I am potentially headed to Drill Sergeant School in the near future as a Sergeant First Class. What can I expect when I get there?

2016-05-13T14:24:57-04:00

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2016 2:30 PM

2016-05-13T14:30:43-04:00

From my understanding, it's as all schools, comprehension of the material and the ability to demonstrate the lessons learned. Hopefully you'll better your career potential as well as have a very rewarding adventure, good luck!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2016 2:32 PM

2016-05-13T14:32:27-04:00

Expect to show up and conduct yourself like you would any school. Keep your mind open and don't fall into the I'm a SFC this is beneath me mentality. You will see it I promise you. You were selected for a reason make the best of it. I wish you the best of luck.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2016 2:43 PM

2016-05-13T14:43:57-04:00

Smoke, and more smoke. I was at Jackson for MRT class and quit eating at the DFAC because I was tired of listening to SGM types screaming all the time.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2016 6:15 PM

2016-05-13T18:15:45-04:00

Hey Battle, I just hung up my hat a coupe weeks ago, and now headed to Afghanistan for 400 days, so here is some fresh info regardless of rank at DSS:
1. The only way to prepare for DSS is to be no less than 80% in each event on a bad day, the reason is you will take several APFT's while there, and you could have an minor injury or just be wore out at 0400 when it begins. So being in great shape is priority #1.
2. The next consistent priority in DSS is modules, but more specifically knowing how to teach and actually march and perform the movements. Know how to perform and break down D & C, (rest positions at the halt, facing movements, etc..), and the module's are a breeze, since they have the same format across them.
3. No matter what stories you hear about DSS, (other PT and modules) it will not matter, since things always change - especially how a school is ran, since DSS seems to move through commandants quickly.
3. My class at FT Jackson only graduated two E-7's. The rest quit or were kicked out for discipline issues or disrespect / insubordination, etc.. The takeaway is this: allot of SNCO's have a difficult time with discipline and being held to a higher standard when it comes to knowing and performing tasks (simply how to hold a formation can be difficult if you do not know how to by the Army standard) and execute leadership. But then again, your class could be unicorns and gummy bears for you.. again, a total coin toss. But, like a boy scout, just be prepared.

The greatest opportunity with being a DS is this: it will give you opportunity to see what kind of soldier you really are. Pushing privates is its own experience, and can be mercilessly unforgiving. If you are competent and a no shit leader, you will always be in front of troops. You will have the opportunity to influence more people at one time than anyone else on the planet, and impact them for the rest of their lives. If you are not, you will spend allot of time on Staff duty, performing admin roles, or driving the chow or ammo truck.

Save this, and when you get to the trail, read it again after your first week or two there, and it will make even more sense.

This We'll Defend!!!

Response by SFC Charles Temm made May 14 at 2016 11:05 AM

2016-05-14T11:05:07-04:00

A different world....

What we were taught and what the drill instructors later told us about reality were on different worlds. The combat arms guys were terrified of being assigned to coed training units and it only got worse when the PC training aspects were brought out. I still think as I did then, that putting a bunch of NCOs in facsimile of basic/AIT for all that time was largely a waste. The program could have been cut in half and accomplished at least as much.

The PT was good though and the pressure helped create some lasting friendships. Pray you don't get the stack and take module.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 11:49 AM

2016-05-17T11:49:36-04:00

There is no rank that counts there while you are a candidate. You will have student leadership and DSL's that are of lower rank. Those are the positions to listen and be mindful to. They will expect you to help a fellow NCO, and to know more on the regs, etc..... all I can say is, study the 3 mods, and learn the Drill Sergeant creed...it'll only help you progress along....you will get shark attacked....be prepared....good luck!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2016 5:17 PM

2016-05-19T17:17:40-04:00

DSSC is a breeze battle! The DSL's are respectful and will not disrespect your rank. The only issues you will have in school is with the SSG Drill Candidates. After couple of weeks they really think that you are equals and forget about rank; some of them become disrespectful, you might have to put a couple of them in their place. Other than that study the top three modules, learn PRT get in shape, learn some cadence and you will be good.