The process to become a marine drill instructor may take a considerable amount of time because you must first reach a certain rank before you are able to instruct others. Promotions are usually not automatic or based on your time in the service, but may be determined by performance. You will need to work your way up in ranks before being able to become a marine drill instructor. Most instructors have reached corporal status and must participate in several months of training. The most important step to entering this profession is to display excellency in your performance throughout your career.
Eligibility for a promotion requires a specific amount of time in the service, but time does not guarantee that you will receive a promotion. A commander in your unit generally decides who qualifies for advancement, and there are several ranks that you must reach before you can become a marine drill instructor. The basic amount of time needed in each rank is between six to twelve months, and the ranks, in order from bottom to top, are private, private first class, lance corporal, and corporal. There are additional ranks above corporal, but corporal is the minimal position that you will need to become a marine drill instructor.
In addition to a designated amount of time in each rank and excellent performance, the marine corp also offers a limited number of positions in each rank. This may increase the difficulty to become a marine drill instructor, and you may need to display superior skills or a meritorious action. An evaluation of your performance will be made and the appropriate promotion is usually given shortly after. There are also age restrictions on becoming a marine drill instructor, which is typically between the ages of 22 and 37.
Once you have reached the corporal level, you will need to enter a training program for instructors, which generally takes at least three months. These courses are designed to train you in first aid, teaching techniques, and other procedures needed to instruct marine trainees. You must be in excellent physical shape, which you should work on while climbing the ranks.
Medical, physical, and mental examinations will need to be successfully completed before you may enter the training program. You will also need to work as an instructor for several years, and there are various advancement opportunities during this career. Drill instructors need to show excellent leadership skills and should be able to motivate students. A strong personality is required to successfully perform this job.