soldier may be apprehensive that revelation of their previous chaptering will negatively impact their career path. Therefore, it is understandable why a Soldier may choose not to bring up their prior service history when reporting to their drill sergeant.
In addition to the two sides of this argument, a Soldier should consider the potential risks and rewards of their decision before deciding whether or not to disclose the circumstances around their previous chaptering. In some cases, the Soldier may decide that the potential rewards outweigh the potential risks and choose to inform their drill sergeant. In other cases, the Soldier may choose to remain silent on their previous service history. Ultimately, this decision should be based on the Soldier’s comfort level, as well as the potential risks and rewards of their decision.
Moreover, if the Soldier does choose to disclose their prior service history to their drill sergeant, it is important for them to remain professional and respectful. The Soldier should remember that the drill sergeant has their best interests in mind and may have valuable advice to offer on how to best move forward. Additionally, the Soldier should keep in mind that their drill sergeant may be unfamiliar with Army regulations and may need their assistance in order to gain a better understanding of the Soldier’s previous situation.
In conclusion, it can be difficult to determine whether or not a Soldier should explain the circumstances around their previously being chaptered to every drill sergeant and leader above them when they go to AIT as a prior service member. While being transparent and honest with one’s chain of command is valuable, the Soldier may fear judgement or discrimination from the drill sergeant. Therefore, when making their decision, the Soldier should consider the potential risks and rewards of their decision, remain professional and respectful if they choose to disclose the information, and base their decision on their comfort level.