Is it worth going Drill?

2019-03-04T18:27:04-05:00

I'm looking to set myself apart from my peers, and was wondering if anyone could tell me the advantages and/or disadvantages of being a drill sergeant? What are the hours like? Is there time off between cycles?

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2019 6:31 PM

2019-03-04T18:31:09-05:00

I’m not sure how to “go Drill,” but becoming a Drill Sergeant (given that you complete your time without getting in trouble) has always been a career booster. Being a good Drill Sergeant is more than just being a douche bag to a group of PVTs.

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made Mar 4 at 2019 7:17 PM

2019-03-04T19:17:50-05:00

Sgt. Chase Reeves, The short answer is yes, and having spent 18 months on the trial I can tell you that having a successful tour as a Drill Sergeant is a great way for any junior NCO to stand out from their peers.
Whether they pick up a Basic Training phase or a AIT phase, the skill set needed to properly carry out the tasks will sharpen the awareness of the Drill Sergeant which never quite seems to leave them.
It is better if the DS carries the unit from day one of BCT through graduation from AIT. It allows a better opportunity for the unit to develop under one NCO while allowing the DS the benefit of learning how to manage a maturing unit. It also provides the opportunity to test leadership and management techniques in a low risk setting as well as learning from the SDS's and peers during training meetings and field training as everyone competes for the award of Drill Sergeant of the cycle.
Lessons retained here can be useful to the proficiency of your follow on unit as you will habitually look for process and technical errors in the unit brought about by those who believe that once they are out of AIT they have "arrived" rendering tasks, conditions and standards inapplicable.
A wise former DS will know when and how to implement corrective action without rankling the troops. I can assure you, the CSM and First Shirt will be pleased to have you in his/her unit and will likely remember you as they move to their next duty assignment.
I must tell you that you will have little to no personal life during the cycle, especially in the early going. If you are married your spouse and children if any, will not be pleased with the amount of time spent with 'Joe.' It is best to make sure everyone understands the sacrifice being made and that it is in the best long term interest of the family assuming all goes well for they can be supportive which allows you greater opportunity to be successful or non supportive causing you to struggle as you try to manage a new unit and a shaky home life.
Compared to a deployment it is by far better. At least you will be home most nights and the little ones won't forget who you are.
All the best in whatever decision you make.

Response by CSM William Payne made Mar 4 at 2019 7:20 PM

2019-03-04T19:20:09-05:00

If you qualify and complete a successful tour as a drill sergeant, It is definitely a career booster. Everything else being equal, wearing “The Pumpkin” will give you a boost up. Look around at senior NCOs at the highest level and see how many were former drill sergeants. But it’s definitely not for everyone. To be successful, you have to be smart, self disciplined, and self motivated. I spent years in the training arena, being a drill sergeant, a good drill sergeant, was one of the most satisfying assignments in my career.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Mar 4 at 2019 8:14 PM

2019-03-04T20:14:41-05:00

It’s probably the most rewarding job in the Army with the exception of leadership in combat. But it’s not for the young. You have to be mature beyond your age. The only E-5’s I served with were Female Drills because there were so few. I don’t know if any male E5’s that volunteered were accepted. It’s not an easy assignment, I’m not saying there weren’t any, I never saw any in my almost 3 years on the trail. As an 88M it will absolutely set you apart from your peers.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2019 9:47 PM

2019-03-04T21:47:45-05:00

Drill is an excellent way to set yourself ahead of your peers. The only thing better than that would be to go get your Ranger tab.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2019 10:35 PM

2019-03-04T22:35:42-05:00

The promotion result is good. The real nuggets for DS duty, as well as SAMC, is the knowledge and experience you gain: Weapons, PT, leadership, counseling, planning, time management, services, inspections, PCCs/PCIs, uniforms, D&C, and so much more.
It's long hours, but it pays off.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2019 10:50 PM

2019-03-04T22:50:15-05:00

Worth it.
The disadvantages are long hours the first half of every cycle, and doing the exact same thing every cycle for three years.
The advantages:
I believe that if you volunteer, you can still get your choice of assignment location.
It's three years of not having to worry about short-notice deployments.
It's three years of a predictable schedule, you don't have to worry about when you can go to NCOES.
If you volunteer for DS, you cannot be detailed to recruiting later (usually).
And it is a broadening assignment that helps your promotion potential.
It is rewarding, you will never see new Soldiers develop faster than at BCT.

Response by MSG Raymond Fauset made May 9 at 2019 7:37 AM

2019-05-09T07:37:10-04:00

It was one of them most exciting times in my career, also one the most demanding. Give yourself time to consider the commitment that is involved knowing you are molding the future of the military. I always kept this thought in the back of my mind while I was on the trail, America gives you it's most valued resource, its sons and daughters, how you treat them will reflect on them for the rest of their careers.

Response by 1SG John Highfill made Mar 25 at 2020 7:56 AM

2020-03-25T07:56:57-04:00

All of us remember our Drill Sergeants
Being able to make a positive impact on young Soldiers and training them to be warriors has to be rewarding

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2020 8:41 PM

2020-04-04T20:41:05-04:00

Daddy reeves why does it say your mos is 11B and just do it!