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

Nathaniel Atkinson

Commandant, U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy

Command Sergeant Major Nathaniel Atkinson is a native Goldsboro, North Carolina, and he enlisted in the Army in March 1997 as an Engineer. He attended basic and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Atkinson most recent assignment was the CSM of the 4^th BDE U.S. Army Cadet Command (ROTC), Fort Bragg, NC from June 24 to September 26. 

Command Sgt. Maj. Atkinson has served as Heavy Equipment Operator, Senior Construction Equipment Operator, Squad Leader, Senior Drill Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, Company Operations Sergeant, First Sergeant, Battalion Operations Sergeant, Senior Career Advisor and Senior Enlisted Advisor of the U.S Army Corps of Engineers Afghanistan District. 

His stateside assignments include Fort Polk, Louisiana; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Leonard Wood; Fort Stewart, Georgia; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska; Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Carson, Colorado and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. He has deployed to Nicaragua, Iraq (3), and Afghanistan (2) for combat and humanitarian operations. 

Atkinson’s military education includes NBC (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical) School, Basic Leader Course, Air Assault School, Airborne School, Air Movement Operations Course, Automated Air Load Planner School, Advanced Leader Course, Drill Sergeant School (Commandants List), Combat Life Savers Course, Equal Opportunity Leaders Course, Senior Leader Course (Honor Graduate), Master Resilience Course, First Sergeant/Commander Course, Battle Staff Course, the Sergeants Major Academy, Joint Engineer Operations Course, Battalion & BDE PRE-Command Course, and CSM Development Program. Command Sgt. Maj. Atkinson holds an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College. 

Atkinson’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (with two OLC), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with four OLC), Army Commendation Medal (with three OLC), Army Achievement Medal (with four OLC), Presidential Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Citation (with one OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (ninth award), National Defense Services Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medial (with one Campaign Star), Iraqi Campaign Medal (with one Campaign Star), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal (2), Humanitarian Service Medal, NCO Professional Developmental Ribbon (with numeral five), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (with numeral six), NATO Medal, Drill Sergeant Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. He was also awarded the Bronze de Fleury medal of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Deputy Commandant

Sergeant Major

Mike L. Lowe

Deputy Commandant, U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy

Educational Degrees/Certifications

Bachelor of Science in Church Leadership from Oakwood University

Military Schools Attended

United States Army Sergeant's Major Course Distance Learning Class 51, Basic Combat Training, Religious Affairs Specialist AIT; WLC; Drill Sergeant School; Army Basic Instructor Course; Basic Infantryman Course; Warrior Transition Unit Triad Training Squad Leader Course; Advance Leader Common Core Course; 56M SLC; Recruiter Course; Station Commander Course; Master Leader Course

Assignments

Operations SGM, Medical Recruiting Brigade, Fort Knox, KY; Chief, Religious Affairs NCO, Chaplain Recruiting Division, Fort Knox, KY; Master Religious Affairs NCOIC, 63d Readiness Division, Mountain View, CA; Station Commander for the South Central Chaplain Recruiting Station, 5th Medical Recruiting Battalion, Grand Prairie, TX; Non Prior Service Recruiter, San Antonio Recruiting Company, JBSA, TX; Platoon Sergeant, Community Based Warrior Transition Unit, Redstone Arsenal, AL; Drill Sergeant, Bravo Company 4/323 Regiment, Redstone Arsenal, AL; Brigade Chaplain Assistant, 642nd Regional Support Group, Decatur GA; Battalion Chaplain Assistant, 864th Engineer BN, Fort Lewis, WA; Garrison Funds Clerk and Chaplain Assistant, Fort Sam Houston, TX 

Awards and Decorations:

His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster); the Joint Service Commendation Medal; the Army Commendation Medal (6th Oak Leaf Cluster); the Joint Service Achievement Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster); Army Achievement Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster); the Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award); the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster); the National Defense Service Medal; the Afghanistan Campaign Medal; the Iraqi Campaign Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal; the Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ “M” Device; the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (with numeral 4); the Army Service Ribbon; the Overseas Service Ribbon (with numeral 2); the Drill Sergeant Badge; the Recruiter Badge (Gold); the Drivers Badge (with Driver-Wheeled Clasp) 

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'LL DEFEND!

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