Commander and 1SG

2014-01-02T02:07:31-05:00

I am getting ready to take command next summer and I am excited about the opportunity to command a Company. Anyone out there have any lessons learned or useful advice on the Commander and 1SG relationship?<div> </div><div>From the Officers: What was the first thing you and your 1SG did after you took command?</div><div> </div><div>From 1SG/CSMs: What were the best traits of your commander? What would you have liked to have seen? Did your Commander clearly define roles? </div>

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 2 at 2014 2:21 AM

2014-01-02T02:21:16-05:00

First off, congratulations sir.  I had four Company Commanders while I was a 1SG.  Each one brought something different to the table.  Some of the best traits were patience, patience, patience...  Patience with everything.  Take time to assess your unit before implementing any changes.  See what works and what does not.  Lean on your 1SG to give you the "no sh@t" about your unit.  He/she is there to assist you and to provide you with the facts...good or bad.  One thing that I remember very fondly is that behind closed doors is the time for you and your 1SG to discuss, argue, agree to disagree, etc., but once the door opens, the two of you are on the same the sheet of music.  You are a uniformed front for the unit.  Some of the best experiences of my career were when I was a 1SG.  The relationship between a CO CDR and a 1SG is one, that is fostered correctly, will last a career, and even longer.  Again sir, congratulations and good luck!!!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2014 2:56 AM

2014-01-02T02:56:08-05:00

Sir, I'll be brief as my Battle MSG Stankovich has covered the basics.  If at all possible attend the local CDR/1SG course together, the benefits are huge.  You'll learn more about each other by observation in the class and discussions over lunch than you can learn in a month.  Prepare to spend a lot of time with your 1SG, not all of it enjoyable.  Some of it will be recalls for a "joe" doing something his Mom would be proud of. Some will be Red Cross message delivery, way unpleasant.  Some will be ART 15 readings, which for me is some of the worst, because I always felt that I failed that Soldier somehow, irrational perhaps, but real for me.  Some times you'll be on top of the world, your company will have just won some event, sports day, unit competition whatever and the pride, knowing that those are your Soldiers, is immeasurable.  Overall Sir, it will probably be the best time in your career, even though sometimes you may want to throw things, and do.  You will have, with your Battle Buddy, the opportunity to impact lives of young (and not so young) Soldiers in a way you will never have again.  Best of luck Sir, and the best trait of any of my commanders, five of them, has been listening.  Lastly Sir, congratulations, and make it fun!     

Response by 1SG Michael Minton made Jan 3 at 2014 5:57 AM

2014-01-03T05:57:12-05:00

Sir Congratulations! Company commands can be the most gratifying jobs you will have in your career! First of all, i hope you get a strong and intelligent First Sergeant! It will make your days go by so much better. The 1SG is there to give you his knowledge, experience and support! Yet you put out your observations, goals and guidance that the 1SG will get it done! Do not come in kicking doors down and doing the 1sg's job, taking his responsibilities and authority away. If its not to your satisfaction, thats when you and the 1SG have to talk to get on same page of expectations. Take over your job slowly, making observations and asking questions from your 1sg, since he is the one familiar with the unit. It dont take long before things will start changing to what you want! you and your 1SG have to be completely together when it comes to soldiers and unit direction. Both of yas have to be able to OPENLY communicate with each other behind close doors. Me and my new commanders within a few days would sit down and just get a ideal of the unit and let it be known that you want his input and advice. that will open that channel of communication. then make it a point to just go in his or your office, shut the door and then shoot the SH^^ about the unit. best advice- open communication, frequent one on ones when it comes to decision making and make sure your on the same page.Good luck!

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Jan 3 at 2014 12:51 PM

2014-01-03T12:51:46-05:00

1LT(P) Weber:

I commend you for your humility and wisdom in seeking guidance. I have served enlisted, warrant officer, and Officer and I will share with you seeking guidance and experience for those that have served before you.

I have thirty years in, and I still seek guidance this helps you be proactive and not reactive. Get in the practice of building a team that you seek multiple views this practice keeps you objective.

Know your regulations and stay informed with IG, Sharp, and utilize your Chaplain.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 3 at 2014 5:08 PM

2014-01-03T17:08:09-05:00

A little something for your wall sir...  While there will inevitably be days that you will wish there was a "reset" button, those will not even come close to the days that you will wish never had to come to an end.  Again, great forum question and I am glad that all of these fine folks came out and contributed to the conversation.  A lot of great advice and experience here.  Good luck!!!

