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<p>.....Or rather lend me your advice. I just got my DSS dates and am excited and ready to tackle this next challenge and chapter in my career, I've been studying the modules already but I would like to hear how the school was.</p><p> </p><p>-What are some things you wish you had prepared better for?</p><p>-What kind of environment is the school house like?</p><p>-What are some things that surprised you?</p><p> </p><p>Just general questions like that. I don't report until October, so I have time to prep.</p><p> </p><p>Thanks for all your advice in advance!</p>
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Drill Sergeant
Career Advice
Drill Sergeant Career Advice
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 9
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SSG Barin, congratulations on being selected to attend DS School. Drill Sergeant Duty will be one of the highlights of your career. The best advice I can give in preparation for attendance is this.
Learn the DS Creed
Learn the history behind the Male and Female Headgear
Learn the symbolism of the badge
Familiarize yourself with TRADOC REG 350-6
Learn PRT
Learn the first 5 modules (thats what I did it made my life a little easier).
Make sure you can zero and qualify with iron sites you will go through all phases of BRM.
As far as the school, alot of classroom time but it mirrors going back through basic training so expect that environment.
The most surprising thing about the school was the lack of professionalism among the Cadre (I've heard CSM King squared that away though).
Good luck, I hope this helps.
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SSG (Join to see)
SGM Reed,
Thanks for taking your time to answer, I appreciate the advice. I have definitely been working on modules and the Creed, but will definitely get into the history of the Drill Sergeant. I'll also be sure to give myself a refresher at my next range with iron sights.
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SFC (Join to see)
SSG Michael B., SGM Reed said everything that I was going to suggest. I went through the DSS in January of 2013 and his advice would still stand true. The ONLY other thing I could think of asking is to ensure that you do EACH event for the APFT PERFECTLY. For example, even though the regulation states that you only need to straighten your arms without locking your elbows, you should lock your elbows. I'm not going to say that they are badge protectors, but for your benefit do everytiing better than perfect to stay in the clear. One last thing just to ease your transition in to the school be comfortable with D&C and calling cadences, some DSC's were not comfortable at all.
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I am currently at DSS typing this right now in week 6. The more of the MOI's (not modules) that you know the better before you arrive. They are not as difficult as you might think. I didn't know any of them before I came and I haven't had any issues but then again I am very good at memorization. Know the Drill Sergeant Creed, NCO Creed, Soldier Creed, The complete Army Song (March Along, Sing Our Song; all of that) Every PLT here is like it's own DSS! Every PLT is completely different than the other in many aspects such as uniforms, what boots you wear (whether they are authorized or not; such as nike boots), whether the MOI's have to be verbatim or not. Pretty much like a different planet with each hallway. Also, know as much about D&C as humanly possible, as well as running and marching cadences. Read TC 3-21.5, formerly FM 3-21.5 as well as FM 3-22.9 but take it as face value because the RM (formerly BRM) program is changing and the FM does not reflect this change (it is changing in June). Be prepared to feel like you are in basic the first 3 days to a week (getting yelled at and everything). Make sure that you address everybody by rank or DS as appropriate with the greeting of the day. Everything else really isn't bad. Oh, and make sure to take time for yourself everyday, if not you will go crazy. Oh, the Female headgear (Bush Cap) is going away, soon everyone will be wearing the Campaign hat regardless of gender. Everything that you do at DSS is very basic, the point is to take you back to the basics because we have all gotten so far away from them, such as D&C. Before you come here make sure that all of your paperwork is in order atleast 1 month in advance! I waited till the last minute and it was a huge headache. Check, Check, and Triple check your paperwork and get it to your Re-assignmnets guy ASAP. Make sure that your Sponsorship Form gets filled out and you submit it up through your chain of command, it will help in getting pin point orders before you show up to school. That's about the extent of what I can offer. Good Luck! And always remember HTGS everyday (Hunt the Good Stuff) and stay positive.
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SSG (Join to see)
SSG Potter,
Thanks for the insight, I appreciate it. I'm a little taken back that they yell at DSS Candidates, not totally surprised but I had always thought that a SSG or SFC who had made it this far in their career didn't need such motivation! I'll definitely be keeping up with my studying on the MOIs, and go practice some more DnC.
Thanks for the insight, I appreciate it. I'm a little taken back that they yell at DSS Candidates, not totally surprised but I had always thought that a SSG or SFC who had made it this far in their career didn't need such motivation! I'll definitely be keeping up with my studying on the MOIs, and go practice some more DnC.
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SFC (Join to see)
Great post SSG Potter.
RFI: Have you always had the ability to memorize well or do you have a technique you've acquired or developed?
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SFC (Join to see)
I had to develop the strategy over a few years. It took me a cou0ple times to pass the SSG board so I needed to develop a new strategy. I am a hands on learner and very visual so I have to see it done and run it through my head as I am talking about it/reading it. The way that I learn best or learn more is by teaching...so by finding someone that is struggling and helping them to understand, that helps me tremendously. SSG Barin...It depends on which PLT/CO you end up in as to how you are treated and how hard it is. Every PLT is like a totally different school. Which drives me crazy because they moved the DSS from all of the Basic training posts to standardize it and it's not standardized at all other than having one Commandant.
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The biggest thing is the first 3 modules. The Position of Attention, the Hand Salute and Rest Positions at the Halt. The Drill Sergeant Creed and improving your PT score. Good luck and it is a great journey.
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SSG (Join to see)
SFC Dalen,
Thanks for the advice, I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question!
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