Here’s what this means for our troops.
America’s military is finally getting its backbone back — and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says it’s long overdue. After years of “soft” training policies under the Biden era, Hegseth is bringing back the legendary “shark attack” drill to forge real warriors again.
A Patriotic Return to Real Boot Camp
On Thursday’s Will Cain Show, Hegseth proudly vowed to “make basic training great again,” confirming the revival of a drill that veterans know all too well. The “shark attack” is intense: multiple drill sergeants swarm a recruit, shouting orders, tossing bunks, and applying extreme pressure to see who can think clearly under fire.
“This is the crucible,” Hegseth said. “For decades, recruits faced fear, exhaustion, and stress — and came out forged as American warriors. This isn’t cruelty. This is readiness.”
Biden’s Pentagon Tried to Cancel It
The drill was phased out in 2020 and replaced with the “First 100 Yards” program, a softer approach focused on “teamwork” instead of toughness. Critics blasted the move as yet another example of political correctness weakening our armed forces.
Under President Trump’s leadership, Hegseth says the goal is simple: restore the grit, discipline, and warrior mindset that keeps America safe.
Why It Matters for America’s Future
The “shark attack” isn’t just a drill — it’s a rite of passage that teaches soldiers to push through fear, adapt under pressure, and never back down. Hegseth believes that without it, America risks sending unprepared troops into harm’s way.
With Trump back in the Oval Office, this revival signals a larger shift — a military once again focused on winning wars, not appeasing woke critics.
