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Video by Maj. Jacqwayne Griffin
SFC Jake R. Mrzena - 2025 Drill Sergeant Hall of Fame Inductee
108th Training Command- Initial Entry Training
Sept. 18, 2025 | 1:03
SFC Mrzena was assigned as a Drill Sergeant on December 10, 2019, and served for five and a half years in this role. During his tenure as a Drill Sergeant, he successfully completed two 22-week One Station Unit Training (OSUT) cycles, training over 500 soldiers.

On January 10, 2021, SFC Mrzena was selected to be a Drill Sergeant Leader (DSL) at the United States Army Drill Sergeant Academy, where he served for three and a half years. In this capacity, he had a significant impact on the Drill Sergeant program, training 15 classes of Drill Sergeants and producing 1,800 Drill Sergeants for the Army. He also played a crucial role in designing the Defender Field Training Exercise (FTX), which enhanced the tactical competency of new Drill Sergeants and their ability to train basic trainees in lethality. Additionally, he was instrumental in developing and implementing the Defender Pickup, which incorporated the "First 100 Yards" pickup into the Drill Sergeant Academy curriculum.

On the 60th anniversary of the Drill Sergeant Program, SFC Mrzena was named the 2025 U.S. Army Reserve Component Drill Sergeant of the Year and was assigned to Fort Eustis, VA. In this role, he played a vital part within the Center for Initial Military Training (CIMT), advising the Commanding Generals and Command Sergeants Major of both the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and CIMT on the current status of Drill Sergeants, the Drill Sergeant program, and training in Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, and One Station Unit Training.

SFC Mrzena also completely rewrote the Soldiers Handbook, known as the Soldier’s Blue Book, later updating it to the Soldier’s Green Book. He was responsible for updating TRADOC Regulations 350-6 and 350-16. Furthermore, he designed the Holistic Drill Sergeant Welfare Program and was a key contributor to the complete redesign of Basic Combat Training as part of the Basic Combat Training Transformation Project.
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Articles

ARTICLES

Honoring Excellence: 108th Training Command Alumni Inducted into 2025 Drill Sergeant Hall of Fame

On September 18, 2025, during the prestigious Drill Sergeant of the Year Competition in Fort Jackson, the Drill Sergeant Association celebrated excellence by inducting nine remarkable individuals into the Hall of Fame. These inductors, recognized for their outstanding careers and significant contributions to the Drill Sergeant Program, included four distinguished alumni from the 108th Training Command: CSM (Ret.) William J. SGM Andrew J. Payne Palmer, SFC Jake R. Mrzena, and MSG Christopher J. Adame. Read More.

 

 

108th Training Command: A Pillar of Training and Readiness in the Total Army Ecosystem

 

The 108th Training Command remains an essential component of training and readiness for the Total Army Ecosystem, filling critical gaps and ensuring training missions succeed. Whether it be supporting Advanced Individual Training (AIT), Basic Combat Training (BCT), or Reserve Officer Training Course (ROTC), one example is the 104th Training Division's involvement in the Sandhurst competition at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where it helps cadets develop essential tactical and leadership skills. The 104th TD also sends USAR Drill Sergeants to Fort Knox annually to conduct Cadet Command's summer training programs, which prepare cadets to lead the Soldiers. Read More. 

 

Army Expands Basic Training Capacity with Key Support from 108th Training Command (USARC Drill Sergeants)

 

This expansion follows a successful recruiting year in 2024, which saw over 55,300 enlistments. To support this surge, the 108th Training Command (Initial Entry Training) has deployed over 50 Army Reserve Drill Sergeants and cadre volunteers through Active-Duty Operational Support (ADOS) missions in both locations. These dedicated professionals are now serving at training locations across the country, playing a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of soldiers. Read More

 

The Oyola Story - A Family's Deep Reserve

 

Oyola Family recounts a harrowing experience when his one-year-old son was diagnosed with Primary HLH (Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis) following what initially appeared to be a routine ear infection. The family endured months of treatment, including chemotherapy and a life-saving bone marrow transplant from his wife, amidst immense emotional and physical challenges. Supported by faith, an exceptional medical team, and his Army Reserve community, they navigated this crisis. This journey not only showcased the resilience and strength of his son but also reinforced the value of service, community, and family in overcoming life's toughest battles. Read More.

 

17 Years of Dedication: Josephine Anderson's Heartfelt Journey of Service

 

At the 108th Training Command, there's one civilian whose name resonates with warmth and dedication - Mrs. Josephine Anderson. Since joining the command in 2016, Anderson has become a beloved figure, known for her compassionate heart and her commitment to service. Read More.

 

98th Training Division Hosts Two-Star Promotion, Change of Command

 

Fort Moore, Georgia -- Brig. Gen. David M. Samuelsen, Commanding General of the 98th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), was promoted to major general in Marshall Auditorium on October 19, 2024. Immediately following the promotion ceremony, BG Samuelsen relinquished command of the U.S. Army Reserve Division to Col. (promotable) Gregory C. Glasow. Read More.
 

2023 USAR Drill Sergeant of the Year (DSOY): Drill Sergeant Naimah Cabbagestalk

 

The Drill Sergeant of the Year (DSOY) competition is hosted by the Center for Initial Military Training every year at various TRADOC Installations. The competition includes tasks taught at Basic Training, such as rifle marksmanship, physical readiness training, first aid, hand grenade training, land navigation, and confidence course. Competitors must demonstrate proficiency in performing selected soldier skills and teaching those tasks to trainees in a simulated environment. Read Full Article Here.

Press Releases

Reopening Celebration of the 108th Training Command Army Reserve Center in Charlotte, NC


Charlotte, NC — We are honored to announce that the 108th Training Command will host the Charlotte Army Reserve Center reopening ceremony on June 8, 2024, at 10:00 AM. The event will provide us with an opportunity to reconnect with the community, demonstrate the Army Reserve's dedication to enhancing the quality of life for soldiers and civilians and reintroduce the 108th Training Command's multifaceted mission as the only USAR Drill Command in the Army.

 

"Renovating our facilities is not just a renewal of spaces, but a recommitment to our soldiers and community. It symbolizes our unwavering dedication to enhancing the quality of life for those who serve, fostering a stronger, more engaged military family," Maj. Gen. William B. Dyer III Commanding General, 108th Training Command (IET). Read More