What is it like to be a Drill Sergeant?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 01:27:48 -0400

I just got offered a DS slot by the Battalion CSM of the DS unit. What's it like? I'm definitely doing it because I know it will progress my career and I would consider it an honor to train future soldiers and leaders.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 1:44 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 01:44:51 -0400

First off you have to be a corporal. Secondly, you have to think about your family. It could be just as hard for them. There's only 3 days is a Drill Sergeant. The days you have staff duty /CQ, hopefully the days you have off after and then all other days are Monday. It's not uncommon to work 50hrs straight. They pay an extra $300 a month which is really only $10 a day extra. Considering the amount of responsibility you gain and the possibility of you losing your career don't do it for the money. The Army is hurting for drill sergeants right now they are even trying to have old drill sergeants come back and do it again. This means that it's a possibility for you to be the only drill sergeant in your platoon which means you will really ever get a day off until you get a second one who can help you out. With all this being said is probably the best job I've ever had. I love the train soldiers and everybody remembers their drill sergeants. There's no job more rewarding and no feeling better than parents coming up to you telling you how much of an amazing job you did.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 6:00 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 06:00:22 -0400

congratulations on your new assignment, based on your past posts I figured you more as a recruiter. I would have jumped at the chance to be a drill sergeant if I was offered the opportunity. I was also a little worried about you being a specialist after 8 years. Before I left I was told new retention rules stated after 8 years a SP4 had to move up or out.

Good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 6:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 06:46:27 -0400

I like the fact you're ready to jump in and be a DS but you have to be E-5, it isn't 300$ extra a month it's 150 believe me I just left the trail. Most of all be ready to work most of us that were DS will tell you everyday can get longer and there's .no such thing as COB.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 8:27 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:27:09 -0400

I'd reconsider becoming a Drill right out of the gate, brother. With you not being promotable yet, or even have time as a SGT, you risk becoming groomed in TRADOC before developing a leadership style. Also, most branches will tell you they want to see you "certified" at the E5 level at least before moving on to a broadening assignment, and you risk being behind after Drill, because you would have to walk right into a lower position if you aren't a SSG by that level yet.

Response by MSG Andrew White made Apr 27 at 2017 3:10 PM

MSG Andrew White — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 15:10:56 -0400

IT WAS A HONOR!!!! BUT THE DAYS WERE LONG!!! YOU HAVE TO HAVE YOURSELF, HOME LIFE, AND ANY EXTRA BAGGAGE UNDER CONTROL!! YOU BECOME THE BEST MANAGER OF TIME EVER!!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2017 8:43 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 20:43:19 -0400

You need to seriously reconsider this decision.

Don't think about yourself. That's all this sounds like-- you want the career progression, you want the honor. But this shouldn't be about you.

Think about the Privates you'd theoretically be in charge of. What can you teach them? As a soldier, how many soldiers have you had underneath you? As a Reservist, how much Army experience do you really have? How much experience do you have as a NCO?

A Drill Sergeant is entirely responsible for molding civilians in to soldiers. Every single move you make is scrutinized, every word. You need to be able to counsel, to lead-- this is not something that can be taught in Drill Sergeant School, or on a Battle Assembly weekend. It requires many years of experience. I wish someone had asked me these questions before I jumped in as a Reserve Drill.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2017 6:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 May 2017 18:56:20 -0400

Amazing!! Achieve success and earn promotions to the mid and senior NCO ranks, maintain a spotless record, drop your drill sergeant packet and complete the candidate process for becoming a US Army Drill Sergeant.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2017 1:59 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 May 2017 13:59:38 -0400

I'm assuming it's for the Reserves. If so it is a nice position. I've went on the trail at Benning, done training events with Future Soldiers programs, and ROTC training. There are opportunities for possible cross service events, and guest appearances at Tough Mudd etc. Truth is though, if you are not doing those events then there's not a lot going on. You train candidates for your DS program and get in training to fill the training schedule. To be a DS, especially in the Reserve or Guard is something to take pride in.

Response by SFC Francisco Roman made May 11 at 2017 1:40 PM

SFC Francisco Roman — Thu, 11 May 2017 13:40:59 -0400

as many have said it is a great job,the greatest gift that God gave the military is to be able to help and make man's out of kids,teach from the heart and they will follow you to the end of the world.you are being offered a position to be able to carry the weight and the strength of your life,it will not be easy,long day's,long week's,loog month's ect..ect.. Carry on and remember that you was in there shoe's at on point of your carear,by that being said.Respect is not giving is hearnd.Hooooraaaaa.Drop and give me 20 !!!!think about it.

Response by SFC Olivero Rodriguez made Jun 30 at 2017 2:03 PM

SFC Olivero Rodriguez — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 14:03:27 -0400

that's the best job you could have, turning civilians into soldiers, enjoy.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Jul 22 at 2018 1:37 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 13:37:16 -0400

I don't pretend to know all that much about this subject, but I do have an opinion. I think the best DIs would come with years of service as an NCO with the responsibilities that come with being a squad leader, or platoon Sgt. So I'm thinking someone with multiple deployments and an infantry mos, an individual who would have the basic and advanced abilities and the training to support that. Would it be impolite to say no Pogs need apply? After all your training civilians to become basic riflemen, no better teacher than ones who's been thru it all.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2018 7:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 19:24:59 -0500

As a current drill in AIT. It is the LEAST rewarding job I've ever had. There is no job satisfaction. You'll find out quickly that you are not there to train soldiers, you are there to push numbers. That's it. Standards and discipline mean nothing. By far the worst job I've ever had.