Army Reserves Drill Sergeant

[geoint]

So I was enjoying my breakfast this morning when I got a phone call from a Reserves recruiter (had some special job title but I wasnt really paying attention yet at this point in the conversation) asking me if I would like to become a Drill Sergeant in the reserves. I wasn't sure what to say to that, but I like to get as much information I can before I make important decisions so I asked him to tell me more about the job.


He said that usually, Soldiers need at least 4 years but that due to my ASVAB score he would be happy to help me get a waiver (I did 3 yrs 8 months and my ASVAB score is 99). Oh ya and I was an E4. He said I could get up to a $20k bonus for a 6 year obligation. There are 3 reserve DS units within 100 miles of me and that if I was interested he could see if any of them would be willing to take me. I would have to interview for a position and I would have to go to Drill Sergeant school in Ft Jackson if I was selected.


I had originally written the army off because, in all honesty, I would prefer a cushy job. Not saying I wont do a tough job if I have to, but Im just being honest Id prefer an easy job. I know a DS is not an easy job. But I have a baby and another on the way, and I just dont see my GI Bill paying all the bills and a $20k bonus would really make things easier for my family.

Id like to hear from prior Drill Sergeants what they thought of the job and how the job was for reservists. Ive read that some DSs get sent to Iraq/Afghanistan to train their troops or that you can get activated for a year and sent somewhere to help with Tradoc. Neither of these is a deal breaker but Id like more information if anyone has any to share.

[jeg0777]

Sounds like a Career Counselor doing cold contacts of folks in the IRR and trying to fill slots. Be careful. Shady Career Counselors have been known to ghost people into units. Don't sign anything if you aren't 100% sure you want to do it.

[geoint]

Thanks for the tip. What should I be on the lookout for?

[tnlrat37]

That's a highly sought after job, which surprises me they would just offer it to you especially with the downsizing. If its true then go for it if it feels right but whatever you do get everything in writing before u sign anything. U know how recruiters are!

[jeg0777]

Usually with a unit like that you should be taken to the unit and introduced to the Command and have an interview to see if it is for you. If the person who called just wants you to sign a form and says not to worry about it then they have probably put you back in.

[geoint]

Usually with a unit like that you should be taken to the unit and introduced to the Command and have an interview to see if it is for you. If the person who called just wants you to sign a form and says not to worry about it then they have probably put you back in.

Oh heck no lol Im not signing anything without letting my uncle (a lawyer) read it to make sure theres nothing he forgets. He did mention that it is a job that you have to interview for so, at least on that account he isnt hiding anything.

And as far as it being a job that lots of people want, I think now that they are sending DS's to train Iraqi and Afghani troops and with all the green on blue **** going on, less people are interested in it. I am though

[Bobby Ricigliano]

I'd be suspicious of getting cold called to fill what is a pretty coveted job in the military.

[tnlrat37]

Oh heck no lol Im not signing anything without letting my uncle (a lawyer) read it to make sure theres nothing he forgets. He did mention that it is a job that you have to interview for so, at least on that account he isnt hiding anything.

And as far as it being a job that lots of people want, I think now that they are sending DS's to train Iraqi and Afghani troops and with all the green on blue **** going on, less people are interested in it. I am though

Theyre sending Drill Sergeants overseas into combat zones training foreigners now? Never heard that before, doesn't seem right to me.

[epilepticninja]

If you want to work 24/7 and never see your family, it is a perfect job. I spent two years on Edson Range with Marine DI's and they literally lived that job. Maybe the Army is different, but I doubt it. I remember my TI's being there 7 days a week with us.

[chris]

I have a friend that just completed DI school not too long ago. it is a tough course. you have memorize many things. lots of PT and so on.

are you mentally and physically ready?

[geoint]

Well I hadn't thought about how it is a 24/7 job. That is a big turn off for me. Thank you for the info. Still not sure what I think about this, but Im meeting with this recruiter on monday to get a better picture. No way am I signing anything anytime soon.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

I have a friend that just completed DI school not too long ago. it is a tough course. you have memorize many things. lots of PT and so on.

are you mentally and physically ready?

My Drill Sergeants all seemed to memorize the same phrase:

"Get down and beat your face."

[jarhead714]

That is how the US Army selects Drill Sargeaaaaaants?��

[oldsmoboat]

After completing active duty I went into the reserves. After a move from Oklahoma back to California I ended up in a training unit. I applied for DS training 3 times. Turned down all three times because of lack of funds or lack of openings. Shortly after I decided to resign and go into IRR. I was fed up with the unit and had just landed a good job.

About 3 months after I resigned, I got orders for DS school. I thought it was typical of the unit I had just left. I stayed in IRR.

About a month after that Desert Storm started up and I got a letter in the mail to report to the local recruiter. I thought I was getting called up but they just wanted updated contact info.

[coryhenry]

Currently the Army Reserves is trying to build numbers and pulling every thing they can to get people in the IRR to come back to a drilling status. DI's work a lot of hours. Since your a Reservist they can only work you when your at drill or on orders but expect to get very little sleep during those times.