What is one thing that your Drill Sergeants or Drill Instructors taught you that you will never forget?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 10:31:29 -0500

It could be a saying/quote, anything!!

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Mar 4 at 2020 10:34 AM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 10:34:46 -0500

The difference between my left foot and my right foot !

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 10:35 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 10:35:03 -0500

Principles of Patrolling: Planning, Reconnaissance, Security, Control, Common Sense.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 4 at 2020 10:39 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 10:39:19 -0500

It's been 43years this July since basic, , but I remember that you had to be always on the alert , half of my Drill Sergeants were Vietnam vets.

Response by LTC Tom McNew made Mar 4 at 2020 11:04 AM

LTC Tom McNew — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 11:04:58 -0500

Treating other people with respect is paramount.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 4 at 2020 11:08 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 11:08:47 -0500

You may not know (always) what right looks like, it is always evident what wrong looks like.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 11:12 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 11:12:32 -0500

On day one, my DS taught me that the correct answer when asked if it was possible that he told me the wrong way to fill out the hand receipt for linen, is definitely not "Yes, Drill Sergeant, that's possible."

Response by SPC David S. made Mar 4 at 2020 11:20 AM

SPC David S. — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 11:20:18 -0500

It was a complicated love hate relationship - however my rifle is only for fighting.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 11:49 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 11:49:43 -0500

"Fifteen minutes early is on time, on time is late." - Chief Master Sergeant Furey

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 11:51 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 11:51:34 -0500

The feet together makes the food taste better!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 11:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 11:54:27 -0500

Expect the worst, hope for the best.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Mar 4 at 2020 12:09 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 12:09:00 -0500

Keep in step.
Also command voice always wins!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 12:15 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 12:15:07 -0500

Not a DS but one of my PSGs when I was a new 2LT: Always have a spare patrol cap to leave on your desk. That way you can go for a walk or to the PX and everyone will think you're just in the shitter.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 12:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 12:21:36 -0500

Teamwork.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 12:25 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 12:25:02 -0500

As a former Drill Sergeant, i cannot say most of the things that came out of our Mouth's in this forum. haha

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 12:26 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 12:26:59 -0500

It makes the dream work.

Response by PO1 Jerome Newland made Mar 4 at 2020 12:52 PM

PO1 Jerome Newland — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 12:52:33 -0500

Anything can be booby trapped, even boobies. Jerry

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made Mar 4 at 2020 1:14 PM

LTC Wayne Brandon — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 13:14:15 -0500

On the final day of our training, while waiting for the busses to collect us, a few of us were in the vicinity of the orderly room boasting about what sort of damage we were going to do when we got to Nam. About that time SSG Gutierrez walked out and everyone shut up as he glared at us with the unmistakable "I'm going to talk and you are going to listen." look. Then he said very matter of factly:
"Just because you've completed your training, don't think for a second you know more than the enemy - you don't. In fact, if you underestimate Charlie, Charlie will make sure you have a very bad day." We thanked him and he went on his way. Of all thing things I learned from anyone during that time, that was timeless advice and the only thing I remember any DS telling me worth remembering.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 1:16 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 13:16:00 -0500

I cant choose just one - Theres so many good ones!

DS Greene: "Why you smiling at me, Pri'ate? You think I'm pretty or something?"

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 1:22 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 13:22:16 -0500

“Smooth is fast, but slow is still slow!”

