Training and Education Command

MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Staff Sgt. Jermaine Ballenger, senior drill instructor for Platoon 1048, Charlie Co., 1st RTBn., marched onto the Peatross Parade Deck recently and scored an almost-perfect 99 on his Final Drill evaluation.

The Final Drill evaluation scores both the platoon of recruits and the drill instructors on their performance.

The score of 99 achieved by Ballenger is the highest score recorded within the regiment.  The previous high score was 97. An average score for a drill instructor is the mid 80s to low 90s.

Ballenger's recruits were awarded Charlie Company's honor platoon, which is given to a platoon of recruits that demonstrates excellent performance in various competitions during recruit training.

The score that Ballenger achieved will be recorded in the Recruit Training Regiment records and will stand until a drill instructor achieves a perfect 100.

Ballenger achieved the score through hard work and dedication during what little time he had for himself each day.

"I practiced in the mirror every night on my duty nights, which is every third night," said Ballenger. "Everybody that came by, I had them look at me until I felt comfortable with what I was doing. And whenever I would march the platoon around I would get a lot of practical application."

After Ballenger had his score finalized, it quickly became known throughout the company, even among recruits that were outside of Ballenger's platoon.

"We definitely found out who the senior drill instructor was, and it really made us all respect him a lot for his accomplishment," said Pfc. Brian Hoffman, a recently graduated Marine from Charlie Co. "Even his cadence is very, very unique. It's the best cadence I've ever heard."

Ballenger's achievement is an inspiration to Marines not only in the 1st RTBn., but elsewhere around the Depot.

"He earned every bit of what he achieved out there," said Gunnery Sgt. Anthony Cruz, Regimental Drill Master. "I'm proud of him, he makes me proud to be a staff NCO."
Cruz believes that other drill instructors should emulate the way that Ballenger trained himself and his recruits.

"It's training the recruits, not making yourself look good as a drill instructor that really matters," said Cruz. "He took the time to listen to what people said were his deficiencies and fixed them on his own time. Then he went on and gave his recruits all the attention and training they needed as well. If others would take the same energy they save for themselves, and use it for the recruits as well, there would be incredible results. All it takes is good communication, self-discipline, and confidence to succeed. He did all those things and reaped the reward."

Ballenger brought respect to both himself and to his platoon with his dedication to the job of being a senior drill instructor.

"He is a perfect example of what a SDI should be and do," said Cruz.