787 Mp Bn-Drill Sergeant Program History

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1. When was the Drill Sergeant Program initiated?

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In late 1962, the Secretary of the Army directed Stephen Allies, the Assistant Secretary, to conduct a survey of recruit training in the Army. During the period April - June 1963, Pilot Trainer Courses were conducted at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for selected officers and noncommissioned officers to participate in testing the revised concept of recruit training. Immediately following in July and August, this new training concept was tested with a training battalion at Fort Jackson and a training company at Ft Gordon, Georgia. The success of these tests resulted in the adoption of the new concept, to include the formation of Drill Sergeant Schools throughout

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2. When was the Female Drill Sergeant Hat adopted?

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A: In late 1971, Headquarters, Continental Army Command (CONARC) received approval from the Chief of Staff of the Army for permission to include women in the Drill Sergeant Program. In February 1972, six Women’s Army Corps (WAC) noncommissioned officers from Fort McClellan, Alabama, were enrolled in the Drill Sergeant Program, at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Upon graduation, the women were authorized to wear the female drill sergeant hat. BG Mildred C. Bailey designed the female drill sergeant hat. The design was taken from the Australian bush hat. The first female drill sergeant hat was beige in color. The beige hat was replaced by a dark green female drill sergeant hat, style unchanged. The green hat was put into use in January 1983. After the green drill sergeant hat appeared, the beige hat was slowly phased out of the system. In 1984-85, a proposal was made for females to switch to the drill sergeant hat worn by male drill sergeants. Female drill sergeants at Training and Doctrine Command posts opposed this idea. In June 1985, General John A Wickham Jr., Army Chief of Staff, stated that female drill sergeants will continue to wear the original female drill sergeant hat.

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3. What is the History of the Campaign Hat?

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A: A veteran of numerous campaigns in the field, steeped in traditions, and in active service in various styles from 1850 through 1939, the campaign hat is a most appropriate symbol for a Drill Sergeant. The campaign hat appeared on the scene again in early 1964. The present style of the campaign hat, evolved from the straw or felt slough "Hardee Hat" of the 1850's through the center crease designs of the 1880's, to the present day modified "Montana Peak" which was adopted in 1911.

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4. What is the History of the Drill Sergeant Badge?

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The crest is the symbol of the Army Training Center. Before 1958, it was the regimental crest with a maroon background. In 1958, it was adopted as the training center's crest and the background was changed to green. It was designed by the Heraldic Division of the Quartermasters General's Office. The 13 stars represent the thirteen original Colonies. The snake is a symbol of preparedness and is grasping the scroll on one end with his mouth and the other end with his tail. On the scroll is printed the motto, "THIS WE'LL DEFEND," one of the many mottos used in colonial days such as "DON'T TREAD ON ME," "LIBERTY" and many others which were carried on flags and banners. The armored breastplate is a symbol of strength and the green background is a vestment worn under the armored breastplate. It is called a Jupon, which represents the Army. The torch is a symbol of liberty that shines over all.