Overview
Whether for your own edification or to qualify for a DTD Training Opportunity, this process is designed to ensure that you can effectively apply the material found in The DTD Coaches Network Course of Study in practice.
This program will adequately prepare you to work with other people’s children in the realm of JROTC drill team whether through training, teaching, or coaching.
NOTE: If you have trained with or served as a Teaching Assistant for Drill-Team Dynamics BEFORE 1 June 2025, your requirements may differ from those listed herein. DTD will communicate any specific requirements for continued involvement to you directly.
You may have been given a specific assignment (i.e. Armed Exhibition) to qualify for a specific opportunity OR you may elect to participate in this process choosing your own area of study! Once you complete Stage 1, you may add additional areas of study and go through the process to become even more well-rounded!
All communication will be conducted through the DTD Network Discord server. As such, all prospects should apply to join the DTD Network. High school cadets CAN begin this process as members of our Student Leaders Network and, if eligible for participation with parent/guardian/program approval, can serve as DTD Student Teachers.
Stage 1: Discovering Interest
Eligible For: DTD Network Participation
In this entry-level stage, you are free to explore the resources, discussions, and opportunities pertaining to the teaching and training of adolescent students in the realm of JROTC drill team.
At this stage, you should complete the Welcome to Coaching module and its associated testing materials. This will help you understand the legal, moral, and ethical gravitas associated with working with other people’s children in an authoritative capacity. You will also be asked to review and affirm our Statement of Professionalism. After submitting your test and affirming our statement, we’ll dialog with you about your responses as you continue to explore the world of drill team training, teaching, and coaching!
DTD Network members are eligible to attend official DTD live training functions to perform professional observation for their own edification and at their own expense. They are also able to purchase a DTD Coaches Network t-shirt!
NOTE: Anyone attending a LIVE function MUST have an approved background check on file. This background check comes at the participants expense (though this can be waived in certain cases.) DTD can order this background check for you.
Reasonable Expectation of Contribution:
From You:
- NONE at this level! This is your chance to dip your toe into the waters of training and see if it’s something that interests you!
From Us:
- Timely communication and feedback throughout the discovery process!
Ascension
DTD Network Members will advance from this stage at DTD’s discretion when they have completed the Welcome to Coaching test, affirmed the DTD Statement of Professionalism, and demonstrated through a preponderance of the evidence a clear understanding of the legal, moral, and ethical considerations when working with students.
Stage 2: Learning the Craft
Eligible For: Selection as a DTD Teaching Assistant
In this stage, you’ll begin to study the craft of training, teaching, and coaching drill team! Now that we are affirmed to share similar values when it comes to working with students, we can dive into what it takes to be successful. We anticipant that MOST will participate at this level!
At this stage, you will complete the Teaching Endorsement which familiarizes you with both the craft of teaching and leans on the Positive Coaching Alliance’s materials for developing impactful coaches of ANY sport or activity.
Those in this stage of their journey are now eligible for selection as Teaching Assistants to official DTD live training functions and assume the roles and responsibilities associated with this job. Teaching Assistants are considered 1099 contractors for Drill-Team Dynamics Inc. and will be reimbursed at appropriate rates for expenses and compensated for their work.
At this stage, those with a track record of positive service may be offered the opportunity to purchase an official DTD Network jersey.
Reasonable Expectation of Contribution:
From You:
- Checking & responding in the DTD Discord server on a regular basis!
- Completing the requisite coursework!
- Proactive communication before, during, and after any LIVE functions!
- Faithfully fulfilling the scope of work outlined for DTD Teaching Assistants!
- Creating appropriate time in advance AND after the conclusion of any live function for the purpose of planning and/or debriefing with executive staff!
- Timely & urgent elevation of any legal, ethical, or moral concerns to an appropriate party!
From Us:
The above plus…
- Clear & timely communication concerning any LIVE functions!
- A good-faith attempt to provide opportunities for LIVE functions as available!
- More regular check-ins as needed!
Ascension
Eligible DTD TAs will advance from this stage at DTD’s discretion when they have demonstrated through a preponderance of the evidence consistent proactivity with regards to drill team training and related facets and have reached at least 21 years of age. This means proactively seeking out opportunities for involvement within and without the DTD Network, being seen regularly participating in group discussions as applicable, etc. However, we want to be clear: we are not looking for compulsory participation. This should be something that interests and excites you and we’re looking for the outward expression of that interest.
Stage 3: Learning The DTD Way
Eligible For: Selection as a DTD Trainer
For the exceptionally motivated, in this stage, you will begin to learn and apply the specific corporate methodologies employed by DTD executive staff.
Those selected to this stage will spend 6 months in a probationary period where both the participant and DTD will ascertain how suitable this transition will be for both parties. Upon the conclusion of this 6 month period, the participant will either continue in this track or remain in the previous stage.
As part of this process, you will likely be asked to complete the coursework and testing relating specific drill phases in your area of interest (i.e. our Teaching Armed Exhibition module). In lieu of (or in the case that no such course exists for a current methodology), continuous and active participation in discussions relating teaching and best-practices with executive staff is expected. You will be presented opportunities to attend live functions, participate in deeper discussions about our pedagogies, and apply the fruit of those opportunities to your own teaching/training/coaching practice.
By design, this level of participation in the program coincides with the stage in most people’s lives where they are advancing in earnest into life, career, family, etc. As such, selection to this level of the program is voluntary and can be withdrawn by the participant at any time that remaining meaningfully involved no longer fits their season of life.
Perhaps most importantly, those eligible to serve as DTD Trainers may be tasked with leading training functions on behalf of DTD, perhaps with their own TAs. Furthermore, a record of consistent participation may result in the participant being gifted a custom DTD jersey.
Reasonable Expectation of Contribution:
From You:
The above plus…
- Proactively searching out and securing training/consulting/coaching functions as available in your area!
- Completing at least ONE live training function each school year (or meeting a similar requirement that showcases proactive maintenance of your craft!)
- Proactive updates & communication to DTD concerning your training practice!
- Timely communication of ANY concerns relating to DTD or your training work to DTD executive staff!
- Proactive updates to executive staff regarding how drill team training fits into your current season of life!
From Us:
The above plus…
- Less frequent check-ins; at this stage, proactivity is key!
- Active solicitation of your training services via our website and other avenues to offer as many opportunities as are available!
- Frank and honest feedback regarding your body of work and participation!
Ascension
Those eligible for selection as a DTD Trainer advance from this stage solely at the discretion of DTD executive leadership and must be at least 25 years of age.
Stage 4: Leadership
Eligible For: DTD Leadership Team
Those selected to DTD Leadership have demonstrated consistent, proactive support of the mission of Drill-Team Dynamics Inc. and are now relied upon to shape the future of our organization in an advisory capacity.
Those selected to this stage will spend 6 months in a probationary period where both the participant and DTD will ascertain how suitable this transition will be for both parties. Upon the conclusion of this 6 month period, the participant will either continue in this track or remain in the previous stage.
Reasonable Expectation of Contribution:
From You:
The above plus…
- Contributing consistently to the executive leadership of DTD!
- Taking initiative by voluntarily and proactively contributing to the mission of DTD!
From Us:
The above plus…
- As much support, professional or otherwise, as can be provided by executive leadership OR is desired by you!