Atkinson joins Drill Sergeant Academy as 34th commandant | Article

“This is an important occasion for the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy and Fort Jackson,” said Brig. Gen. Jeremy Wilson, Fort Jackson commander. “A change in commandant represents more than a change in leadership. It represents the continuation of a vital mission, a passing of responsibility, and a renewed commitment to developing a leader who will shape the future of our Army.”

Wilson presided over a change of commandant ceremony, Nov. 6 where Command Sgt. Maj. Nathaniel Atkinson took the reins of the Academy from Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Bitle.

When Atkinson received the unit colors from Wilson he took the lead of a unit charged with training the drill sergeants who lead the transformation of civilians into Soldiers.

“That transformation doesn’t happen by accident,” Wilson said during the ceremony. “It begins with capable, disciplined, and committed drill sergeants, and those drill sergeants don’t simply appear on the training field ready to leave. We develop, educate, challenge, and prepare them right here.

“Drill sergeant leaders establish standards, build confidence, instill discipline, and demonstrate what right looks like.”

That influence extends far beyond the Academy.

“It reaches every training company … and ultimately every Soldier who … chooses to defend this nation,” Wilson said.

Wilson took the opportunity to thank Bitle for the work he did to improve Army readiness.

“I want to thank you for your leadership, continued dedication, and your commitment to this Academy, its mission, and our Army …” he said. “Your professional acumen, tenacity, and tireless work ethic has fostered the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy for future success.”

While Bitle was leading the Academy it trained 5,508 drill sergeants, received 94% score on a recent accreditation from an Army Institution of Excellence, and had the Army’s 2026 Reserve and active component Drill Sergeants of the Year.

During the ceremony, Bitle thanked the Army Training Center for their unwavering support of the Academy.

Wilson also welcomed Atkinson charging him to continue producing highly professional drill sergeants.

“You are assuming responsibility for an institution with an important mission, a proud legacy, and an exceptional team of dedicated professionals,” he said. “My expectation is straightforward. This academy must continue to thrive. We will invest in our drill sergeant leaders, maintain the highest standards, embrace opportunities to improve and ensure that every drill sergeant who graduates from this institution is prepared to lead, train, inspire, and develop America’s next generation of Soldiers. We must never lose sight of the fact that we are preparing leaders who will have a lasting influence on our Army’s character, competence, and commitment.”

Bitle also reminded Atkinson of the job’s importance.

“Take care of the team,” he said. “Observe and listen and ask questions until you know this unique place well enough to make wise decisions. It took me about six months, but you seem a little smarter. You are not selected to be the commandant. You are not selected to be a drill sergeant leader, or a senior, or the deputy commandant, or a chief instructor, you become one.”

Atkinson, who enlisted in the Army in 1997, responded by thanking Wilson for “the trust and commitment placed in me to serve as the commandant of the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy. I look forward to serving alongside you, and exceptional leaders here at Fort Jackson.

He also thanked Bitle for his leadership, dedication, and commitment to the Academy.

“Your contributions have strengthened this institution and helped shape the next generation of drill sergeants,” he said.

Atkinson was previously the senior enlisted leader for 4th Brigade, U.S. Army Cadet Command at Fort Bragg.