Drill Sergeant Requirements

Drill Sergeant Candidates must:

• Hold the rank of SGT, SSG or SFC
• Incur a 24–month obligation for DS duty if applying as an RSP Drill Sergeant (See Note 1)
• Minimum GT Score of 100 (waiverable to 90)
• Minimum physical profile (PULHES) 111221
• High school graduate or GED equivalency
• Warrior Leader Course/PLDC (WLC/PLDC) graduate for SGT or BNCOC graduate for SSG (waiverable by NGB-ASM only)
• Minimum of 3 years time in Service (TIS)
• Meets the HT/WT criteria of AR 600-9. (See Note 2)
• Able to pass the APFT (no substitution of event). (See Note 3)
• Displays good military bearing; has demonstrated the capability to perform in positions of increased responsibility
• No record of emotional instability through a Behavioral Status Evaluation/Interview  (DA Form 3822R must be attached)*
• No documented speech impediment*
• No record of misconduct during current enlistment, or in the last 5 years, whichever is longer:*
  1. No Article 15’s or other disciplinary action during past 5 years.
  2. No record of any court martial conviction in the Drill Sergeant Candidate’s career, provided it has not been reversed by a higher court.
  3. No record of conduct in violation of the Army’s policy on participation in extremist organizations or activities.
  4. No record of assault on a subordinate, spouse, or child.
  5. No record of misconduct during the Drill Sergeant Candidate’s career involving moral turpitude (See Note 4)
  6. No record of misconduct to include the following offenses:
     • Driving under the influence (DUI)
     • Assault
     • Any drug related offense
     • Larceny/theft
     • Traffic violations with six or more points accessed
     • Court-martial convictions
• No observed negative reaction to stress*
• Have a minimum of two years remaining on enlistment.
• Have a Commander's Evaluation by a LTC or higher.

NOTES:

1. Drill Sergeant Candidates must take appropriate action to meet the length of service requirement prior to attending school.
2. If the Drill Sergeant Candidate is overweight, action must be taken to ensure he/she is within compliance with AR 600-9, prior to class start date.  Soldiers must pass their body fat at least 2% below their current standards. 
3. If the Drill Sergeant Candidate is having difficulty passing the APFT, action must be taken to ensure he/she can pass the APFT prior to class start date.  A candidate must score at least a 70 in each event (no alternate events authorized). 
4. Moral turpitude involves misconduct of the following nature: incest, bestiality; homosexual activities; adultery; sexual activity with subordinate Soldiers; fraternization; sexual harassment; indecent acts with minors; or rape.
5. Medical waivers are not authorized for this program, moral waivers are not authorized.
6. Soldier cannot attend if they are currently under investigation and facing any legal or disciplinary actions.*

* NOTE: A response of “yes” will eliminate a Drill Sergeant Candidate from consideration for the Drill Sergeant Program.  Supporting documentation must be included.  NCOs that receive a positive mental health evaluation following a negative mental health evaluation can be allowed into the DS program.