Alright ARMY, gather around—because it’s official: BTS didn’t just survive military service. They dominated it, earning ranks and roles most of us mere mortals didn’t even know existed. Let’s break down each member’s hardcore journey, complete with surprising promotions, elite titles, and a whole lot of sarcasm—because of course they did this with style.
V: Sergeant, Special Forces Officer—No Big Deal
Tae-hyung, our V, didn’t just show up—he crashed the party. After basic training, he joined the Special Duty Team (SDT) of the Military Police, a veteran unit focused on counter-terrorism and urban warfare. He hit:
- Platoon Leader status in just 18 days
- Earned Special Warrior and Exemplary Shooter badges
- Promoted to Sergeant First Class
- Allegedly saved the day during a stabbing incident—and got a Military Police Excellence Award in the same breath
Oh, and he did all that with a cracked rib. Typical V.
Jin: Elite Drill Instructor & Snack King
Kim Seok-jin went full model soldier:
- Finished basic training top of his class
- Became a Company Commander Trainee, then an Assistant Drill Instructor in the 5th Infantry Division
- Snagged the coveted Special Warrior title
- Earned early promotions—Corporal, then Sergeant, well ahead of schedule
Plus, Jin was known to carry three soldiers worth of gear when others faltered. And yes, he apparently brought snacks and skincare treats to boot camp. Even drill instructors need snacks.
j‑hope: Assistant Drill Instructor & Speech Champ
Our sunshine didn’t coast either:
- Became an Assistant Drill Instructor at the 36th Infantry Division
- Claimed the Special Warrior title
- Won the Strong Warrior Speech Contest
- Promoted to Corporal ahead of time
- Even influenced policy shifts about idol responsibilities in the military
He didn’t just train tougher—he spoke harder, and won.
Jimin: Artillery Squad Leader & Special Grade Soldier
ChimChim took on heavy artillery:
- Finished basic training at the top and earned Division Commander’s Best Trainee Award
- Served in the Artillery Fire Direction Center (FDC)—think tactical positioning and calculations
- Became Squad Leader, earned Special Grade Soldier distinction
- Promoted to Sergeant, excelling in marksmanship, endurance, and leadership
He balanced the mathematical precision of artillery with dancer-level discipline.
RM: Elite Trainee, Platoon Leader, and Band Chaplain
Our leader flexed a different muscle:
- Graduated from basic training as one of four Elite Trainees
- Named Platoon Leader during training
- Served as Military Band Leader and Chaplain Assistant, providing soul through music and moral support
- Rose to Sergeant with early promotions
He literally led with heart—humanizing the military one melody at a time.
Jungkook: Lead Cook & Army’s Hunger Hero
Maknae-led and fully fed:
- Took charge as Lead Cook Soldier, managing meals for the entire division
- Earned respect for his resilience and was promoted to Sergeant
From frying pan to promotion—our Golden Maknae served up more than just patience.
Suga: Public Service Worker & Pending Discharge
Yoongi couldn’t enlist due to a shoulder injury, so he served his duty via public service since September 2023. He’s set to be discharged on June 21, 2025, rounding out the final member of OT7.
Even off the battlefield, he stayed consistent and reliable.
Why This Matters
- These titles—Special Warrior, Elite Trainee, Drill Instructor—are not participation trophies. They are hard-earned ranks through merit, strength, and leadership.
- Each member excelled in unique roles—combat, training, food logistics, morale, leadership. They didn’t just serve; they stood out.
- BTS’s military service wasn’t a pause—it was another stage of triumph. Their time as soldiers mirrors the discipline and excellence that fans know from their music careers.
Final Thoughts: The Army Underrated Them, But BTS Still Shined
Sure, BTS was expected to serve—it’s the law. But showing up, dominating, and leaving a legacy? Not everyone does that. Drill instructors, elite soldiers, leaders, breadwinners, moral lighthouses—these aren’t roles they just stepped into; they earned them.
And they didn’t just report for duty—they leveled up in uniform, proving yet again what we already knew: they aren’t just idols. They’re icons in everything they touch.
Welcome back, sergeants, instructors, gang chefs, and band leaders. The stage will never feel the same.
TL;DR:
- V: Special Forces Officer, SDT, Sergeant First Class, awards
- Jin: Elite Drill Instructor, Special Warrior, early sergeant
- j‑hope: Drill Instructor, Special Warrior, speech contest winner
- Jimin: Artillery Squad Leader, Special Grade Soldier, promoted to sergeant
- RM: Elite Trainee, Platoon Leader, Band Leader, Chaplain, Sergeant
- Jungkook: Lead Cook, Sergeant
- SUGA: Public Service, discharging June 21
From elite units to public service, BTS’s military roles were as diverse as their music—and they crushed every one.
They’ve retired the uniforms and they’re heading back to stages—but they left behind a resume you know they didn’t just luck into. These aren’t just comeback stories. They’re battle-tested legacies.