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 11:47 PM

2014-01-03T23:47:01-05:00

The biggest issue is to make sure your commander's hand receipt is straight. All items are accounted for and you know what all items are. Not so much their use, but know what they look like and the Serial Numbers or other identifying markings line up with your property book. Never take some ones word on something. You never want to leave command with a statement of charges or a report of survey against you. Get with your SME's for assistance on this.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Jan 4 at 2014 3:13 AM

2014-01-04T03:13:02-05:00

Seems like everyone has covered the normal "property" and other aspects of command, so I'll just toss in my two cents as to my philosophy while in command: In every decision you make - from UCMJ to who gets selected for waivers and tuition assistance- be sure that you can look your Soldiers - all of them - in the eye and articulate why you made the decision you did. 99.9% of the time you won't need to say why - heck, you never have to say why - but you had sure as hell have a reason for the decisions you make.  Soldiers cannot question their leaders' decisions (typically), so it is imperative that the leaders question their own decisions first.  Listen to your 1SG.  Listen to your Senior NCOs.  Listen to your Junior NCOs. Listen to your Soldiers.  Listen to your Commander.  Listen to everyone, but never, ever cede the responsibility and ownership of a decision to any of them.  Every decision you make is YOUR decision that YOU make - not because anyone told you to, or someone else thought it was the best idea.  It's your Command - take charge and be the Commander. When you screw up - and you will screw up - admit it, do what you can to fix it, and move on.  Your Soldiers will respect you if you can admit when you're wrong much more than putting on the "I'm always right" attitude. Take care of your Soldiers.  We always say mission first, Soldiers always, but often we include all the stupid random BS that comes throughout the day as part of the mission.  It's not.  You have an actual mission - and scrubbing floors isn't part of it.  You still have to do those other things, like scrubbing floors, but don't take away your Soldier's off-duty time to do it.  There is MORE than enough time in the day to get that done.  If your NCOs don't use their Soldiers' time wisely, then the NCOs should take care of the after-hours crap without the Soldiers. Meetings.  Never, ever, plan a meeting that requires your NCOs to attend after 1600 unless there is some serious stuff going on.  Why?  Because your NCOs are going to hold the Soldiers sitting around until after that meeting in case anything important comes up - and so you Soldiers are going to be sitting there until 1730 or 1800 for your stupid meeting to be over and so their Platoon Sergeants and Squad Leaders can put out some important, but not time sensitive, information at 1830.  Don't steal your Soldiers time.  Protect their time. Protect their FAMILY time. Don't make your NCOs wait for you to come back to release the company if you have a 1600 or later meeting with the BN Commander.  Same reasons as above - don't screw your Soldiers.  Get your crap done during the duty day. Don't be a dick.

Response by CPT Ryan B. made Apr 5 at 2014 4:12 AM

2014-04-05T04:12:52-04:00

The first thing me and my 1SG did when I took command was walk through the company. He showed me all the commodity areas (I command a Forward Support Company) and showed me the "ins and outs" as well. Then we sat down in his office with the door closed and went through every person in the company, he gave me a brief history of each soldier in the company. This took the first day of command, after the ceremony, and that evening at close out formation is when I spoke to the company for the first time as their Commander (what a rush).

My advice would be to go to the IG on your installation and pull the last command climate survey for that company, it will give you an idea of where the company stands, it's strengths, and weaknesses, and will help you develop your priorities. You can't fix everything, so don't even try. Choose 2 or 3 things and focus on those. Those priorities may well change after your 6 month survey (mine did).

As all of these 1SG's and former 1SG's have said, trust and lean on your 1SG. -

Don't let anything come between you two. If that relationship is fractured, your company and your command are doomed. If your relationship with your 1SG is fractured, even if behind closed doors, your company will see that or at least sense that something is wrong. Disagreements are fine, and I think healthy at times. But as these professionals have said, once that door opens, it's as if you and your 1SG are one person. Like these NCO's have said, 1SG's have their company's and their Commander's best interest at heart, heed their advice, but make your own decision.

Enjoy it, it goes by quick. It seemed like yesterday I took command, and it's already been 13 months and I'm looking at my Change of Command on the calendar in a couple months. Just do your best at everything you do. That is all anyone can ask of you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2014 10:53 AM

2014-05-07T10:53:50-04:00

I would say sit down lay down some clear guidelines and ask the same of your 1SG. It helps to eliminate communication disconnects and make for a smoother running company. I cant stress that if you have a difference of opinion that you handle it behind closed doors and dont trump your 1SG in front of the company. I have seen this in a battle buddy's unit and thus the company commander AND the 1SG were both releived becaus ethey couldnt get along. I congratulate you on taking command Sir and wish you and your new 1SG well.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2014 4:31 PM

2014-05-07T16:31:48-04:00

Congrats on taking command! Most everyone has already hit the most important points, so I will simply add my .02 cents. When in doubt, develop the situation. And by that I mean don't rush to judgement or make a rash decision without first getting all the facts and consulting your right hand (1SG). I got burned real good once by making a big assumption and taking some actions on an initial report that seemed sketchy and later turned out to be completely false. It was a good lesson to learn and I got a friendly "told you so" from a seasoned MSG who tried to warn me. (As mentioned, listen to your senior NCOs!!!)

