NCOA Drill Sergeant School

The NCOA Drill Sergeant School, formally known as the Noncommissioned Officer Academy Drill Sergeant School, was established to professionally train and certify noncommissioned officers (NCOs) to serve as drill sergeants within the U.S. Army. Originating in the 1960s as part of broader Army reforms, the school has played a critical role in shaping the standards and leadership qualities of those responsible for instructing new recruits. Over the decades, the curriculum has evolved to include advanced training in leadership, instruction, physical fitness, and discipline. The NCOA Drill Sergeant School remains a cornerstone in developing the Army’s cadre of highly skilled and motivated drill sergeants, ensuring the effective transformation of civilians into soldiers.