BAGHDAD — When Soldiers graduate basic training, they do not normally expect to see their drill sergeants again, nor do they usually want to see them. However, they can never forget them. The discipline drill sergeants instill in their basic trainees leaves an unforgettable trace on the memories of Soldiers.
However, for more than a dozen Soldiers serving in Iraq with the 571st Military Police Company, they do not need to rely on memories of their drill sergeant because they are serving with him every day.
Sgt. 1st Class Robert Taylor, platoon sergeant for 1st platoon, 571st Military Police Company, served at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., as a drill sergeant from 2005 to 2008. During these three years, he prepared hundreds of young Americans to serve their country in combat as disciplined and professional Soldiers.
Now, as a platoon sergeant leading some of these Soldiers in Iraq, he has the opportunity to see how well they are implementing what he taught them. He can also work with them as experienced Soldiers, rather than instructing them on the basics as recruits. In some cases, he serves with them as fellow non-commissioned officers.
"While deployed, I was present when three of my former privates were promoted to sergeant. This was one of the most heartfelt moments of my career," said Taylor.
One of the sergeants promoted on that day was Sgt. Allen Bishop. Bishop recalled the moment when Taylor joined the unit.
"I thought to myself, I thought I got rid of you, but now here you are again. We were all grinning. We wanted to say something, but we knew we wouldn't do it," said Bishop.
Taylor noticed the surprise on the faces of his former trainees when they saw him for the first time since basic training. "They all had big eyes when they saw me," said Taylor. Taylor was as surprised as they were, but he was pleasantly surprised. "I was very surprised to see everyone. I was pleased to see how well they progressed during their careers," said Taylor.
For Taylor, his former recruits are now fellow Soldiers. "They are no longer trainees. We treat them like Soldiers," said Taylor.
The way his former recruits see him has also changed. Spc. Arthur Ritchie, graduate of Taylor's basic training class in November 2005, feels like his former drill sergeant treats him like a Soldier, and he admires him for it.
"He has my utmost respect. He volunteers to do everything we do, and he takes a good joke," said Ritchie.
Cpl. Geffery Butler, graduate of Taylor's May 2006 course, is inspired to become a drill sergeant, and Taylor is showing him how he can accomplish this goal.
"Most of what I know was taught by Sgt. 1st Class Taylor. He is helping me with my own drill sergeant packet. I want to be a positive role model for young Soldiers and help them go far in life," said Butler. "He is the best PSG [Platoon Sergeant] I've had," said another one of Taylor's former basic trainees, Spc. Nathan Ortel, Class of November 2005.
What impresses Sgt. Matthew Prout most about his platoon sergeant is his leadership. Prout admires how Taylor protects his Soldiers from worrying about issues he knows he needs to handle, rather than passing them off to his subordinate leaders.
"Where he is now is where we want to be. We want his knowledge of the military and his leadership style. He doesn't let stress snowball down," said Prout, graduate of Taylor's May, 2006 class.
Bishop, graduate of Taylor's May 2006 course, respects Taylor for his straightforwardness. He believes Taylor is an excellent example of a non-commissioned officer.
"He has a no nonsense policy. He is by the book. He does everything right that needs to be done. He is the NCO creed," said Bishop.
When asked if he would trust the well-being of his son under the leadership of the Soldiers he trained, Taylor looked at his Soldiers and calmly responded while nodding his head, "Yes. I would."