Fort Jackson, the premier installation for basic training, is grappling with profound grief as tragedy strikes for the second time within a short span. Staff Sgt. Zachary Melton, 30, a drill sergeant with 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, was found unresponsive inside his vehicle on the base on Saturday. This shocking discovery follows the death of Staff Sgt. Allen Burtram, 34, from 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, who was found deceased on December 8th.
The Army has not released the cause of death for either drill sergeant, and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division is currently investigating both cases. Military chaplains and behavioral health personnel are being provided to support the grieving members of the unit.
Fort Jackson’s commander, Brig. Gen. Jason Kelly, expressed deep sadness, stating, “We are extremely saddened by the loss of Staff Sgt. Melton. Our thoughts are with his family and the soldiers of the Always Forward battalion during this very emotional time.”
Drill sergeant assignments are considered among the most challenging in the Army, with noncommissioned officers working long hours, often away from their families, and facing sleep deprivation. While prestigious, these assignments come with a demanding workload. Fort Jackson has taken steps in recent years to address the physical and mental well-being of drill sergeants, investing in facilities such as a high-end fitness center with amenities like those found in a CrossFit gym, cold plunge tubs, a yoga studio, and wrestling mats for jiu-jitsu training.
The challenging nature of these assignments is underscored by a 2021 study by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, which found that 19% of surveyed drill sergeants suffered from depression, 27% experienced symptoms of moderate to severe insomnia, and 35% reported alcohol abuse. The study highlighted the extreme work hours, with a drill sergeant’s workday lasting nearly 15 hours, and an average of 6.4 workdays per week.
As the Fort Jackson community mourns the loss of two dedicated drill sergeants, the incidents bring attention to the demanding nature of their roles and the broader challenges faced by those in similar high-stress assignments within the military.
A campaign hat worn by U.S. Army drill sergeants hangs atop a post on the 9 mm qualification range during the Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., June 23, 2014. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Ryan C. Matson)
