Teresa King facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Teresa L. King
Command Sergeant Major Teresa King at the change of responsibility ceremony taking over as commandant of the Drill Sergeant School, September 2009
Born	1961 Clinton, North Carolina
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1980–2013
Rank	Command Sergeant Major
Unit	XVIII Airborne Corps
Awards	Legion of Merit Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal (6)

Teresa L. King (born in 1961) is a retired high-ranking soldier from the United States Army. She made history as the first woman to lead the United States Army Drill Sergeant School. This school teaches soldiers how to become drill sergeants, who are important leaders who train new recruits.

Early Life and Beginnings

King was born in Clinton, North Carolina, in 1961. She was the eighth of twelve children in her family. Her father worked as a sharecropper, growing crops like cucumbers and tobacco.

Joining the Army

King joined the United States Army in 1980. She completed her first training, called Basic Combat Training, at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After that, she had more specialized training, known as Advanced Individual Training, also at Fort Jackson.

Her first job in the Army was as a postal clerk. She worked in Germany, helping with mail for soldiers.

Becoming a Drill Sergeant

King chose to become a drill sergeant for two years. She graduated from the United States Army Drill Sergeant School. Drill sergeants are special leaders who train new soldiers. They teach them important skills and how to follow rules.

After this, she worked at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

Working at the Pentagon

In 1987, King moved to the Pentagon. The Pentagon is the headquarters for the U.S. military. There, she worked for the Chief of Staff of the United States Army.

The next year, in 1988, she helped the Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). This agency helps other countries with their defense. She stayed in this role until 1993.

Leadership Roles

After her time at the Pentagon, King worked at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, until 1996. She then became a first sergeant in South Korea. A first sergeant is a senior leader in a military company.

In 1997, King became the first woman to be a First Sergeant for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the XVIII Airborne Corps. This was the largest company at Fort Bragg. She held this important leadership role until 2001.

From 2002 to 2005, she served as a command sergeant major for a battalion that trained new soldiers at Fort Jackson. In 2005, she was honored by being inducted into the Order of St Maurice. This is a special award for infantry soldiers.

King then worked for two years at the Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) battalion for NATO. NATO is a group of countries that work together for defense. In 2007, she returned to Fort Jackson as a command sergeant major for another two years.

Leading the Drill Sergeant School

In 2009, Teresa King was chosen to lead the Drill Sergeant School. This was a very important moment because she was the first woman ever to be the commandant (leader) of this school.

She worked to make the school's training even better. She focused on basic skills, discipline, and high standards. In 2011, she also helped move the school to a new campus at Fort Jackson.

For a short time in 2011, King was temporarily suspended while an investigation happened. However, she was cleared of any wrongdoing and returned to her job after six months.

Retirement and Recognition

King retired from the Army on May 31, 2013. She received the Legion of Merit award for her excellent service.

In 2017, King was honored by being inducted into the Drill Sergeant Hall of Fame. She was also recognized at the National Women in Military Service to America Memorial.

In 2023, a negative report from 2011 was officially removed from her Army record. This showed that the Army recognized her good service.

Education

Teresa King has an associate degree in General Studies from Northern Virginia Community College. She earned a bachelor's degree in 2014 and a master's degree in 2023, both from Liberty University.

Awards and Badges

King received many awards and badges during her Army career. These show her dedication and achievements.

• Legion of Merit
• Defense Meritorious Service Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal (with five Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Joint Service Commendation Medal
• Army Commendation Medal (with six Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Joint Meritorious Unit Award
• National Defense Service Medal (with Service Star)
• Korean Defense Service Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
• Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon
• Army Service Ribbon
• Army Overseas Service Ribbon

Badges

• Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge
• Drill Sergeant Badge
• Parachutist Badge
• Air Assault Badge
• Canadian Parachutist Badge
• German Parachutist Badge