Advice for making the transition to Squad Leader.

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 11:16:57 -0500

Just picked up "P" status recently. I obviously know how to do the job, otherwise I wouldn't have been recommended but I'm looking for advice on the what to focus on with the added responsibility. Any advice would be appreciated!

Response by SFC James Baber made Feb 6 at 2014 11:25 AM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 11:25:03 -0500

Continue to be the leader you are, the leader that was recognized for the qualities that got you appointed to the position to begin with. Take it all in with the same intensity and integrity you have come to embrace as an NCO and go forth fully with it and continue to train and lead your Soldiers with the same success you have had as a team leader or other position of responsibility.

Good luck and stay strong and safe.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 12:38 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 12:38:41 -0500

Does anyone have any horror stories from their early days taking over a Squad? I've seen it difficult for some who have been promoted up from within the same Platoon or Company to perform when some of their old peers are still Joe's.

Response by SSG Justin Nellums made Feb 6 at 2014 12:44 PM

SSG Justin Nellums — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 12:44:14 -0500

Like SFC Baber said, continue to be the leader that got you recommended. Leaving your current platoon is a must! My first squad I had Soldiers that I grew up with and it was a nightmare. Although they knew the right way to do things they would try to get away with everything they possibly could because they didnt think I would do anything. So leaving your platoon is good but leaving your company (if possible) is best.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 6 at 2014 1:08 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 13:08:02 -0500

Congrats, brother. I echo most of the advice here. Give it your 110% effort and you will do great!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 5:01 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 17:01:43 -0500

Hey the best bit of advice that I can give you as a SGT(P) who has been a squad leader in an Airborne MTOE Military Police Line unit, is that you must remember to utilize your team leaders. You cannot do everything yourself, although you will feel gung-ho for it. Remember that you have subordinate leaders under you that you will be writing NCOERs for, and you must give them the chance and opportunity to succeed. Also make sure that you are constantly talking with your soldiers, ensuring that information is being properly passed down the line, and if it's not.. make the fix!! Good luck to you, and if you need anything at all, just let me know!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 5:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 17:48:19 -0500

SGT(P) Ryan,

Best Advice I can give to new squad leaders/section sergeants is don't feel like you have to do EVERYTHING by yourself. Let your team leaders take responsibility and focus on leading the squad, not each team. Be ready to let them make mistakes (in training and where the consequences arent dire) so that when they need to think on their feet and you aren't around, it won't be the first time they've made a decision. Don't forget that a "leader" by definition, is out front. If my men (when I was a team leader/squad leader/section sergeant/platoon sergeant) were working, I was working by their side unless I was assigned some bull$heep to do elsewhere by the PL or PSG or later the First Sergeant. Remember to give good, "atta boy" 4856s as well as the negative ones. When you write their NCOERs, be honest and fair and make "them" responsible for keeping you informed on what they have done each quarter......jeez, anything else ???? :)

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Apr 26 at 2014 6:10 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 18:10:37 -0400

The hardest but most logical is to separate friendship from your new responsibilities as a Squad Leader, and enroll in a leadership course for your level to help get you in the right direction.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Jun 20 at 2018 12:23 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 00:23:41 -0400

As a squad leader you are in a position to most heavily influence your Soldiers in both their personal and professional lives. Think of yourself as their big brother and help them succeed both individually and as a team.

Response by SPC David C. made Apr 19 at 2022 7:12 PM

SPC David C. — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 19:12:32 -0400

Rule number 1, you're not their drinking buddy anymore. You're their boss. Rule #2, if they don't respect or fear you in one way, shape or form, they're not going to follow you across a busy street...much less into combat.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 20 at 2022 12:48 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 00:48:04 -0400

- Take care of the soldiers and families.
- Fight for them.
- Roll up your sleeves and get dirty with them.
- When in the field have hands on sensitive items checks before leaving a site and after arriving at a new site.
- Ensure the troops know tactical and technical SOPs.
- For tasks and missions give the soldiers max time to prepare.
- I don’t know your MOS, but you should get familiar with OPORDs.
- If you go to the field and must use formatted documentation like sector sketches make cheat sheets and acetate them. Use alcohol pens. Use alcohol to wipe clean the documents.
- Try to incorporate some fun into the soldiers lives, although I had more pull as the commander. Build up morale.
- Let’s say you need to prep the squad for a mission. I liked to lay on my couch and visualize all the necessary steps.
- Cross train if possible. It makes soldiers more adaptive and different sections can empathize with others.
- Always think about safety.
- Stay connected with your superiors.
- Work on your situational awareness. A good NCO listens to the ground for situational awareness.
- Always do the right thing.
- Good leaders understand external help is needed. Find out who and what they are and put the POCs and phone numbers on an excel spread sheet.
- Groom your next in command just in case you are out of the net.

I hope this serves you well.

Response by MSG Charles Kaiser made Apr 20 at 2022 10:37 AM

MSG Charles Kaiser — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 10:37:15 -0400

The Army is based on UP or Out go to schools get the points to go up . I took the Advice years ago Retired E-8 had a shot at CSM decided to retire you will know when the time comes . Stay Humble

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Apr 20 at 2022 12:12 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 12:12:10 -0400

Let your people know what you expect from them. Treat each situation on it's merits [What was the reason, the individual did not show up for formation? Oversleep--the hammer; at the hospital with sick spouse--drop paper on them]. Be fair, but firm. Know each person's strengths and weaknesses. Know your authority and what you can do. Good luck.