U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy

Vision Statement

The US Army Drill Sergeant Academy is comprised of Leaders of character that are part of a Cohesive Team that is Passionate about the process and performance of forging the very best Drill sergeant possible, capable of Inspiring the next generation of American Soldier.

Leadership and Philosophy

Commandant

Command Sergeant Major

Joshua R. Bitle

Commandant, U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy

Educational Degrees/Certifications

Humboldt State University, Bachelor of Arts - History

Military Schools Attended

United States Army Sergeant's Major Academy Class 66, Drill Sergeant Course, Senior Leader’s Noncommissioned Officers Course, Advance Noncommissioned Officers Course, the Basic Leader’s Course.

Assignments

Awards and Decorations:

Command Sgt. Maj. Bitle's awards and decorations include: The Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (Two bronze oak leaf clusters), Army Commendation Medal (silver oak leaf cluster), Army Achievement Medal (one silver and three bronze oak leaf clusters), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (one service star), Iraq Campaign Medal (five service stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Volunteer Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, and Driver Badge-Track. He has been inducted into the Army and Cavalry Order of Saint George (Silver Medallion).

Deputy Commandant

Sergeant Major

Andrew J. Palmer

Deputy Commandant, U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy

Educational Degrees/Certifications

Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University

Military Schools Attended

United States Army Sergeant's Major Academy Class 71, Airborne School, Drill Sergeant Course, Army Reserve Career Counselor Course, Master Fitness Trainer Course, Master Resiliency Training Course, Basic Instructor Course, Small Group Instructor Course and Equal Opportunity Leader Course.

Assignments

Awards and Decorations:

His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (4th Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (4th Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (Silver  Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Reserve Achievement Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 5), Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Overseas Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Drill Sergeant Badge, Career Counselor Badge, Driver Badge, and the Order of Saint Maurice. 

Philosophy

1. U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy Operational Approach: U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy (DSA) is comprised of a carefully selected and exceptionally motivated cadre of professionals whose sole purpose is to generate the most prepared drill sergeants possible. We coach, teach, and mentor to maximize future drill sergeants ability to meet the demands of being the standard bearer for the next generation of American Soldier. Likewise, we synchronize resources to provide a world class training program that forges noncommissioned officers into drill sergeants that are committed to the future of the U.S. Army.

2. U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy Organizational Vision: The U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy is comprised of Leaders of character that are part of a cohesive team that is passionate about the process and performance of forging the very best drill sergeant possible, capable of inspiring the next generation of American Soldier.

3. U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy Enduring Priorities:

(1) Provide the Army with the best Drill Sergeants possible.

(2) Care for our Teammates and their Families.

(3) Continue to transform the way we teach, coach, mentor and inspire.

(4) Be the best Ft Jackson, CIMT and TRADOC Teammates possible.

(5) Drill Sergeant Leader Recruitment.

4. U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy Operating Concept-CARE

CONNECTION facilitates rapid relationship formation, which is the currency of Trust.

ALL IN-demonstrated dedication and professionalism.

REASON WE EXIST- focus on WHY and what is at stake.

ENERGIZE-candidates and ourselves. Positive energy begets positive energy.

5. Leader Expectations:

• A Family of Families-people are our pacing item. ERC-P(eople).

• Dignity and Respect-professionalism is the default.

• Be Humble…never forget each one of us started as a PVT.

• Develop Leaders…train your replacement.

• Recognize dedicated excellence…show appreciation always.

• Prepare for game day! Hat on, switched on.

• Standards- We are the standard bearers of the Army.

• Battle Rhythm- Routine, Predictability, Consistency=Excellence

• Relevancy-ensure we are staying current by WFF/Branch

• Electricity-Stay plugged into what charges your battery-Passion outside the uniform.

6. I am exuberant about the opportunity to serve with you. Together we will continue to make the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy the gold standard of noncommissioned officer training. We must train drill sergeants to mold the next great generation of American Soldier.

THIS WE WILL DEFEND!