Posted on Nov 28, 2014
1SG(P) 1st Sergeant
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I remember how the Drill Sergeants we had seemed to dislike the Reservist Drill Sergeants who would come to do their 2 weeks and head back out.

I'm curious if any Reserve Drill Sergeants get the same lack of respect.
Posted in these groups: Reserves logo ReservesRespect  logo RespectDrill Drill Sergeant
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SFC Combat Engineer
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Only once and it happened this summer. I actually had a minor altercation. At the end of the day I didn't back down. Most of the time the active duty drills are glad that we are there. I jump right in and start training. Your always going to have that one who doesn't like that your there, for whatever reason. I just break it down for them. I went to the same school you did. I met the same standard. I'm just as good as you are if not better. I don't have to put up with the BS you have to.
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There are a -lot- of Reserve Drills who have been doing the job for a decade or more.

The Active guys see this, and see many Reservists unable to lead PT, unable to give classes, because it's a lifestyle. Even if you're moto, and want to help, if you (not you, personally) start teaching CLS from 2004...it's going to be a problem.

It's a lifestyle the Reservists are removed from. Things are different in the "real Army" than when we Reservists remember it last, and these small chances show through.

Not really mistakes that should be made in front of soldiers. If Drills set the standard, they should be experts...and a lot of Reservists simply are not. This certainly includes myself-- medical is a great example, because it -changes over time-, and we're not clued in until we find our instructions conflicting with the latest manual the soldiers have...

...and then realize we, the Drill Sergeant, the expert, were just corrected by a 17 year old kid who literally knows nothing. And we know exactly what happens when a Drill's credibility is destroyed in front of a platoon.

You hit it when you said "I'm just as good as you if not better." This attitude is shared by a lot of Reservists....and a lot of the time, it doesn't hold true.
SFC Combat Engineer
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This is why as a Reservist you have to stay in engaged. I'm in contact with active duty drill sergeants. I stay up on what's current. I will NEVER go on the trail not prepared.
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Respect is earned.

There are Reserve Drill Sergeants who cannot do PT, and do not know regulations. More importantly, let's be honest, we judge others based on their peers. If one Reservist shows up overweight and unable to keep pace with Charlie group running, full on smokes a private in front of the DFAC, and shows Privates pictures on their cell phone...it sets the tone for every single other one. No matter how up to par the others are.

From what I've seen of AT's, the Active Drills spend far too much time policing the Reservists. Taking care of the Privates is exhausting enough; but having to police your "equals", too?

Yes, I absolutely saw a lack of respect from some Active guys.

But it was entirely warranted in a lot of circumstances. It pissed me off, but I understood it.
SFC Equal Opportunity Advisor
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Speaking of respect, I am heading to DSS in 2017 as a reservist. I do not have a combat patch, will I catch hell from cadre and candidates for not having that experience?
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SFC Combat Engineer
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I don't think you will. There were plenty of candidates in my class who didn't have combat patches. My one DSL didn't have a combat patch. It has absolutely nothing to do with how you lead. It has nothing to do with your professionalism. You might get the usual ribbing you get from peers but we all know that's in good fun. Just do your thing and be professional. The leadership award winner in my class was an E5 reservist, no combat patch and only a few ribbons. CIB's, CAB's, Ranger Tabs, all of this stuff means zip at the Drill Sergeant Academy.
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TY for your reply! It was not going to hinder me going into this but always was in the back in my mind.
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