Are All Drill Instructors Scary in the Military?

The question of whether all drill instructors are inherently scary in the military is often a shared sentiment among former recruits and soldiers. Contrary to common belief, not all drill instructors are to be feared, though they are commonly portrayed as intimidating due to their strict training methods and high expectations. While vivid tales of brutal, toxic instructors do exist, these exceptional cases are not representative of the majority. The primary role of a drill instructor is to prepare recruits for the rigorous demands of military life. This typically involves:

These instructors command a presence and use assertive communication to establish authority and motivate recruits. However, while some recruits may find them intimidating, many recognize that these tough methods are part of the training process designed to build teamwork, discipline, and confidence.

My Personal Encounter: A Navy Drill Instructor and Beyond

I completed Navy basic training in 1968, where the Company Commander was certainly intimidating but not scary in the conventional sense. This Chief Machinist Mate was a master at profanity, and his commanding presence was certainly a factor. While I found him intimidating at the time, I later understood that my perception was narrow.

Observing Marine Drill Instructors

After corpsman school, I was assigned to recruit sick call at MCRD Parris Island, allowing me to observe Marine Drill Instructors in their natural habitat. It was there that I realized how different their methods were from what I had witnessed in the Navy. These instructors took their job seriously, and it was not uncommon for them to instill fear in the recruits.

Serving Under Marine Drill Instructors

I was then ordered to the Force Master Force (FMF) and had to undergo six weeks of Marine Corps training at Camp Lejeune. The drill instructors here were firm but not as strict as those who trained recruits directly. However, during one particularly challenging day, things changed dramatically. My Drill Instructor became extremely angry, and we were subjected to a grueling, rain-soaked, ten-mile forced march. He consistently made clear his dissatisfaction with our performance. Thankfully, the next day our treatment returned to normal, emphasizing the important aspect of feedback and improvement.

Conclusion and Reflection

The perception of drill instructors varies widely among recruits and is deeply influenced by personal experiences, individual personalities, and the specific military branch and training environment. While military training can be tough, it is designed to condition individuals for the rigors of service. Those who undergo this process often find their experiences both painful and formative, leading to a more complete and rounded military service.