The first meeting with my 1SG was all about leadership philosophy and roles and responsibilities. We knew we needed to back each other up at all times and maintain good situational awareness of our Soldiers and equipment. We learned each others strengths and weaknesses and learned how to complement each other in our leadership styles. For both of us it was our first rodeo, but after a couple months we got in a groove and things just started to flow. A good hour long sit-down discussion/initial counseling about the mission, the Soldiers and ourselves really helped get us on the same page and off to a good start.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jun 8 at 2014 10:02 PM

2014-06-08T22:02:40-04:00

CPT Weber, I think that it is great that you have the ability to reach out in a forum like this and get advice from peers, senior officers and men/women who have or who are currently serving in the capacity of 1stSgts. This is exactly why RP is relevant.

My advice would mirror much of what I have read. You asked for what I saw as the best traits of my CO, what I would have liked to have seen, and did he define roles.

I am in what I feel is the best relationship. I was recruited to the position, having previously served under his command. Because I am in the Guard, we also have a professional relationship outside of the military (both in law enforcement). So, having worked for-and with my commander, I had a good idea of what he stood for and what he was looking for.

I think that the best traits of a Commander are the ability to be a strong leader, knowledgable about the career field and able to identify solid NCOs and let them do their thing. The CC has got to truly care for his troops and they have to see it. Troops will follow a good CC into Hell. My CC truly cares about the unit, the mission and "his troops". And the troops believe it. Along with caring, a good CC has to be honest and fair and think things through. Again, that loyalty begets loyalty.

We in the Guard do not have the ability to attend a Commander/First Sergeant Course. First Sergeants go to the Academy, but CC's are left to their own devices. So that type of academic training to better the professional relationship is a great idea by Army.

As far as roles, yes. Clearly defined. As a result, have been there since '08. You have to let that 1stSgt have room to move. He will work for and with you.

Good luck with your new position Sir.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Dec 23 at 2014 4:06 AM

2014-12-23T04:06:06-05:00

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member - Quick question, sir. Are you taking command of a BCT or line unit? I ask because they're different, but also similar.

BCT is pretty much cut-and-dried. You aren't going to have a lot of interaction with the Privates.

Line? Different story While the previous command climate survey may tell you something, it won't tell you everything. Your SNCOs will tell you their side of the story. To get the rest, you need to speak to the Soldiers without SNCOs present, then make up your mind.

Trust in your 1SG and other SNCOs is absolutely essential, no matter which kind of unit you inherit, and please resist the temptation to micromanage.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 2:51 PM

2015-05-14T14:51:06-04:00

I have been in for a while and have seen numerous commanders both good and bad.

The best traits I have seen that make the best commanders:

1. Never hesitate to ask for advice before making a decision (you are already doing this by creating this post, don't stop)
2. Actually consider the advice given to you before making the decision.
3. Trust your NCO's and SNCO's
4. Clearly communicate with your unit. You cannot expect them to follow your command if they do not know your intentions, or they were unable to understand them.
5. Be fair and consistent with discipline. Don't give one guy a slap on the wrist for a DUI, then boot the next one out the door (unless the second one has screwed up on other occasions)
6. During squadron PT, join your unit and do it with them. This alone will earn you a lot of respect especially from the younger enlisted.
7. Make an effort to learn what everyone does, and if/when possible help out and work beside them.

Congrats on your selection, and best of luck becoming the best commander you can be.

Response by CSM Rik Williamson made Dec 23 at 2015 5:30 PM

2015-12-23T17:30:59-05:00

I'm a CSM. My Squadron CDR was also my Company CDR back in 2003-2005 in Iraq. We've known each other a while. My advice to forming a solid command team with your 1SG is to always listen when he advises on enlisted matters. He didn't get to be a diamond without learning a few things along the way. His job is to keep you shiny. Unless he or she is really thick, open coms and trust are the keys to success.

Response by MSG(P) Rafael Aguilera made Feb 2 at 2016 7:01 AM

2016-02-02T07:01:27-05:00

My Commander and I have forged a great relationship and are currently down range where it continues to grow. First thing we did was sit and talk. We got to know one another as PEOPLE; we learned about our families and career path that has brought us together.
Then we talked business. We fostered a system to develop PEOPLE. If you develop PEOPLE, they automatically become better Soldiers, better husbands/wives; better in their civilian sector (Guard/Reservist); better friends.
Sit down and figure out what you want the CULTURE of your command to be like. Then make a play book for success. Culture induces Behavior; Behavior induces Performance. If you want to maximize the performance of PEOPLE, get to work on the Culture. Contact me if you have any questions.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made May 10 at 2016 6:22 AM

2016-05-10T06:22:30-04:00

The Company leadership should be tight. Talk with him and figure out which lanes you are going to be in. Generally The CO should be focused on the tactical employment on the unit and it accomplishing its job. The first Sgt is going to be your enlisted leader and keep the admin people straight. you will have your XO, Supply, Comm, Motor T Typees and sub unit commanders. rely on their expertise withou letting them fall on their swords. The entire leadership team should have each others back.