Fort Jackson says soldier was found dead near training course

[@keith7262]

Rest in Peace warrior!!! It's a shame to lose a Soldier under any circumstances, but to lose one in garrison and on a land navigation course is difficult to swallow. I lost a Soldier under the same circumstances while he was attending PLC and navigating the land navigation course as well. It was determined that he died due to the elements and dehydration. Wishing his loved ones nothing but the best.

[@fulcrumsee5968]

😂😂😂😂😂 you really believe that was the cause of death? He was either knocked off for being a dickhead or he off himself

[@Mr88M4]

this happened to me at FT.Jackson on the WLC Course went in the summer...ended up in the hospital for 3 days....This is a terrible loss land Nav can be problematic especially in the summer...go in the fall or winter..points can be navigated much better😢😢😢❤❤❤

[@eman6940]

R.I.P. 🙏✝️

[@robertenglish3921]

That perhaps was a bit rigorous! I wonder if they will litigate.. I don't why I aren't doing a bunch of stuff.. I hate being held back

[@nlee6038]

And all I've got to say where was the the training staff? Oh! I know. Being complacent. They was being complacent.

[@henrygeiger8520]

Drill Sergeant Duquette in the background was a drill of mine in 2020. He was outstanding at his job and left a mark on me to this day of what a leader should be like.

[@AlertNotification]

yooooooo he was mine too recently Bravo company 4-39 2nd platoon march 9th 2021

[@barryarron7]

Yep he still there at Jackson

[@kaidanhopson2369]

Haha he was mine too, 2nd PLT B Co 4-39 June of 21

[@miami3863]

Please please someone explain how the f*ck this is still happening. I went through BOLC ~10 yrs ago at Ft. Gordon (Augusta, Ga), in the summer heat. The regiment after mine had a 2LT (prior enlisted) die during day land nav. I thought the army was starting to use alert devices, similar to firefighters. Where if someone falls down or stops moving similar to a firefighter in a burning building a loud siren would start going off on the person. Bottomline, this is 100% unacceptable, and 100% preventable. Condolences to the family and friends. This hits hard.

[@federal6616]

Been there bro.

[@GI4JESUS]

I've used em at sites however locations vary and this is a school so it may not be allowed.

[@zazasnruntz7505]

The fact that you people think they give a fck about you is comical

[@minerals7728]

@@GI4JESUS why would it not be allowed in TRADOC? It is for the cadre to monitor their trainees. It’s not a device they can cheat off of from my knowledge. Personally I think every time you go out like that in a training environment you should have one but that’s my personal opinion.

[@Juan-ll6sf]

Admiration and respect to SSGT Contreras, Army hero lost during training. I'm a retired 68W since 2013. Land navigation course is the most dangerous CTT course in rough terrain. I suggest every soldier in a land navigation test course wear an encrypted signal locator device similar to a cell phone to monitor soldier's location and movement through the land navigation course. This will increase safety and may save lives in case of an accident or emegency. Thanks.

[@jcole8008]

I know they do use a similar device for the SFAS land nav course to track cadets, as well as a device to monitor your heartbeat (to see if a cadet is sleeping on the course). I assumed all land nav courses had them. They definitely should, training safety needs to be a higher priority.

[@alntdi1]

In this era of hi-tech, I can't understand that the "first" army in the world doesn't use that.

[@emandummie]

Thanks for repeating what he said

[@rodneyhorsley8601]

@@alntdi1 You have to train as if your tech has failed or destroyed. If you dont do that then you are screwed.

[@usscamdenaoe2]

I understand completely I did knight and day land Air Force when I was in the army and you don’t know what’s out there you don’t know if there’s snakes I can bite you or whatever and especially at night

[@crovosfizion6440]

IT TOOK THEM 9 HOURS TO FIND HIM?!? ANYTHING COULD HAVE HAPPENED WITH A TIME SPAN LIKE THAT! HOW DID IT TAKE NINE HOURS TO FIND A SOLDIER IN THE WOODS OF A LAND NAVIGATION COURSE!!! ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE ON ALL PARTIES!

[@eddieleejoseph2998]

You act like it was days?

