Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pushing to make basic training more challenging by reinstating controversial practices like “shark attacks” and “bay tossing.” These tactics, aimed at toughening recruits, were once central to military training but have since been scaled back in recent years.
Key Facts:
- Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense, has reversed a ban on “bay tossing” and is considering reintroducing “shark attacks” in basic training.
- The practice of “bay tossing” involved drill sergeants causing chaos in recruits’ living areas, forcing them to clean up as a disciplinary exercise.
- The “shark attack” was a loud and intense introduction to training, where drill sergeants would shout at recruits to instill discipline and test their mental resilience.
- A July directive from Army Col. C.J. Hallows banned “bay tossing,” citing the risk of violating Army values, but it was rescinded after Hegseth’s intervention.
- Hegseth’s initiative aligns with his views on military readiness, which he discussed in his 2024 book, *The War on Warriors*.
The Rest of The Story:
The practice of “bay tossing,” in which drill sergeants would overturn recruits’ personal belongings and create chaos in their living spaces, was intended to teach discipline by forcing recruits to clean up the mess. It had been banned in some Army units in late July, but this decision was quickly overturned after Hegseth stepped in.
Hegseth, aiming to make basic training tougher, also expressed interest in reinstating “shark attacks,” a controversial practice where recruits are confronted with loud, aggressive drill sergeants as part of their initial training.
A commander at Fort Benning had initially prohibited these practices, citing concerns about potential damage to recruits’ personal property and the need for more respectful treatment of trainees. However, after a review, Hegseth reversed this stance, stressing that a tougher training environment is necessary for fostering discipline and cohesiveness in military units. Hegseth believes that tough training builds character and prepares soldiers for the rigors of combat.
NEW: SecDef Hegseth recently directed the Army to reverse a ban on “bay tossing” for recruits and is considering bringing back “shark attacks” by drill sergeants during basic training — part of his effort to “Make BASIC Great Again.”https://t.co/YTtpF4bsWN
— Jerry Dunleavy IV 🇺🇸 (@JerryDunleavy) August 5, 2025
Commentary:
Basic training serves as the foundation for military readiness, where recruits learn discipline and teamwork under high-pressure conditions.
The objective is not just to teach soldiers how to fight but to build mental toughness and resilience. “Bay tossing” and “shark attacks” are not about punishing recruits but about preparing them for the harsh realities of combat, where chaos and uncertainty are the norm.
Tough training methods like these are essential. If soldiers cannot handle the stress of a few intense days at boot camp, they may struggle in the face of real-life adversity. Basic training is meant to challenge recruits and prepare them for the unpredictability of war. It’s not about comfort; it’s about survival.
Additionally, the idea that discipline and respect for authority should be instilled through such methods is crucial. The military’s structure relies on clear hierarchies and strict discipline. If recruits can’t handle being “yelled at” or facing minor discomfort, they will struggle with the far more demanding challenges they’ll face in the field.
Critics often misinterpret these methods, viewing them as harsh or outdated. However, military training is not a space for political correctness or “safe spaces.” It’s about building warriors who can withstand the psychological and physical demands of combat. Hegseth’s push to restore these practices reflects a shift back to a more traditional model of military training that prioritizes toughness and resilience over comfort and convenience.
It’s important to understand that the military is not a place for pampering. It’s a place for transforming civilians into soldiers capable of fighting in wars. As Hegseth notes, the military needs to focus on creating warriors, not just recruits who are good at following orders but lack the mental fortitude required to thrive in combat situations. The toughening of training helps foster the necessary attributes: discipline, strength, and loyalty to the unit.
The Bottom Line:
Hegseth’s push to reintroduce “shark attacks” and “bay tossing” represents a return to traditional military training methods aimed at toughening recruits.
While controversial, these practices are designed to prepare soldiers for the real challenges of combat, building mental resilience and discipline.
As the military evolves, maintaining the balance between respect and tough training remains essential for creating soldiers who can endure the rigors of war.
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