How to Get on a Drill Sergeants Good Side

by Michael Volkin

Is it possible to never get yelled at or punished by a drill sergeant in basic training? The simple answer to that question would be “no”. However, there are ways to minimize that “special attention” drill sergeants like to give recruits.

The first aspect of avoiding unwanted criticisms from drill sergeants is to come to basic training prepared. You have to know what to expect from your drill sergeants and more importantly know what drill sergeants expect from you. I talk about this at length in my book The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook, but I will re-cap some important points for you here. Remember, the job of a drill sergeant is to break you down as a civilian and build you up into a soldier. That is a tall order, and these drill sergeants only have a couple months to accomplish this task. It is important to understand that drill sergeants do not hate you personally. If they call you a name, just let it roll off your back. This might seem like simple advice, but I have seen many recruits have their spirits broken by mere words.

Undoubtedly there will be recruits going through basic training with you that think they know how to handle any situation. You must be sure to follow the advice of a drill sergeant and not the “know-it-all” recruits, even if it seems logical to follow the recruits’ advice. Sometimes, your drill sergeant will specifically give you tasks that don’t make sense to you (only them). Your ability to follow directions is crucial and that is what your drill sergeant is looking for. In a civilian job, your ability to think independently might be an asset to your boss, but in a basic training setting it is not an asset. I have seen countless recruits take the simplest orders and make them complicated. Your job in basic training is to follow and carry out orders.

Another helpful tip to getting on your drill sergeants good side is to wake up early. Every morning you will have a series of chores to do. Whether it be cleaning the floors and sinks or making your bunk, you will have a big advantage if you wake up early. Your drill sergeant will notice you are the early bird. While everyone is stumbling around to get dressed you will be almost done with your chores and maybe even helping others with theirs. Just when you think a drill sergeant isn’t looking, they are, so always be ready to be the soldier your drill sergeant wants you to be.

In conclusion, being mentally prepared for basic training is just as important (if not more) than being physically prepared. By using the advice above you will be on your way to become a model soldier.

By SGT Michael Volkin, teacher at Basic Training University and author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook: Tips, Tricks and Tactics for Surviving Boot Camp, both available at www.UltimateBasicTraining.com