Vann, a U.S. Army Reserve Drill Sergeant assigned with Echo Co, 3rd Battalion, 323 Inf. Regt., 98th Division, 108th Training Command (IET), was on his annual training when he became a part of these Soldier’s military careers. The father of two, Cody, 12 and Joanie, 9 is originally from Pensacola, Florida. A military brat, Vann knew that being a Drill Sergeant would be part of his life.
“I’m actually an exception to the rule that ‘Everybody just wants the hat!’ Make no mistake; the ‘brown round’ certainly demands everybody’s undivided attention, however, it is uncomfortable and had little influence on my decision to become a Drill Sergeant,” Vann explained.
Spc. Christina Dion
Staff Sgt. Timothy Vann waited and watched his Soldiers as they prepared to march out to the buses at the end of the fi eld training exercise in Sept. at Fort Jackson, SC.
“There are a few of us out there that can honestly say that we were just destined to be Drill Sergeants,” he said. “My father was a Marine Corps drill instructor on Paris Island in South Carolina when I was born in 1969. Needless to say, I had an interesting childhood. I suppose the apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree.
“Countless times throughout my career I heard how I should become a Drill Sergeant. I’m certain that you could ask anyone who has known me and they would all agree that it was simply meant to be. Suddenly, the opportunity just fell into my lap. I never thought about it twice.”
This opportunity is what brought Vann to Fort Jackson with these 53 young Soldiers who attended basic combat training. After graduating the USAR Drill Sergeant School at Fort Knox, Ky., in the summer of 2009, Vann quickly new this was the path he was meant to be on.
“I attended school at Ft. Knox, and like many others in my class I expected to be taught to be a Drill Sergeant,” he said. “I should have known how impossible it must be to teach a drill sergeant candidate all of the skills required to be successful. Some characteristic traits cannot be taught. For example, many candidates require guidance in finding their power base. This power base is the most critical aspect of the relationship between a trainee and his or her Drill Sergeant.”
What he learned was more than how to become a Drill Sergeant, but what it takes to teach one.
“After arriving at school, it did not take long to understand the truly monumental task that our Drill Sergeant leaders face each cycle,” said Vann. “They are charged with providing candidates with the necessary basic skills he or she needs to build on, while gaining experience on the trail.”
While looking up to his Drill Sergeant Leaders, his DSLs in return watched as he proved that he was fit to wear the Drill Sergeant hat. Staff Sergeant Geddy Engleking, Vann’s Drill Sergeant Leader at Fort Knox, Ky., said that Vann stood out among his peers.
Spc. Christina Dion
Staff Sgt. Timothy Vann, Drill Sergeant with Echo Co, 3rd Battalion, 323 Inf. Regt., 98th Division, 108th Training Command (IET), instructed basic combat trainees of Foxtrot Company, 3rd Battalion, 13 Infantry Regiment how to do a 9-Line Medivac Request while on a fi eld training exercise at Fort Jackson, SC, in Sept.
“He was a very good student whom always took initiative to complete tasks. He had a very good personality and he was very out spoken. He seemed to have a lot of military knowledge and a lot of experience being in the military. What stood out about him the most was his voice and his accent. I know he lived in Germany for a long time. He was a very good Soldier and of course I trained him to be a good Drill Sergeant,” said Engleking.
The training Vann received prepared him for his time as a basic combat training Drill Sergeant.
While out on the trail in September with Co. F, 3rd Bn., 13th Inf. Regt., Vann made a noticeable impact on his Soldiers. As he spoke, they listened. Each stopped where they were to get further instruction from their Drill Sergeant. This didn’t happen on accident.
Vann said “I think it’s just my personality. I’m only good at a few things in life, one of which is my teaching ability. I also have been described as beingÉwell let’s just say colorful. When I am around Soldiers seem to stay focused.”
This focus is what kept his Soldiers on task. As they rallied for the final part of their three-day field training exercise, Vann sat on a branch of a fallen tree and watched as his Soldiers packed their gear and prepared to head back to garrison.
Besides getting the experience he wanted on the trail, Vann said he got much more out of his 29 days with the basic combat trainees.
“I got an aching left knee, scars on both feet from blisters, clothes that no longer fit from weight loss, and vocal cord damage,” he said with a smile. “Most importantly, I have the honor of knowing that 53 of our nation’s young fighting men and women placed their trust in my leadership abilities. I know of no greater responsibility than teaching a Soldier how to survive in combat and return home to their loved ones safely.”