What can I expect when I go through the DS Academy?

2019-01-19T20:06:03-05:00

I was DA selected for Drill Sergeant duty, and report to the academy in April. Aside from memorizing the first three modules, I am curious as to what else I can do in order to better prepare myself for this course.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 8:21 PM

2019-01-19T20:21:38-05:00

Conduct a prt session by the book. Know how to explain each exercise in each drill. Look up RM procedures. In fact, glance over TR 350-6, and follow the link embedded in it to the BCT POI. Stay humble. Check some of my other posts to gain some insight.

Oh- practice marching and D&C.

Do you know which platoon you’ll be in?

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Jan 20 at 2019 9:23 AM

2019-01-20T09:23:56-05:00

Congratulations on your selection. Besides the advice you’ve already been given, look to your uniforms. Make sure they are perfect. Make sure the placement of patches and special skills are exactly where they are supposed to be. I know you all don’t see much on your daily uniforms these days as everything is Velcro but you dress uniform and any service ribbons/medals need to be perfectly placed. Good luck to you and enjoy your time on the trail. It will change you forever.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2019 12:17 AM

2019-01-21T00:17:56-05:00

Besides what has already been given, go with a open mind. Be a sponge, learn to take constructive criticism. That is what lots off people had a hard time with. Also just in general do not take things personal. If you do not have a good run time, work on that. I hate to say it but even though for females if you got like 75-80 points in your run, they made us feel like crap. This was also almost 3 years ago. So things could have changed. Hence why I say thick skin. Lots of females got upset about the run thing. I personally would tell them there are going to be trainees that can't even run a mile straight, so in their eyes they are speed demons.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 21 at 2019 3:49 AM

2019-01-21T03:49:06-05:00

Enjoy! Save some memories for later.

Those recruits are mostly; beautiful young people wanting to excel.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2019 10:40 AM

2019-01-21T10:40:02-05:00

If you have a Facebook account then you need to type in The U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy. That is a good site to see whats currently going on. They usually do a pretty good job of updating the site with photos of the classes that are going through the course.

I would say to go into the School like any other school you have been to in the Army. For lack of a better term just be ready to play the game. I wasn't a big fan of Drill Sergeant School. Mind you I went when they were in a transition period from CSM King so my class was probably unlike anyone else.

Learn all you can and get good at PT. Your fellow Drill Sergeants will appreciate it. Other than that get ready to embark on one of the most rewarding experiences of your military career. Being a Drill Sergeant is a job like no other. I truly can say it was the highlight of my career. Get through Drill Sergeant School and the rest will take care of itself.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2019 7:44 PM

2019-01-21T19:44:51-05:00

PT is where you make your money. The tests will take care of themselves if you study correctly. Being more than prepared for PT will remove one obstacle on the road to earning your hat. Also, don't expect to be called by your rank. Your new title will be Candidate and you are lower than the Privates you will eventually be entrusted to shape into Soldiers.

Response by GySgt Gary Cordeiro made Aug 17 at 2020 11:28 PM

2020-08-17T23:28:52-04:00

Read your “ bible” Drill and Ceremony. Find a skill that you can excel in and be the subject matter expert. All are skilled, few are specialized.