Requirements for Drill Sergeant Course

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 21:57:15 -0400

Before you say look it up I have. I looked in multiple areas to find the answer myself with results differing. I am currently a SGT with almost 5 years TIS and I have 16 months TIG. A dream of mine has been to go too the trail. I last was told it was SSG or SFC who are allowed. Just trying to get some clarification on this topic seeing as if I am able to do so now. I will drop my packet.

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Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 12:10 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 00:10:30 -0400

I just got back from drill school in December, I'm an E-5 volunteer or tell your unit to send you!

Response by SFC Donald Neal made Apr 5 at 2015 12:57 AM

SFC Donald Neal — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 00:57:20 -0400

Apply, and if you're not sure Apply, and if someone doesn't think you can Apply. You will be a better NCO for having taken the Drill Sergeant Trail.I learned a lot about leading others, not just in my core MOS, as well as learning a lot about myself. It certainly helped me in my career in the Army and has been helpful outside of the Army.

We had SGTs come through the Drill Sergeant School when I instructed there. From your question, you've got enough TIG, TIS so you should be mature enough to handle the work and the environment.

Make sure you drop your packet (Apply), and start taking measures to ensure you are properly prepared for the course.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 6:19 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 18:19:37 -0400

Also would anyone happen to have a check list of the paperwork needed for the packet?

Response by SFC Miguel Lopez made Apr 5 at 2015 6:48 PM

SFC Miguel Lopez — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 18:48:32 -0400

The last and only time I came across a SGT with a DS patch was back in '85 during my PLDC in Ft Hood, he was part of the cadre faculty and looked about 10 years older than me, we didn't dare to question his reasons for having to wear the trail partch, for us students it was open to interpretation. You were told correct that SSG and SFC may apply or recommended by a CSM to branch manager. However if anyone come across a contemporary active duty SGT/E-5 in drill status congratulate him/her for such accomplishment and tell us where drilling at.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 6:53 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 18:53:52 -0400

Call your branch manager. They will be able to tell you if you're able to go at this time. A friend of mine E5 is heading to DS school in a few months. I called branch and they said they don't have any slots right now and to call back in a few months. Just call branch and see what they say. It never hurts.

Response by SGM Mike Barbieri made Apr 6 at 2015 7:52 PM

SGM Mike Barbieri — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 19:52:05 -0400

There is only one location that you need to look, AR 614-200. Minimum grade requirement is SGT with one year TIG and four years TIS. That doesn't mean that your branch will select you though. Experience carries a lot of weight and five years in is a bit soon. The preference is SSGs with 24 months of Squad Leader time under their belt.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 3:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 15:39:01 -0400

When i was in ft Leonard wood we had a drill Sgt what was an E-5 The female was in Bravo company i have seen multiple Drill Sergeants who sported the E-5 rank i have the same dream i want to go once i have enough experience but i have a few years before im promoted to E-5

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 10:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 22:05:56 -0400

Get in contact with your branch manager. They will send you a DS candidate checklist and evaluation form. You will also have to get a Psychological Evaluation. Once all is done you submit it to your branch manager. Based off of all the info you send them they will decide whether or not to recommend you to the DS branch. I volunteered almost 8 months ago and finally go my reservation email with a class date. Good luck.