My reenlistment date is approaching and I have been hearing about the Army Reserve Drill Sergeant. What does that entail?

SPC(P) Alexandra Hinds — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 10:44:44 -0500

I am battling back and forth with myself as to whether or not I am prepared to reenlist. Going through this, many options have been given to me whether I reenlist or get out all together. As far as becoming an Army Reserve Drill Sergeant, what would that entail as far as schooling / training?

Response by CSM William DeWolf made Feb 20 at 2017 11:15 AM

CSM William DeWolf — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 11:15:46 -0500

Best option is to talk with a reserve drill concerning training, etc!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2017 11:24 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 11:24:41 -0500

Talk to a BCT unit in your area. I know from experience they used to send SPC(P) to drill sgt school. The 108th controls all Drill SGT units and used to be based in South Carolina, but there are several commands under the 108th. Here in Kentucky the 95th I believe has the drill sgts.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2017 12:04 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 12:04:24 -0500

Talk to the Reserve Component Career Counselor at the Transition point to see where the closest Drill SGT units are from your Home of Record. I know AD is giving 10K for an extra year that's hard to pass up. However prior AD will most likely get you a bonus for Reserve component Assignment as well but for 3 (5K) to 6 (10K) years.
Have your stuff together with PT, customs & courtesies, and D& C. Get back to basics in your head, being you're a SPC the basics should be pretty fresh in your mind. DSS (academy) was no cake walk when I went through but who knows now with things rapidly changing in the Army in terms of discipline and standards. Being a DS was the best time of my career and would go back in a heartbeat.

Response by SGT Walter Lester made Feb 24 at 2017 6:16 PM

SGT Walter Lester — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 18:16:33 -0500

I received my DS Badge after attending a NCO School for 51H40 Construction Supervisor at Ft. Leonard Wood,Mo.The school was 18 weeks and we had 8 weeks OJT as DS to the up coming classes. That was back in the 70's I'm sure it has changed a lot since then.

Response by 1SG Ronald Rieck made Feb 25 at 2017 4:14 PM

1SG Ronald Rieck — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 16:14:59 -0500

My favorite job in the Army hands down. I went through Ft. Sill's Drill Sergeant School in 1988, and it changed my life. I was a newly divorced 22 year old, and it gave my life focus and direction. I just loved this job, and the positive impact it had on so many young people. I loved it so much in fact that I did it for the next 12 years. If a drill sergeant position opens up, I say go for it. You won't regret it...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2017 12:32 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 00:32:48 -0500

That would depend on the area that you are located. There is only one division for training / drill sergeants in the reserve. They are located throughout the US. Talk to your reserve component career counselor about it. As for requirements you need to be E4 (P) or higher prior to ARDSS. Attend and successfully complete the school.

Response by SPC(P) Donald Hines made Apr 18 at 2017 10:10 PM

SPC(P) Donald Hines — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 22:10:10 -0400

And where are the Army Reserve drill sergeant units? I realize AT would be at an active IET post, but where do reserve drill sergeants attend weekend drills? Are there any of these units in Missouri?

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2017 10:48 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 May 2017 22:48:49 -0400

The Reserves has a Drill Sergeant Candidate Program to which you would be assigned prior to attending DSA. You'd be assigned to a Drill Sergeant Unit then be assigned to the program. Once in the program they will train you in D&C, PRT, Drill Sergeant Creed and other things you'll need to know prior to attending. One thing though, you would have to be promoted to SGT. There is a DS Unit in MD if you would like to talk to someone about it other than retention.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2017 5:43 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 05:43:31 -0400

SPC Hines. Did anyone every "hook" you up with a DS Unit?