[@crovosfizion6440]

@@eddieleejoseph2998 you really do not understand how much can happen in under an hour…and your comment proves you don’t understand how a lack of urgency kills

[@eddieleejoseph2998]

@@crovosfizion6440 Who are you? Have you ever conducted Land Navigation on a military course?

[@crovosfizion6440]

@@eddieleejoseph2998 yes…have you?

[@eddieleejoseph2998]

@@crovosfizion6440 Yes multiple times for several years, you should stick to your anime.

[@CCM1199]

Land Navigation is a course to be reckoned with. I went through a full land navigation course at least twice in my career (Basic training - Fort Knox, ky and PLDC at Fort Bragg, NC during the winter season) back then before drones and tracking devices were even a thing, You wasnt allowed to carry anything they thought would help you. The only thing I would suggest to anyone who decides to negotiate the course is this: Bring a large camelback with ice water to prevent dehydration, get plenty of sleep the night prior and check the weather the night before the land navigation course so that you can wear the appropriate attire for the course. Hell even GPS wasnt allowed to be on you. its sad that we lose a soldier to the course. RiP SSG Contreras

[@Ghostintheshell3551]

yep i had to do that during BCT and it was horrible ! !!!!!

[@Anonymous-ms4ex]

You need to put a tracking device on dog tags for soldiers. When they do training like that. Just in case they don't come back you can track the location much faster

[@adamcallahan242]

Rest in peace soldier! Prayers and support for his family.

[@zazasnruntz7505]

Anyone who who isn’t white and joins the military in this country is completely clueless

[@MegaBestoffer]

I don't understand why they changed the rules. Apparently it changed. In training at the academy, you are supposed to move around with a battle buddy like a new trainee would in BCT to prevent this kind of situation. Why he was alone blows my mind.

[@catherinealexander2442]

My prayers go out to the family of the fallen soldier may god help you through this difficult time .

[@JustEefan]

I lived with him and his fiancé, she’s taking hard. They were going to be married after his Drill Training

[@hoodieso8858]

​@JustEefan so sad, and unfortunate. Do they know the cause of death?

[@JustEefan]

@@hoodieso8858 as of now no they just said they found him lying peacefully deceased

[@treytaylor1511]

​@Aoeror98 Internet atheist dweebs, smh. You need to seek help.

[@barbaragray9320]

May God bless him, his family, & his fellow soldiers.

[@Xtremeproducts]

I can relate to being lost during land navigation at Fort Leonard Wood. Fortunately, they found my teammates and myself using air support and ground support along with our drill sergeant. We were lost for about at least 40 minutes

[@labellaa9]

Is land navigation a basic training drill? My husband is at fort Leonard wood now for BCT. The fact 30+ people have liked your comment is not super comforting. 😕

[@k7xc326]

​@@labellaa9 i promise you this is extremely rare, years ago i did the course with 3 other stupid 17-19 year olds and have done multiple army land nav courses since (usually one every 2-3 years) and its really not that bad. This isnt basic training, this is the Drill Sgt Academy, much higher standards and higher expectations for soldiers. Its very likely that the SSG who passed had some sort of co existing condition at the time that probably led to heat stroke. Alot of people can have the flu, or meningitis, or something else where they are sick but feel just "okay" enough that they push themselves to finish out training so that they dont get recycled into a different class. The carolinas both have venemous snakes and insects that could also be harmful to soldiers (also extremely rare occurrences though Overall) while incredibly sad it is extremely rare. 99+% of people going through a tradoc land nav course are going to be just fine. Prayers to the family and friends.

[@inresponse2632]

What happen to his battle buddy..

[@Xtremeproducts]

@@inresponse2632 very good question. Or maybe he wondered off by himself considering he’s a non-commissioned officer.

[@Xtremeproducts]

@@labellaa9 land navigation is part of basic training. I was just speaking from my experience while I was at fort Leonard wood.

[@nile9o]

The disconnect Brigadier General Kelly actually has with the soldier is evident as he refers to him as a Staff Sergeant when in fact he was a Sergeant First Class. He says he's sad as if he knew him but he can't even get his rank correct - that goes to show how little he actually knew of and cared for SFC Jaime Contreras. Things like that really bother me with the ARMY... they will always act like the care but in reality life goes on for them like it didn't happen. It's a slap in the face for friends, teammates and family. They just want to save face. RIP SFC Jaime Contreras

[@aaron3283]

🤔 how he was TDY for DS school! How is he supposed to know every swinging DS candidate fool .

