For the second time in just over a week, another Army drill sergeant has been discovered deceased at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. Staff Sgt. Zachary L. Melton, a 30-year-old native of Huntsville, Alabama, was found dead in his vehicle on Saturday after he failed to report for duty. Melton was a member of the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment stationed at Fort Jackson.

Efforts were made to revive Melton when emergency medical service personnel arrived at the scene, but he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, Fort Jackson's commanding general, expressed deep sadness over the loss of Staff Sgt. Melton in a statement, offering condolences to his family and the soldiers of the Always Forward battalion.

Staff Sgt. Zachary Melton had dedicated ten years to serving in the Army, with the last three spent as a drill sergeant at Fort Jackson. His exceptional service had garnered him multiple awards and commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal with C (combat) device, three Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, and several other accolades recognizing his contributions and commitment.

The Army has disclosed that Melton's unit had just completed its final cycle of basic training last Thursday, and he was on a break at the time of his untimely demise. As of now, no cause or manner of death has been announced. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division has taken charge of the investigation.

This unfortunate event follows closely on the heels of another tragic incident at Fort Jackson. Just eight days prior, Staff Sgt. Allen Burtram, 34, was also discovered deceased on the base after failing to report for work. Army officials have stated that there is no suspicion of foul play in Burtram's case, although his death is still under investigation.

Staff Sgt. Allen Burtram, a resident of Cleveland, located approximately 40 miles northeast of Birmingham, had served in the Army for 12 years. His service included deployments to Kuwait for eight months and a year spent in Korea.

Fort Jackson, situated near Columbia, South Carolina, is home to more than 3,500 active duty personnel. It serves as the largest basic training center for the Army, with approximately 50 percent of all soldiers receiving their training there upon entering the Army.

The challenges and demands faced by drill sergeants have been highlighted in a 2021 study conducted by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. The study surveyed 856 drill sergeants and revealed concerning statistics: 19% of them suffered from depression, 27% experienced symptoms of moderate to severe insomnia, and 35% reported alcohol abuse.

The study also shed light on the grueling nature of a drill sergeant's workday, which often extends to nearly 15 hours, with an average of 6.4 working days per week. The intensity of this role is deemed extreme, even within the Army, considering drill sergeants are required to serve a minimum of two years.

As the Army mourns the loss of two dedicated drill sergeants within a short span of time, the focus now shifts to ensuring the well-being and support of these vital frontline trainers as investigations into their tragic deaths continue at Fort Jackson.