The United States Army | Drill Sergeant of the Year

History of the Drill Sergeant

In late 1962, the Secretary of the Army directed Stephen Ailes, the Assistant Secretary, to conduct a survey of recruit training in the Army. This survey was conducted over a long period of time and included a wide variety of experienced personnel.

To ensure his report would be valid, Secretary Ailes made a comprehensive survey, comparing the training techniques of the Marines, Army, Navy and Air Force. The final report, as submitted to the Department of the Army, contained five principle findings, with appropriate recommendations and suggestions for eliminating the problems encountered.

The comparisons of the training centers of the three services with those of the Army demonstrated the attitude of the noncommissioned officers within the Army training centers was very poor.

There were contributing reasons, including the long working hours, the difficulty of the demanding nature of the work and lack of free time for family concerns. Inadequate staffing in the training centers caused much of this.

In addition, it was determined that the caliber of noncommissioned officers being assigned to the Army training centers was far below the standards required by the other services. Another problem was the negative attitude of the trainer, which had a demoralizing affect on the trainee and resulted in a mental block between the recruit, and the trainer, and thus caused a negative impact on the qualified trainer and the quality of training presented.

During the period April - June 1963, pilot courses were conducted at Fort Jackson, S.C., for selected officers and noncommissioned officers to participate in testing the revised concept of recruit training. Immediately following in July and August, this new training concept was tested with a training battalion at Fort Jackson and a training company at Fort Gordon, Ga.

The success of these tests resulted in the adoption of the new concept, to include the formation of Drill Sergeant Schools. This was the beginning of the Drill Sergeant and was the first Drill Sergeant used to train recruits in the entire history of the recruit training programs throughout the Army.

The Fort Leonard Wood Drill Sergeant School began training noncommissioned officers for Drill Sergeant duties in September of 1964.

In late 1971, headquarters Continental Army Command received permission from the Chief of Staff of the Army to include women in the drill sergeant program. In February 1972, six NCOs from the Women's Army Corps at Fort McClellan, Ala., were enrolled in the drill sergeant program at Fort Jackson.

Upon successful completion of this course these six NCOs were authorized to wear the female drill sergeant hat.

History of Campaign Hat

The current drill sergeant hat evolved from the 1883 campaign hat to the present day modified Montana Peak, which was adopted for wear by the army in 1911 and abandoned in 1942. In 1964 the hat was reintroduced to become a proud symbol of the drill sergeant.

The female drill sergeant hat came into being in 1972. It was designed by Brig. Gen. Mildred C Bailey. The original design was taken from the Australian bush hat, and was beige in color. In 1983 the color was changed to green with the style remaining unchanged.

The drill sergeants chosen to train Soldiers for combat wear the campaign hat as a testament of their demonstrated professionalism and proven leadership. The hat further provides for lineage of the U.S. Army past, present and future.

Drill Sergeant Creed - This we'll defend

I am a Drill Sergeant

I will assist each individual in their efforts to become a highly motivated, well disciplined, physically and mentally fit Soldier, capable of defeating any enemy on today’s modern battlefield.

I will instill pride in all I train, Pride in self, in the Army, and in country

I will insist that each Soldier meets and maintains the Army’s standards of military bearing and courtesy, consistent with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

I will lead by example, never requiring a Soldier to attempt any task I would not do myself.

But First, Last, and always, I am an American Soldier, sworn to defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.

I am a Drill Sergeant.

Drill Sergeant Identification Badge

Prior to 1958, the badge was a regimental crest with a maroon background. In 1958 it was adopted as the training center’s crest and the background was changed to green. All qualified drill sergeants wear the drill sergeant identification badge.

Each element of the badge has a specific meaning.

It consists of 13 stars representing the original colonies. The torch, burning brightly, in the center symbolizes liberty. The snake is derived from the original "Don't Tread On Me" serpent, a symbol of American independence during the 18th century. Together with the torch and breastplate, it indicated readiness to defend. The breastplate is a symbol of strength. The green background is a vestment worn under the breastplate, Its called a Jupon, which represents the new Army. The snake grasps, with his tail and teeth, a scroll inscribed "This We'll Defend."

The inscription summarizes the meaning of all the symbols on the badge, depicting the determination, devotion, and constant readiness of the American Soldier.