Marine Corps Drill Instructor SSGT Nichols | Inside Boot Camp

The legendary Staff Sergeant Nichols, a no-nonsense Marine Corps Drill Instructor known for his unwavering standards-and a surprising comedic streak. In this exclusive, unfiltered interview, he dives into the raw intensity of forging civilians into Marines, revealing the sacrifices and triumphs behind every shout. Get ready to see what truly happens behind the campaign cover, as SSgt Nichols takes us beyond the screams and into the heart of what it means to lead and mentor the next generation of warriors.
This is an extended look at our newest series, Method to the Madness. Method to the Madness pulls the curtain back like never before, granting an unprecedented peek into the daily rigors and pressures of Marine Corps Drill Instructors and Army Drill Sergeants as they train push recruits through Marine Corps Boot Camp and Army Basic Training.
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SSgt Nichols website: ssgtnichols.com/
@SSGTNICHOLS
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[@RealBatmanz]

“Light duty King right there” -SSGT Nichols

[@escapedfromnewyork]

I was a Corpsman back at MCRD Partis Island and I still remember a kid who we said deserves the “golden crutch 🩼 Award” Bernard B….. You still there?

[@johnsonnghiem9018]

light duty king. heh heh heh yea

[@teetaunjj7894]

Really?? LoL I could see that...ssgt after how long?????

[@Dune571]

He's that guy!? That's one of my favorite MC clips.

[@NamSaiyan595]

Sick bay commando

[@bdrlittleman]

“you were a sick bay commando during recruit training weren’t ya” -SSGT Nichols

[@Skunk_works_]

Yep…yep light duty king right der.

[@LibCon1980]

Oh man you beat me to it. I was going to say that!

[@Woodsman912]

“Mole thkin?! Where you get dat?”

[@ZephyrPsalm]

that had me dying xD chair force here. holy SHIT there were a lot of sick bay commandos in the USAF

[@0611047]

I had the privilege of being trained by then-Sergeant Nichols back in 2002. He was a stellar motivator, and I'll never forget it. He would send the other DI's into the duty hut on occasion, remove his campaign cover, and speak to us "man to man." He would try to teach us real life skills in addition to being Marines. And of course some idiot would fart or something and Nichols would flip the hell out, but it was awesome anyhow. Fond memories.

[@hoodieso8858]

VACUUMS ON

[@armybeef68]

This dude is fake.

[@Uh_0h_zilla]

@@armybeef68how?

[@mattprice128]

@@armybeef68 troll... go away right now - SF

[@nokkosaucier1649]

As a Corpsman 4yrs out of my 8yrs with the Marines I appreciated the Marines that trained the Marines I was deployed with. I love my brothers!!

[@petehipple9619]

Docs are the best! Semper Fi

[@rogerpeppers7682]

SEMPER FI DOC 1st bn.9th Marines 1968 DI BO CHET

[@teetaunjj7894]

Appreciate you Doc and Docs

[@EfiLiveLB7]

We had 3 StaffSGT's fresh off the drill field show up to our platoon. We were dreading it. They showed up and held formation. They said, " bootcamp is over, were all Marines, were not going to play bootcamp. If ya'll need help with anything, ask us, remember we are joining your platoon and we just want to be apart of your platoon." They were amazing leaders.

[@SKKT1992]

Damn bro haha that’s sick . Not my experience with staff coming off the drill field at all.

[@JarheadCrayonEater]

That's SSGT, not "StaffSGT's". Did you forget or are you faking what you said?

[@alexblack6421]

Get him bro!! I’m holdin you back 🙌!!!!

[@JarheadCrayonEater]

@@alexblack6421, hey moron, he said "StaffSGT". If you're a Marine, you know that's not how it works.

[@JarheadCrayonEater]

@@EfiLiveLB7 I'm no buying your bullshit. It's not "StaffSGT" and every Marine knows that.

[@Ragingflamingos11]

I’ve been at a weird place in career where I’ve come far enough to be proud of what I’ve accomplished so I’ve lost a lot of motivation. The thought of why am I still here or why did I accept these orders lingers in my head all day. But hearing his story really reignited a flame 🫡 thank you Ssgt Nichols.