Response by GySgt Thomas Vick made Mar 4 at 2020 1:26 PM

GySgt Thomas Vick — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 13:26:32 -0500

Discipline.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 1:36 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 13:36:18 -0500

discipline - the instant and willing obedience to orders without hesitation

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 4 at 2020 1:39 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 13:39:02 -0500

Two things I've never forgotten. #1 If you aint cheatin you aint tryin but if you get caught you just didn't try hard enough. #2 Wanna go to a party? Great, just crawl up my left leg and you can have a ball.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 2:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 14:33:34 -0500

If you want to be the man you have to beat the man.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 4 at 2020 2:42 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 14:42:22 -0500

We were told to pay close attention to everything because everything could mean the difference between surviving and dying in combat. However, the one thing that stuck with me came during hand-to-hand combat training. When asked if "this stuff" really worked, our DI leaned close and whispered, "If you every run out of ammo, go find more ammo."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 3:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 15:23:14 -0500

Now my AIT instructors at Leonardwood always used "high speed, low drag"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 5:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 17:32:05 -0500

One of my drill taught me "you can't fix fucked"

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 5:37 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 17:37:41 -0500

"Lead by example"

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 6:01 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 18:01:45 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member My Drill Instructors were not shy about sharing many hard lessons. When I arrived in Vietnam, a Gunnery Sergeant informed us that we needed to stop thinking about family and home, and focus on learning how to stay alive for the next year.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Mar 4 at 2020 6:06 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 18:06:15 -0500

Difference between a rifle and a gun, :-)

Response by SGT John Graham made Mar 4 at 2020 6:23 PM

SGT John Graham — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 18:23:02 -0500

FRONT LEANING REST POSITION

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 6:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 18:28:00 -0500

My fiance said his contribution is:
"SCUZZ BRUSH BULK HEAD!!!"

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2020 6:42 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 18:42:37 -0500

“These upcoming weeks in basic training are going to pass. The real question is: Will you?”

“Never forget who you are, where you are, and why you’re here. The will to serve can be found in the most obvious of places.”

“Always look before you burpee.”

Response by SPC Shawn Durnen made Mar 4 at 2020 7:27 PM

SPC Shawn Durnen — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 19:27:38 -0500

Discipline

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 4 at 2020 7:43 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 19:43:11 -0500

Down on your left foot. No private, your other left foot. Dammit Private. Here. This is a rock. This rock is never right. Put it in your left hand. There, now you know left from right.
(And I literally had a pebble in my left hand every time we did D&C, to include graduation.)

Also,
A bad plan executed violently and on time is better than a perfect plan executed timidly or too late.

I also learned what makes the green grass grow AND why the sky is blue.

Response by PV2 Bob Ondown made Mar 4 at 2020 9:20 PM

PV2 Bob Ondown — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 21:20:31 -0500

I learned how to clean a toilet bowl to a Drill Sergeants standards. This was at a WW2 barracks.
I still clean my toilet bowl to his standards:0)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2020 1:33 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 01:33:48 -0500

“If you can’t stay with the big dogs, stay your ass on the porch.”

Profound statement.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2020 8:44 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 08:44:23 -0500

Personal accountability, time management and perseverance.

Response by SP5 Leo Fitz made Mar 5 at 2020 9:17 AM

SP5 Leo Fitz — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 09:17:27 -0500

Do it right the first time,you will do less pushups.

Response by SGT George G. made Mar 5 at 2020 1:21 PM

SGT George G. — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 13:21:19 -0500

Be an expert on every weapon you touch, it may save your life one day. so I did! And it did!

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Mar 5 at 2020 3:00 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 15:00:34 -0500

“Do what it takes to win.”

“Keep your head on a swivel”

“Attention to detail”

“The more you sweat in peace the less you’ll bleed in war”

Response by CPO Clifford Henry made Mar 5 at 2020 4:08 PM

CPO Clifford Henry — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 16:08:12 -0500

Beware of the first person who tries to befriend you at a new unit. They’re usually looking for someone to share in their disgruntled world. That actually rang true more often than not.

Response by SFC Milton Padua made Mar 5 at 2020 4:10 PM

SFC Milton Padua — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 16:10:29 -0500

3 General Orders.

Response by SFC Milton Padua made Mar 5 at 2020 4:11 PM

SFC Milton Padua — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 16:11:19 -0500

General Orders. If you couldn't recite them you'll have to push.

