Drill Sergeant Research Paper

Words: 1248
Pages: 5

Drill Sergeants in Advanced Individual Training (AIT)
USAACE
NCOA
SSG Arthur J. Pruitt
15ZSLC
17-002
SFC Maradol

I enlisted in the United States Army in January 2004, not long after turning eighteen. At that point, Drill Sergeants were the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) who conducted initial entry training with Soldiers in both Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). The Drill Sergeant’s purpose was to teach Soldiers the basic soldiering skills needed and to instill good order and discipline before moving on to their first duty stations. Many changes have come about within the Army over the years; the role of the Drill Sergeant is no exception. In 2007, the Army made a move to replace Drill Sergeants with AIT Platoon Sergeants. This change has had many effects on the Army and the caliber of Soldiers that units receive from AIT. Leaders at many levels have addressed the issues that result from the presence of AIT Platoon Sergeants in place of Drill Sergeants. In
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Drill Sergeants have always focused more on dealing with the overall training, physical fitness, and discipline of Soldiers. The AIT Platoon Sergeant deals more with soldier management and different aspects of the Soldiers life. The difference between the two training approaches has been evident as Soldiers arrive to their first duty station and immediately fail the Army Physical Fitness Test, and act as if it does not matter. Actions like this are signs of a lack of discipline, lack in a sense of duty, and poor physical fitness. For Soldiers entering service 10-15 years ago, this would have been unacceptable for both them, as well as their leadership. With a lack of discipline, has come a lack of pride displayed by todays Soldiers; something I strongly feel returning Drill Sergeants to AIT will