To become a drill sergeant or AIT platoon sergeant, soldiers must meet these requirements.
• Obtain a commander's evaluation by a lieutenant colonel or higher.
• Demonstrate leadership ability and potential, character, and ability to perform in stressful situations.
• Be physically fit and meet Army weight and body fat standards.
• Be able to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test.
• Have no incidents of abuse.
• Have no record of emotional instability as determined by a screening of health records and a clinical evaluation by a competent mental health officer.
• Have no speech impediment.
• Be a high school graduate or have a GED.
• Display good military bearing.
• Have no court-martial convictions.
• Have no record of disciplinary action, to include letters of reprimand, in the last five years.
• Have a GT score of 100
• Qualify on an M16A2 or M4 within the last six month.
• Drill sergeant candidates must hold the rank of E-5 through E-7. Sergeants must have at least one year time in grade, have at least four years of active federal service and be a Basic Leader Course graduate.
• AIT platoon sergeant candidates must be an E-6 or E-7. Staff sergeants must have at least two years' time in grade, four years of active federal service and be an Advanced Leader Course graduate.
• Undergo a thorough background screening.
Michelle Tan is the editor of Army Times and Air Force Times. She has covered the military for Military Times since 2005, and has embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Haiti, Gabon and the Horn of Africa.
