FORT JACKSON, S.C. - The winners of the 2011 Active Duty and Reserve Component Drill Sergeant of the Year competition were announced today at a ceremony at Fort Jackson, S.C.
Staff Sgt. John Heslin of Fort Benning, Ga., took home top honors for the active component... and Staff Sgt. Andrew Palmer of the 98th Reserve Division was the winner for the reserve component.
Competitors were challenged physically... emotionally... and mentally as they were tested on more than 100 exercises that cover the entire Basic Combat Training manual and more.
Each day of competition kept the drill sergeants on the move from predawn hours till well into nightfall.
This is the first year that Fort Jackson has hosted the competion.