U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy

Vision Statement

To be the world’s premier institution who sharpens noncommissioned officers to be passionate and masters of tasks through the People First approach – producing lethal and agile drill sergeants capable of developing tomorrow’s elite warrior.

Leadership and Philosophy

Commandant

Command Sergeant Major

Rickey G. Jackson

Commandant, U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy

Educational Degrees/Certifications

American Military University - BA - Psychology

University of Texas at El Paso MA Leadership Studies

Military Schools Attended

United States Army Sergeant's Major Academy Class 66, the Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Course, Drill Sergeant Course, Senior Leader’s Noncommissioned Officers Course, Advance Noncommissioned Officers Course, the Basic Leader’s Course, Combative Level I and II, Battle Staff NCO Course, Anti-Terrorism Officer Course, Unit Movement Officer Course, Air Load Planner Course, Master Resiliency Course, and the Combat Life Savers Course.

Assignments

Awards and Decorations:

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal (2nd oak leaf cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal (3rd oak leaf cluster), the Army Commendation Medal (4th oak leaf cluster), the Army Achievement Medal (1 silver oak leaf cluster and 1 oak leaf cluster), the Army Good Conduct Medal (7th award), the National Defense Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (1 bronze service star), the Iraq Campaign Medal (2 bronze service stars), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd award), the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (4th award), the NATO Medal (1 bronze service star), the Superior Unit Award, and the Meritorious Unit Citation.

Deputy Commandant

Sergeant Major

Melissa C. Solomon

Deputy Commandant, U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy

Educational Degrees/Certifications

U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. - BA - Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Workforce Development

Military Schools Attended

United States Army Sergeant's Major Academy Class 71, Common Faculty Development Instructor Course, Company Commander and First Sergeant Course, Training Planning and Development Course, Battle Staff Noncommissioned Officer Course, Master Resilience Training Facilitator Course, Master Fitness Trainer Course, Critical Incident Peer Support Training, Combatives Level Two, Drill Sergeant School, Licensed Practical Nurse, and Combat Medic Advanced Skills Training Course.

Assignments

Awards and Decorations:

Her awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (4th Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Good Conduct Medal (2 knots), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Superior Unit Award, Global War on Terrorism Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (M device), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 5), National Defense Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Drill Sergeant Badge, and Basic Rifle Marksmanship Badge (sharpshooter).

DSOY

Staff Sergeant

Devante D. McLean

Drill Sergeant of the Year

Educational Degrees/Certifications

Associates of Arts, Business Administration (Sep 2022)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt

Fiber Optic Installer

Military Schools Attended

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt Course, Certified Six Sigma Green Belt Course, Common Faculty Development Instructor Course, Drill Sergeant School, Advance Leaders Course, Airborne School, Air Assault School, Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, Master Resilience Training Facilitator Course, Digital Training Management System, SharePoint, Fiber Optic Installer, COMPTIA Security+, COMPTIA Network+.

Assignments

Awards and Decorations:

Staff Sgt. McLean’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (7th Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Good Conduct Medal (2 knots), Global War on Terrorism Ribbon, Armed Forces Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 2), National Defense Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Basic Army Instructor Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Basic Rifle Marksmanship Badge (Expert), Drivers Wheeled Vehicle Badge, and the Signal Regimental Bronze Order of Mercury. He is also a member of the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.

Philosophy

Leadership is an art, not a science. Therefore, the United States Army Drill Sergeant Academy (USADSA) must professionally train and develop Drill Sergeants of character capable of transforming volunteer civilians to Soldiers and Leaders. USADSA will establish standards, drive improvement, and lead change to ensure Drill Sergeants produce Soldiers that are highly trained, disciplined, physically fit, mentally and spiritually tough, and morally grounded.

TEAM

Treating others with Dignity and Respect: We expect USADSA to demonstrate a people-first attitude, where every leader treats each other with the utmost respect. We must lead from the front and always set the example. Treating each other with dignity and respect is the foundation of our Army. The most precious asset we have is each other, and above all, our Soldiers in the organization must honestly know we care for them and their families.

Engaged Leadership: Every Leader at the USADSA Must "Get into the weeds" with their Soldiers, to understand what's going on in their lives. It's more than asking "how are you" or "did you have a good weekend?" It means asking who they are, what they want to be, and how you can help meet those goals? Having a conversation with each other, hearing what they have to say, and then understanding their perspectives will ultimately gain the buy-in and support from the TEAM. Every Soldier and civilian assigned to USADSA wants to feel a part of the team and needs recognition. Leaders must know their Soldiers and what motivates them to Fight and Win!!!

Always learning and Developing: Professionally, continuous learning is about expanding your skills to remain relevant with the changes across the Army. Continuous learning also helps avoid complacency at the USADSA and ensures we progress toward reaching our full potential. USADSA  must be adaptable to change and fight to standardize all operations throughout the organization.

Mindfully Communicate: "Closed mouths don't get fed" We expect all team members to communicate their needs successfully. Please don't suffer in silence and try to solve problems alone. We're all human and have limits to our mental and physical capabilities. Every team member is valued and appreciated, so your input and advice matter.