[@MARINE1966]

Hold on sir, I understand what you're saying but none of us can say what is in General Kelly's heart. I'm certain the General probably didn't know the fallen soldier personally but that's not to say that as a commander, he wasn't hurt knowing that someone under his charge is now deceased. I believe you should consider the reality of things from that perspective...otherwise you're gonna find yourself being an angry or bitter person about something that may not be true at all.

[@nile9o]

@@MARINE1966 it makes sense what you're saying and I do agree. However, as a soldier myself it is just bothersome how some of the leaders act like they know other soldiers personally when they don't as i've experienced this first hand at memorial services when servicemembers pass away.

[@MARINE1966]

Yes I truly get it but commanders absolutely have to say something, I mean that's just simply protocol. Can you imagine if these things happen and commanders say nothing at all? imagine how that fallout would look.

[@nile9o]

@@MARINE1966 you're absolutely right and I cannot argue that one bit. Would just be better to have fellow soldiers in the team, squad or platoon also be present but it cant always be done. it was just my 2 cents... but yes you're right.

[@russianspy5814]

As a former corpsman of Marines... and a veteran... this hurts... no one should lose their life during training... condolences to the family.... I hope they find the cause of his death to save other soldier from the same fate... Rest in Paradise Warrior!

[@zazasnruntz7505]

Warriors? You mean pawns?

[@russianspy5814]

​@@zazasnruntz7505 Yes. I suppose it's 2023 and you can use whatever pronoun you like. Some of us fought and died for it so you could. Don't ever forget that. Show some respect for the dead whatever your pronoun is.

[@theotherside1159]

@@zazasnruntz7505shut up you dumb dog 😂😂😂😂 back to flipping burgers you go

[@randyball7882]

I hate to hear that one of fort Jackson's soldiers passed may God be with his family and fellow soldiers at fort Jackson my prayers goes out to all during this difficult time.

[@andrewlopez8182]

Something more bigger than its stated happened. Human body only last 5 days without food & dehydration... Something inside internally happend...

[@zoy13]

and we will never get the full story

[@camelfilters3224]

Those that are struggling to understand how this could happen ill try to help out. We all are told and fully understand there have been those before us and will be those after us that may pass away during training for a number of reasons. It unsurprisingly is well know to us it can happen, but without this type of training we would not be effective on the battle field. Sadly those of us who truly know peace without war are those who dont get to come home alive. Condolences to the family and his unit, he will be a huge loss for both.

[@hiddeninfo223]

What kinda adderall fed comment is this? You said the same thing twice different ways. You say “we” like you served. Dude got lost during land nav. I can promise you they ain’t telling you you could die at ft Jackson 🤡.

[@camelfilters3224]

@@hiddeninfo223 I'm sorry I didn't realize I needed to post my DD214 for you. But you can "promise" me something you've never personally experienced. GTFOH a$$ hat.

[@victoriousmuscle8632]

The safe and effective mandate that was just recently dropped. Hmmmmm.

[@camelfilters3224]

@victoriousmuscle8632 Just because we say it's "mandated" doesn't mean everyone puts it into immediate effect. It still has to be added to new editions of manuals and define what is or isn't safe for training, then given to commands. This takes time, and while this time ticks away mistakes, mishaps and accidents will happen. People will get hurt, and unfortunately, some may even pass away. Vehicles sink, people fall and break a leg, some suffer a stroke or heart attack. All of that has to be taken into account and more. This is the government we are talking about, not Amazon or Tesla, where things happen within days or weeks. It takes the military months to years to accomplish implementing new regulations.

[@camelfilters3224]

@victoriousmuscle8632 look a hazing when I was in back in 2000. Hazing happened even with regulations saying otherwise. Today, hazing still happens. it just goes untalked about now, and fewer people are even aware it happens. Crews of ships, small units, and even special warfare units have something they do that can be very easily seen as hazing by the stars and bars. But it's not as long as it doesn't end up an incident they turn a blind eye to "traditions."

