The coronavirus pandemic kept recruiters out of schools, fairs and other public events, limiting their in-person contact with students.
Other classes focus on reading comprehension and vocabulary. Students get study breaks and personal time. Recruits who failed the fitness standard get classes on nutrition, exercise, physical therapy, sleep habits and other health skills leading to safe and healthy weight loss. Staff Sgt. Jonathan Tenorio, who was a drill sergeant and is now an instructor, said it's less screaming and directing, and more speaking and teaching.So students’ days start around 5 a.m. and physical training is first on the schedule. They also are learning how to wear their new uniforms, how to march, and how to figure out ranks and other basics of Army culture.
Outside the classroom building, 2nd Lt. William Paschall, a math instructor, said he's seen progress. At the start of the week, he asked how many understood a problem on the board and few hands went up. At the end of the week, nearly all raised their hands.