Posted on Dec 19, 2013
Does age have any bearing on your first impression of an incoming soldier or NCO?
8.33K
23
19
1
1
0
So I am a very young SSG in the Army (23) and it seems that any unit I go to I have to prove myself even more than most in order to gain the trust and confidence of my leadership than someone of an older age. I was just wondering if anyone else out there has any input on this situation i find myself in frequently.
Army
Age
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 17
5
5
0
Don't worry, a decade from now you'll be doing the same thing when you meet your new 23 year old LT. ;)
(5)
(0)
SFC Shakira Browne
I like the fact that my LT's and CPTs are younger! Way easier to relate to, and easier to get them to let the NCOs do their JOB!
(0)
(0)
4
4
0
I too have run into this problem. I was 25 when I pinned SSG. To add to that I am also a single mother, so I am usually automatically tagged as a potential problem. I let my work ethic and soldier's performance speak for me. As well as my "Resume", which is what I consider my NCOER. I also like to think of it like this, the older generation of soldiers can not deal with the fact that many of the younger generation, while some are careless, are go getters. Keep your head up man and NEVER let someone else opinions determine YOUR performance!
(4)
(0)
2
2
0
Because trust is so important, it must be earned.<br><br>Simply having rank on your chest (or arms...or wherever else it may be) doesn't earn trust; what it does represent is that you are (or should be) good at your MOS.<br><br>Even SFCs and MSGs/1SGs have to earn trust of their leaders/Soldiers...I hear it's a little less of an effort when you reach SGM/CSM.<br>
(2)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google