40 • THE GRIFFON • Summer 2015
Cadre in Focus Staff Sgt. Paul Hayes
Staff Sgt. Paul Hayes has a very focused and determined look as he continues to complete the 10k ruck march during the 2015 Best Warrior and Drill Sergeant of the Year Competition. Photo by Staff Sgt. Deidra Jackson, 108th Training Command (IET), Public Affairs
By Staff Sgt. Deidra Jackson 108th Training Command (IET) Public Affairs
FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. — Drill Sergeant of the Year is a title bestowed upon the best. Drill sergeants are some of the elite of the military but they all start off as Soldiers. Staff Sgt. Paul Hayes, an Army Reserve Drill Sergeant, has been in the Army Reserve since 2009. He lives in Phoenix,Arizona and represents A Company, 415th Infantry Regiment, 104th Training Division (LT). Hayes said, competing for Drill Sergeant of Year has been an experience he will never forget. “This is definitely a physical
competition but it really comes down to how well you know your knowledge and that’s the difficult part because it’s the memorization of everything.” Hayes lives with his fiancée in Phoenix where he works as banker. Hayes also enjoys spending time with his two furry children, an Australian shepherd-Great Dane mix and a German shepherd-greyhound mix.They do not currently have any children and plan on marrying sometime next year. Hayes joined the active duty Army component back in 2005.When his contract was over he decided he still wanted to serve his country while pursuing his own goals, so joining
Staff Sgt. Paul Hayes maneuvers down a rope on the confidence course during the 2015 Best Warrior and Drill Sergeant of the Year Competition. Photo by Staff Sgt. Deidra Jackson, 108th Training Command (IET), Public Affairs
the Army Reserve seemed the best option for him. Going through the Drill Sergeant Academy was a very challenging moment for Hayes but the end result was well worth it because he was not only able to put on the infamous brown round, he was able to join a group of men and women that help shape and mold the Army. “Prepping for this I believe I would have looked into doing something different to train for certain aspects of the competition,” Hayes said. “You come in knowing what you know and what you don’t know, you learn and bring back with you next year.” Hayes has really embraced being a drill sergeant. Not only does he want to retire in the military but also stay a drill sergeant as long as the military will allow him.As most competitors, he wants to come back as a sponsor. “Doing as much physical and mental preparation as possible is key. Learn everything. Even if you think it is minimal it is worth knowing,” Hayes said. “It’s not about being the best at
any one particular area, it’s about doing great at all of them and that’s how you win a competition.” Hayes believes that everyone should serve in the military even if it’s just a small stint, just to get a feel of what Soldiers go through and what Soldiers do for a living to get a better understanding and appreciation for the military. Hayes has been on the trail five times, changing civilians to Soldiers.Wherever the Army needs him, he goes. Hayes says, Going through competition is like being in front of privates.After a while they know what you know and know what you don’t, so you always have to stay one step in front of them, constantly learning. In competition it’s the same, the other competitors know what you know, so you have to stay one step ahead.You may not know everything but you don’t want to give that appearance. Motivation, determination and hard work is what a drill sergeant lives by and Staff Sgt. John Hayes has lived by that and more.