[@Derexican]

Nearly a trillion dollar Department of Defense budget.....that's TRILLION with a T. $1,000,000,000,000.00. And they won't spend a few thousand on GPS trackers/Emergency Alert technology to safeguard the lives of Soldiers during training exercises.....despicable. It took 9 hours to find him.....when it shouldn't have even been an issue knowing where he was to begin with. Our system is broken. God bless our troops.

[@wilsonbailey9907]

Yup these are uneducated “leaders” that have zero mitigation skills and they don’t have a care in the world for us

[@coffeeinthemorning5226]

A whole E-6? 5-8 years in the army just get (undered mysterious circumstanced) by the Army in a land navigation course😒 something like a whole command team needs to be jailed for that BS

[@215618680]

Outrageous! It took the chain-of-command almost 9.5 hours to recover his body. Apparently the Army does not think their NCOs are worth $30 for an Air Tag (or Android) tracking device. Condolences to the family.

[@ReedtechIndustries]

My heart goes out to the family.

[@royaltyblessed2454]

Why are they getting his rank wrong? He has pictures as a sgt 1 class...but then I hear staff sgt...wtf

[@toddhill4411]

Prayers for his family and for his fellow soldier did my basic at fort Jackson great base and great drill Sargeant

[@BBQJames914]

I graduated from Relaxin Jackson back in 2021, my squad got lost during the land navigation, that exercise is no joke, you can really get lost there. On top of that you got poisonous insects and all types of animals out there that could kill you. Our drill Sgts made sure we had plenty of water and 2 MRES, we were out there for 5 hours. RIP fine soldier.

[@Can_doooo]

Says the fkn pog

[@GoldenGod69]

@@Can_doooobro I went to FT Jackson in 2014, the Land Nav section is an absolute joke.

[@herrtrigger3299]

Doesn't that course have an emergency azimuth of 0?

[@edgardovilla199]

@atheistme9842all You MILLENNIAL soldiers are W3AK that includes YOU.

[@malevolence8243]

Why do they call it relaxin Jackson?

[@eidwong8718]

ขอแสดงความเสียใจ กับครอบครัวของทหารผู้เสียชีวิต อย่างสุดซึ้ง💪🙏😥

[@kamenk00]

They’re not going to tell the truth about what really happen

[@brandonmcdaniel930]

40 years old dang! I heard they been short cadets for DS school. I bet it was heart related. I remember back in ft Polk in 90s a older soldier died of heart attack during a run. Praying for his family. Much respect for him attempting the course at his age tho!! RIP SSG

[@shredmoe4712]

@@acarbonopustoo Damm old to be going to basic with 18 years old kids

[@markmclaughlin2690]

I was in 1/70 Armor at Polk from 89-91. Every time we heard an ambulance for PT we used to say some 40 yr old E-7 just dropped.

[@antonioreyes2692]

@@shredmoe4712, it’s DS school. The training time mirrors BCT.

[@shredmoe4712]

@@antonioreyes2692 I’m a Marine I know what land nav is

[@CrazyClips876]

Wow heart attack at 40yrs? We as Americans have to do better with our health.

[@gary_dj_jus-one_semperfi]

R.I.P. SSgt. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

[@richardmccauley2381]

This is absolutely awful! I graduated from that Academy as part of Class 05-12…so it’s been over a decade since I attended. However, when we executed the Land Nav. Course we did so with a Battle Buddy. As I understood from the Cadre, at that time, we were going to train to the same standard as the IET Soldiers, because that’s the training we would be facilitating on The Trail. I don’t understand why they would send the Candidates out on their own….are we trying to emulate Group Selection, or what?! No Soldier should ever die Alone, in Uniform, and on Duty….in a TRADOC training area, no less!! God Bless and Godspeed to this young Hero’s family!! Rest in Peace, Battle!!😢❤

[@blakeh6250]

Need to go back to the buddy system

[@ArizonaGuns]

@@blakeh6250they still got it for all of us new entries to the military

[@victoriousmuscle8632]

💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@illegallyseparatedfromarmy2100]

Sounds suspicious he had his phone… but didn’t call for help, he is a SSG and has done several land NAV courses and they don’t release the cause of death… and this is why the military shouldn’t be authorized to investigate the death of any SMs on or off post to include deployments or vacations (conus or oconus) May St.Michael watch over your surviving family, AATW!

