Senior Drill Sergeant time VS Platoon Sergeant time

2014-06-20T00:45:46-04:00

I was SSG (P) before I attended DSSC. I called my branch manager and tried to get out of Drill Sergeant duty because I wanted to stay and be a Rifle Platoon Sergeant. I have been told by many different Sergeants Major, and First Sergeants that it will put me behind my peers or it won't matter at all. Senior NCO's what are your thoughts?

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Jun 20 at 2014 7:13 AM

2014-06-20T07:13:37-04:00

SFC Griffis,

I’m not a Sr, but what I understand is that it is more about what sets you above your peers that exactly what duties you have done. As long as the basic requirements or MOS equivalents are completed the rest is just to look better than the other guy, so the benefit would depend on how many other of your peers have done what and how you compare to them.

Response by 1SG Jeffrey Bergeron made Jun 20 at 2014 10:05 AM

2014-06-20T10:05:51-04:00

It is a catch 22, both are good for the MSG board. DS at the beginning might slow you down, maybe , however the Army is slowing down with promotions so it might not slow you down. In addition you have 36 months as a SFC before you are eliable for the board so 24 months as a DS, then come back to the line for 12 months. Will put you where you need to be, and above your peers. In my opinion. However with the board there is NO "full proof road map"

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2014 10:31 AM

2014-06-20T10:31:46-04:00

DA Pam 600-25 is your best friend to answer questions like these.

http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/p600_25.pdf

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 2:31 PM

2014-11-23T14:31:12-05:00

I'm in a similar situation. I was going to have 36 months rated time as a PSG, so I volunteered for Drill duty. After I volunteered, they changed my DEROS. Now I'll only have 29 months rated time and all of that isn't as an E-7. I was trying to strategically set myself up, but that may have backfired.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2018 11:28 AM

2018-11-18T11:28:45-05:00

4 years later. I have to ask how this panned our for you and your career.I am currently waiting for Branch to give me my next assignment as a FORSCOM actual PSG position. I was pinned SFC 1 August of this year so I will have 10-11 months rated SDS time and I’m fearful I will be forced to extend on the trail for a 3rd year. In your opinion what will this do to my career?

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Nov 18 at 2018 11:39 AM

2018-11-18T11:39:59-05:00

Its a timing issue.
both are quality duties ...
But DS should come after the appropriate position for your rank has been successfully completed. .
As a SFC, that means platoon sergeant time should come before special assignment.
Had you remained a SSG then DS would have been timed right for your needs.

Response by Jacqueline Nihipali made Feb 28 at 2021 12:18 PM

2021-02-28T12:18:43-05:00

Hello I am looking to hire a drill sergeant for an hour on Mon, Tues, or Wed for a company video. We are gearing up for our sales meeting and wanted to get some footage of a drill sergeant yelling at employees. Will pay!

Response by SFC Richard Dutton made Feb 28 at 2021 1:16 PM

2021-02-28T13:16:39-05:00

Spend the rewards of your time on the trail and then go back to your time in a infantry platoon. You also have a possibility of being bypassed as a platoon sergeant and have the opportunity to work in a first sergeant position. So do what job is given to you and do the best that you can.