What advice would you give to someone who is becoming an NCO/Corporal?

2022-02-18T22:32:53-05:00

I'm about to pass BLC and would like some advice on career progresssion,

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Feb 19 at 2022 7:18 AM

2022-02-19T07:18:29-05:00

Continue with other NCOES.
Take correspondence courses.
Complete the mission, take care of your troops.
Learn how to inspect equipment by TM and LO.
Learn how to teach a class,.
Do your job and teach it to the guy next down in the COC.
Learn how to do the job above you.
Learn how to use a terrain board.
Be able to run a patrol according to a Patrol Order.
Plan a route for both mounted and dismounted movement.
Learn how to do dismounted and mounted maneuver.
Learn how to give an OPORD, FRAGO and run a CCP.
There's many other things but tackle one a day and practice when you can because we know the people above you are going to stack the list of Priority 1A, Priority 1B, Priority 1C, etc, etc, as high as they can.
.
Don't quit.
Keep your sense of Humor.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2022 8:27 AM

2022-02-19T08:27:26-05:00

Be the leader to others that you'd want leading you

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2022 10:08 AM

2022-02-19T10:08:59-05:00

Pick a path you want to go as a medic.
These are the main paths from being a medic:
1. Flight medic
2. SOCM medic
3. PA
4. Nurse
5. MD
6. Medic PSG

Not counting the last one, each of these is a separate specialized career path with proven career progression, and they all require you to get started on the path as early as possible. You don't want to be a SSG wishing you could be a flight medic and realizing it's too late.

If you don't want one of these specialty paths, then you are heading for the last option. You'll need civilian education to separate yourself from your peers and promote to SSG early. From there you'll want to look at broadening and demanding assignments like SFAB and Drill, and also certifications like BLS, PHTLS, ATLS, ACLS, certification and instructor certifications.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2022 10:29 AM

2022-02-19T10:29:21-05:00

Be a leader, not a teller. Embrace the creed. “I know my soldiers and will always place their needs above my own.” Take the time to know your soldiers and understand that you may have to adapt your style to be the best leader for all of them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2022 10:29 AM

2022-02-20T10:29:37-05:00

Do the best you can and take time to learn and grow. Books and training are good, but when your fat is in the fire, well that's when you really learn.

Response by SPC Terry Martin made Feb 20 at 2022 11:19 AM

2022-02-20T11:19:15-05:00

Remember the NCOs that Mentored, molded, and motivated you. Emulate them!

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Feb 20 at 2022 4:52 PM

2022-02-20T16:52:40-05:00

Go all in for it. Others have determind you're qualified, prove them right!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2022 5:45 PM

2022-02-21T17:45:43-05:00

Teach your troops, mentor your troops and be there when they need guidance. Lead from the front, always. Make sure you know them and what motivates them. Remember how you want to be led, lead in that light. As an NCO, you are responsible to make sure the troops that are under you are well trained and taken care of, above all else. Also, enforce the standards fairly and consistently at all times with all troops.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2022 10:21 PM

2022-02-21T22:21:50-05:00

Remember - YOU are the example. Whatever you do, your people will emulate your actions... for better or worse. If you set a HIGH example, they'll shoot to meet/beat your standards. If you set LOW standards, they'll shoot to meet them. This goes from drugs/alcohol to polishing your boots and shaving standards.
If you use the word "WE", then you'd better be knee-deep in whatever the task is - and if you aren't going to be, then use "YOU".
It's not always possible - or even RIGHT - but /TRY/ to give reasons WHY you and your folks are doing whatever. Is it to make the Division Commander look good? Tell 'em. Is it to make sure that the next people through the area have it a bit easier? Tell 'em. Is it so the enemy can't get through the flank and destroy your forces? Tell 'em. Granted, the reasons why may come AFTER the activity is over and done with - but don't forget it.
NEVER forget to be able to say, "I DON'T KNOW." Then, make sure you find out and come back to tell the asker the info. Do your best to have an "innocent witness" to hear your newfound info (don't drag the person away from everything) - the witness will hear you making up for your lack of info and making it right - and will talk to others about it. It makes you both a human AND a good leader that cares.
If you want to destroy morale and respect, enforce standards that YOU don't keep... stand there in shitty boots/shoes and yell at your troops about having crappy boots/shoes. Be late and counsel someone on being late. Tell one of your troops you've got their backs and leave them twisting in the wind...

And, last bit - build a feeling of trust with your people. If they screw up/are late/whatever, they should tell you IMMEDIATELY!! Nothing shuts up a screaming First Sergeant or Officer faster than, "Oh, I know all about that and we're working on getting it fixed already."

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Feb 22 at 2022 10:03 AM

2022-02-22T10:03:50-05:00

Don't let the stripes go too your head. I've seen too many SPC, become SGT and become power hungry, and do stupid crap. Don't become them. Train and mentor young soldiers, always ask Senior NCO's questions. Pick a senior NCO to be your mentor for your future. And always update your NCO support form weekly if you can. Active Duty is always easier than Guard. I hope this helps you some. Best of luck to you and congratulations on getting your stripes. It's a huge accomplishments. I remember getting mine

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Feb 22 at 2022 2:16 PM

2022-02-22T14:16:15-05:00

Lead from the front.
Don’t allow your Team to do anything you will not do.
Listen and hear.
Know your Soldiers and there Significant other.
Accept responsibility for the Teams failures, give credit to them for the successes.
Follow the NCO creed.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2022 7:51 AM

2022-02-23T07:51:11-05:00

Honestly, bro. Do the correspondence courses on jko and Skillport. If you’re on a grind for points, that’s gonna be the way to go.
And really focus on your weapons qual. Be aware you CAN take a record APFT in order to obtain more points. Best advice I can give you is be the NCO you wanted as a Joe. You got this, buddy. Trust and believe in yourself.