108th Training Command (IET) Drill Sergeant Graduates

models,” said Riti, “someone we looked up to and wanted to be just like one day. We had the utmost respect for them and would follow them anywhere and in our opinion they were ‘Superman’.

Riti said, “That is what is required of you, be a role model, a leader and someone’s whose name is etched in a Soldier’s memory forever. Someone Soldiers want to follow and someone that young Soldier wants to be just like.”

In the United States Army, drill sergeants are assigned the duty of indoctrinating new recruits entering the military into the customs and practices of military life.

“As a drill sergeant it is imperative that you are always there to show your Soldier what right looks like. With every single thing they are taught, do not assume they understand it. You have to check, double-check and re-check to ensure they are proficient in everything they are learning even the smallest detail cannot be over-looked,” Riti explained.

The world is in chaos, these conflicts are not going away and they are far from over. “Halfway through the second paragraph the NCO Creed states, “All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership, I, [meaning you], will provide that leadership,” concluded Riti.

Drill sergeants are held to the highest standards while going through the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy as preparation for their tours of duty. They must meet the U.S. Army HT/ WT standards and pass an APFT with 60 points in each event with a total score of 180 points to be accepted into the course. This is a physically demanding course; therefore, it is imperative that DSCs arrive at the Drill Sergeant Academy in a high state of physical fitness.

They are required to be proficient in Drill and Ceremony IAW TC 3-21.5 and be familiar with FM 3-22.9 Rifle Marksmanship M16/M4 Series Weapons (including Change 1) and FM 7-22 Army Physical Readiness Training.

Newly graduated drill sergeant Staff Sgt. Javonda S. Whitlock with Delta Co., 3/321st, 98th Training Division (IET) felt, “The academy was challenging, but yet rewarding. I learned a lot of new things and it made me a better all around NCO. I was refreshed on a lot of skills that I had forgotten over the years and I feel I came out better than when I went in.”

Whitlock’s command was there to support her, “It is awesome to come here to support our drill sergeants and actually see the finished product after all the preparation. When it comes to recruiting and the whole Drill Sergeant Candidate Program, preparing the candidates to be successful, Whitlock is a prime result. She came down here, totally took charge, graduated and we are proud of her,” said Sgt. Maj. Johnathan Centley with the 3/321st, 98th Training Division (IET).

Successful completion of Drill Sergeant Duty greatly enhances opportunities for promotion. Many senior noncommissioned officers are former drill sergeants. To learn more about becoming a drill sergeant with the Army Reserve contact the 108th Training Command (IET), Charlotte, N.C. @ (866) 215-3647 Ext. 4214/2836 or email: USARMY.USARC.108TNG-CMD.LIST.G1-PERSONNELSTRENGTH@MAIL.MIL or Internet: https://www.us.army.mil/suite/ page/593383.