[@EasternAmerica]

I nearly got loss in georgia, ft stuart, i think , in dead of summer, with extreme heat and mosquitos in the back 40 (40 miles) training area land nav, i didn't panic, but panic could have set in, and disorientation could have happened, sun rises in the east, sets in the west, good nav reminders. I am sorry he was loss, totally understand how this can happen. maybe we can do better.

[@Ryan-vduff]

Did they determine whether or not it was foul play because it sounds odd

[@kevinconnelly3662]

Something is not right here . They pinged his phone . But didn't find him tell 7 hours later. And this was a day thus guy stated they to be with battle buddy so where's the other one. So they also don't have anyone with the knowledge of what course this guy was to follow as it supposed to take 3 to cover but took 7 hrs to find this guy .

[@catherinealexander2442]

What happened to the buddy system in Fort Jackson

[@mosesg5223]

Individual land nav course.. he was a DS candidate not a BCT trainee.

[@brandonmcdaniel930]

Its a individual course so they can train others basic training cadet's. I bet now they will have soldiers along side now with communication for emergency or have live cameras on there helmets or some sort of device to monitor there health status and location.

[@mosesg5223]

@@brandonmcdaniel930 helmet cams lol 😂 certainly not happening.

[@rickymorgan4748]

That’s a bad idea to send anyone out in the woods by themselves and we teach trainees the buddy system. The training command needs to be brought in on the carpet to answer questions.

[@alexandrade7835]

How did he die?

[@Daisygirl05Jan23]

I wanted to go on the trail watched those guys train when I was at the airborne qualification course at Ft Jackson I’m also from Vegas. RIP Drill Sgt!

[@TxInfinity]

Most schools with land navigation courses offer some type of satellite tracking. The fact that the drill sergeant academy, which has been doing this for decades, has not innovated new tracking technology is alarming.

[@Dogmeat1950]

That's a flat lie lol.

[@MWDJR173]

The Army never admits their wrong doing. Just like Vanessa Guillen @ Fort Hood. And if there is any additional information you can be rest assured that we the people will never hear a peep about it and it will be covered up to prevent further embarrassment and incrimination of the Army.

[@A2Z11tree]

He pounded a bunch of energy drinks and barely had any water. So he was a heat casualty. I was on a field problem there when he went missing.

[@blazegulizack]

Every land nav course ive done, they gave us 1-2 tracking devices and sometimes signal flares. I dont understand how he went missing.

[@BobeTheo]

We should never be on a land nav course without a way to track our soldiers. My squad used to hand out whistles, chem lights and a PASS alarm device that you can activate if you're lost and someone will come for you. Personally, I always choose the option of having my phone on me in a zip lock back, taped off in a way that if you opened the bag, you couldn't close it.

[@BobeTheo]

That way, I can call for help if something happens.

[@Chapiza700]

why no IR or gps tag?

[@btlnh2001]

Need an emergency button you can push in a destress situation or a live GPS tracker(if they don't I'm not sure). Sad news RIP Ft Jackson pretty good community.

[@BIG30RDS]

I went through May 2012-October-2012 for training.. Record heat waves and a hurricane during land nav.. 113 degrees almost daily .. Our company of 200 had atleast 3-5 heat casualties a day in June/July that got ice sheet'd. But what I am confused about is GPS during land nav, because even as Privates, we had GPS on us while doing land nav that our DS gave us. They said they pinged his cell phone, which someone of his rank would have been allowed to have. I wonder why the instructors did not have access to his location in real time. Other places like Jungle Ops Course in Hawaii also allow instructors to have GPS real-time of trainees doing land nav.. They also said he was missing from 2pm - 11pm. This is a bit absurd to lose a Drill Sergeant Trainee for this long on a land nav course and the exact reason why GPS should be given to soldiers of all ranks doing land nav cobsidering its TRADOC.. RIP SSG

[@LangleyX]

As someone who just did OSUT at Ft Moore, We did not get anything to be tracked for any of our land nav training. Don't know how much bigger this course is compared to the one I did.