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Mar 5 at 2020 4:56 PM

SPC Steven Depuy — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 16:56:03 -0500

That drill Sgt's are right, and don't make mistakes. And you you think they did, refer to rule one. I was platoon guide with 2 weeks to go. My DI made a mistake giving me a command, and my 17 year old ego could not get past not blaming him. He told me to give the troops a left face and move them down the trail. He meant to say counter column as well. I marched the boys to the middle of no where at Knox till they all told me to go F myself and went back to the barracks. I read in a book before basic that said some times they tell you to do something stupid to see if you listen. And did what I though he said. When we got back, I got called into a meeting with him and the E-7 over him, and I blamed him. He said I missed the counter column part, and I said no, you never said that drill Sgt. The platoon guide from another platoon backed me up, and I would not back down. I ended up losing the platoon guide job, and my PFC stripes, plus I could have stayed there if I understand things right and been cadre if I wanted. Just out of respect alone, I should have covered him on it, and I would have benefited greatly as well. But I was young and stupid, and ended up standing my ground, and it cost me a bunch of money and a fun position I could have had. Such is life, and being young and dumb.

Response by SSG Phil Lockit made Mar 5 at 2020 6:17 PM

SSG Phil Lockit — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 18:17:46 -0500

"GET THE HELL OTTA BED"!!!!!!!!!!!!! At 2 a.m just before we got in to bed.

Response by 1LT Kevin Chapman made Mar 5 at 2020 7:10 PM

1LT Kevin Chapman — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 19:10:36 -0500

He definitely taught me how to go above and beyond and show your soldiers that you care. We had a 10 mile ruck the next morning and my drill sergeant was currently on CQ the following night. And I remember one of the guys asking him if he would ruck with us in the morning. And I remember DS Trump saying, “you seriously want me to ruck with you guys?” And he replied, “yes”. That morning as he was getting ready to be relieved from CQ duty and head to his promotion ceremony. He was getting promoted from E6 to E7. He decided to ruck with us and then left later after the ruck. Definitely was one of the most selfless leaders I’ve met.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Mar 6 at 2020 11:50 AM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 11:50:59 -0500

How to iron. I don't know if they still teach it, but I can still put a razor sharp crease in a shirt or trousers.

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made Mar 6 at 2020 9:13 PM

LTC Wayne Brandon — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 21:13:52 -0500

I do recall one other thing: "Gentlemen, this #10 boot of mine will surely fit in various parts of your anatomy with the proper amount of force." SDS Henry Prell

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2020 10:45 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 22:45:40 -0500

How to fire a rifle. I never touched a weapon before basic. including my first time, I have never been below sharpshooter

Response by PO3 Troy Stutsman made Mar 8 at 2020 7:14 AM

PO3 Troy Stutsman — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 07:14:52 -0400

Boot camp...
“ Keep a limber timber and you’ll be a hard man to beat”...!

Response by SSG Red Hoffman made Mar 11 at 2020 1:42 AM

SSG Red Hoffman — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 01:42:59 -0400

How to make a bed. I use those corners on my bed to this very day - 43 years later.

Response by CW4 Harris Smith made Mar 13 at 2020 2:06 PM

CW4 Harris Smith — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 14:06:41 -0400

"What are you walking for dickhead!"

Response by PO3 Joseph Mcleod made Mar 25 at 2020 2:20 AM

PO3 Joseph Mcleod — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 02:20:28 -0400

While standing fire watch at three in the morning, i learned how to stop a hemorrhaging nose after striking my Master Chief with the butt of an M-1 Garand . (ice under the upper lip.) He had failed to respond with the proper password. This incident was never spoken of again until graduation when the Master Chief pulled me aside and said,"I am proud of your ability to stand your post and protect those in your care." He taught me to stand my ground and never back down no matter what the price.

Response by SSG Omar Ruiz-Canales made Mar 28 at 2020 5:46 PM

SSG Omar Ruiz-Canales — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 17:46:23 -0400

My military left..

