USAA employees participate in basic military training

Dozens of men and women got a glimpse at what it’s like to be a military recruit, but they’re not joining the armed forces.

USAA employees took part in “Zero Day PT,” a voluntary basic training session aimed to increase appreciation for military members.

“This is the closest I’ve ever come to actually feeling just a little, tiny taste of what our military men and women go through,” USAA employee Aaron Haley said. “It just makes me even more humble to get to serve them each and every day.”

Drills started before sunrise, as employees separated into groups representing each branch of the military.

Veterans and active duty soldiers served as drill instructors to ensure an authentic experience.

“If they don’t work together as a team, we continue to break them down,” Sgt. First Class Brian Parks said. “In just three short hours, we actually take them through the entire full range of emotions.”

The drills gave participants a look into the lives of those training to serve our country.

“It’s what we’re here for at USAA. We want to get to know our membership,” employee Juli Balch said. “This is it. This is a small sampling of what they do.”

Colorado Springs USAA general manager Kent Fortune took part in his second “Zero Day PT.” He said the company wants to show its support for active and retired service members and their families.

“Colorado Springs is a heavy military community. We have a lot of active duty, we have a lot of retirees,” Fortune said. “This gives us a better appreciation for what they do.”