National Guard Soldier graduates from Army Drill Sergeant School

By: Angela Jean
Missouri National Guard Public Affairs


ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Staff Sgt. Tyler Ritenour, of Maysville, Mo., bared long days and tough physical training for two months this fall to graduate from Army Drill Sergeant School.

Ritenour attended the school in Fort Jackson, S.C., from September 24 through November 24. He graduated second in his class out of 74 active duty, Army Reserve and Army National Guard Soldiers from across the country.

"I was scared going into it," said Ritenour. "I went to the highest specialized active duty school as a National Guard guy. But I blended in really well because I knew what I was doing. The other Soldiers ended up coming to me for answers."

Over the course of the two month school, Ritenour woke up at 3:30 a.m. each day and participated in training exercises until bedtime around 9 p.m. Training included ceremony marching, learning to wear the uniform properly and adapting to a new standardized physical training test that all basic training Soldiers must learn.

"The whole process was like going through basic training three times in a row," said Ritenour. "The drill sergeant leaders took us through everything and taught us how to instruct. We were constantly being evaluated."

Ritenour said his favorite part of the school was the combat assault rifle training. The 11-day weapons training allowed Ritenour to qualify as an expert marksman by shooting off more than 1300 rounds of ammunition. He had to qualify by shooting well at night, while moving and using new optics and lasers.

However, the hardest part of training, he said, was the combatives course.

"The hardest part was that last week," said Ritenour. "I had to get certified in the combatives level one course. I think I lost 10 pounds in a matter of five days."

To get to the school, Ritenour had help by fellow Recruit Sustainment Program coordinator Staff Sgt. Michael Thomas. Ritenour said Thomas did all of his paperwork for the school while Ritenour was deployed to Kosovo back in 2008. Thomas said he just wanted to do the right thing to help a fellow Soldier. He said he knew Ritenour would excel as a drill sergeant.

"Honestly, knowing Tyler, I would not have expected anything else," said Thomas. "He is a high speed noncommissioned officer, a go getter, and expects the absolute best from himself."

After graduation, Ritenour returned home to his full time job at the Mayes Armory in St. Joseph, Mo. He's been in the Missouri Army National Guard for eight years and currently serves with the 1128th Forward Support Company, in Marshall, Mo.

Ritenour said he loves his job in the National Guard, but hopes to put his new drill sergeant skills to the test during the summer. He said he wants to participate in a 120 day program called Summer Surge that would allow him to do something he's always wanted to do.

"I've wanted to do this ever since I was in basic training," said Ritenour. "When I saw my drill sergeant with the hat and the badge on and he looked like he knew exactly what is right. I like being on that level and I like knowing what right should look like. "


For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.