[@anthonydowns9632]

We had no gps in 07 for land nav. Idk how this soldier died but seems like a lot to come out in the next few wks. And yes that land nav course is no joke and the first time I did it was in July. Total killer and Im from FL! 😢

[@TheAnghellic1988]

@@anthonydowns9632 Likewise did it in 06 in July and it was a problem!

[@dmfwlr264]

As some of you go down in the comments, you will see a cluster tuck going on about " he was too old to be training with 18 year olds"....geez people, the General clearly states that he was in week 8 of the 12 week Drill instructor course!!😴

[@rse4379]

Have to keep in mind on any given day less than 1% currently serve in our military. Something like 4% on any given day when you combine current active and former veterans.

[@1029db]

This is very strange

[@aFoodStampBaby]

Not the first time someone died in Jackson. This one trainee finished his 2 mile run and collapsed right in front of me. Died right on that field.

[@rochellelassiter1723]

I believe that Soldiers should complete land navigation in buddy teams to prevent things like this from happening

[@BythewayIAmKdsmoothbaby]

WHY ARE NOT THOSE WHO ARE BAIRLEY INLISTED: HAVE MONITOR SERVEYLENCE?

[@storiesbybenjaminh.m.8461]

The drills told us this story so that we'd keep our camelbacks full at all times during the land nav field drill. At first I thought it was just a scare tactic. Now that I've graduated and have my phone- I realize it wasn't. Rip

[@davidsmithsmith5679]

Sometimes extraordinary people die in very unexpected ways, rest in peace soldier.

[@k7xc326]

i promise you this is extremely rare, years ago i did the course with 3 other stupid 17-19 year olds and have done multiple army land nav courses since (usually one every 2-3 years) and its really not that bad. This isnt basic training, this is the Drill Sgt Academy, much higher standards and higher expectations for soldiers. Its very likely that the SSG who passed had some sort of co existing condition at the time that probably led to heat stroke. Alot of people can have the flu, or meningitis, or something else where they are sick but feel just "okay" enough that they push themselves to finish out training so that they dont get recycled into a different class. The carolinas both have venemous snakes and insects that could also be harmful to soldiers (also extremely rare occurrences though Overall) while incredibly sad it is extremely rare. 99+% of people going through a tradoc land nav course are going to be just fine. Prayers to the family and friends.

[@RussiaDaily]

Yeah but why even justify this? We spend so much money, why not outfit the people doing land nav training with GPS trackers? The fact our military could lose even ONE person in their own territory, with the equipment we have access to today, is appalling. We spend so much money on this stuff, put a damn tag on them so we know exactly where they are within that land nav practice. This would not only help keep them safe but allow us to track and grade their progress.

[@k7xc326]

@@RussiaDaily its not a bad idea at all, unfortunately tho, changes in the military come from 60 year olds that sit in offices all day, not from those with relevant knowledge

[@RussiaDaily]

@@k7xc326 well I’m enlisting soon so maybe one day… or not.

[@Scarface_saiyan]

Nobody is pissed off that they didn't say how he died and where he was found? Like WTF this is the same place where a dead female soldier who made sexual harassment complaints against her superiors was also found. This is the third one I'm hearing of in 10 years now that I think about it.

[@dasaxophonist]

General looks like Denzel Washington

[@CaffeineFreak13]

Man this is crazy. Land nav can be an absolute pain, with weather, terrain, fatigue, and dehydration but not being found for almost 10 hours baffles me if he was truly only 50 meters outside the course perimeter and they had all that support.

[@davidortega357]

This extreme heat is dangerous in these moments the military should cancel these activities

[@davidortega357]

This soldier is having delusions he probably thought that north Korean reds were heaven and south korea.was hellbound

[@mrjkstark]

We're doing a land nav course in 2 weeks at drill in TX with hellish heat and humidity. This is a very good, although tragic, reminder.

[@YurieJah]

Please be smart and safe, Godspeed.

[@teshekent5802]

Remember that you are protected, and just go off the knowledge you know❤️

[@stephm9397]

Was it heat exhusation or snake bite ? Thats a very basic coarse did it myslef as a DS student.

