The Impact of Accelerated Promotion Rates on Drill Sergeant Performance
Abstract
This effort investigated if accelerated promotions have outpaced the ability of noncommissioned officers (NCOs) to gain the depth and breadth of experience and maturity needed to meet the challenges confronting today's Drill Sergeants (DSs) and Drill Sergeant Leaders (DSLs). This research focused on differences in NCO training and Army experiences, personality and demographic characteristics, and performance as a DS as rated by peers, leaders, and themselves. DSs, Company Commanders, and First Sergeants from 31 basic training Companies participated. This effort was also extended to the Drill Sergeant School in order to determine the impact of promotion timing on DSL performance. Results indicate that few differences exist between accelerated and nonaccelerated promotion NCOs and these few differences generally reflect favorably on accelerated promotion DSs and DSLs. Moreover, these differences were more easily predicted by other characteristics, such as age, rank, and MOS division, than promotion timing. Recommendations for improving DS training are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA535379
Entities
People
- David R. James
- M. G. Cobb
- Marisa L. Miller
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences