What to Expect from Army Drill Sergeants During Basic Training
When entering the United States Army, new recruits undergo Basic Combat Training (BCT), also known as Basic Training. This rigorous training is designed to transform civilians into soldiers, and it’s led by experienced drill sergeants. Here’s what you can expect to hear from Army drill sergeants during Basic Training:
Motivational Phrases
Drill sergeants use motivational phrases to push recruits beyond their limits. You’ll often hear:
- “Drop and give me 20!” - Get into the push-up position and do 20 push-ups.
- “Move, move, move!” - Hurry up and complete the task at hand.
- “Left, right, left, right!” - Marching commands to keep you in sync.
- “Hooah!” - A motivational phrase to energize and focus recruits.
Instructions and Corrections
Drill sergeants provide clear instructions and corrections to ensure recruits learn and follow procedures correctly:
- “Get your head in the game, soldier!” - Focus on the task and avoid distractions.
- “That’s not how you do it, let me show you!” - Correcting a recruit’s technique or method.
- “Pay attention, I’m only going to show you once!” - Listen carefully and follow instructions.
- “What was that, soldier? I didn’t hear you!” - Speak clearly and loudly when responding to drill sergeants.
Encouragement and Praise
While drill sergeants are known for being tough, they also offer encouragement and praise when recruits perform well:
- “That’s what I’m talking about, soldier!” - Excellent job, keep up the good work.
- “You’re getting the hang of it!” - Improvement and progress are acknowledged.
- “Good job, team!” - Recognizing the efforts of a team or group.
- “You’re making me proud, soldier!” - High praise from a drill sergeant.
Table of Common Drill Sergeant Commands
| Command | Meaning |
|---|---|
| At ease | Relax and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart |
| Attention | Stand up straight with your feet together |
| Left face | Turn to your left |
| Right face | Turn to your right |
| About face | Turn around and face the opposite direction |
| Forward, march! | Begin marching |
| Halt! | Stop marching or moving |
📝 Note: These commands are used to teach recruits discipline, teamwork, and attention to detail. Drill sergeants use a variety of commands to keep recruits moving and focused throughout Basic Training.
During Basic Training, recruits are constantly evaluated and pushed to their limits. Drill sergeants use a range of phrases, from motivational to instructional, to prepare recruits for the challenges of military life.
In the end, the goal of Basic Training is to transform civilians into confident, capable, and courageous soldiers who are ready to serve their country.
