We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Education

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Become a Drill Instructor?

By Patti Kate
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,225
Share

To become a drill instructor (DI) in the armed forces, you'll need to have extensive training at a special school. These programs generally involve rigid training for approximately 12 weeks. You'll need to familiarize yourself with rules, regulations, and general commands outlined in the Standard Operations Manual you will receive when enrolling at your school. Before you begin your training, you should also prepare yourself physically and mentally.

In most cases, to become a drill instructor, you will need a flawless record in the armed forces. Assuming your status as a soldier is impeccable, you may then proceed with training. Experience is a key aspect as well, so prepare to be in the military for several years before applying for a drill instructor job.

If you want to become a drill instructor, you'll need to advance to a certain rank. The requirements will generally vary, depending on your country and military branch. When you're ready to begin training to be a drill instructor, you'll need to decide which school is right for you. Making inquiries and doing a fair amount of research will generally help, so be sure the school you choose offers the programs that will be necessary for you to achieve your goals.

Ideal drill instructor candidates will possess characteristics such as discipline and leadership. If you consider yourself to be more of a follower than a leader, you might wish to reconsider. That said, you also need to understand that as you become a drill instructor, you will become a teacher. As your title suggests, you'll be instructing new recruits and enforcing rules and regulations.

After enrolling in a drill instructor school, prepare to study a wide array of material, including courses ranging from progressive first aid to swimming. Perhaps the most difficult element for many potential instructors is the physical aspect of training. Physical requirements are very demanding and one needs to be in the best physical condition possible to pass the test.

Understand the demands of the position and the commitment you'll need to make. Depending upon your country and which branch of the armed forces you've chosen, you may be required to commit yourself to at least three years of duty as a drill instructor. If you have other obligations that may prevent you from fulfilling the requirements, you may want to reconsider.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-become-a-drill-instructor.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.