Is it possible to be a drill sergeant in the National Guard?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 23:03:41 -0500

Submitting my EPS packet this month and chose drill sergeant as an extra duty. Are there any options for a Guard member to be one? I understand that RSP units have them, but I have asked a couple recruiters and they do not know of any DS positions in the state. Is it possible to do a regular two year active duty tour as a DS if you're Guard? Any advice would be appreciated as no recruiter, my chain of command, nor google has any clue how to go about volunteering for this position as a Guard member.

Response by SSG William Jones made Dec 10 at 2019 11:59 PM

SSG William Jones — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 23:59:34 -0500

Plenty of USAR Drill Sergeants but haven't heard of any NG Drills.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 5:20 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 05:20:05 -0500

Never heard of NG having that, and your a SPC not a SGT

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 8:20 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 08:20:44 -0500

Actually they do. We had a couple in my DS class. They were part of the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP). I’m not sure which States are encompassed in it though.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Dec 11 at 2019 9:25 AM

SPC Stewart Smith — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 09:25:49 -0500

I think you can be a DS if you are national guard, however you will do a 2 year active duty cycle while you are a DS.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 11 at 2019 10:53 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 10:53:15 -0500

Possible? It's downright likely. There are over 2700 non active Drill Sergeants in the Army, and they are actively reaching out to the NG for more...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 11:27 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 11:27:46 -0500

I'm not aware of any Drill program for the NG only the Reserves. Plus, you definitely have to be an NCO for Drill duty.

Response by SFC John Durham made Dec 11 at 2019 1:12 PM

SFC John Durham — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 13:12:52 -0500

You can transfer to a Reserve unit from the Guard. Find a reserve Career Counselor and they can make it happen. However, if you're under any kind of bonus situation you could forfeit the remaining installments.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 4:30 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:30:24 -0500

Pretty sure the guard only has drill for RSP? You have to transfer to the reserves. I was a commander at Sand Hill and we had plenty of reserve drill sergeants who were of great help.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Dec 11 at 2019 4:33 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:33:09 -0500

I think the USAR covers DS duties not the ARNG.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 10:24 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 22:24:31 -0500

It depends on what state you're in. The best option would be to get a hold of someone in your Recruiting and Retention Battalion. They typically run the recruit sustainment program. Chances are if you don't see any Drill Sergeants at your RSP sites assisting the Cadre, you don't have Drill Sergeant slots in your state. As others have stated, your best option is to go to the Reserve.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2019 8:59 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:59:53 -0500

It's easy to switch from the guard to reserve for a new position. It happens all the time.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2019 6:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 18:51:07 -0500

It is possible to get the school but you won’t spend much time doing the job. I did 7 years ILARNG, then transitioned to the reserves to become a DS. I would be happy to share my experience with you if you are interested.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2019 4:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 16:17:50 -0500

It is possible, but most units are way under-strength. I'm a current 11B DS in the Reserves. Our command isn't releasing anyone to go on ADOS orders because of it. That's not to say that it can't happen. There are FAR more DS slots in the USAR though. Good luck.

Response by CSM Michael Salfai made Nov 8 at 2021 12:59 PM

CSM Michael Salfai — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 12:59:21 -0500

If you want to be a Drill Sergeant, check out the Army Reserve; that's where most are.

Response by CPL James Reinhold made Mar 29 at 2023 12:48 PM

CPL James Reinhold — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 12:48:31 -0400

From what I am reading the reserves is reaching out to guard units. The guard unit loans you out to the reserve unit for 2 years.