Does the British Army Have Drill Sergeants?

Introduction

Most people will probably have heard of Drill Sergeants, but usually associated with the the US military rather than the British armed forces. For example, Drill Sergeants in the US Army or, perhaps, a US Marine Corps Drill Instructor.

A drill sergeant of the Scots Guards shouting orders to his troops.

Of course, the UK has drill instructor courses, but these are qualifications rather than positions. However, any senior NCO conducting drill can be colloquially referred to as a “drill sergeant”.

Drill Sergeant/Instructor in the US military is the title for those personnel who train recruits, in which drill is a part of the training, in the British system a drill instructor is a qualification to teach drill only. The British use the same title as the US Air Force for its recruit trainers, military training instructor (MTI).

So, does the British Army have official Drill Sergeants. As it turns out, yes.

Where Can You Find a Drill Sergeant?

The following have Drill Sergeants:

The five Foot Guards regiments;
The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC);
Infantry Training Centre Catterick;
London District; and
The All-Arms Drill Wing (part of the Army School of Ceremonial, Catterick).

If they are posted within HQ London District, then there are two Drill Sergeants serving in each Foot Guards battalion. If they are not posted within HQ London District, however, then there is only one in the battalion.

The below link shows WO2 Drill Sergeant Rae of 1st Battalion Scots Guards, explaining and demonstrating the correct distance individuals should keep apart, during the Covid 19 pandemic lockdown, in order to keep people safe.

https://www.facebook.com/britisharmy/videos/wo2-drill-sergeant-rae-of-1st-battalion-scots-guards-explains-and-demonstrates-t/2522505048067427

What is Their Role?

Drill Sergeants’ responsibilities include managing the standard of drill and the delivery of ceremonial events. In addition to these duties, they are also the battalion’s operations warrant officer (Ops WO). Therefore, their most significant responsibilities are overseeing daily business, coordinating the security of the barracks and supporting the forecasting and planning of future events and operations.

Any There Any Qualifications Required to Fulfil the Role?

There is no required formal training to become a Drill Sergeant. However, most Drill Sergeants are however qualified as Battle Captains (responsible for coordinating operations). When they are serving within London District, they will be advanced drill instructors responsible for the delivery of standards during ceremonial operations.

What is Their Rank and (Appointment) Seniority?

Drill Sergeants hold the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2), and they are senior Company Sergeant Majors (CSM). They usually take the post of Drill Sergeant, rather than a second CSM posting serving outside of the battalion. In terms of rank, they are one below the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), who holds the rank of Warrant Officer Class One (WO1). As a WO2, Drill Sergeants hold the same rank as a Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (RQMS), however, are beneath them in seniority.