I'm an E-5 looking to maybe become a drill sergeant or an AIT platoon sergeant. Can I do that from the national guard?

There are many more opportunities for being a drill sergeant in the Reserves. As SSG Roger Ayscue mentioned, the 108th Training Command is the Reserve Component command that contain the initial entry training divisions. The 95th Division is pretty much everything west of the Mississippi and the 98th Division is east of the Mississippi. As an 11B this is a great place for advancement and getting back to the more traditional soldier skills. I served as a commander of a battalion in the 1st BDE, 98th Division in Louisiana. Great job and truly enjoyed my time with the soldiers that served as Drill Sergeants. We also had many transfers from the LA NG as they were limited in their promotion opportunities for E6 and above. Depending on the NG unit, they'll either receive you back with open arms as you've had a broadening assignment or you'll be "stuck" on the Reserve side. I know it's that way on the officer side but have seen it been a bit better on the NCO side of the house. Let me know if you have any other questions and good luck on get the Round Brown!

As the former Command Sergeant Major of the Army Reserve 108th Training Command (Initial Entry Training) and a Drill Sergeant School Commandant I can tell you that we have had some National Guard Soldiers go through the school, but very few.

The problem is that the Drill Sergeant mission lies in the purview of the Army Reserve. But, if that is something you truly aspire to do, the Army Reserve is ALWAYS looking for good candidates.

The requirements to become a Drill Sergeants are high and deservingly so. It's a huge responsibility to turn civilians into Soldiers. You train Soldiers of all components; Active, Guard and Reserve. And if you are training Infantry Soldiers, you may be the final link in their training before deployment. You can attend school as a Sergeant promotable.

Having said that, being a Drill Sergeant is one of the best steps you can take for promotion, especially as deployment opportunities are starting to decline. If you spend any time around NCOs at the highest level, just look to see how many wear the pumpkin patch.

There are Drill Sergeant units all over the country as noted by LTC Bogle, with the 98th Division headquartered at Fort Benning responsible for the eastern states and the 95th Division headquartered out of Fort Sill responsible for units in the west.

It is fairly common is for Reserve and Guard Soldiers to move between the components, though it does becomes more difficult as you move up in rank. You just need to maintain those relationships.

Also, if I remember correctly, there is a three year obligation to serve as Drill Sergeant once you have completed the course.

I will tell you that I worked in that arena for almost thirty years and enjoyed it immensely. It provided me with many opportunities I would never of had otherwise.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do and thank you for your service to your country.

You'll have to be an E6 with two years TIG to be an AIT PSG.