Drill instructors’ specific responsibilities differ from country to country. A drill instructor is a non-commissioned officer in the armed forces who instructs new recruits on military practice and norms in the United States (US). It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the general curriculum offered prospective institutions of study before deciding on a drill instructor school, so you can see if it matches your abilities and goals. Drill instructor schools in the United States are usually only open to soldiers who have completed military training and have served a minimum amount of time in the armed forces.
Any potential student at a drill instructor school is usually required to meet certain prerequisites. This could include achieving a perfect physical fitness score and finishing basic training. Personal factors such as a normal family life and financial stability can also be considered. The rationale for such requirements is based on the belief that any prospective drill instructor’s merits will determine the future training of the armed forces. As a result, the armed forces usually prefer candidates who are well-rounded.
A drill instructor school’s curriculum varies, but most programs include the following elements: mastery of first-aid techniques such as CPR; physical fitness and swimming training; study of military history and tactics; and leadership studies. Drill instructors will typically be required to complete the same physical training as any recruit. This is done to ensure the drill instructor’s quality and to show any potential recruits that the drill instructor is capable of meeting the same standards he sets for them. Drill instructors can also be assessed based on their leadership and teaching abilities.
When looking for a drill instructor school, it’s a good idea to look into the various types of programs available. This will usually inform you of the specific requirements you must meet in order to enroll in the program, as well as the nature of the program. Current and former drill instructors’ experiences can also be a valuable source of information.
Inquiring about the experiences of certified drill instructors, as well as those who did not pass drill instructing school, may familiarize you with the training process and reveal which aspects of drill instructing school are the most demanding. By removing the element of surprise from your training, you can better prepare yourself for your future studies. This can also boost your self-assurance in your ability to finish the program.
In general, a drill instructor school that focuses on leadership and didactic skills is a good choice. These programs typically teach you important people skills that will help you relate to and understand new recruits. A drill instructor can be a teacher as well as an authoritarian figure.