I wanna be a Drill Instructor.

DevilDogWannabe · 01-24-2005, 07:32 PM

I am only 16 and I plan to join the Corps ASAP. I have my eye on the big prize....DI. My big question is how can I become a Drill Instructor....better yet what are my odds of getting such a job? I already know that I have to "apply" for the position when I hit E-5, but is there anything I can do to improve my chances of getting into DI school? Your replies will be greatly appreciated.

Garrett · 01-24-2005, 08:18 PM

go to PLC or OCS. the one main thing that will help BIGTIME, dont enlist become an officer.

rabbid37 · 01-24-2005, 08:50 PM

That would be soooo cool

Garrett · 01-24-2005, 08:59 PM

rabbid your insane... you joined this month and you have almost caught up to me in posts... kudos to you my friend.

USMCRET6391 · 01-24-2005, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevilDogWannabe

I am only 16 and I plan to join the Corps ASAP. I have my eye on the big prize....DI. My big question is how can I become a Drill Instructor....better yet what are my odds of getting such a job? I already know that I have to "apply" for the position when I hit E-5, but is there anything I can do to improve my chances of getting into DI school? Your replies will be greatly appreciated.

You have a bit of wait before you become a Drill Instructor. This is what is known as a "B" billet, that is, it is a duty you are assigned out side of your regular MOS based on the needs of the Corps. Therefore, you are going to spend some time in training for and serving in, whatever MOS the Corps assigns you before you become eligible to be assigned. Most Drill Instructors are on their second enlistment when assigned to the duty. If you are planning on making the Corps a career you have a very good chance of getting a billet as either a Drill Instructor or as a Recruiter. Applying for Drill Instructor duty is not necessary unless you really want to go and even then you might be turned down. You might also be careful what you wish for. Despite the recruting poster image, Drill Instructor duty is comprised of long hours with a lot of stress and very high expectatons, both on you and your Recruits. I speak from experience, I was a Drill Instructor from 1973 to 1976.

Top

DevilDogWannabe · 01-25-2005, 06:27 AM

Thank you USMCRET. That was very informative. Yes I plan on making the Corps a career and since I want to be a DI so bad I can taste it, I will probably apply till they accept me into their school. I will be re-enlisting many many times provided I don't eat a machine gun sandwich. Thank you again for your help.

**Vulture6** · 01-26-2005, 07:55 AM

Top is right on the money. Drill Instructor duty is tough, very high stress, and takes its toll on the Marines who serve in that capacity. Generally, a DI’s tour is only two years on the street – because of the pace of operations and stress. During forming and 1st phase, it is a 7 day a week job – on duty days, you start at 0430 and go through until 2000 the next night. On non-duty days you are there, squared away and ready to go at least a half hour before reveille until at least a half hour after taps. The frustrating thing is dealing with the 10% -- that’s those recruits who, no matter how many times you show them and tell them how to do something still get confused knowing their right from their left, or who spend the first 3 or 4 days sobbing, or are afraid to take a shower. The list goes on and on.

Drill Instructors are chosen from all MOS’s. So one MOS over another isn’t going to give you any advantage. Some of the best Drill Instructors that I have known were aviation mechanics, logisticians, and food service. The epitome of a professional NCO or SNCO. I spent 3 years at Parris Island and have known many, many Drill Instructors. To improve your chances of being selected to be a DI – be at the top of everything you do… high 1st class PFT (290 or better), strong pro/con marks and fitness reports, strong command endorsement.

Quote:

go to PLC or OCS. the one main thing that will help BIGTIME, dont enlist become an officer.

Bad advice, if you want to be a DI. Drill Instructors are non-commissioned officers or staff non-commissioned officers. Graduates of OCS become commissioned officers and will NEVER be ELLIGIBLE to become Drill Instructors. As an officer, you could end up at Parris Island as a senior 1st lieutenant, after 2-3 years in the fleet. Duty at MCRD as an officer is rewarding, but don’t think it is anything like being a DI.

DevilDogWannabe · 01-26-2005, 10:41 AM

Thank you Vulture6 for that information. The job of a DI has really caught my eye and I will work hard for it. I just want to make sure I don't screw up my chances in any way shape or form. If anyone else has some advice I'd love to hear it. Thanks again Vulture6.

Garrett · 01-26-2005, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vulture6

Bad advice, if you want to be a DI. Drill Instructors are non-commissioned officers or staff non-commissioned officers. Graduates of OCS become commissioned officers and will NEVER be ELLIGIBLE to become Drill Instructors. As an officer, you could end up at Parris Island as a senior 1st lieutenant, after 2-3 years in the fleet. Duty at MCRD as an officer is rewarding, but don’t think it is anything like being a DI.

Woah, sorry about that, bit of a wakeup call there... :pannedt

USMCRET6391 · 01-26-2005, 08:12 PM

funny thing though, they train prospective officers at OCS with SNCO Drill Instructors

USMCRET6391 · 01-26-2005, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vulture6

Drill Instructors are chosen from all MOS’s. So one MOS over another isn’t going to give you any advantage. Some of the best Drill Instructors that I have known were aviation mechanics.

Why thank you very much Vulture LOL

**Vulture6** · 01-26-2005, 09:46 PM

Serious as I can be, Top. Best SNCO I've ever known was an aviation mechanic. Saw him pick up meritorious Gunny on the drill field. Currently a MEB Sgt Major.

04-19-2005, 06:18 PM

Even at sixteen, the recruiter in your area ought to be willing to allow you to come in to the office and talk Corps. Several guys I know have been going to our office since they were fourteen. Like was said above (below? I'm still getting used to the forum.), DI's are drawn from all over the Corps, so one MOS as opposed to another won't really affect your chances, but your recruiters can tell you a great deal about the specifics about it, and can provide you with information about DI School and such.