Why do we as an Army not treat Senior Drill Sergeant as a Platoon Sergeant position for Infantrymen?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 10:41:10 -0500

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 1:19 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 13:19:52 -0500

SFC Welch,<div><br></div><div>I agree with you and have been in same position just a few years ago. I needed 18 months of line Platoon Sergeant time to get selected because the Army does not recognize it as a real Platoon Sergeant. Well you and I (plus all those who came before us) know that Senior Drill Sergeant works as hard as the First Sergeant! </div><div><br></div><div>Good look with your time on the trail.</div><div><br></div><div>V/r</div><div>1SG Haro </div>

Response by MSG Bo Lathrop made Jan 25 at 2014 1:23 PM

MSG Bo Lathrop — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 13:23:24 -0500

I think it should be considered as a PSG time, unfortunately, the Army see's it as a "Training the Force" assignment.

Response by MSG Martin C. made May 28 at 2014 12:20 PM

MSG Martin C. — Wed, 28 May 2014 12:20:49 -0400

I wonder that myself. I served as SDS in BCT and SDSL at the school house. My scope of responsibilities went beyond PSG duty, I was responsible for training schedules, risk assessments, training land lock in, 1059s and the never endless special projects from our 1SG. It was a very tough job rewarding none the less. But whe it comes down to it I was doing PSG duties plus XO duties but big Army has no clue unless the board members are former DS.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made May 28 at 2014 3:38 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Wed, 28 May 2014 15:38:35 -0400

Well, back in the day...early 90s at Fort Knox to be exact, in the OSUT Squadron that I was assigned as an instructor in, I observed what duties the Senior Drill performed. At that time, and in that particular unit, the Senior Drill position was reserved for the DS who was on the trail the longest and who was close to coming off. His duties were more in line with what an XO did, not necessarily what a Scout, or Infantry, Platoon Sergeant did. He was not responsible for training anyone. He was responsible for duties such as scheduling training, resources and deconflicting events.

While that is just an example of a time and place back in the day, I have also talked with numerous NCOs who have served as DSs at other locations and the duty description was similar to that of a platoon sergeant. Their 1SGs and CSMs even went so far as in their duty description block on their NCOER, describe their Senior Drill Sergeant duty description much like a PSG in a TO&E unit.

DS and AIT PSG duties should be coveted and be maintained as one of the top nominative assignments to strive for. They push NCOs to the limit in mental and physical toughness and most times, force them to think outside of the traditional box for so many issues. I would charge raters and senior raters of DSs, SDSs and AIT PSGs to ensure that they are accurately reflecting the job that these NCOs are performing.

Response by CSM Michael Evans made May 28 at 2014 4:54 PM

CSM Michael Evans — Wed, 28 May 2014 16:54:09 -0400

SFC Welch,
Great question, however, Im not not sure I understand it correctly. Your inquiring as to why a SFC, Senior DS is not rated (or viewed) the same as a PSG on the line? If so, Id have to say that statement is in fact incorrect. SDS are given credit on a DA centralized promotion board for that position, so its just as equal to that of a currently serving PSG in the line. Same goes for our Recruiter and AIT PSGs out there. The Army has pulled these folks off the line and asked to not only be a PSG, but be a DS as well. Trust me, these skills are needed and favored strongly upon on the promotion boards.

Having just recently left my BDE at FT Benning, an OSUT BDE, all of my SDS were slotted accordingly, and rated accordingly. It clearly worked, as I had several make the most recent MSG list. As did when I was a BN CSM in TRADOC. Id recommend you clearly set yourself apart from your peers by excelling in your duties as a SDS and do the task no one else wants, like SAMC and possibly induction into the Order of Saint Maurice to name a few.

Others have posted comments, all good as well. Id challenge folks out there to clearly understand the selection criteria that goes into our promotion systems. If you have someone on your installation who has recently sat on a DA centralized promotion board, ask them for notes and tips on your career path. Im always available as well.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made May 28 at 2014 5:52 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Wed, 28 May 2014 17:52:20 -0400

Same reason probably, that a Senior SGL is not treated as such in NCOES, you are not responsible, directly, for the Soldiers being trained. While I was a SrSGL and was responsible for the 4 SGLs beneath me, I was not directly responsible for the training or care of the 36 PLDC students assigned to the PLT.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2014 11:31 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 11:31:14 -0400

I am going to concur with CSM Evans. It has been explained to us by our BN CSM that each platoon's PSG has the title SDS on their ERB, which is true. Also, they are considered Platoon Sergeants no matter what your MOS is. Plus it is Platoon Sergeant leadership time no matter what. Leadership time is leadership time. As far as I am aware of, there is no distinction between combat, garrison, training, etc. If you are in the proper leadership slot, you get credit for it. Of course, I could be wrong or completely misunderstand it, but I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 3:32 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 15:32:25 -0400

AR 600-25 section 4-2 states "When assigned as an OC-T or a Senior Drill Sergeant credit for Platoon Sergeant time should be given." This is the approved CMF 11 version by the way.

Response by CPT Jason Torpy made Apr 20 at 2015 11:55 PM

CPT Jason Torpy — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 23:55:34 -0400

because it's not... If you're training an Infantry platoon for infantry combat operations, that's one task. And if you're managing drill sergeants and a platoon of privates for basic training, that's a very different position. Why would they be treated the same?
I'm pretty sure Senior Drill Sergeant gets due respect, but it's not an infantry platoon sergeant position.