Posted on Feb 5, 2021
Would transitioning to a DS position in the USAR be a good decision to benefit a Reservist career?
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I ETS from AD in the next year. I’m considering my options in the USAR/NG. One position that grabbed my attention was serving as a DS in the reserves. Does anyone have any experience in this, or know whether or not it was be a good decision to benefit a reservist career?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9

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It’s a great decision!
To clarify the process, you’ll get assigned to a DS unit. If the unit is worth it’s salt, you’ll be vetted physically and begin working on your packet and projecting your school date.
All the slots are SSG or SFC, so you’ll still need to go to the local board and pass ALC to pin SSG.
The issue is getting your PME before DS school. Typically you’ll do either, or, not both in a fiscal year. The requirement WAS to have a DSA date identified within 6 months, attended first phase within the year, and be DS qualified within 18 months of assignment.
They aren’t usually that strict on that because the Reserves can be slow. Real. Slow. But the issues mostly fall within these areas:
1: you are assigned but not physically qualified/able
2: you are physically able but not mentally capable or have outside obligations that interfere with DSA attendance
3: Neither of the first two, but priority in a DS unit is DSA unless you are E4/e5 without BLC
Let me know if you have any further questions. I just came off of 6 years in the USAR DS Program and 4 years of working at the DSA.
To clarify the process, you’ll get assigned to a DS unit. If the unit is worth it’s salt, you’ll be vetted physically and begin working on your packet and projecting your school date.
All the slots are SSG or SFC, so you’ll still need to go to the local board and pass ALC to pin SSG.
The issue is getting your PME before DS school. Typically you’ll do either, or, not both in a fiscal year. The requirement WAS to have a DSA date identified within 6 months, attended first phase within the year, and be DS qualified within 18 months of assignment.
They aren’t usually that strict on that because the Reserves can be slow. Real. Slow. But the issues mostly fall within these areas:
1: you are assigned but not physically qualified/able
2: you are physically able but not mentally capable or have outside obligations that interfere with DSA attendance
3: Neither of the first two, but priority in a DS unit is DSA unless you are E4/e5 without BLC
Let me know if you have any further questions. I just came off of 6 years in the USAR DS Program and 4 years of working at the DSA.
If you want to be a part time Drill Sergeant it's a great position in the USAR. The positions all start at SSG, so once you pass DS school you'll be promoted. Of course, if you decide you don't like it and leave you will have that promotion rescinded, but you can probably find a 31B2 USAR slot locally if you choose to do that. I know a few people who did the USAR DS program and enjoyed it
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