Posted on Nov 28, 2017
Any advice for a newly promoted 25U SSG filling in as an NCOIC for a Battalion S-6?
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25U: Signal Support Systems Specialist
Signal
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 10
Go find the Commander and ask him (her)
Sir, what are the top 3 things you got pissed at last FTX ( deployment, what ever is appropriate). Sir what are your top three priorities for my shop? Real or perception there are what that are. Then go ask the CSM the same things.
Take it all with a grain of salt... then go talk with your crew...... Tell them what the perceptions are for the issues and priorities. See what they think....
Then talk with your OIC and make a plan to fix what can be, improve what can be and work towards the CDR's and CSMs priorities.
Sir, what are the top 3 things you got pissed at last FTX ( deployment, what ever is appropriate). Sir what are your top three priorities for my shop? Real or perception there are what that are. Then go ask the CSM the same things.
Take it all with a grain of salt... then go talk with your crew...... Tell them what the perceptions are for the issues and priorities. See what they think....
Then talk with your OIC and make a plan to fix what can be, improve what can be and work towards the CDR's and CSMs priorities.
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SGM Erik Marquez
SSG Elly Reitenour - Conversation I once had...well OK statement made to me while I stood at attention in front of my boss that wore 2 stars.
"Erik, You say priorities, but if your not working on my priorities, whose priorities are you working on? Sit and lets figure this out."
Things I wish I understood back when I was a SSG
"Erik, You say priorities, but if your not working on my priorities, whose priorities are you working on? Sit and lets figure this out."
Things I wish I understood back when I was a SSG
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MAJ (Join to see)
Wow. I'd say probably do step "Then talk with your OIC and make a plan to fix what can be, improve what can be and work towards the CDR's and CSMs priorities." before you go over their head in the Chain Of Command to the CDR & CSM.
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SGM Erik Marquez
MAJ (Join to see) and that’s why your an officer.
An NCO on the other hand goes to the source
What the OIC thinks are the commanders and CSMs priorities are at best what he THINKS they are and likely he has NEVER asked or been told 1st hand.
He has heard what someone else told him or again at best what his very junior officer brain thinks he was told.
Getting priorities from the commander direct is that NCOs duty and the better way.
But hey what do I know, I’m just an ignorant NCO who was promoted to the highest NCO.... and selected to run a Division G3 shop a deployed Divsion Joint TOC.
For sure a Maj has a better handle on how to be a good NCO then me.
Lol
Do what works for you
An NCO on the other hand goes to the source
What the OIC thinks are the commanders and CSMs priorities are at best what he THINKS they are and likely he has NEVER asked or been told 1st hand.
He has heard what someone else told him or again at best what his very junior officer brain thinks he was told.
Getting priorities from the commander direct is that NCOs duty and the better way.
But hey what do I know, I’m just an ignorant NCO who was promoted to the highest NCO.... and selected to run a Division G3 shop a deployed Divsion Joint TOC.
For sure a Maj has a better handle on how to be a good NCO then me.
Lol
Do what works for you
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MAJ (Join to see)
Geez, SGM, no one was taking away from your "I've been there and done this!" crap...
Just said you have an obligation to respect the COC, and said you should do your step 3, FIRST
Just said you have an obligation to respect the COC, and said you should do your step 3, FIRST
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Your troops will make you are break you. Take care of them and they will take care of you. No one but you should hammer them. Do it with love tho. Sometimes a boot works. You are going to take on a lot for your troops, accept it. part of the job. Train them, get called a hard ass, you are not their friend, you are the boss. If you are consistent they will respect you. If your unit performs your superiors will respect you. Best of luck.
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SSG (Join to see)
Oh yea I know about the troops making or breaking you. I was in one of my 1SGs Office a few times when I was the NCOIC a couple years ago.
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You'll be okay. I'm going on 2 years at the ncoic of my shop. The first year I started off as an E-5 with no OIC, second-year with an OIC and me as a staff sergeant. Take a look at your commo sop.
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SSG (Join to see)
I am hoping there might be one already in place. If not, then I will have to start one.
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Ok.. look at your MTOE, SOP and talk to your XO, your Maintenace SGT and Supply. I was very SUCCESSFUL in Mechanized and light Infantry Commo because I had a Hell of an XO, who I would tell him to go to SFAS! And He did and became one of the BEST!!!. Here's to you Mr. Howard (LTC) (R) SF!!!!, Yeah. I missed getting Tabs but got the SIGNAL Through. I was an EXPERT with radios, too many to mention. As long as you have a Passion/Timing you will SUCCEED!!!! I was a 31K Combat Signaler, 31/25U. 300 PT. A shout out to Mr. Cress (SGM) (SF)(R) another hardcore soldier!!!
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Run....The Best assignments are at this level. You have to keep the XO informed and the BN Commander squared away. Teach privates and Sergeants on how to be the best communicators. TRACKERS keeps the whole BN in check. Depends also what type of BN it is. Don't be afraid to reach out and NETWORK.
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Take care of your Soldiers and support your S6 OIC, if he fails you failed also
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SSG (Join to see)
I know that my OIC is a branch detail. Do they get trained up prior to being assigned as a Signal Officer?
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Honestly take care of your Soldiers. They will take care of you. Remember what your shop accomplishes reflects the team. Shortcomings are often seen more than success. Be open to new ideas, even from subordinates. Be able to take constructive criticism, and ask for advice in situations you aren’t sure how to handle.
I ran a light infantry S6 shop as a SGT(P), then a STB S6 Section as a SSG with no SIGO, and understaffed by MTOE. Both positions were of course SFC slots. At first the tasks were daunting. After awhile you learn EXACTLY what you need to know and do, and how to do it.
But always remember mission first, Soldiers ALWAYS, and you will be fine.
A successful NCO is made by their Soldiers that they lead.
I ran a light infantry S6 shop as a SGT(P), then a STB S6 Section as a SSG with no SIGO, and understaffed by MTOE. Both positions were of course SFC slots. At first the tasks were daunting. After awhile you learn EXACTLY what you need to know and do, and how to do it.
But always remember mission first, Soldiers ALWAYS, and you will be fine.
A successful NCO is made by their Soldiers that they lead.
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Make sure to pass knowledge on to you soldiers. Make sure you train them to replace you and leave your section in a better spot than you left it.
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It looks like I will be moved to another battalion S6 that currently has no E7 serving as the NCOIC. I only have experience with the tactical side of the house. I am just wanting to see if there are any SFCs who can guide me a bit with the challenges I have to look forward to.
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