[@NattyIce553]

“Light duty king right there”…. People don’t realize how many videos there are of this guy that they have probably seen, he’s a legend

[@BodyChamp96]

I had no idea they were from 20 years ago , I thought they were recent and he was like 26 and now I see him in his 40s and I feel like I did a time warp 😂

[@ForrestSmithOfficial]

I respect this man so much 💯

[@VETTvchannel]

Same here dude.

[@Stephen-lt1tp]

I’ll never forget seeing SSGT Nichols in the Ears open eyeballs click documentary. Powerful stuff

[@MichelleV503]

I love SSgt Nichols’ comment about sending the elevator back down and supporting the next generation. I’m about the same age as him and I do what i can to pass my knowledge on to the next generation.

[@ZephyrPsalm]

I would expect NOTHING less than perfection with drill instructors. They are the TRUE face of the marine core.

[@alejgar01]

Respect to all our Drill instructors and drill Sgts, literal legends.

[@LordHughJanus]

Hats off to this generation’s Ronald Lee Ermey. Get this man in a movie! 🍿

[@ETC_Rohaly_USCG]

Coastie here... I still contact my Company Commander (Drill Instructor) after 20+ years... I was part of her first Company, and she whipped my butt! 😂 but was always my "momma bear"... Thank you Chief Sparks!!!

[@mikemorris7922]

A female DI? lol, I’m sure she was real hard on ya Cindy.

[@ridingdeep8530]

I was an 0311 and 11B in the USMC active duty and the California Army National Guard from 1991 to 2015, I deployed three times with the Corps and twice with the Guard - multiple combat and humanitarian deployments. When I look back on my Marine Corps boot camp experience it is always with fondness and appreciation for my DI's, our Senior and the Heavy have been men I looked up to my entire life. My Senior was deep and sincere with us, a father figure, the Heavy would destroy you when needed and then make you laugh later on, these were great men. Interestingly my Marine Corps boot camp experience was "fun" to me, the really hard experiences came afterwards in training and of course during the deployments. I will be forever grateful to my Drill Instructors, they built a solid foundation for the Reconnaissance Infantry NCO I eventually became.

[@mr.channel6467]

Drill sergeant’s are peak badass, so much goes behind being a drill. Absolutely impressive.

[@michaelwilliamson6061]

I worked for DOD Underwater Weapons and Comms for 40 some years, and I always would rather work with the Marines than any other branch of the service. Marines always had their act together. Thank you for all that you are doing , we need that more than ever today.

[@victorvalle5746]

Semper Fi Marines, 1971-75. Became an electrical engineer, after a year with the NYPD, thanks to the corp. I was an 1142. Retired in at age 62 because of my PTSD. Now 70 ... still a Marine.

[@MrUNCLESAM84]

They say that we're the golden era of Marines, Well! it was because of your generation of DI's that forged us. SSgt Nichols thank you for your service and thanks to your peers of DI's that made me a Marine, I will always be grateful to you.

[@MotivationalContent-r7z]

Mad respect for all the DI's in the Marine Corps

[@StevenSneed-z4h]

Thanks for your service My brother is a former Marine. I served in the Army. 82nd Airborne!!!!!

[@Acousticmarine678]

Boot camp was just a haze for me (2104 Feb, 1979) at San Diego. One of our jr. DI's liked to punch you in the chest occasionally, nobody complained, just thought that was part of the training, and we were never asked to review our DI's. Never wanted to be in charge of anybody, but found out quickly that would be next to impossible in the Marines. I left the Corps after 12 years active duty for family reasons. I enlisted open contract and the Marines made a Radar Tech out of me, never expected that. Funny thing, my father served in the Army and he also worked on Radars. We were our Seniors last platoon, we were the top platoon at the range and final inspection, close 2nd for final drill. He was pretty proud of us and you could see it in his eyes on graduation day (Ssgt Wolf)

[@BFLPodcast]

This man is a legend! SSgt Nichols is regarded as one of the most insane yet amazing D.Is to walk MCRD SD! Funny dude and a solid Marine and brother. Much love Big Nichols.

