Are you required by regulation to wear your Drill Sergeant badge while serving as a Drill Sergeant?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 10:15:45 -0400

Response by SFC Michael D. made Aug 20 at 2019 10:18 AM

SFC Michael D. — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 10:18:18 -0400

Why wouldn't you want to. Do you know what it takes to get one?

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2019 10:18 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 10:18:26 -0400

That would really depend on the situation. Body armor worn? Sew on vs Pin On? I came up in the 82nd and by God you better not have any pin on badges. Before they allowed sew on however, we didn’t wear pin on badges when it wasn’t needed. The PVTs knew who the DSs were.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2019 10:19 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 10:19:01 -0400

Short answer yes. The badge and campaign hat is the uniform for a Drill Sergeant. Additionally, if it's on your ERB it should be on your uniform.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 20 at 2019 10:32 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 10:32:19 -0400

Under what circumstance would you not wish to wear it? Talk about confusing a trainee!

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Aug 20 at 2019 10:42 AM

1SG Frank Boynton — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 10:42:37 -0400

It is, hands down my most cherished possession. Above my Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Jump Wings, even the President's Hundred tab. I couldn't begin to wonder why someone who earned it, wouldn't want to wear it. I will be buried with it, so that St. Peter knows who he's dealing with when I get to the pearly gates. (JK)...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2019 10:52 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 10:52:59 -0400

I am currently serving as a DS. I am just trying to find regulation that says that. I do not like to hear hear say.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2019 11:22 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 11:22:10 -0400

No, you are not required to wear the DS Identification Badge by AR 670-1 or DA Pam 670-1.
See DA Pam 670-1, 4-8. e.
Verify there is no TRADOC or installation requirement (I doubt it).
That's the "by regulation" answer. You've seen the former DS opinions, which I concur with.
Instead of asking why you wouldn't want to wear it, the first question that came to my mind was: Why a current DS didn't know, or didn't take the time to look?
(Based on initial post).

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2019 11:23 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 11:23:59 -0400

SSG Private?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2019 3:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 15:34:09 -0400

You won't find anything in the regulation that requires you to wear your badges. If you dig enough you'll find multiple references to commander's discretion. Regulations don't cover every possible scenario.
What you will find is local policies that dictate uniform wear. Those policies are equally as binding as the regulation. Of course, when someone reads the policy and wonder, "Why do we even have this policy?", you are the reason why.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Aug 20 at 2019 5:05 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 17:05:03 -0400

Why would you not wear it. It's a symbol of excellence. What's prompting such an odd question?
DA PAM 670-1 Para 20-8 b. States that the Drill Sergeant Hat will be worn by those performing the duties of Drill Instructor, but the verbiage for the Drill instructor badge is not as concise but it is listed as a permanent award and states "it will be worn" when discussing placement. AR 600-8-22 also lists the DS ID badge as a permanent award. Given that you are by regulation supposed to wear the hat, and once you earn the badge it is a permanent award my interpretation is that you wear the badge.
In 30 years of service and during my tenure as CSM for the 1st Engineer BDE I never knew a Drill Instructor who did not wear their DI badge.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Aug 21 at 2019 11:19 AM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 11:19:51 -0400

Pride requires it. Its also professional.

Response by 1SG Edward Cullen made Aug 28 at 2019 3:58 PM

1SG Edward Cullen — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:58:24 -0400

Why wouldn't you? You earned it!