How Drill Instructors Influence the Training of Recruits

Drill instructors, often referred to as DIs, play a critical role in the training of recruits, although they do not typically choose them. This article delves into the nuances of the selection process and the responsibilities of DIs during the training phase. We also share personal insights from a recruit's experiences and the unique methods of platoon assignments.

Selection of Recruits

The selection of recruits is generally carried out by recruiters who evaluate candidates based on various criteria. These criteria include eligibility requirements, physical fitness, medical examinations, background checks, and aptitude tests.

Eligibility Requirements

Recruits must meet specific age, citizenship, and education requirements. For instance, in the U.S. military, candidates usually need to be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. These prerequisites ensure candidates are ready to begin their rigorous training.

Physical Fitness

Recruits undergo physical fitness assessments to ensure they can handle the physical demands of military training. This includes cardiovascular endurance, strength, and overall fitness levels. Successful completion of these tests is a mandatory step in the selection process.

Medical Examinations

Medical examinations are critical to ensure recruits are physically and mentally fit for service. These exams cover a range of health aspects, from vision to overall physical condition, to identify any conditions that could impair a recruit’s ability to serve effectively.

Background Checks

Background checks are conducted to assess the moral character of candidates, looking for any criminal history or other disqualifying factors that could raise concerns about a recruit’s suitability for military service.

ASVAB Testing

Recruits in the U.S. military take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, which helps determine their suitability for various military occupational specialties (MOS). This test evaluates areas such as mathematics, language, science, and electronics, providing a comprehensive assessment of a recruit’s aptitude.

Assignment of Recruits to Platoons

After recruitment, recruits are assigned to basic training programs. The assignment to specific platoons is not decided by drill instructors but is often determined by the Battalion, Company, Battery, or Troop leadership. The policies for these assignments can vary between different branches of the military and different countries.

For example, in my basic training company, recruits were assigned in alphabetical order. We were part of 1st Platoon Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment. Interestingly, those with last names ending in Y were in 4th Platoon, with Private Yu and Private You being notable during my training. They had a challenging time with their Drill Sergeant due to constant calls to check on various tasks or situations.

Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and Platoon Assignments

Advanced Individual Training (AIT) is a specialized training program where recruits are trained in their MOS. The methods of assigning recruits to platoons at AIT can vary depending on the specific circumstances.

In my first AIT unit, we were assigned to platoons based on military occupational specialties (MOS). Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 80th Field Artillery, covered a range of “small volume” specialties, including field artillery meteorological crewmen and field artillery survey types. The other platoon included roles like Firefinder radar repairers. The longer MOSs had more extensive training periods from 10 to 18 weeks, while shorter MOSs typically lasted 6 to 8 months.

In my second AIT unit, Delta Company, 232nd Medical Battalion, the assignments were based on arrival times, specifically prioritizing prior service recruits who arrived 1–2 weeks before the rest. Recruits were then filled in based on gender and, possibly, alphabetical order.

For instance, 1st Platoon was mostly prior service recruits, with a predominantly A-end of men in alphabetical order. 3rd platoon consisted of females, and the other platoons were the remaining men in alphabetical order, as far as I remember.

The Role of Drill Sergeants

Drill sergeants play a crucial role in the training of recruits, but they don’t have the power to choose their recruits. Instead, they focus on instilling discipline, teamwork, and the necessary military skills for service. Their primary duty is to ensure recruits are prepared to meet the rigorous demands of military life.

Take Staff Sergeant Williams from my medic school, for example. He seemed to hate the prior service troops in his platoon. Had it been his choice, he probably would have chosen anyone else except us. This underscores the importance of the selection process in fostering a coherent and effective training environment.

By understanding the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the recruitment and training process, we can better appreciate the significance of a structured and controlled environment in molding capable military personnel.