Advice for making the transition to Squad Leader. 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!

Advice for making the transition to Squad Leader.

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Posted 12 y ago

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!

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SSG (Join to see)

12 y

Excellent comment and advice.

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SGT(P) (Join to see)

12 y

Thanks SGT Wheeler, you're definitely right about that. As a Team Leader, it's advantageous to be extremely hands on and involved in everything as it happens. I'm learning to trust my Team Leaders and loosen up the reigns. I think when we get back to garrison it'll will be easier. The margin for error is much smaller here as you all know.

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SGT(P) (Join to see)

12 y

Another hint of advice SGT Raynes, if I may present it to you. I truly believe that you have to look away from the entire concept of 'garrison' leadership and 'field' leadership. My belief is that there is no such thing as a difference in leadership when it comes to where you are at with the unit. My influence to you is to lose that mentality and lose it quickly, because it can easily show troops that you may in fact be a 2 faced person... now that doesn't mean I am saying you are, for I don't know you, but in the mind of a young and impressionable soldier just getting to a unit, your persona could definitely be mistaken. Without a doubt, if you continue to ask for advice, and heed different peoples warnings, and learn from their past experiences (victories and failures alike) you'll do just fine.

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SGT(P) (Join to see)

12 y

What I meant by my last comment was mainly that I'm keeping closer tabs on my Team Leaders for a variety of reasons like the fact that they're both first time Team Leaders, also we've never worked together, and along with other unit circumstances I won't get into except to say that the margin for error is very slim. I didn't mean that I believe in two separate style's of leadership, for the very reasons you gave, SGT Wheeler.. You are absolutely correct in that regard. It's just that adaptability seems to be the name of the game. So that's what I'm trying to do at the moment. I've spoken with the whole Squad and explained as plainly as I can my intentions and what I expect from them. I definitely don't want to come off two-faced!

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SFC James Baber

Posted 12 y ago

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.

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SGT(P) (Join to see)

12 y

Thank you SFC Baber!

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CPT Aaron Kletzing

Posted 12 y ago

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

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SFC(P) (Join to see)

12 y

Remember where you came from. Use what you learned from your prior experience with your former NCO's. You must remain firm and fair.

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SGT(P) (Join to see)

12 y

Thank you, Sir! I'm excited about the promotion, but at the same time I feel like I have to kick into an even higher gear because of the additional responsibility. It's too easy for people to do just the bare minimum and get by. I don't want to be just an "okay" Squad Leader. I want to be the type of SSG that I always looked up to as a Joe. The guy that seemingly knew everything. They type of Leader for whom it did not seem there was a situation that he could not handle. Someone who was tough, fair, approachable, knowledgeable, and capable.

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SFC (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

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 ???? :)

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SGT(P) (Join to see)

12 y

Great advice SFC Dale. It seems like delegation is the biggest theme across the board that people have brought up so far. It's definitely something that I'm working on. As a Team Leader, I was so involved in everything my Soldiers did and it's rough sometimes holding at the outer marker so that now my Team Leaders can succeed and fail on their own. I will definitely use the positive 4856's. I'm a big fan of positive motivation for the guys whenever I can utilize it. They put out so much more effort if they feel like it's appreciated.

Thanks!!!

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SSG Justin Nellums

Posted 12 y ago

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.

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SGT(P) (Join to see)

12 y

SSG Nellums, I totally agree with policy of moving to insure that professional level of interaction on a daily basis. It's going to be hard though because I'm really tight with a lot of the members in my Platoon. I guess it's just part of the big Army Machine though.

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SGT(P) (Join to see)

12 y

SGT Nyberg, I can definitely feel you on that one. I learned that early on at Ft. Bragg, Soldiers eat first, take priority over whatever you're doing because they deserve it. Anything less I feel is a disservice to not only them, but the leader as well. At this very moment (2200 post 8hr patrol) I'm busting my hump to get my guys awards before the dead line for end of tour awards lol

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SMSgt Bob W.

Posted >1 y ago

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.

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MSG Charles Kaiser

Posted >1 y ago

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

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SPC David C.

Posted >1 y ago

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.

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MSG John Duchesneau

Posted >1 y ago

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.

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MSG Floyd Williams

Posted >1 y ago

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.

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Advice for making the transition to Squad Leader.

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