Definition

1. Noun:
   • A noncommissioned officer who trains recruits: A drill instructor is a military training officer, typically a noncommissioned officer (such as a sergeant), whose primary duty is to instruct new recruits in military discipline, marching, basic combat skills, and physical fitness.

Usage

• Noun:
  • The drill instructor yelled commands at the new recruits during their first formation.
  • Becoming a drill instructor requires extensive knowledge of military protocols and exceptional leadership skills.
  • The recruits feared the drill instructor but respected his dedication to their training.

Advanced Usage

• "to be a drill instructor": to hold the position or perform the role of training recruits.
  • After ten years of service, he decided he wanted to be a drill instructor.
• "drill instructor's voice": used to describe a very loud, commanding, or intimidating tone of voice, characteristic of military trainers.
  • She used her drill instructor's voice to get the attention of the entire crowd.

Variants and Related Words

• Drill sergeant (n): A common specific type of drill instructor, often in the U.S. Army and Marine Corps.
  • The drill sergeant ensured every recruit's bunk was made perfectly.
• Training instructor (n): A more general term for someone who provides instruction in a training context, not exclusively military.
• Recruit (n): A person who has recently joined the military and is undergoing basic training.

Synonyms

• Training officer: An officer responsible for training personnel.
• Drillmaster: A person who drills others, especially in military exercises.

Related Phrases

• To drill recruits: To train recruits through repetitive practice and instruction.
  • His main job was to drill recruits on the parade ground.
• Boot camp: The basic training camp for recruits, where drill instructors work.
  • The drill instructors at boot camp are known for their strict methods.

Related Idioms

• "Break them down to build them up": A philosophy often associated with drill instructors, referring to the process of stripping away a recruit's civilian habits and attitudes to rebuild them as a disciplined soldier.
  • The drill instructor believed in the old mantra: you have to break them down to build them up.

Noun

1. a noncommissioned officer who instructs recruits in military marching and discipline