Staff Sgt. Michael Johnston, active-duty drill sergeant from Fort Benning,was one of two soldiers named 2009 Drill Sergeants of the Year during a competition held June 26 in Virginia.
Staff Sgt. Joshua Marshall, reserve drill sergeant from the 95th Division, also earned the title at a ceremony at Continental Park on Fort Monroe.
The 2009 Drill Sergeant of the Year competition was conducted June 21-26 at Fort Monroe and Fort Eustis, Va. The competition tested the Army’s best drill sergeants on warrior tasks, battle drills and their ability to instruct young soldiers, Fort Benning public affairs said.
Drill sergeants selected for the competition hail from the five basic combat training centers and two reserve training divisions. The seven drill sergeants have worked their way from battalion and brigade competitions to win the title of drill sergeant of the year from their respective locations.
Drill sergeants wrote essays, dealt with soldier issues, completed an obstacle course and interviewed before a board of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command leaders during day three and four. New to this year's competition, the drill sergeants addressed issues among the soldiers, including a scenario involving a suicidal soldier.
In all, they were tested and graded on more than 60 events.
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