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The paper describes initial results of a fiber optic-based sensor during on-site testing performed by FEORC and Fiber and Sensor Technologies (F&S) at Ingersol-Rand. The interferometric sensors used during these preliminary tests have been developed with partial support from programs from Northrop, Wright Research and Development Center, and the NASA Langley Research Center. Advantages of the fiber optic sensor are a demonstrated enhanced survivability, higher sensitivity, smaller size, electromagnetic interference immunity, and reduced risk of explosion. The conventional wire strain gages typically survive only a few minutes attached to the drill steel and drive chain, while the fiber sensors described here have survived over 400 hours and are currently still functioning properly. The test described include the demonstration of strain energy measurements on the drive chain and drill steel, and displacement measurements of the piston within the drifter. All of the sensors tested can be used as both a laboratory evaluation and testing tools, as well as being an integral part of a proposed control and health monitoring system.