Prior and current Drill Sergeants, what do you enjoy about training new soldiers?

2016-03-04T16:09:39-05:00

Prior and current Drill Sergeants, what do you enjoy about training new soldiers? What do you miss? Is there something you wish you could do differently but can't because of TRADOC regulations? I've been interested in becoming a drill sergeant, but I'd like to hear the good and bad from others that have been on the DS trail already.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2016 4:14 PM

2016-03-04T16:14:12-05:00

It's a very rewarding job. An actual chance to make a difference in the Army. The hours are long though but it's worth it. It's the most fun job I've had in the Army. When you pick them up they know absolutely nothing. When they graduate, you can see what you did to change them from civilians into soldiers.

Response by SFC Josh Billingsley made Mar 4 at 2016 4:19 PM

2016-03-04T16:19:14-05:00

Watching the 9 week transformation was one of rhe most rewarding parts. I didn't find the TRADOC regs to be too heavy handed. We're NCOs, it's our job to get inventive if we have to

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2016 6:39 PM

2016-03-04T18:39:55-05:00

This may help in your perspective into becoming a Drill Sgt. You are the first example of a soldier in the military they will see, you are the one to teach them how to be a soldier in the military how you teach them is what he or she will be as a soldier. I personally think tradoc don't allow Drill Sgt be Drill Sgt to the point where we are babying the recruits and when they go to their first unit they undermine their leadership or become unproductive soldiers. They really need to know what they getting into regardless of what kind of training they go through. I hope this helps. Good Luck you'll do good.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Mar 4 at 2016 6:54 PM

2016-03-04T18:54:21-05:00

DI's turn recruits into Marines in 3 months. DIs warn their platoons the next few months are the toughest they have ever experienced. If they make it through and graduate ; they will be Marines. Enough said. I was not a DI but did train young Marines just out of Boot Camp at the ITR Camp Geiger NC.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2016 12:30 AM

2016-03-05T00:30:57-05:00

The satisfaction of shaping the next generation. If you can get past the piles upon piles of what seems like beuricraric BS at the BDE and SQND level, it is the best job you will ever have.

Response by SSG Jason Neumann made Mar 5 at 2016 3:05 AM

2016-03-05T03:05:16-05:00

The job has it's own up's and down's. The fact you are the first person who get's to shape them into Soldiers, is rewarding. The way we instill the military principles into civilians is a hard task in itself. You have to coach and mentor these civilians into Soldiers and constantly guide them in the right direction in doing the hard right over the easy wrong. I loved the fact I got to be emerged into a diversity of individuals and see each different backgrounds of these young men and women. I learned a lot while on the trail as well from these men and women. As soon as Basic comes to an end, you see the transformation of these individuals and take notice of how they changed and now moving onto their AIT; which in turn comes new obstacles to overcome.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2016 9:58 AM

2016-03-07T09:58:23-05:00

Watching the transformation from Civilian to Soldier. Imparting the knowledge that I have acquired over the years onto the next generation. There's no experience that is greater. I miss being on the trail sometimes.

Response by SFC Everett Ward made Mar 8 at 2016 2:00 PM

2016-03-08T14:00:31-05:00

Use common sense and good judgement, the soldiers will follow...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2016 2:52 PM

2016-03-08T14:52:38-05:00

I am a Drill Sergeant!

I will assist each Individual in their efforts to become a highly motivated, well disciplined, physically and mentally fit Soldier, capable of defeating any enemy on today's modern battlefield.
I will instill pride in all I train. Pride in self, in the Army and in Country.
I will insist that each Soldier meets and maintains the Army's standards of military bearing and courtesy, consistent with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.
I will lead by example, never requiring a Soldier to attempt any task I would not do myself.
But first, last, and always, I am an American Soldier, sworn to defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies both foreign and domestic.

I am a Drill Sergeant!

Nuff said....

Response by SSG Tony Robinson made Mar 8 at 2016 8:40 PM

2016-03-08T20:40:05-05:00

It was the most rewarding assignment I had. It paid off in 2 ways, made me a better leader and I got a hand in shaping about 300 new infantrymen. Our motto was, no trash goes downrange.

Response by SSG Anthony (Tony) Pichoff made Mar 10 at 2016 6:34 PM

2016-03-10T18:34:21-05:00

Seeing them become more complete people... as they begin to achieve things that they never thought they were capable of, their sense of self and confidence begin to come through. It is exciting to witness and it will be all "your fault". Good luck, Battle!

Response by MSG Don Burt made Mar 11 at 2016 4:05 PM

2016-03-11T16:05:23-05:00

My Drill Sgt’s school and duty was done in the early 70’s and I’m sure since that time
“many things” have changed, some good and others, well, you know how the times are
now so you can only imagine what. During those years, TRADOC lead and we followed.

You are the first season of their new lives...you’re their instructor, life coach, mentor and
the one who sees what they look like after Basic and the pride you feel when that day does
arrive. You will be constantly telling them and re-telling them, showing and re-showing
them just about everything. Trainees by and large stumble and fall but do get back up and are better for it. Common sense and doing the right thing goes a long way.
What you do and say not only reflects on them but on yourself and the Army as civilians
see it and pass on to others. It’s rewarding, backbreaking, and frustrating yet when the task
is complete and you can see it, man, that’s great.
If they screw up, and they will, then correct it...when they do it right, then give them
accolades for it. Always maintain your Military Bearing. Be a good, firm Drill Sgt. but
not an abuser.
I was truly amazed at how many young people who joined the Military were so misguided
by being on their own or who had no or little parental influence on their lives. Their values,
or lack of, really showed up when it came to being disciplined. A lot of them had never been
yelled at, given rules to live by unless they made them up as they went through their short teen-age life and when disciplined just could not take it.

If you can’t Lead or Talk in front of large groups of people, then you’ve got a problem and probably should not go in.
You need to be physically fit because if you don’t pass the PT Test, you’re out,
period and you have to go back to your unit and hope you can get another chance.
Me, I screwed up the first time on the test but came back the next year and made it, so it’s well worth the time and many efforts you put forth.
Just remember, lead by example, know your subject matter, and if you screw up in front of them, then correct your error then, don’t wait for a better time, the class will appreciate it...even so, know your stuff. If you’re married, make sure your wife REALLY UNDERSTANDS what you are doing and knows there are times when you can’t be together...actually, you can work both if YOU COMMIT YOURSELF TO IT and don’t be a slacker and just get by in Drill Sgt. School. Try to max everything. It will pay off....and don’t forget, “ALWAYS DO THE RIGHT THING!” Those under you will ALWAYS appreciate how you treated them, and those above you will also appreciate you as a Leader. Good Luck!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2016 7:02 PM

2016-03-16T19:02:04-04:00

It's a great job and experience.You learn a great deal about what it takes to motivate soldiers,also how to read them and know when things are wrong. You are gonna have your good and bad days comes with the job. Enjoy it and take what you can.