Can a Drill Sergeant Be an Actual Human? 

I had a drill that had my entire class convinced he slept standing up in his wall locker

Showed compassion for an individual without allowing the rest to see it as weakness.

I remember in Army Basic, the drill seargeants said I am your daddy. I am your momma.

This should be the new recruitment ad bro, seriously.

My DI tore me up for the first two weeks of basic. One night while we were shining boots and cleaning common areas, he called me in his office. He talked to me like a big brother and said, I want you to succeed. For the rest of the training cycle I was more relaxed and focused. At our graduation, he shook my hand and said, I never doubted you could do it, and you did it. Congratulations Private. My dad asked me after graduation, what did you drill say to you in formation. I said, he said he's gonna miss me.

Drill Sargent Bixler did the same for me. After our conversation, I put all of my effort into my training, giving it 120% percent studying everything I was given, working my body overtime to be in peak physical condition. I didn't fail any test, whether it was mental or physical. I was even able to talk a person down from trying to commit suicide. That person is still alive today. Serving in the Army was the best experience of my life, and I will never forget all of the valuable lessons I have learned. Thank you, US Army, for teaching me how to live with honor.

"He said calmly"

They're hard on you because they have to be. It's what makes a soldier, but they are still your brother in arms. That's what keeps a soldier going.

Short answer, sometimes 😂

25 years ago I went bct at fort sill Oklahoma. I still remember my drill sergeants and what they taught me. DS Graves and DS Scott thank you and the other drill sergeants that were there at the time . Thank you men for what you have done for me and the others

DIs are hard asses but they aren’t there to destroy someone. They work with what they have and how the can. Out of earshot they do give words of reassurance and offer help (especially in the case of trauma experiences or mental illnesses). No, you will do whatever the unit does and to excel.

God bless this drill sergeant who showed both compassion and spoke truth to get him out of the attitude so he could move forward. I love our USA Military. Thank you for the sacrifices you make to keep America safe! ❤️🤗🙏🌸🇺🇸🇺🇸

That DI has more humanity in him than my father towards me my entire life.

These are the stories that need to be told. Young people need to know the army is a family and no one fucks with family

I've seen it, not personally.. that mfer hated me but the squad leader said he talks to him normally one on one.

I was such a punk before basic training and I found out quick that isn't going to work. What made me change there was me seeing everyone else have to pay for my mistakes. They knew before I knew how broken I was from my past. It was a very long time ago but it took real men to make me a man that could see pass his ego.

One of the most wonderful, nicest people I've ever known is my brother. He is a Godly man, who goes to church and is raising 4 girls. Girly girls. He was a mean, nasty, scary drill sergeant with the combat badge and airborne wings on his chest. He's never shown me his drill sergeant side, but I can see it in him. When I went to basic training, I kind of knew the process, and was ready for a lot of things coming my way... But my drill sergeant were all scary, mean, nasty badass dudes. When I got out of osut, I found my platoon's senior drill sergeant on Facebook. His profile picture was of him wearing a tiara with his daughter. He was just a normal guy who did his job extremely well. I admire that. Some of the nicest, most wonderful people are also capable of incredible violence and destruction.

When I’d been hospitalized in the mental ward, the 3 most psychotic drills after I got back when no one was around were some of the most supportive and helpful people I’d ever known

As a Former DS, its our job to get you through basic training. We see something in some individuals that others dont, and will find away to tap into it. When others don't believe in you, when you don't believe in yourself, the DS will believe in you and push you to no limits. #ThisWe'llDefend

Respect is never given but always earned.

My uncle is was a drill seargent for the remainder of his career in the military. Before that, he was in Army aviations, fixing downed aircraft and helicopters in Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and was inserted with almost every Special Operations Forces, has killed men. Even got to call in fire missions on patrol one time due to his experience, and he sounded like he actually enjoyed looking for fights, and I believe him considering he did a 12 mile ruck in an hour 30 minutes. He is one of the funniest dudes ever, and he loves animals, and he is most definitely human. Some people are mentally weak, some people are mentally strong, some people are easily corrupted by evil, some people stand strong and are proud to be good men and women and learn from their mistakes.

Even DIs are human. Love brotherhood. Thanks Sarge.