[@BIGEUSMC]

I served July 85-89, 3rd Tracks Motor T. My cousin who flew for Air America in Laos told me everything a drill instructor teaches you there’s always a reason and I can agree with that. At the time we don’t think about that but it makes sense. SEMPER FI

[@flan9196]

YAT YAS brother!

[@BIGEUSMC]

@ YATYAS Back at ya

[@guerrerosaurio]

This is more motivating than those cringy tiktok/instagram reels recruiting videos.

[@RJ-ee8cv]

OUTSTANDING!!! Was motivating to watch. It's been 34 years since boot. Semper Fi! 1991-1995

[@randallknapp7528]

As a new recruit, I believed DIs hated us - In retrospect, they showed nothing but the toughest love ever. 3063 MCRD SD graduated 8.22.1986. Semper Fi!

[@ggwonderwoman7344]

this is amazing.. i love how he breaks his pov down

[@123443567]

So much respect, may have hated my drill Sargents (I'm in the army the idea is the same) but even though I hated them while I was in training on the other side you learn to have nothing but respect for the men and women training the next line of soldiers. Sir I respect you all the work you have done and all those that you trained and passed the torch to I hope they bring this same sentiment you speak of here forward and pass it on cause the world will be better for it. God bless.

[@michaeldickey3968]

It's funny how we see people. I watched the Black Friday series while my son was at BCT (Army) and it brought back memories from MCRD in 1985. You never picture the people you watch as struggling, but listening to SSGT Nichol's struggles and putting it in the context of watching Black Friday reminds me that we all have our demons....these interviews are fantastic. I'm passing that quote about knowledge on to my kids....it's very powerful.

[@timothylong880]

So awesome you did this interview! Thank you SSGT!!! I still remember my DI’s! It’s been nearly 20 years since I graduated MCRD San Diego! Semper Fi!!! OORAH!!!!!!

[@gideonm.7425]

"We don't cry to quit. We cry to keep going." Respect!

[@jerrygirdner2753]

I'm 51 years old and I miss the Corps everyday. I told my wife while I was still in, well when wWE were still in, if I made Sgt. In my first enlistment I was staying in, I wanted to be a DI. I got out in Sept. 96 if id stayed in id been a Sgt. That coming December. There were so many Marines that got out at that time frame that it opened up a lot of rank. And the one and only reason I did get out was because I wanted to watch my boys grow up. My youngest was born June 2,1996 at Camp Lejune. I would have reenlisted if my 1st Sgt would have told me that id be a Sgt in 3 months. Id probably reenlisted if he had told me I would have made Sgt in 6 months . He my 1st Sgt talked to me for 2 hours trying to get me to reenlist. He was in my ear for well ove a month. There was no way I would have wanted to have been a Recruiter, wasn't for me. Miss my Brothers and sisters from the Corps everyday. That you for your service. Semper Fi from an old Marine

[@mickeyconnor830]

I said the same to my SSG. He said he'd once promoted a man to SGT on the day he got out because he deserved it. I said I wasn't that guy, that if I got it I would be in it for life. He told me, "Son, you are perfect for the Army. The Army, isn't right for you. You cannot let this thing hold you back. You've got too much potential." We got back from Iraq, I ETS'd, and spiraled downward for 13 years. Combat can change a man, and some of us don't realize- let alone accept- that we need help until it's damn near too late. Only in the last 7 years have I gotten it together and built a career. I'd be retiring this year, instead of still discovering what I can do with the skills I've mindset I've painstakingly cultivated within myself. No sense thinking about how it could've been, I suppose. I'm grateful for the life I've led. But that SSG was right about one thing: I was perfect for the Army. So much so, that I had no idea who or what I was supposed to be, once it was over.

