Interview with a Drill Sergeant
“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.”
—General Dwight D. Eisenhower
Drill Sergeants.
Just the name sends shivers down a new recruit’s spine (and for good reason, as you will soon find out firsthand). What is a Drill Sergeant if not a relentless, harsh, persistent machine that will do anything within his power to diminish a recruit’s self-esteem and self-respect. Right?
Well . . . No. None of this is really true.
Drill Sergeants are thought of this way for a reason: because they act this way. As a recruit, you must remember Drill Sergeants are humans too. When Drill Sergeants are acting relentless and pushing you to try harder, they are simply doing their job—and doing you a favor.
Picture this scenario: You arrive at basic training where Drill Sergeants greet you with a smile. They carry your luggage upstairs and introduce you to your maid who will make your bed and fold your clothes. You are then introduced to your Richard Simmons look-a-like “exercise motivator,” who will help you shed those unwanted pounds while listening to the music of your choice in a comfortable environment. What kind of military would we be if this scenario was anywhere near reality?
Because there are many misconceptions about Drill Sergeants, I decided to interview an Army Drill Sergeant for you so you can see they are indeed human, and that there is a method to their madness. Believe it or not, they are trying to bring out the best in you. I have to admit, even though I wasn’t a recruit during the interview, I was still nervous talking to a Drill Sergeant.
This interview is with Sergeant First Class (SFC) Jason Seno of the U.S. Army (aka Drill Sergeant Seno) to discuss common concerns recruits have about basic training. SFC Seno was not only a Drill Sergeant, but also a Senior Drill Sergeant. He is highly revered for his phenomenal physical fitness, and is the very definition of a model soldier. He has seen thousands of recruits process through basic training, and is about to share with you some of his knowledge. Keep in mind, Drill Sergeant Seno is a soldier in the Army. As such, he references Army terms but his advice is valuable for any recruit entering any branch of the military.
The Interview
Q: What personality traits are more likely to make a recruit successful in basic training?
A: The personality trait of a successful recruit would be one who abides by all of the Army core values (loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage), and being motivated. These are all of the Army core values you will learn from your Drill Sergeants. They will integrate these values into your training and teach you what they mean and how to live by them. As far as motivation is concerned, the Drill Sergeants are masters at motivating even the most unwilling souls into doing their bidding.
Q: What personality traits are more likely to make a recruit unsuccessful in basic training?
A: Quitting! Giving up is the one thing Drill Sergeants will not tolerate. If a recruit quits, and loses their intestinal fortitude, they are not only giving up on themselves, but are failing their fellow recruit! That is the quickest way to get you and your battle buddy killed in a combat situation.
Q: What major differences, if any, do you see between male and female recruits?
A: Most female recruits don’t have the bad habits that most male recruits have before they enter the military. Female recruits are easier to train in Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM) because most of them have not fired a weapon before. Also, female recruits generally listen better to instructions. On the other hand, most male recruits have an easier time with the physical portion of basic training that involves upper body strength.
Q: Name a few important things a recruit can do to avoid negative attention from a Drill Sergeant.
A: Not doing what you’re told, and not doing something when and how you are suppose to do it. Also, a lack of motivation or showing false motivation will get any recruit negative attention. That is the quickest way for a recruit to get the whole Drill Sergeant hoard down on them. If a soldier is not living by the Army core values and / or not in accordance with (IAW) Uniform Code Of Military Justice (UCMJ), that, too, will be dealt with on a legal level. It will not only affect your military and civilian career, but your pocketbook as well.
Q: How does someone qualify to become a Drill Sergeant, and how long can a Drill Sergeant remain a Drill Sergeant?
A: First, a recruit has to complete Basic and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Then, a soldier has to achieve the rank of sergeant, staff sergeant, or sergeant first class. Once the basic standards are met, then becoming a Drill Sergeant happens one of two ways. The first (if you are active duty in the Army), is to become selected by the Department of the Army (DA). You then go to a Drill Sergeant course that is six weeks long. If you graduate, you will receive your hat and be stationed at a basic training post for up to three years. The other way to achieve Drill Sergeant status is, if you are in the Army Reserves, be transferred to a Drill Sergeant unit. Once in the unit, you have to go to a pre-course and then the Drill Sergeant course. The Drill Sergeant course for Reserves can be done in two-week blocks or a six-week course. You can remain a Drill Sergeant in the reserves as long as you meet all the Army standards and can perform your Drill Sergeant job.
Q: Prior to arriving at basic training, what are three things a recruit can focus on that would greatly increase his or her chance of success (e.g. fitness, learn rank structure, etc)?
A: The three most important things a soldier needs to focus on are: physical fitness and proper training of physical fitness, chain of command/rank structure, and mental preparation to undergo the life changing event that will transform you from civilian to soldier.
Q: What exercise or activity during basic training has the highest failure rate for recruits, and how would you recommend a recruit approach this task?
A: Males and female recruits have different physiological make-ups. They are not equal in the different physical tasks that the military requires them to accomplish. Overall, preparation has the highest failure rate. You will not find the day-to-day tasks that the military requires you to accomplish in any workout video or gym. My recommendation is to physically and mentally train yourself, with a friend for motivation, by following a structured training program that is designed around the military physical training program. That way you will not only physically prepare yourself for basic training; you will also mentally prepare yourself for the Drill Sergeant.
The Drill Sergeant will be everywhere you go, and everywhere you turn.