[@Peanuts7]

I would think this could be prevented. They have alot of survivor equipment out there. Especially the army , airforce, navy , marines, ect..... This is totaly unacceptable. God bless the family and this soldier.

[@Reactions5.0]

Why do they keep referring to him as a Staff Sergeant when you can clearly see his rank of Sergeant First Class?

[@wilsonbailey9907]

Every person was unprepared for this press conference all they did was not take responsibility and provide excuses

[@prometheusadept]

He's likely not actually saddened by the loss. I highly doubt any of his coworkers gave a damn either. Military atmosphere these days, everyone a backstabbing snake. The toxic environment has created the recruitment and retention problem... that they don't want to address.

[@colliswilliams8992]

Where the hell is Ft. Liberty?

[@james2004TxVet]

So the Drill Sergeant said Monday they did individual, and Friday they did battle buddy and this was their second time seeing the course. Which indicated they were doing the battle buddy portion. So, where was this NCOs battle buddy?

[@Jesse-d7k]

What did he know? Or what did he find out? About the Army and what's going on, ain't it peculiar how there is so many soldiers that are dying on their bases or just outside the bases, do your research the past four years there has been not just killings but actual murders. I guarantee you somebody knows something us as a whole these are our children we need answers and quick!!

[@4catsnow]

Went thru there in '67 for basic training... We got the crap kicked out of us. Good place to stay away from.

[@jrallday]

I couldn’t be in the Military. SGT: Yells - I am your Superior , Me: You Got Me Fucked Up Bshhh! 😂

[@BobeTheo]

I can't get used to hearing "Fort Liberty"

[@vaniyalane6054]

Wow, i was a basic training trainee and was on standby for this… idk if the drill sgts were joking but they said “thats why you dont drink redbulls before landnav”. Rest in paradise soldier

[@nrsjeni2351]

May this soldier rest easy. The lesson is when you walk into battle find your battle buddy. Seems like that is the first thing they teach you. ❤

[@jrgab2404]

It is really difficult when this things happen. RIP BROTHER. God bless to the family

[@yasha451]

All of that mans leaders failed him.

[@siscom684]

so stupid, you probably never served either.

[@phieag1982]

How

[@yasha451]

@@phieag1982 How? This was a simple orientation type exam, wayfinding, basic wilderness survival. At the rank this poor gentleman was at he should have been through multiple trainings on this subject and he clearly either did not pay attention or understand the material and, unless there was some foul play of some kind then unfortunately it was all due to either lack of training OR a lack of qualified instructors.

[@bleh8310]

​@@yasha451this wasn't some extended survival situation. The most likely causes would be heat cat, heart problems, or maybe a snake bite. So maybe there's a chance he should've been more self aware of any symptoms but otherwise you can't be taught not to have a heart attack.

[@carlv8168]

@@bleh8310 Oh, yes you can. Stay the hell away from junk food and practice a healthier diet and lifestyle.

[@SuperFriday]

Why was he by himself doing land nav?

[@thebigmon]

LOL, high schoolers do land nav by themselves. If an Army SSG who wants to be a drill sgt can't do land nav by himself then that's just f*cking sad.

[@SuperFriday]

@@thebigmon One died, and a battle buddy present could've saved his life. Doesn't matter what rank he is. Soldiers shouldn't do land nav by themselves for that particular reason.

[@donaldsmith4480]

@@thebigmon He was supposed to have a battle buddy. This is exactly what a battle buddy is for. This ain't no high school trip into the woods.

[@thebigmon]

​@@SuperFriday When my son went through ranger school he did land nav by himself. He did land nav by himself when he was going through IBOLC. Competent soldiers, especially NCO wanting to be drill sergeants don't need battle buddies to do land nav. jfc.

[@thebigmon]

@@donaldsmith4480 Dude, there is a sport called orienteering. It is land nav on steroids. High Schoolers and Boy Scouts run it all the time. They don't use battle buddies they're not little puss*es like army guys. How f*cking soft are you army people? It's bad enough that you people are a bunch of obese cows but do you really need someone to hold your hand when you run through the woods? Are you f*cking serious?

