Army Probes Drill Sergeants for Misconduct and Abuse
Multiple U.S. Army drill sergeants have come under formal investigation following allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of authority, raising new concerns about command climate and trainee safety in initial military training environments. The accusations, which involve inappropriate relationships with trainees, were detailed in the article “Drill sergeants accused of sexual misconduct, abusing authority” published by Military Times on December 12.
According to the Military Times report, more than a dozen drill sergeants stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina—one of the Army’s primary training installations—are being scrutinized for violations that span from breaches of professional boundaries to cases of coercive sexual conduct. These incidents appear to have occurred within the framework of basic combat training, where drill sergeants serve not only as instructors but as key authority figures for new soldiers entering the armed forces.
Army officials confirmed that several of the accused personnel have been suspended from their duties pending the outcome of the investigations, which are being carried out by both military criminal investigators and the Army’s Inspector General. Officials emphasized that appropriate actions would be taken should the allegations be substantiated.
The unfolding situation has spotlighted longstanding concerns over the power imbalance inherent in training environments and the potential for abuse. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and Army regulations, drill sergeants are strictly prohibited from engaging in personal or romantic relationships with trainees. Such conduct is deemed a serious breach of professionalism and military discipline, in part due to the significant authority these instructors wield.
While the Army has made substantial efforts in recent years to combat sexual harassment and assault across the force—particularly following the death of Specialist Vanessa Guillén in 2020 and the subsequent Fort Hood Independent Review—advocates say this case underscores the difficulty of fully eradicating abuse within hierarchical institutions.
In a statement provided to Military Times, Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) spokespersons affirmed that holding leaders accountable remains a top priority. “We remain committed to maintaining a culture of trust and accountability,” one official said, noting that recruits must be able to develop under the guidance of leaders who uphold the Army’s core values.
It remains unclear how many trainees may have been affected, or over what timeframe the alleged misconduct occurred. Investigators are reportedly conducting interviews with both current and former service members while reviewing communications and documentation related to the accused.
The developing case puts a renewed focus on the mechanisms the Army has in place to protect its most vulnerable members—those just beginning their military careers. In light of these allegations, military leaders and lawmakers may face renewed calls to bolster oversight and ensure that drill sergeants and other instructors are selected, trained, and held to the highest standards.
As the investigation proceeds, Army leadership has emphasized that trainees’ welfare will remain paramount and that any finding of wrongdoing will be addressed with disciplinary and corrective measures in accordance with military law.
