March 22 , 2005 Print this page

La Salle University Student Jesse Hamilton Places Second
in Drill Sergeant of the Year Competition

La Salle University junior Jesse Hamilton, a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves, recently placed second in the 98th Division Drill Sergeant of the Year competition (DSOY).

Hamilton, 25, competed against the top drill sergeants based in the Northeast. Challenges included military-related questions, a hands-on weapons segment and instructing a training lesson. Entrants were judged on knowledge, leadership abilities, and appearance. In the DSOY, individuals advance to more competitive rounds with each win. Hamilton reached the level right before Army-wide.

When he was recommended for the DSOY by his superiors, Hamilton began preparing both mentally and physically. He was provided with about 1,500 possible questions and 10 possible tasks before the competition began. He faced only 25 questions and three tasks. Hamilton was ready for anything. “How you answer the questions [is important],” he said. “It’s more or less like you’re getting interrogated. It’s an intimidating scene, so maintaining your composure is a big deal.”

The Demarest, NJ native came to La Salle in 2002 after four years with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant in April 2004 after only six years of service (it usually takes nine to achieve the rank). At Fort Dix, NJ, Hamilton attended the Drill Sergeant Academy, a one-year program for all DS prospects. He graduated in the top 20 percent of his class.

Since the Drill Sergeant is the first authority figure Army entrants see, they must exude perfection and discipline in every aspect of their teaching. Hamilton calls the position “an Resident Assistant times 10,000.” However, any sense of authority is matched by the position’s numerous responsibilities. “Being in the Army, especially as a Drill Sergeant, is a serious job,” Hamilton explained.

Hamilton can easily apply his military work ethic to academic life. “It’s about knowing when to buckle down, do your schoolwork and go to classes,” he explained. After the DSOY, he was invited to be an instructor at the Drill Sergeant Academy. He has also trained Navy police in hand-to-hand combat at the U.S. Naval Aviation Depot in Philadelphia. After graduating next May with a degree in marketing, Hamilton plans to pursue opportunities in the Army.

-- Andrew Lazor