[@hippy8255]

absolutely no disrespect here if it comes across as any. but how did a SSgt at the drill instructor academy not have a battle buddy.

[@wilsonbailey9907]

Because the army dose not care about us

[@simplyjen334]

I don't know what type of training he was going through but I am sure if was very hard. Rest in peace Sir. Thank you for your service. Please keep us updated as to any ill intent. God bless you all.

[@strictle3gaming93]

It’s not hard at all. People are different and most lie to get in when they have a history of health problems or family history of health problems.

[@stuartdooley8576]

He just said land nav attention to detail guy

[@timothy4011]

@@strictle3gaming93Hmm. No? Land navigation is no cake walk. It’s what most trying to get into Special Forces fail. And even the ones that try and fail aren’t exactly lacking experience. Humble yourself.

[@yolandajohnson8685]

I was at Fort Jackson, SC from: November 1984- February 1985. I was in the Old Hollywood barracks.

[@juanmelendezmedina2533]

RIP SSGT Contreras Condolences to his family, military personnel and friends. Condolencias y fortaleza para las familias y amistades.

[@luisrosas9962]

This is so unsettling, he was a staff sergeant! There is so much explaining they have to do

[@ricardodelbosque9943]

They're not giving any rest when the boys are training

[@mariapeterson3908]

Heartbreaking news. My condolences to his family. RIP.

[@lovemyalaskaful]

Condolences to his family, unit and branch⚘️

[@BratatoChip]

Man that’s awful …

[@reactorov719]

A simple 117fox and this man would still be here. Cheap and old equipment is old for a reason. Sad to hear, may he rest in peace.

[@mrslavanderblu]

Sorry but this is unacceptable.

[@skywalkier]

Thanks for the input leadership, I learned nothing now I have to read the comments for the intel.

[@Tacticalhuman1]

I want to know details of how he died and what happened

[@carlv8168]

At age 40? Probably a friggin heart attack!

[@williammurray1341]

Sad to hear. BTW - do you ever wonder why leaders have crowds of subordinates standing behind them while breaking bad news to the public?

[@danirob6920]

This is so sad, and the guy was in his early 40’s

[@81landers]

How did u know his age

[@Latonya-l9s]

🕊️ Rest 🕊️ in 🕊️peace!!!

[@germainasmah4738]

There are a whole lot of things that need to change in the army and land nav is definitely one of them. The old soldiers say the new school is weaker… that may be true to some extent but there are smarter ways of doing things now. Radios, flare guns, gps trackers these are simple items that can be given to soldiers on the land nav course. We need proactive approaches to risk assessment in the army. During my land nav two people got lost, the search went on for hours. Fortunately they were found on time.

[@mksboysal]

Many young and old dying nowadays with what is called the "sudden death syndrome".

[@terrancechilds3049]

What the hell has happened?

[@Vengeance4308]

10 hours to find him sounds like incompetence

[@j.d.1801]

RIP Soldier 🙏🏾

[@wacobob56dad]

With GPS today you would think these brave soldiers would have a backup plan in place.

[@sdevans2]

You do not use gps on the land nav course, only map and compass. He wouldn’t of been allowed to have a gps system.

[@IsraelGodsImmovableRock]

Hey Drill Sargnt!? What is happening to training? This is why recruitment numbers are so low.

[@victoriousmuscle8632]

It's a reason why the safe and effective mandate got rescinded.

[@soursop1972]

That General is horrible at public speaking.

[@patriciacoburn5415]

So sorry about this! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@billr2375]

Recall BCT Viet Nam Era at Jackson--always warned about "Jake the Snake" before jumping into any kind of bunker, hole, or even where stepping. Many Jake the Snakes poisinous, so wonder if that was the issue. Any update to this story? Thanks

[@tredavitrafamilyvlogmore6990]

It's sad how the same ppl that's suppose to Protect Us, can't get protection or the Benefits that they should be given. 🙏🏾

[@DulceOsborn]

May he rest in peace. ขอแสดงความเสียใจ กับครอบครัวของทหารผู้เสียชีวิต อย่างสุดซึ้ง.

[@Mr3sixty360]

How did he died?

[@jeremywilliams7008]

Where was his battle? Especially in the training field?