Once again, I am proud to be army. It is stories like this that makes us brothers-in-arms....

I was never in the military, but I was in NJROTC for all 4 years of high school. I remember getting screamed at by actual Marine DIs when we went to Drill meets or had mini boot camp. It's defenitly scary if you don't know what to expect. However, we also saw the human side of them as well. I remember talking to one and he said that they were technically holding back on us as we were miniors. He then told us that they have to know when to be firm and loud, but then be soft spoken and understanding when certain situations arise. Oh we most certainly got yelled at, but they never put hands on us. The only time they did, was to fix or correct a part of our uniforms. They told us that they can't physically touch us, but they can make us regret some of our choices by other useful means. I learned that even though they are yelling and screaming and getting in your face, it's all being done to help build you up and make you a better person. Then when you have become a better version of yourself, they will be the first to tell you and they will say it with humble pride.

Not the sniper shacking his head when he said “can a drill sergeant be an actual human” 😂

It's the Drills that makes the person a SOLDIER ! France 66-67 Germany 67-68 Vietnam 68-69 !

Sometimes your first and only real family...

That DS was a badass!! I got to know my Navy Drill Instructors on a personal level after basic because I was stationed at Great Lakes after completing my job training . I even attended the funeral of my bunk mate with them, and got to see them shed tears over their sailor. Some DS/DI are straight assholes, but many just want to see you succeed and to push good troops out into the military.

The best DI story I have ever heard... Shoot, I may do formations and I never joined any military.

That's what an NCO/DRILL SGT is supposed to do. These NCOs are preparing America's best to accomplish every mission given, keep his buddy alive, and come back home. The first and most important job for every servicemen in every different branch of our military is to export violence in support of American citizens and its interests abroad. And, that possible transition from attending high school to the battlefield is done by those drills. That TEET needs popped out of his mouth so that he can grow up and learn how to succeed. Most don't understand that those NCO's want him to succeed and to also live. Because, many times you only get one chance. Failure in the American military isn't ever an option, either. War is indescribable and uncontrollable in many cases. You have to work together to try and control the chaos you're around. So, THANKS TO ALL OF YOU DRILLS out there. Mine irritated the hell out of me, but I'll always be grateful to the ones I had.

All my marine corps DIs were sweethearts, I mean at first they didn’t seem like it but they really are good people!

Just finished basic recently, can confirm DS are lowkey the dads many of the men and women joining never received They will teach and assist you more in life in those 10 weeks than any human being can. And will without question shape you into the best fucking human being you can try to be

That’s my DS Jackson. Extremely humble guy. He has passion for history, his classes were the best.

First rule of leadership is listening

I had the BEST senior drill instructor and we were his last platoon 3rd bat. Parris Island 3042 I co. Lead series. We had 5 drill hats 4 staff Sgt. And I Sgt. And they cared. TOUGH LOVE WORKS.

Brother's in arms. I love you. 1st generation to last.

Fourth week of basic training, the ladies were sabotaging each other's lockers, and it came down to the squadron commander considering recycling everyone, the guys included. Our instructors drove us hard, and we felt defeated. They had a meeting with us, inspired us, and we left that room feeling like we could take on all challenges. They knew what we needed in that moment. I was very fortunate to have such a strong instructor team and command staff. I wish I could thank them personally for the values they instilled into us, values that I still hold to this day.

My friend told me a story of something adjacent happening to his buddy in Army basic. his drill used to throw dummy grenades into the barracks at random times to sharpen the units alertness. one day, the grenade rolled right to someone's feet, and without thinking, he kicked it right back out the door. So the drill ran in screaming at the top of his lungs, asking who threw it back, and the guy who kicked it owns up. the drill pulls the guy to his office while still yelling at the guy. the door closes, and it gets really quiet in the barracks. later the door opens, and the screaming resumes instantly. later, the guy tells my buddy that once the drill closed the door to his office, he instantly dropped to normal speaking voice and tells the guy that what he did was actually the objectively correct thing to do in that situation but it wasn't the point of the exercise so he isn't actually mad he just needs to reinforce the real point for everyone. then tells the guy to head back and act like he got chewed out. and that was when the drill opened his office door and instantly started screaming again.