[@jessehurtado5625]

It’s because of the Marine Corps I was able to apply my supervisor/management skills to my career now. My department director and management now complementing me on my leadership. I owe that to the MC and my cousin SSgt Cervantez which was a DI himself. Even during the fleet, my cousin always kept tabs on me to always be better.

[@Richr-e6r]

I was a scribe in 2001, DI used to come back drunk at night. I would hand write on to 3x5 notecards the itinerary of the following days for them in the duty hut while they slept it off. I would make extra copies for the guide and squad leaders so that we knew what was going to happen. That way, we knew that they had IT planned after chow, so we could pass on to other recruits in the platoon to only eat an apple and water. We knew that an hour before the school of knowledge we would get smoked in the sand pits at MCRD, so we were prepared. At graduation, with the safety and security of civilian families around I told my senior DI and J belt. They gathered us up, all billets in my platoon, and proceeded to smoke us in our dress uniforms in front of all the parents lol!

[@survivalist_sentinel7193]

"why are you dehydrated? why are you dehydrated? ILL TELL YOU WHY...IT'S BECAUSE YOUR NOT FREAKING DRINKING ANY GODDAMN WAAAATTTERRR!!!!" - SSgt Nichols

[@Officialprodbytreybeats]

My favorite moment ever

[@crawfcl]

That was not Ssgt Nichols that said that.

[@BodyChamp96]

He was there but he didn’t say that , nichols was the one next to him saying go away before you get killed 😂

[@survivalist_sentinel7193]

@ Damn, I always thought it was Nichols, who was the DI who said the quote?

[@Officialprodbytreybeats]

@@crawfcl Do you know who said it????

[@russmode]

The unamed recruiter that offered him the $1k, is the unsung hero.

[@owensweetland342]

Boot camp alone had a terrific impact on me. I think differently because of that discipline.

[@4catsnow]

Ft Jackson basic in '67...Our platoon sergeant arranged for 10 of us to get seconds at breakfast..He said we had to eat as fast as we could, and line up in front of the mess hall..We ate in 5 minutes ,, came out and lined up...then he took a jeep and ran us until we puked it up...Ever since then I've thought differently too....

[@petehipple9619]

Good stuff, SSGT Nichols! You nailed it. It's been 40-plus years since I was a DI. Time flies. I've raised my family, built a career, and don't live in the past. But I'm proudest of my time on the drill field and being a Marine. I appreciate and honor every one of my Marine brothers and Navy Docs. Semper Fi, Devil Dogs!

[@Godwarrior2314]

Well said, SSgt. This was a great video to watch. Makes me proud to be able to call myself a Marine.

[@stevenhersom8992]

No shame in shedding tears for brothers gone. You had more guts than me seeking help....

[@socinspection]

Physicality is an absolute must at MCRD. Intensity is an absolute must at MCRD. I’m proud to hear you being receptive to the criticism and positively respond. Much respect to this man. First time I ever saw Black Friday I knew he was from the boot!!!

[@Terminal-Vet]

I was considering the drill field on my first reenlistment but changed my mind. Glad I didn't end up doing it because it wouldn't have been for me, but man, gotta love Marine Drill Instructors. We went to boot camp within months of one another. Semper Fi Warrior.

[@VETTvchannel]

First thing I learned in boot camp. NAVY stands for "Never Again Volunteer Yourself".

[@BUSTER.BRATAMUS]

Outstanding video! Thanks for everything SSGT Nichols..

[@OkayMOTORing]

Well dang I wish I knew about that fitness training SkillsBridge program when I was getting out. Former Air Force here, and I’ll confidently say I and other fellow airmen were NOT set up for success when getting out. Almost 4 years since getting out and I’m still learning the ways of civilian life.

[@novoice9286]

Ssgt Nichols is a LEGENDARY DI

[@JesusRisen8]

LIGHT DUTY KING

[@Trigga_exe]

SSGT Nichols is one of the coolest, toughest and most respected guys ever

[@timothypersaud4986]

I'm glad the staff is getting his props. I've been watching his channel for a while, which taught me to live within my means fs one day ill be a marine ❤

[@bluegrassborn74]

I gained so much understanding from watching this video. Thanks!

