VIDEO CNN's Brian Cabell looks at how new programs for military recruits with problems are working Real 28K 80K Windows Media 28K 80K

July 9, 1999
Web posted at: 7:12 p.m. EDT (2312 GMT)

FT. JACKSON, South Carolina (CNN) -- Trying to cope with a shortage of recruits, the U.S. Army has instituted two programs aimed at keeping new soldiers who want to drop out and those having trouble mastering the military life.

About 3 percent of raw recruits who show up for basic training decide they want out in the first 48 hours. The Army is now putting those soldiers in a program called "Think It Over" -- two days of counseling, patriotic videos and pep talks.

The message: Basic training is tough, but it's not permanent.

"Recruiters are going out and getting us quality people," says Col. John Shortal. "We want to give them every chance to succeed."

The Army says that of those recruits put through the program, 44 percent decide to stay.

For soldiers who have made it part of the way through basic training but then find their motivation slipping, the Army has another program called "See It Through."

For two weeks, recruits are put in a separate company, where they can get more personal attention. Army officials insist, however, that the recruits are not coddled.

"The only difference is probably a bit more time spent with the solider one-on-one," says Col. Tom Gross.

The soldiers' problems might stem from family programs or stress or attention deficit disorder or difficulty handling weapons. About 56 percent of soldiers who go through the program return to regular basic training.

A year ago, the young people having trouble with Army life probably wouldn't have been given a second chance. But today's Army needs recruits, and it believes those given remedial help will still make good soldiers.

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