Response by MAJ James Fitzgerald made Mar 29 at 2020 10:00 PM

MAJ James Fitzgerald — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 22:00:52 -0400

I took Basic Training over 50 years ago. I will never forget SFC Williams and SSG Mitchell, my Drill Sargents. I am just thankful I can remember their names at this point! That said, both stressed (and yelled) you can do more than you think you can, and they were right. I did a lot of push ups, some with them grabbing the back of my fatigue pants firmly, telling me to get back in the front lean and rest position, so I could start over! DS’s could physically touch you in those days without fear of losing their stripes or worse.

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made Mar 29 at 2020 10:11 PM

1SG Joseph Dartey — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 22:11:32 -0400

Two things. To keep my big mouth shut and to never volunteer for anything.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Mar 30 at 2020 8:58 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 08:58:18 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member We Don't Have Drill Instructors in the Navy We Have Company Commanders C/Cs. Mine taught Me the Coolest thing You can Call Me is "Sailor" Through Most of Boot Camp. You are "Recruits" and that is it but 2 Weeks before We Left CTRC Zetterholm came into the Squad Bay and Greeted Us Up for Reveille "Good Morning Sailors!"

Response by MSgt Michael Bischoff made Mar 30 at 2020 10:45 AM

MSgt Michael Bischoff — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 10:45:31 -0400

That he was a complete a$$hole

Response by MSG Robert Reiser made Apr 5 at 2020 12:51 AM

MSG Robert Reiser — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 00:51:43 -0400

Always have a clipboard with a paper on it and everyone will think you are on a mission.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2020 1:34 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 01:34:16 -0400

We just got back from Field Week, having eaten a bunch of MREs. SDI marched us to the parade deck to give us a refresher course, and holy mother of God, the gas being passed. My prac hat's words still ring every so often when I'm in formation.
"Stop fucking farting!"

Response by SFC Doc Moran made Apr 12 at 2020 4:47 PM

SFC Doc Moran — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 16:47:27 -0400

As a nco leader i realized if the founding memories of my troops were from basic training the army let them down. Nothing against basic but its like having you best school memory of kindergarten. I would divert training to somme cool shit get em up in birds or blow something up.

Response by 1LT Paul Webber made Apr 13 at 2020 1:19 PM

1LT Paul Webber — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 13:19:33 -0400

"Lieutenant, there are 24 hours in a day, and if that is not enough time to get it done, we can always do it at night!!"

Response by SGT Stephen Crawford made Apr 15 at 2020 6:20 AM

SGT Stephen Crawford — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 06:20:56 -0400

The dying cockroach position, the army loves it, the marine Corp hates it, and the coast guard won't fuck with it. June of 79

Response by SSgt Larry Davis made Apr 18 at 2020 12:10 PM

SSgt Larry Davis — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 12:10:21 -0400

When you get out of bed, make it!

Response by 1LT Don Bentivoglio made Apr 25 at 2020 9:03 AM

1LT Don Bentivoglio — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 09:03:30 -0400

You ever call me “Sir” again recruit, my boot will be so far up you ass, you’re breath will smell like Kiwi (that was back when they could talk to you like that)

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Apr 25 at 2020 5:42 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 17:42:37 -0400

"Soldiers first, people always." In spite of the differences in rank and position, my drill sergeants and I had a lot in common. Things like Bragg, Wainwright, singing, dancing, martial arts, etc. Even our affinity for G.I. Joe...and later, our disappointment in the two movies released. LOL

Response by SFC Jeremy Boyd made Apr 29 at 2020 9:05 PM

SFC Jeremy Boyd — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 21:05:58 -0400

C co 169th EN BN during 12B OSUT, Summer and Fall of 1998. The company had three platoons, each with a SFC senior Drill Sergeant and three SSG Drill Sergeants. One afternoon during formation prior to moving to the DFAC, the senior DS for 2nd Platoon, a SFC Duggan, says to the entire company while we're locked up at Parade Rest, "listen Privates, when you conduct hygiene tonight and take showers, remember, dont just wash the asshole, wash the whole ass!"