[@menachem2521]

This man is a legend

[@AlbertoPerez-di1qg]

Needed this video

[@jonklein7130]

39 years ago brings back memories. I was just a kid

[@reycesarcarino4653]

Take the Pain!-Sgt Barnes 😂

[@kylebrackett7900]

Been watching videos of this guy since I was in high school, been out of the Marines now for almost 5 years Rah

[@always-steelers]

“If your voice ain’t like mine by the end of the day….you are going to get corrected like a man, you understand me!” -Ssgt Nichols

[@TheMasterBlaster03]

3:43 What SSGT Nichols just described as ‘Teach Backs’ are called Modules at THE USADSA (Army Drill Sergeant School). And there are Failures. I graduated Class 05-12 “Knights” Platoon. This We’ll Defend!

[@Lichonza]

I graduated this past September. Dragons 🐉

[@TheMasterBlaster03]

@Lichonza Right On, Battle! Til The End!

[@iuptubaman]

I love watching his DI videos and this interview is amazing to get some inside views of the emotions. Amazing series!

[@FrankPark-mo4mq]

PLT 3085 Mike Co. 3rd BN MCRD SD 1985. I will never forget my Drill Instructors names. It is engrained in me. Semper Fi.

[@efromhb]

Rah Mike Co. PLT 3023 1993.

[@h827out7]

Me too, never forget them. Plt 1029 Co A 1st Bn MCRD PI 1981

[@mikesloane2388]

Thank you for your service!

[@MadDestructionChaos]

Im a loss for words! One heck of an interview! 02' 3081 lima company. Absolutely the best days of my life . ... Been shatty since. Working on finding myself again.

[@jacobrahe8726]

I went to boot camp back in 2014 Ssgt polich, Ssgt Mendiola, and Ssgt windland and Sgt Brown…wild times

[@thelightinthedark100]

Im glad that SSGT N. Is bringing up the transitional part of the USMC and the disregard towards those Marines. My personal transition, along with most of my peers from the infantry wasn’t a pleasant experience. Most of my peers you would not know they were Marines now because of how much they dont want to talk about that environment. None of us were shitbags, we put in the work and when we needed that support it was met with hostility by our leadership who did not allow us to figure out how to get out and continued to send us on training ops and refused to sign our damn paperwork to check out. Some had to sell back their terminal leave just to get out properly. Another had to threaten to request mast which made them even more difficult about the process. I ended up being one of those guys who wanted to stay in, but instead re enlisted in to the Army. I was able to gain perspective that it didn’t need to be that difficult and that if the right people are in the right places you can get that support. The Marine Corps is excellent at creating their product, but you cant unbake a cake. They don’t think about the impact that can have on individuals and how they continue in life. SSGT N. Brings up a good point in mentioning the ripple effect if it can be done properly. Im not sure why i felt the need to express this but if anyone else had a similar experience i hope they value what SSGT N. Is doing.

[@Tryinghardnotto]

SSGT Thank You, Semper Fi.

[@LBdreamin]

This vid got me inspired

[@alangobel8513]

Thanks, Mr. Nichols!

[@pjs835]

As a sailor the Marine Corps is the last real branch. I know there’s a lot of high performing individuals and units everywhere but as a complete branch and culture the Marine Corps is head and shoulders above everyone.

[@djbruno6730]

ssgt Nichols is a great guy

[@alangobel8513]

Thanks, Mr Nichols!

[@caseymarshall1084]

Thank you for your service sir!

[@David-bj2yo]

SSGT Nichols is the embodiment of EVERYTHING, that the USMC stands for! Those that trained under his watch, are blessed.

[@kikofromthesouth2863]

"Get up son, that ain't a broke leg.... I know what a broke leg looks like" Ca Fall 2002 Camp Pendelton California. 🤣

[@11bisthewaytobe13]

May God bless you and keep you. May God bless you and keep you

[@NamSaiyan595]

The two headings of articles shown at 11:55 and 11:58 are talking about one of my drill instructors when I went through boot camp at parris island, he was my platoon’s killhat, GySgt Felix. I was third battalion Lima company platoon 3020, picked up in January 2015 and graduated April 2015. Just a few cycles before those allegations came out after that recruit killed himself in March 2016 or whatever. Pretty crazy to look back at my experience there with him after all that’s happened with the case against him.

