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b. Preventive measures. Trainee abuse actions are not those of a professional cadre member, permanent party
Soldier or Army civilian; they destroy the ability to build our most essential weapon system—the American Soldier.
Any actions of cadre members, which do not directly relate to the trainee’s health, welfare, training, or another official
purpose, may be trainee abuse. The primary goal of the TRADOC Trainee Abuse Prevention Program is to prevent
incidents of trainee abuse, through cadre training, professional development, and effective detection of at-risk cadre,
abusive acts, and a supportive command climate.
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(1) Training. All commanders will have a training program that educates cadre members (military and
civilians) regarding the dangers of trainee abuse and the importance of professional behavior. This training will
specifically focus upon positive aspects of professionalism, prevention and why abuse occurs (for example, frustration
with trainees, marital problems, financial difficulties, or physical attraction toward trainees). Effective training tools
may include quarterly or semiannual small group sensing sessions; officer/noncommissioned/civilian officer
professional development classes, where previous instances of trainee abuse are analyzed; or formal trainee abuse
presentations during all initial cadre training courses.
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(2) Detection of at-risk cadre and abusive acts. The duties associated with a drill sergeant, advanced individual
training (AIT) platoon sergeant, or an IMT instructor (Military/civilian)are challenging. Long hours, complex duties,
and time away from family members can cause frustration, anger, and other problems that may lead to trainee abuse.
An effective system to detect at-risk cadre, and a supportive command climate that encourages cadre to seek assistance
from their fellow cadre, the chain of command, local chaplains, or counselors could combat these problems. To be
effective, drill sergeants, AIT platoon sergeants, commanders, instructors (military/civilian) and other cadre should rely
heavily upon each other by being vigilant for signs or indications of a potential abuser. These cadre members are our
first lines of defense against trainee abuse.
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(3) Supportive command climate. Commanders will ensure drill sergeants, Platoon Sergeants, and instructors
(military /civilian) take ownership of problems they see in other cadre members, by intervening early to prevent any
acts of abuse, provide counseling to an at-risk cadre member, and report the matter to the chain of command
immediately. Commanders will implement programs that keep these key trainers fresh, alert, properly oriented, and
motivated.
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(4) Commanders will establish a hotline for Soldiers to report incidents of abuse.
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Reports and Investigations
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a. Reporting trainee abuse. All allegations of trainee abuse received by a commander will be reported. Timely
reporting of allegations of trainee abuse is vital to the command. Reporting requirements for allegations of trainee
abuse are found in TRADOC Regulation 1-8, http://www.tradoc.army.mil/tpubs/regs/tr1-8.pdf and Army Regulation
(AR) 190-45. All IMT commanders will be familiar with these requirements, and have copies readily available.
Trainee Abuse is additionally defined as any incident in which a trainee is harmed or injured in violation of Army
Regulations and TRADOC policies. A report should be filed in any case where there might be media interest or
Command interest, regardless of the alleged perpetrator status (peer on peer included). Only a commander can
determine an incident as trainee abuse.
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b. Types of reports.