What can I expect in Drill Sergeant Academy?

2018-03-13T12:38:27-04:00

I just spoke to branch and he said he will put me on orders to Drill Sergeant in August. Any pointers you can give to better prepare for the Academy?

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2018 7:19 PM

2018-03-13T19:19:39-04:00

Know the first 3 modules before you get there. You can google the school house videos of them. Memorize the DS Creed, you’ll say it a couple times a day, along with Soldiers Creed, and Army Song. And once you have those down, jump start familiarizing yourself with the rest of the set of modules.

When I went it was student ran course after a 2-3 weeks. First weeks, especially the first couple days expect to feel small, but that’s part of the process you’ll be treated like an NCO soon enough plus nights and most weekends are off.

Overall it’s a good course and a lot of value can be taken out of it if you apply yourself. You get out what you put in.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2018 7:24 PM

2018-03-13T19:24:13-04:00

The Fine Art of Drilling all the Knuckle Heads

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2018 9:13 AM

2018-03-14T09:13:25-04:00

Learn all modules especially the first 4 before you get there

Response by MSG James Bates made Mar 14 at 2018 11:13 PM

2018-03-14T23:13:51-04:00

SSG Fletcher, it's been 27 years since I was in the Academy, but maybe I can give you some knowledge of what to expect. There was some harassment from the Cadre, but by now you have come to expect that. I recommend finding a Battle Buddy right away. you can quiz each other, and use each other as demonstrators.
Be physically fit. Memorize every exercise and the proper form. Remember to always be the example of fitness in front of your Privates. I despise someone who is out of shape trying to instruct me on how to be Fit.
Always be an expert on the subject.
This is one class that where you do not want to stay under the radar. Be noticed. Look Sharp. Above all if you see a peer struggling step up and give them help. I hope I have been of some help.
Good Luck, and remember God has got your six.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2018 10:17 AM

2018-03-15T10:17:10-04:00

Treat it like basic training, do what you are told, when you are told. The hardest part is the Modules, start going over them now. Keep your PT up, (70% in each event is the standard)

Response by SFC Kenneth G. made Mar 15 at 2018 8:29 PM

2018-03-15T20:29:26-04:00

I don't know what it is like now but when I went through, we had 3 days to learn 3 modules word for word. We did a lot of talking to trees and a lot of battle buddy time. Study time all the time. Prepare yourself mentally before you go into school and have a very positive attitude. I learned a lot about myself in Drill Sergeant School, my limitations and my endurances. I had zero No-Go's on the modules. That was a very good accomplishment I was very proud of. Your memory will improve drastically. You will need to focus on the task at hand at all times. Learn as much as you can before you go.

Response by SFC Francisco Roman made Apr 2 at 2018 9:07 AM

2018-04-02T09:07:46-04:00

To all that are allowed to go Dril sergeant School, you most want to be,not just the title. It's a big responsibility to be a Drill. What you put INTO It you will get out. Fallow your orders and don't try to be that one person who thinks he knows it all. Drill Sergeant Are look at with the highest standards of the military. Good luck ...now drop and give me some..

Response by SSG Willie Hodges made Apr 25 at 2018 11:08 AM

2018-04-25T11:08:04-04:00

Have an extra set of Brass, Ribbons, for display.
Also, extra socks, underwear for static display.
Static display- Never use and only for display.
Use poncho liner on bed as a blanket and you will not have to make up your bed everyday.
Little things that save time as you will have very little extra.
Also, absolutely essential and could mean pass or fail.
Memorize FM 22-5 Drill and Ceremonies word for word from cover to cover.
You will be required to regurgitate every word in that manual, and if you get it wrong too many times you will get booted.
Good Luck

Response by SFC William Dinwiddie made May 7 at 2018 8:29 AM

2018-05-07T08:29:32-04:00

Bone up on basucs.

Response by SSG Darryl Ramey made Jun 5 at 2018 6:04 PM

2018-06-05T18:04:47-04:00

When I went to Drill Sergeant School, was just like basic training. Total control for first 3 weeks, have all god on modals to go on 1st pass after first 3 weeks.

Response by SFC Kenneth G. made Sep 11 at 2018 4:54 PM

2018-09-11T16:54:51-04:00

I went through Drill Sergeant School 29 years ago but one thing that probably has not changed is that you have to memorize the 32 modules from FM 22-5 Drill and Ceremonies. You should arrive at Drill Sergeant School knowing the first 3 word for word and in the basic format of the school teaching method. All modules are taught in this method. You will do a lot of talking to trees and I suggest you get with a peer to help each other get through this invigorating course. This was the hardest course I ever attended in the Army but the most inspiring course at the same time. If your DSL tells you something is not going to be on the final test, study the material anyway. I went from top 10% to graduate for listening to my DSL. You will do things in this school that you never thought you would be able to do. Do not take anything for granted. Study, Study, Study, and prepare yourself for each day. As SSG Lauren Manuel stated, you will learn a lot about yourself. Good luck and God speed on the trail.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2018 6:12 PM

2018-09-11T18:12:59-04:00

You'll do just fine SSG Fletcher, your heart is in the right place, have fun in your new adventure with the Army. "All the way, and then some, Airborne!"

Response by Amn Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2018 12:03 AM

2018-09-20T00:03:01-04:00

How can I become a drill sergeant in the army what do you have to do to be a drill sergeant

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2019 2:25 PM

2019-10-04T14:25:35-04:00

We just got some new drills from the academy. A lot has changed in the past few years in order to fill quota. Yes, learn the top three. You get all the rest of the pitches right after that. No more drawing with less than 24 hours till pitching. Practice public speaking, it will help. Brush up on 7-22 even though they go in-depth. Get used to people walking a 1/4 mile track and yelling at themselves. The school is set up for you to succeed. Relax and you will do fine. When I was there, you didn’t have to ask for help, just walk up to a group and start studying. Everyone is in the same boat as you.