Posted on Jun 3, 2018
MAJ Battalion Executive Officer
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I’m curious how due course officers (Academy, ROTC, OCS) who have no prior enlisted service, feel about officers who were NCOs (some even Senior NCO)? In my experience it can be a double edged sword. On one hand you can earn instant credibility with the NCOs but at times your officers can make some pretty bold assumptions about what type of officer you are because of your enlisted service. Thoughts?
Posted in these groups: General of the army rank insignia OfficerEnlisted logo EnlistedMustang Mustangs
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Responses: 13
LTC Jason Mackay
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It’s like with all ranks, seen good, seen bad, and seen meh. Really depended on what they brought to the table. Some thoughts on a few pitfalls:
- sometimes they can be trapped in old paradigms
- sometimes if they were NCOs, they gravitate there. At company level this is problematic. There can only be one first sergeant. At BN level it’s toxic. There is one CSM.
- refusing any help, advice, or new information, ‘cuz I used to be a <insert MOS that doesn’t apply to the problem at hand> and I know it all’

I generally liked prior service officers and worked well with them.
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MAJ Battalion Executive Officer
MAJ (Join to see)
6 y
Great to know Sir. I have seen a few of the examples you’ve stated here. Definitely need to avoid falling into NCO tendencies
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LTC Jason Mackay
LTC Jason Mackay
6 y
MAJ (Join to see) not fall into tendencies, but roles/responsibilities.
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CAPT Kevin B.
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I'm a Mustang. The issue I noticed was due course officers were at times jealous as they knew I had more experience and knowledge. The perception was I got the better assignment, hence a better track towards fruit salad. The ENL community sometimes were leery because they assumed I knew all their tricks. In general, those who fixate on the mustang thing tend to have a concern about their own prospects and abilities. Those who are hard chargers, competent, etc. usually could care less.
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MAJ Battalion Executive Officer
MAJ (Join to see)
6 y
Great perspective Sir. I usually hear the whole “Yoi make more with that E at the end of your pay grade”, in which I usually respond with “I earned it”. I also see what you mean about the enlisted Soldiers being afraid that you’ll call thier bluff if they are giving you a BS answer. Thanks for the feedback.
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COL Brad Welch
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ROTC: Seen both good and bad. Some have a chip on their shoulder and expect their non-prior peers to pay homage to them for any tidbits of wisdom themy my provide. The good ones are more open and team-oriented.

Like all people though, you have to assess each individually. The important thing is to follow the golden rule, always maintain the high ground, and assist when possible.

The way to get ahead is not by bringing others down. It is to find your nitch and cultivate it to the point your superiors find that your craft is indispensable to their success.

Good luck.
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MAJ Battalion Executive Officer
MAJ (Join to see)
6 y
Absolutely Sir. I think it always comes down to the individual, I’ve seen Academy grads who feel others should bend the knee to them and I’ve seen those prior NCO officers feel like their opinion should carry greater weight. Thanks for the feedback.
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SFC James William Bolt   [ 40 Yards ]
SFC James William Bolt [ 40 Yards ]
6 y
I met officers that I was their when they were just getting their feet wet in their first command . They thank me for my help and guidance during this early stage of their early days of life in service. How they use those lesson in their rise in the command ranks . sign 40 yards
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