Posted on Feb 2, 2017
Which duty is more difficult, Drill Instructor/Drill SGT/MTI/Co Cmdr or Recruiting Duty?
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Posted in these groups: 
Drill Sergeant
0911: Drill Instructor
Recruiter
Military Training Instructor (MTI)
Drill Sergeant 0911: Drill Instructor Recruiter Military Training Instructor (MTI)
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 22
Suspended Profile
Having done both.
Recruiting is by far more difficult.
As a Drill, just about everything is written down in explicit detail on how to do it, things you've done before, and you're in familiar territory. You're trusted. You're respected by everyone.
In Recruiting... You're largely alone, expected to "figure it out", and there is never a real success. You're away from what you've known your whole career, and you're a salesman- we all know damn well how much we appreciate random strangers calling us at all hours, working mall kiosks, and tracking us down in person to sell us something we don't want- and how we'd treat them.
Each has their challenges. But for me, being a Drill was far, far less stressful and much more rewarding.
Recruiting is by far more difficult.
As a Drill, just about everything is written down in explicit detail on how to do it, things you've done before, and you're in familiar territory. You're trusted. You're respected by everyone.
In Recruiting... You're largely alone, expected to "figure it out", and there is never a real success. You're away from what you've known your whole career, and you're a salesman- we all know damn well how much we appreciate random strangers calling us at all hours, working mall kiosks, and tracking us down in person to sell us something we don't want- and how we'd treat them.
Each has their challenges. But for me, being a Drill was far, far less stressful and much more rewarding.
show previous comments
SGM Erik Marquez
SGT Sean Goodrow - Less responsibility in that as a Platoon Drill, you did not have the responsibility of the Senior Drill, the Company 1SG, you did not run a committee on the range complex... So not saying you did not have the responsibility of a platoon DS....but in the land of basic training that is the LEST responsible position to have served.. Its all relative.
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CPT Ryan H.
Solid reply. I'd be interested in seeing what you think after your tour as a recruiter once you've climbed the learning curve and gotten into a rhythm.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
My guess would have been recruiter, You have to be a salesman there and develop Your own approach a lot of times which is a statement that supports what You said. With the Drill Instructor, MTI etc. as You said it is spelled out and You have specific objectives and a method already in place. It was good to hear a recruiter confirm what My guess to Your question was although I have never been a recruiter.
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SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S.
Having done both, I agree with SGT Goodrow and for the same reasons.
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I was lucky enough to do both. DI as a Sgt/SSgt then Recruiting as a Gunny. I used to totally p/o a 1stSgt friend who was a DI at San Diego while I was at PI, by telling him Recruiting was tougher by far. We said in the Corps that it was 36 one month tours in the only unit in constant contact with the enemy. And no prior military MOS preps you for sales. On the other hand, to be a good DI, you must only be a good Marine NCO with everything expected of that title. Be squared away, follow the training schedule & regulations, be firm, fair, and demand the best from those under you.
Both are rewarding, especially on the promotion board. Glad I did both.
Both are rewarding, especially on the promotion board. Glad I did both.
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Suspended Profile
MSgt, wonderfully stated. I will absolutely be repeating the line about being in constant contact with the enemy...
I know a lot of recruiters who say they wish they had gotten picked up for drill sergeant, and volunteered for Drill to get out of Recruiting, but were denied. I haven't met a single drill sergeant who said he wished he'd been picked up for recruiting. Says it all.
I know a lot of recruiters who say they wish they had gotten picked up for drill sergeant, and volunteered for Drill to get out of Recruiting, but were denied. I haven't met a single drill sergeant who said he wished he'd been picked up for recruiting. Says it all.
MSgt George Cater
Exactly. Glad I did both in the end. Turns out it's a pretty small group with both the DI & Recruiter ribbons. Though truth be told, I volunteered for Recruiting to get out of a rifle company with the worst Marine officer (Capt) I ever knew. SGT Sean Goodrow -
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Suspended Profile
MSgt George Cater - Not often I find the chance to ask someone. Any chance you know why the USMC uses ribbons for these duties, as opposed to badges, as the Army does?
MSgt George Cater
Just my opinion, but I think it's pretty accurate. The Corps has always gone for a more subdued uniform image. (Notwithstanding the red/white/blue/gold dress blues) And the Marine view is the Army goes waaay overboard on badges, patches, etc. For decades they hashed over creating some type of visible recognition for the Corps three special duties (including Embassy Duty). The non gaudy answer was ribbons keeping all skill, service, campaign & specialty stuff on the left chest.
SGT Sean Goodrow -
SGT Sean Goodrow -
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Recruiting Duty, you start each month with a new mission and no authority over applicants except persuasion. I hated it.
Still hate the damn phone.
Still hate the damn phone.
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CSM Charles Hayden
TELEPHONES! = Receipt of many down votes from me also! No telephone respects my privacy or afternoon naps!
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