Drill Instructor School was formally established in October 1952 and over the years has increased its length from 4 weeks to the current 11 weeks. Although the course length has changed, the mission of the school has remained constant.
The focus of the instruction and training established in the course syllabus of the 1950s and 1960s is very similar to the program of instruction the school uses today. Emphasis is placed on standard operating procedures for recruit training, drill, physical fitness, general military subjects and instructional techniques. Overall, leadership is the cornerstone of the course. Ensuring each student has a sound foundation of the basic leadership traits and principles coupled with solid command presence will allow them to set the proper example for their recruits.
In June 1980, a fire completely destroyed the old Drill Instructor School and for three years classes were held in building 172, an old bachelor enlisted quarters located across the street from the school’s current location.
Building 942 was built on the same site where the 1980 fire occurred and opened its doors in August of 1983 with the sole purpose of teaching, training and developing Marines for drill instructor duty. Since then, there have been more than 5,000 Marines who have passed through the hatches and gone on to make Marines within the Recruit Training Regiment. |