[@colossusforbin5484]

I went through boot camp Parris Island in 1985. MOS training in 29 Palms for Comm Center Operator. No MCT or SOI training, but I did get stationed (stuck) at Camp Geiger for 3 years with HQCO 8th/6th Marines. Didn't see combat, though as I was just about to get out in August 1989, I do remember preparations were beginning for Panama. After I got out, I was called in for one day active duty due to the Gulf War looming, but nothing came of it.

[@Ilovetohunt33]

Real legend right there.

[@jefffairley9240]

Outstanding. Semper Fidelis E5F 1995-2005

[@spencernielson8304]

Shout out, Sergeant Nichols that’s My Dog 💪🏾🇺🇸.

[@timothy445OZ]

You Speak the Truth God Bless

[@ronniefaisstfan687]

I didn't even recognize him with hair on his head, like I had seen him on here but didn't even know it was Nichols

[@darnellofng2144]

16:24 maaaan Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant (at the time) Smith this had to be a cycle or two before mines. Guy was a stud and is still a phenomenal marine. Played such a impact on me in boot camp

[@jonklein7130]

Some people were made to be race car drivers or baseball players. This guy was made to be a Marine drill instructor

[@saber005]

He only has one Good Cookie?!?!? I love it!!!

[@IrisGallegos-i7i]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Love and Respect to All these Heroes and Veterans 😊

[@iamtrashateverything_5264]

“whats up with the drama son, WHATS UP WITH THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES!!!!” - SSgt. Nichols

[@jonweaver2410]

Don't forget to put a star on your NDSM SSgt Nichols.

[@BudFranks-fu9ye]

Wow. You were in a army uniform 82 airborne 👍👊🇱🇷

[@seanberthiaume8240]

Ohhh man the memories! 1/29/1980! The date which live in infamy! My battalion commander was a medal of honor. Lt. Col Harvey Barnum...

[@Jesse-i5p]

I have been to that bridge south of TQ. Pulled security while structural inspection was taking place for repair.

[@rmp5s]

LOVE this series. Oorah, gents. That "skill bridge program" sounds AMAZING!...that's friggin awesome!! That "ten T survey" thing sounds like it could be a pretty good thing. Don't know if they did that when I was in (2009) but ALL of my DIs were Sgts, which I thought was strange, and I'm thoroughly convinced TO THIS DAY that our SDI LEGITIMATELY hated us. I think he even got kicked out for beating recruits. Definitely don't want pssy ass "stress cards" or anything, but something like that "survey" thing...something to reign in and re-ground DIs...that's probably a good thing.

[@doughboybellmore2347]

Fuckin A Brother, told folks all my life, Toughest job on this planet, "Drill Sergeant aka Drill Instructor" Keep up the Fire, America is Our Home.

[@kennethsflee]

I enlisted at 18. Reported to Parris island. Watching this. I say to myself. “ I could of done better “.

[@doughboybellmore2347]

@@kennethsflee right on Brother, 13 days after turning 17, 24JUN1975 I entered the Reception Station Toughest School of Infantry Known to Man, Fort Polk. Got a motorcycle, went down hill from there.

[@onedanielbear]

I can see this man doing a modern Full Metal Jacket boot camp hour in a movie. Pretty much, GySgt Ermey part two.

[@LukeJitsu]

"Yep.. yep.. light duty king right there"

[@casualpreparedness2347]

Semper Fi! 🫡 🇺🇸

[@frostycalls5680]

Me and you gon' fight, making the senior stay out here longer

[@williamperry118]

What's with the drama, son? What's with the Days of Our Lives?😂

[@mattnobrega6621]

Ooorah ssgt! 🫡👍🇺🇸

[@gunaxe28manahane61]

The man.