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Being a drill sergeant is one of the most demanding and difficult jobs in our Army, but it is also one of the most rewarding. A drill sergeant is a symbol of excellence in initial entry training, an expert in all warrior tasks and battle drills, lives the Army values, exemplifies the Warrior Ethos, and most importantly, is the epitome of the Army as a profession.

As a drill sergeant you are responsible for coaching, counseling and mentoring hundreds, if not thousands, of trainees as you transform them from a civilian volunteer to a combat-ready Soldier. You are all that your Soldiers know of the Army and they emulate everything you do. Just as you will always remember your drill sergeant, so will your Soldiers. It is up to you to provide a positive and rewarding experience as these young Soldiers begin their journey in the Army. What you do for them will impact them for the rest of their lives.

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The Making of a Drill Sergeant

The U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy (USADSA) at Fort Jackson, S.C. trains, educates, certifies and validates a noncommissioned officer’s ability to execute and teach the core tenants of basic combat training, which includes physical readiness training, drill and ceremonies, basic rifle marksmanship, warrior tasks and battle drills.

As leadership is an art, not a science, the academy must professionally train and develop drill sergeants of character that are capable of transforming civilian volunteers to Soldiers. The USADSA establishes standards, drives improvement and leads change to ensure drill sergeants produce Soldiers that are highly trained, disciplined, physically fit, mentally and spiritually tough, and morally grounded.

For more information on the USADSA, view their milSuite page (CAC-enabled).

For more information on how to become a drill sergeant, read TRADOC Regulation 350-16 and MILPER Message 21-260: Update to the Selection Criteria for Drill Sergeant and Recruiter (CAC-enabled).

Drill Sergeant Creed

I am a Drill Sergeant.

I will assist each individual in their efforts to become a highly motivated, well disciplined, physically and mentally fit Soldier, capable of defeating any enemy on today's modern battlefield.

I will instill pride in all I train, pride in self, in the Army, and in country.

I will insist that each Soldier meets and maintains the Army's standards of military bearing and courtesy, consistent with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

I will lead by example, never requiring a Soldier to attempt any task I would not do myself.

But first, last, and always, I am an American Soldier, sworn to defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.

I am a Drill Sergeant.