Is there anyone out there who has been a Drill Seargent for AIT at Fort Gordon Ga.? I'm interested in putting in my packet and would like ant feedback I can get. My wife isn't too happy about the idea, a couple of our nieghbors have recently been on the trail and their spouses complained about the lack of family time. If I'm not mistaken, I belive they were both Basic training Drill Seargents,( I would ask them myself but they are both downrange), my PSG has a school date in April and he told me that Signal MOS's are not normally assigned to basic training as Drills. Any input from anyone with Drill Experiance would be welcome.

LEAD FROM THE FRONT!

Signal NCO...

What information are you lookinfg for, particularly, being a DS? Keep in mind, just because you are Signal, does not neccessarily mean you will be a DS at Fort Gordon.

Commander

I was a Drill sergeant for an AIT post and let me tell you now,....you will not get any more family time or any additional sleep if you drill at an AIT post VS a BCT post. Here is one of the reasons. BCT Drill's had something called "cycle break" at the end of the 9 weeks of training soldiers before they picked up another class of trainees. Drill SGT's at AIT posts do not! In fact, depending on where you drill and for what type of training, you will have 4 to five classes in at the same time. One just signing in, one just getting ready to graduate,...and two or three classes in between. Not saying BCT drills don't work hard,...of course they do,...but don't think the grass is greener on the other side. Good Luck.

DS2000

DS 2000; YOU ARE EXACTLY RIGHT! Sounds as if you did Drill time at Fort Gordon, GA!!!

There is no cycle break in AIT; but you will get or should I say, supposed to get, a 3-4 day pass every 90 days, called a DS Trail break.

I must add that practically every Drill that I knew, was promoted to their next rank. While I am not saying that being a DS guarantees you a promotion, but it damn sure helps! If, that is, you are a DRILL SERGEANT and NOT just an NCO wearing the Drill hat.

BE, KNOW, DO!

Thanks for the replies CO and DS! I'm currently attending BNCOC at Ft Gordon and have been able to talk to a couple of DS. I'm putting my packet together as soon as I get back on line!

And isnt the weather here at Ft Gordon lovely. I was in Alaska last winter, so this is like spring for me. I bet you feel the same being from Drum!

DS2000 I have always wondered what do they teach you in DS school as far as meanness? Is it like acting classes and you invent a character or what? I know it sounds like a silly question, but I really have always wondered...

Signal NCO:

Who is your SGL at BNCOC? Is SFC Britt still there? If so, tell him Cherokee says hello.

Is a credit check part of the Drill Sergeant application process?

Not a credit check, but a background check.
If you haven't done the paperwork yet, I'd call branch first and volunteer. You'd come down as being DA selected. Then go get your background check at BDE S-3 and your mental eval. Then check your ATARRS and start studying the Soldier's Creed and Drill Sergeant Creed. Also the first 7 modules.
Putting in a 4187 is more work.

What is the difference between DA Select and Volunteer? I meen, as far as your career goes? Do you get a better look for E-7 if you volunteer, or does it really matter?

As far as a credit check goes, the program doesnt require it but you have to be MOS qualified, so if your MOS requires a clearance...you will need to be able to pass a credit check in order to meet the MOS requirement.

Signal NCO, I don't know if you are still checking. I am a Drill SGT in BCT and I can tell you, having battles in AIT, BCT is harder. We have "cycle breaks" but they are 4 day breaks and you have to square your bays for the next cycle, so it isn't time off. Times have changed. AIT DS have time to finish college. I was Inf for 9 years but turned Signal like you. I chose BCT personally. You want a fast paced, 18 hour day life, BCT. AIT is not anything like that. You get civilians and transform them. AIT DS don't have that honor. Trust me, there is alot more pride in that. It is all in what you are looking for. I became an SFC without this but it will sure help anybody out to become a DS. I guess cuz I was a recruiter too.LOL Remember, don't do it unless you are fully committed. Very demanding but very rewarding job. Good luck and see you on the trail.

quote:

Originally posted by Tiada:
Signal NCO:

Who is your SGL at BNCOC? Is SFC Britt still there? If so, tell him Cherokee says hello.

I am about to grad ANCOC, but I will go down and tell him. He is my battle.