Honestly best channel on RU-vid. From the editing to the content to the people. Surprised you don’t have more subscribers. Earned my sub 👍

I'll never forget my drill SFC Gidson,ft Knox KY. 1984.He made the biggest impression on me even having an older brother I idolized as a drill,Thank God I got "stuck" with him

Myself, Benning 1992. My son USCG boot camp right now. 1 week in. July 2024. Very proud of him. No pushing at all, ever. 100 % his decision. Again, so proud of him.

79-85 I still miss my brother's. The bond you form in the service is beyond family.

Damn I had a RDC (Navy's version of a drill sergeant) that was cool and nice but if the Chaplen was in his office at the time I would have most likely stayed, and if my RDC said the same thing I would have just stayed.

Yes being in the military is like having a huge family wherever you go! I am still in touch with many of my sisters whom I served with over 50 years ago!

Heros without capes

Yes! Totally agree about military being your family. I grew up as an Army “Brat” and definitely (still to this day) feel more at home around military. Think we just get each other on another level ❤️.

The Army isn't my second family.. it's my FIRST. 👍🇺🇲🇺🇲💪💪

My experience with even all the hard times my fellow soldiers are my family. They are my brothers.

Drill sergeants are among the top 10% of their MOS. It takes the best the train the best.

"BE ALL YOU CAN BE"

There is a reason our military are so loyal to one another. You have to go through the worst, but as a female civilian, I thank you all for your service.

God bless and protect our military.

The senior DS in my company, who was also my platoons DS, was one of the coldest mfs there. His presence was strong. Even the other drill SGTs looked like they were afraid to come across him. We had this one soldier, very scrawny, and couldn’t keep up during drills or pass his pt tests. He wanted to join to be like his dad. He loved being in uniform and would always call us his brothers. One day he became a heat casualty after falling behind during a march. When we got back to the barracks he looked surprised. We asked him what happened, he said they’re sending him home but that he had a talk with our senior DS. He had a look of shock because of how surprised he was about how human this guy sounded one on one. He told him that he gets how bad he wants this, but that it’s not for everyone. He could whatever he wants in life because of how young he is and that the army isn’t the only thing he can do or be a part of. He told him to go live his life. Just wow. Then that night he came in, woke everyone up, kicked our trash can across the floor, dumped our mop water, smoked the shi outta everyone, and we continued on fearing him 😂

Haha holy shit! I know the E6 at around the 11 second mark!

That’s the best drill sergeant, he cares for his men

Last part sometimes The military isnt your second family its your first

Amen! Brothers and sisters in arms, thank you for all that you do and the sacrifices you make.

This is the utter beauty of these fine warriors. I will forever remember my drill Sargents and the amazing non commissioned officers that made me into the proud man I am today.

"My father made me join" "And who is your father boy?" "Did your mother not tell you sargent?"

If he replies I’ll probably join the marines

That is an amazing example of an exemplary NCO. Not only did he encourage, inspire, and motivate the one soldier but he also managed to retain his level of authority from the others while doing so. There are very few who can successfully accomplish this task.

True, the Army shaped me to be a better upgrade of myself., Thanks AMERICA and the U.S. Army.❤️🇺🇲❤️

Out standing

My drill instructor and my navy seal instructor both made me cry and cuss them at the same time but I never quit 😊

Served a draft. Hated every minute of it

As the oldest in the class, I had one that just dumped on me all the time. Last night before we left, he came woke me up and told me, "Pick a battle, you got staff duty runner with me. Of course I picked the biggest POS I hated. I have to suffer, you have to suffer. Anyways, he took us to staff duty, showed us funny YT videos and was really cool. At some point he left and brought back to Dr. Peppers and told us not to tell anyone. Told me he really liked how I pulled a lot of kids along with me and he dumped on me so they didn't feel they were getting picked on. Good man, SFC Jackson.

Hehe

"Can a DI be an actual human" Thats easy no

Under an hour gang And first

Yes. I was in boot camp for Marine Corps. There was 1 DI that was so nice that we actually felt bad when we misbehave or dissapoint him.