Looking back in retrospect, I'm quite certain he said it to make the company laugh in formation, which we did, just so he and all the other DS could swoop down on us and smoke the post out of us prior to chow. Good times!

Response by PFC Nicholas Efstathiou made Apr 30 at 2020 12:13 AM

PFC Nicholas Efstathiou — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 00:13:57 -0400

"You're all going to run until I throw up." Drill Sergeant Perry, 1/19th FA.

Response by LCDR Mike Morrissey made May 3 at 2020 6:09 PM

LCDR Mike Morrissey — Sun, 03 May 2020 18:09:07 -0400

Learn how to correctly pronounce every person’s name...especially the last name. Served me well in civilian life as well. Be sensitive to shortened or slang derivatives. (Not a particularly earthshaking revelation, until you see the look on a subordinate’s face.)

Response by MAJ Mark Steskal made May 12 at 2020 10:39 AM

MAJ Mark Steskal — Tue, 12 May 2020 10:39:15 -0400

Keep up with your gear. Sensitive items are something DI's love to confiscate in a moment of distraction.

Response by CPT Earl George made May 12 at 2020 4:10 PM

CPT Earl George — Tue, 12 May 2020 16:10:13 -0400

I commanded a Basic Combat Training Company at Fort Knox,Kentucky from March 1976 to April 1977. I initially went to fill out the unit training schedule by myself because when I received the phone call to do it, I was the only person around. I had just finished week one when the XO, training NCO and 4 Drill Sergeants showed up. One of the DS's liked the area I had scheduled for drill and ceremonies. He asked me what classroom I had scheduled to go with that area. I asked him why we needed a classroom. His response," JOE's got to pee." The next time I had to fill out the schedule, anyone among the cadre was welcome to come with me.

Response by PO2 Eric Lozaga made May 15 at 2020 12:16 AM

PO2 Eric Lozaga — Fri, 15 May 2020 00:16:44 -0400

Mine taught us how to properly slit our wrists. If you're going to do something.. do it right and don't be a fuck up.

Response by PO2 Eric Lozaga made May 15 at 2020 12:17 AM

PO2 Eric Lozaga — Fri, 15 May 2020 00:17:25 -0400

Mine to us how to slit our wrists properly. If you're going to do something right, do it correctly and don't a fuck up

Response by Capt Raymond Parks made May 20 at 2020 11:16 PM

Capt Raymond Parks — Wed, 20 May 2020 23:16:56 -0400

Don't laugh when they try to haze you and you remember pushing pennies down the hall and stairs with your nose at a military high school. I was too big to hang by my ankles off the roof of Old Main, but some of my classmates saw the ground from four stories up. I suppose you could say that I learned that sound and fury are not always successful in raising stress levels. There were ways to quietly use appeals to pride and honour to cause the basics to create their own stress.

Response by SPC David McCoy made May 22 at 2020 7:58 PM

SPC David McCoy — Fri, 22 May 2020 19:58:13 -0400

Don't you ever quit! I'll kick your ads up to your ears if you quit on me!

Response by LTC Barry Hull made Jun 16 at 2020 1:38 PM

LTC Barry Hull — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 13:38:05 -0400

Not a drill Sargent but as a new LT at my basic course I received some very good advice I remember to this day. After the formal block of training a SFC, the stereotypical old army vet, cautioned us. He basically stated that doctrine is a basis from where we start. By all means learn and apply the doctrine but if you find yourself in a situation where doctrine does not make sense then don’t follow the doctrine and do what makes sense.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2020 12:04 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 12:04:24 -0400

“Pain is temporary, sacrifice if forever”

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Mar 21 at 2021 1:09 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 13:09:52 -0400

I’m chronically early to everything, I get anxious if I’m only 30 minutes early, doesn’t work for me, drives my wife crazy.

Hands in pockets or slouching, not since 1975.