What is life like as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Jackson?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:55:34 -0400

Attending the Drill Sergeant Academy 29 Jan - 4 Apr 2025 and PCSing from Fort Leonard Wood to Fort Jackson.

My wife and I plan to purchase a home there as we have already sold our home here. What are the good areas off the installation?

What is life like as a drill on Fort Jackson? How is the schedule (on & off cycle)?

Response by SSG William Jones made Jul 23 at 2024 10:58 AM

SSG William Jones — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:58:16 -0400

I hadn't gotten my H identifier when I was there in 1968, but I do remember sand fleas and pine trees!!!

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jul 23 at 2024 1:06 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:06:50 -0400

I was a company commander for a basic training unit there from 2010-2011. My time was a while back, but I will provide feedback if you want.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2024 6:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:23:34 -0400

Depends on what Battalion you go to, the one I was at had full fills every.single.cycle (240 trainees per company). Cycle breaks were about 2 or 3 weeks. During this time, you’re knocking out whatever 350-1 training your overdue on, attending silly PP briefings on RM, “recertifications”, prepping for the next cycle supplies (if the previous cycle of trainees didn’t finish… Things like Roster # Folders filled with initial counselings, SHARP, EO, fraternization and other policies, goody bags to include colored PLT patches, ranger beads to track hydration, allergy beads, sunscreen, chapstick, face paint, pens, notebooks etc). Near the end of cycle break, your company will rehearse pick up day. Typically, the Drills fresh out of the Academy are the ones that do the modules like Position of Attention, the push-up and DS Creed type of stuff. Pay attention to what extra BS the Senior Drills have to deal with (all the counselings for behavior, ACFT failures, chapters, training briefs, COORDs!! And much more

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jul 24 at 2024 8:48 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 08:48:41 -0400

Was a Drill there back in the 80's on Tank Hill, then it was 1/161st I believe.. Lots of work, short sleep especially if your Ass. DS gets sick on ya. You get a mixed platoon or a female platoon, be sure to use the buddy system, that you are never alone in your office or some place with a trainee. Seen a couple DS get busted for frat, so the Trainee said. CYA is always there. Don't plan on too much time at home or off. Other than that, have a great time.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Jul 25 at 2024 4:32 PM

CSM William Everroad — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 16:32:44 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member, depends on your price range and family dynamic (kids, what you like to do, etc). Columbia is not that great of a city.

Traffic is terrible getting on post, USHWY 77 can get backed up real fast, plan to get there early if you are commuting every day. Anything in West Columbia is going to add significant travel time.

As far as housing goes, the most desirable areas (close to Lake Murray or the Congaree River), get snatched up quick so if you see property you like be prepared with your offer as soon as something shows up. Stay out of Five Points (I don't care what anyone says about "improvement"). All the "close" Columbia East areas tend to be military families: Ravenwood, Sandalwood, Arcadia Lakes, and Forest Acres. They are getting pretty well developed with commercial amenities. If you are looking for more "upscale" suburban feel Lexington, Dentsville, and Cayce are pretty nice.

Irmo would probably be the cheapest, but it's far from base and I would not recommend it based on the uptick in crime. Further East of 77 and you are getting into rural SC (Hazelwood, Mountain Brook). Property gets cheap out there, but developments are popping up in the future. But you are trading access to "Columbia". The most massive investment in development is NE Columbia (N of HWY 20 and 77) and property is in the $250K- $350K range.

No matter where you live or visit in Columbia, LOCK YOUR CAR DOORS.

Response by SFC Eric Harmon made Jul 26 at 2024 9:35 AM

SFC Eric Harmon — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 09:35:29 -0400

I can't tell you about the duty side, but as far as living I would avoid Columbia or Lexington. Just too many people. Going out towards Lugoff or Camden would be much more peaceful and the commute is not that bad.

Response by LCDR Anthony Craft made Jul 26 at 2024 1:18 PM

LCDR Anthony Craft — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 13:18:53 -0400

I'd recommend looking around the Blythewood or Lake Carolina areas. They’re pretty nice and offer a good mix of schools and amenities. Life as a drill sergeant can be intense but rewarding.