CONCORD, NH – Standing in front of a formation of recruits, the NH Army National Guard’s newest drill sergeant barks quick, clear commands. The young men and women react almost reflexively, extending and moving with every concise order until they each have enough room to begin their morning physical fitness.
And so begins the journey of Staff Sgt. John Nedeau of Concord and his company of future soldiers on a recent drill weekend at the Recruit Sustainment Program in Center Strafford.
Charged with being the Army’s “first impression,” drill sergeants play a critical role in the development of new soldiers. Nedeau, who joined the NHARNG 10 years ago as a mechanic and is currently the marketing NCO for the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, has taken his new role to heart.
“At drill sergeant school they taught us there is one standard – the golden standard,” he said.
The two-month school at Ft. Jackson, SC, is a nine-week course that replicates the exact curriculum used for Basic Combat Training. NCOs have to memorize every module.
It was a vivid reminder for Nedeau and the others that not much had changed since they were basic trainees. On the first day, they stepped off the bus and were surrounded by “what seemed like 30 drill sergeants,” who greeted them with a familiar mix of constructive harassment and general confusion otherwise known as a “shark attack.”
“We went through everything a basic training soldier goes through, from shark attack to the gas chamber,” Nedeau said. “I remember that feeling of being a day-one private.”
At Center Strafford, Nedeau has quickly established himself in his new leadership role.
“He has a good way of mentoring soldiers in his platoon, teaching them, and still expecting a level of professionalism from them all the time,” said Staff Sgt. Michelle Burke, an RSP cadre.
“I think Nedeau is going to do well as a drill sergeant,” said Spc. Samuel Surawski of the 237th Military Police Company. “He’s definitely one that’s going to uphold the standard and make sure his soldiers are being the best they can be.”
Nedeau wants his recruits to know while it may seem like drill sergeants are only about screaming and shark attacks, there is a reason for their disciplinary actions.
“I strive to be the kind of drill sergeant that, when a soldier walks by, they automatically think, ‘Am I squared away?'”
Behind Nedeau’s seemingly endless drive is a supportive family.
“My wife and I got married before I joined, so this has been our life,” Nedeau said. “My experiences as a drill sergeant and as a leader have allowed me to apply what I’ve learned about motivating and teaching to my family.”
“He’s a great dad, husband, and soldier,” Burke said. “Overall, he’s just a good person. He really sets the example for the kind of NCO you want to be and the kind of family member you want to be.”
