To become a drill sergeant or AIT platoon sergeant, soldiers must meet these requirements.
• Obtain a commander’s evaluation by a lieutenant colonel or higher.
• Demonstrate leadership ability and potential, character, and ability to perform in stressful situations.
• Be physically fit and meet Army weight and body fat standards.
• Be able to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test.
• Have no incidents of abuse.
• Have no record of emotional instability as determined by a screening of health records and a clinical evaluation by a competent mental health officer.
• Have no speech impediment.
• Be a high school graduate or have a GED.
• Display good military bearing.
• Have no court-martial convictions.
• Have no record of disciplinary action, to include letters of reprimand, in the last five years.
• Have a GT score of 100
• Qualify on an M16A2 or M4 within the last six month.
• Drill sergeant candidates must hold the rank of E-5 through E-7. Sergeants must have at least one year time in grade, have at least four years of active federal service and be a Basic Leader Course graduate.
• AIT platoon sergeant candidates must be an E-6 or E-7. Staff sergeants must have at least two years’ time in grade, four years of active federal service and be an Advanced Leader Course graduate.
• Undergo a thorough background screening.
