Command Sgt. Maj. Teresa King First African American Female Commandant of the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant School

On Sept. 22, 2009, Command Sgt. Maj. Teresa King became the first female commandant of the Drill Sergeant School at Fort Jackson, S.C.

The Clinton, N.C.-native said the appointment is ironic. The 28-year Army veteran enlisted in 1980, and she found herself going to the same school, she will now lead, three years later as a specialist.

King said it is important to note that a hard worker will shine, regardless of gender.

“It really doesn’t matter if you’re male or female,” she said. “If you…enforce standards, people will respect you.”

“Because I’m doing it…that means another female command sergeant major can do it,” she said. “I think it’s going to set the bar higher for them. Not just for drill sergeants but for other female Soldiers.”

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http://www.army.mil/africanamericans/profiles/king.html