Company C Drill Instructor competes for the best in regiment

9 Dec 2009 | Pfc. Lauren Stehwien Marine Corps Training and Education Command

Accelerating yourself, your career, and your life is something most strive for over time. But the actual success of it depends on the amount of time, effort, and determination one puts into their goals. Staff Sgt. Zachary B. Mott, senior drill instructor, Platoon 1055, Company C, has put in staunch effort to accelerate his success in the Marine Corps.

After graduating high school in 2003, Mott, an Applevalley, Calif., native, made the decision to enlist in the Marine Corps. “I just wanted to serve my country in away way I could. I figured enlisting in the Marine Corps would be the best route for me,” said Mott.

While in high school, Mott developed a particular interest in computers and there was no doubt in his mind that he wanted to pursue a career in computer networking. Mott enlisted in the Marine Corps with the military occupational specialty of data network specialist. During his MOS school, he received extensive training on computer and tactical networking.

After spending a few years gaining MOS credibility, Mott decided he wanted to become a drill instructor. In 2007, Mott attended and graduated from Drill Instructor

School where his hard work ethic earned him the title of honor graduate. The honor graduate is decided upon one’s test scores, uniform inspections, leadership skills and overall performance.

“Being a drill instructor is the best time I’ve had in the Marine Corps,” said Mott. “Here, I’ve had the most opportunities to take courses. It gives me a big picture view on the Marine Corps.”

Additionally, he has taken the opportunity to become a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor while aboard the depot. With only a short amount of time spent on the drill field, Mott has had many accomplishments under his drill belt. Mott has been meritoriously promoted from sergeant to staff sergeant. In his first year here he was awarded the Band of Brothers Award, which is given to the best team of drill instructors; the Dan Daly Award, which is given to the drill instructor who is deemed the best by the other drill instructors in the company; Drill Instructor of the Quarter; and his platoon was named Honor Platoon.

After becoming a senior drill instructor, he won an award for being the best senior drill instructor in the battalion. He will then compete for the best in the regiment on Dec. 15.

“Staff Sgt. Mott is the best drill instructor,” said 1st Sgt. Robert S. McDermott, company first sergeant, Co. C. “He is consistently outperforming his peers with little effort. Being a drill instructor comes easily to him, and his platoons are always either Honor Platoon or in second place.”

“Although Mott has only been in the Marine Corps for six years, he has already proven himself to be an excellent Marine,” said McDermott. “The sky is the limit for him.”


Marine Corps Training and Education Command