As a newly promoted SGT w/no deployment, how would you respond to junior enlisted soldiers questioning your experience?

2015-04-29T19:39:58-04:00

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 7:43 PM

2015-04-29T19:43:21-04:00

There are all kinds of experience. My superiors feel what I have deserved the promotion. And I with you help, plan to prove them right.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 29 at 2015 8:14 PM

2015-04-29T20:14:18-04:00

Tell the truth and take charge.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Apr 29 at 2015 8:22 PM

2015-04-29T20:22:12-04:00

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member first! Dont take the bait. The young person is playing a game... that you need not play.

Ill share that following Desert Storm (I was in Korea on the DMZ) I occasionally heard this from those that went. Of course they went as PVT to SPC... and a few SGTs. In your situation I might advise this approach.

I would recommend saying, "I understand your concern; however, you don't need to be... I'm more than capable of doing the job and leading our section... Watch and see. Now, if you want to help me make the team better I'd appreciate it.... But understand... I'm in charge... and I will not accept insubordinate conduct from you. Do I make myself clear?"

I actually had the same conversation with a SGT team leader...

My response was this, "SGT Smith... I'm the Squad Leader.... you can believe you know more than I do; however, let's pull out our 2&2-1s (now the ERB) and let's put that to the test. I think you'll discover that my experience.... And my KSAs... Will more than suffice for a lack of deployment to SWA. In fact... I know I have. So which individual or leader skills would you like to test? Understand this... Afterwards...I'm still Squad Leader... If you continue this you may not find yourself a team leader"

He deflated and was actually a very good team leader and became Squad leader after I became PSG.

But don't... Don't take that bait!

Good luck

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 11:11 PM

2015-04-29T23:11:31-04:00

Congratulations! As you take on this responsibility as a more trusted leader, you hold a position that asks a lot of you; this may become overwhelming, but rest assured, we have all been there. Condone yourself as a professional, reflective of what you expect and desire to receive from those above you. Remember that learning is a choice, and it is up to each one of us as leaders to take in all aspects of each situation, circumstance, or challenge for what it is worth. Even the worst of times leaves great things to have been learned and an opportunity for you to implement changes that others chose not to. Stand firm on your integrity, relentlessly working to BE all that the army values stand for. Taking the oath to join is the only choice we make in the military in which the decision to impact the servicemen and women is solely ours. Now, as you take ok three new chevrons, take note, everything you do is no longer about just you. Three chevrons, pointing up, towards the success still to come, three chevrons for those above and below you who make up a team, and three chevrons needing three rockers of experience to which signifies experience, trust and respect. Humility builds character, character builds trust, trust builds respect; know when to be silent and yet know when to be heard; know when to train and know when to learn; know your Soldiers but know yourself. Finally, do all things patiently, respectfully, humbly, courageously, and with a zeal of honor. You may have volunteered, but the day you no longer consider it a privilege to serve is the day when it is time step aside and realize you are just a follower. Good luck and God be with you!

Response by BG David Fleming III made Apr 29 at 2015 11:44 PM

2015-04-29T23:44:36-04:00

What side your patch is on doesn't make a leader! A leader is respected for what he or she brings to the table and the example he or she sets. Embrace your promotion. Never question the stripes you now wear.
You don't get to decide whether you deploy or not. Echelons about you make that call. Your jobs is to get your subordinates ready for future deployments and put them in the best position to come home to their families safety. Congratulations Sergeant. Proud to serve with you!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 2:17 AM

2015-04-30T02:17:20-04:00

Group Attention! Front leaning rest position, move! In cadence, exercise! 1-2-3 a 1-2-3 you better sound off a 1-2-3 a 1-2-3,... 1-2-3! The next exercise will be the Mule Kick! Starting position, move! In cadence, exercise! 1-2-3 a 1-2-3...

continue in same fashion until they are too tired to question anything.

Response by CPT Bill McNeely made Apr 30 at 2015 2:24 AM

2015-04-30T02:24:55-04:00

If they have deployed and you have not... Well the ball is in your court to earn their respect because your record is week compared to theirs.

I had a couple SPCs from Korea and Germany I could have traded with NCOs and had much better results.

I had a SSG straight from the trail try pulling the "your a dumb LT" move on me. nice Try. I had Two deployments and a lot of training under my belt by then.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 9:51 AM

2015-04-30T09:51:13-04:00

I will tell him or her that deployment does not equal experience followed by a few 8 count push ups in cadence for fun

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 3:09 PM

2015-04-30T15:09:52-04:00

I would tell you they are just trying to challenge you to see where you stand.

I would say don't react to it and do your job and lead by example. If you are always there leading from the front showing them that you can do it they will eventually come around. Leaders are not given respect due to there rank it is earned by there actions and the results that they prove by showing they care and they can handle what ever is thrown at them.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 3:27 PM

2015-04-30T15:27:37-04:00

Newly promoted with no deployment, not to worry. You have time in service and have been around long enough to learn some things. Do your best to help the soldiers when they need it. You don't have to "answer" anything. Some of them will have different qualities that will help balance you out. Learn from each other regardless of rank. Don't let them get to you. Sounds like that is what they are trying to do. You send me your email, or email me at [login to see] . I'll email you all sorts of info that will help you . One thing - document everything!

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made May 1 at 2015 10:50 AM

2015-05-01T10:50:55-04:00

Its an odd situation for sure. When I was a 19 year old PFC, I had already been deployed. I had a combat patch and a CMB. Upon returning from deployment I was given some slick sleeve E-5 to be in charge of me. It was tough for me to respect her, mostly because I was perplexed you could be an NCO and not have ever deployed when we had consecutive back to back wars for 10 years.

It was kind of a let down for me to be honest. My old squad leader during my deployment was hands down the perfect NCO/Soldier. He was a perfect shot, he scored on the extended scale, every day during deployment he taught me a lot of tips and tricks, the kind of stuff you don't learn in tradoc, the things older medics pass on.

But for what she lacked in raw combat experience, she made up for with excellent skills on dealing with shit heads like me. She was fully aware of the fact I had more experience, and incorporated me into the training. I was co-teaching the classes, or teaching them by myself.

They key is, if they are more experienced than you and lower ranking, take advantage of their experience! Incorporate them into the training.

And if the subordinates in question are slick sleeves too, go tell them to sit down and shut up.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 12:51 PM

2015-12-10T12:51:11-05:00

You were selected for promotion for a reason. Now you tell me what you do.

The answer Is not in social media go look somewhere else.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 18 at 2021 2:12 AM

2021-03-18T02:12:01-04:00

Counseling statement and PT. they aren't to make you convince them and gain their approval. Simply refuse to address those comments and then give them he'll to pay. You know, establish dominance. After a proper understanding of how the pecking order works, then what you have to say on the matter will carry greater weight. I'd ask since they deployed, why weren't they selected? Because you were and that's all that matters. You owe them no justification for the stripes you have been entrusted with. You are the NCO, they aren't, that's all that is important.