I wish that I was young, I would love to serve with such people. That's a true warriors heart 👍👍👍👍

In my life experience, I can somewhat relate. In my town I grew up in, it was almost expected for all men to enlist, despite me not wanting to. But it was in the pre-training that one of the men helped me out. Basically, he asked if I had any possible diagnoses he could use to get me disqualified, and I told him I had minor asthma, so he just wrote that I had "crippling" asthma that made me unfit to serve, so I was not forced into the army, despite the wishes of my parents, friends, and Imam

So very true about the military becoming a second and supportive family.

Drill is there to keep you alive, not be your friend.

Had my DS just like that. Would talk to you one on one like a man if he respected you. But told you he had a job to do so I had to have earfuls of screaming afterward to continue the show. Real respect for that man. God bless his soul

Senior Drill Sergeant Grimes and Drill Sergeant Gordon of Charlie 1-48 will always be implanted in my memory as some of the best mentors ive ever met in my life.

TI are the best. My TI yelled at me, screamed at me, did everything I was told to do. Result. My military family made us being one.

For the men and women that I regret not standing with thank you

My late father was a Drill Sargent and he had the biggest caring heart ever.❤

First they fight for the country, then country fights with them! Our soldiers live difficult life! ❤

Had a similar experience. I had a 102 fever in 0 week in BMT. I was acared as hell to go talk to my MTI privately. When i finally did, he closed the door, talked to me quietly, and made sure I was ok. He offered to drive me to the ER or wait til the morning sick call. It was actually the most scared id been that far because he was so nice. I told him I'd go in the morning. He told me to come see him or call him immediately if anything got worse. Then he opened his door and yelled, "Now get the hell out of my office, Trainee. You better not let this happen again!"

"I'll help you, we'll all help you" basic training mindset right there, you're a team, and a family, no one gets left behind

They have an ON/OFF switch😂 They are the ones that bring you into the Family. That introduction makes sure you know the standards for the REST OF YOUR LIFE❤😂😂😂

U S Army right after High School. Best thing I ever did, it saved my life.

My Sergeant's were men i will never forget, they promised me that, and I haven't. They were really great men and yes, human. Thank you drill sergeants, Bateman, Greene, and DuBoise! Thank you and God Bless You. 🫵👍😎💪🇺🇸🙏

Thousands of our boys become men in the military. The Marine Corps DI's made a huge impact on my oldest son. So very proud of him.

If you are military and meet a stranger that is military, they instantly become family.

I remember breaking my Leg in boot (been walking and running on a broken leg for a month at that point) The Drill Instructor didn't yell after seeing the med reports and asked me to call my mom and my recruiter to tell them I wouldn't graduate till I healed it was the first time I broke the this recruit on the phone with my mom letting her know it was going to be ok. At the end I said thank you Sir and he didn't get mad just was trying himself to not be sad, he said go sit on your footlocker and don't strain yourself. Ended picking up with that Training company again after healing and he handed me my EGA and asked was it worth it? I said, "every second SSgt, every damn second". He then said, "you're a good man keep pushing Marine." They are there to build the best they can, and they do that job really well.

My Drill kept me with my class instead of recycling me due to getting pneumonia and missing a week of training. SFC. Davis. I will never forget You.

Now that's a fkn leader and a great NCO and I'd bet everyone of his men would walk through hell 4 this guy and that's how it's supposed to be

You might’ve made this whole thing up, but I’m crying anyway

Still miss the Army. Lost my great grandpa during basic and couldn't go home as he wasn't immediate family. My drills took care of me. Not that they went easy on me, but they took care of me.

they are so professional, nothing but respect

I can understand this story perfectly. My drill taught me life lessons i hold on till today.

As a US male citizen I have always felt the highest regard for our Military men and women. These are amazing people.

I feel like a lot of people don’t understand bootcamp is there to save ur life

For a few, the military becomes your first family.

Sometimes your true family are your brothers and sisters in green next to you.

Damn this almost brought a tear to my eyes

It is nice to see Drill Sergeants actually drop the tough guy act and actually comfort those under their charge as they knew one day years ago maybe even decades ago they were like that young scared but determined to make a change I’m not military by any means nor is any of my family besides my grand father who served in the UK army during WW2 his unit i believe was nicknamed White Pegasus