Posted on Jul 1, 2015
Do you have any advice on going from E4 to E5?
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I'm currently a SPC trying to get my NCO's to take me seriously and put me in a team leader spot so that I can go to the P board (I guess it's some kind of requirement for this company). I'm motivated almost every day, I'm always working, and the joes listen to me and usually don't give me any lip when I inform them of a detail we need to do. Usually half way through the job, an NCO will walk up and take over and I end up getting no credit for any of the work I put into whatever we had going on. I really don't know where I stand in this company and am honestly getting tired of being overlooked. Any advice would be appreciated because I'm starting to lose faith and motivation.
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 113
I was in this company, 118th is way better. my advice....PCS! call branch
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Don't ever make your men do that you would never do yourself. I had a couple of bad NCO's who only cared about making privates do push ups instead training them.
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SPC Prudent Bute
As preparation, you might ask to be sent to the soldier of the month board, and PLDC
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Be patient and a good listener. You have to persevere hardship as it is the process of grooming future strong and noble leaders. Good Luck in your endeavors.
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I am familiar with the unit that you speak of and the frequent goings on. You should consult with your NCO about how to get credit for the work you have done, it should be reflected in your professional development counseling and if it isn't, ask why you are not being recognized. These are the sort of leaders who will typically ask you a day before your 638 is due, what you have done to improve the unit. I used to tell all of my soldiers, take the initiative before the initiative takes you. In other words, if something needs to get done go and do it, regardless of your position and skill level. You will not only develop your competency in this manner but will become more proficient in the smaller or lesser grade tasks. The joes not giving you any lip isn't an indicator of anything when it comes to accomplishing small tasks, some will do it kicking and screaming and others in silent resentment. You have no control over that. My advice to you is, get the tasks done before the NCO arrives.
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Not getting credit for the extra hard work, non-complaining, and pushing on, is the name of the game man.
Just got remember, your hard work will pay off in the end just like it did for me. There's someone watching you and what you're doing, even if it doesn't seem like it.
I was in the same boat. Working my ass off day to day, always saying yes to being called in, taking charge when there was no one in charge, etc. and finally one day our platoon had a get together after formation and they rearranged the platoon and I hear "2nd Squad, Charlie team, TL: Spc Davis"
Just got to keep on pushing, make it known what you're doing and that you want more and are hungry for it. Also you got to give it a little time, you need to season your self in as a Spc. Do what you can as a soldier, and your name will brought up when a spot comes open when the time comes.
Just got remember, your hard work will pay off in the end just like it did for me. There's someone watching you and what you're doing, even if it doesn't seem like it.
I was in the same boat. Working my ass off day to day, always saying yes to being called in, taking charge when there was no one in charge, etc. and finally one day our platoon had a get together after formation and they rearranged the platoon and I hear "2nd Squad, Charlie team, TL: Spc Davis"
Just got to keep on pushing, make it known what you're doing and that you want more and are hungry for it. Also you got to give it a little time, you need to season your self in as a Spc. Do what you can as a soldier, and your name will brought up when a spot comes open when the time comes.
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Every Nco and leader will always watch everyone in they unit, if an individual shows leadership, when slot is open for e-4(coporal) or e-5,etc. More chances of promotion. But my tips is to do your best, motivate, shows everyone your leadership skills but don't be cocky(I don't mean any offense, but some individual try to get cocky). You'll do fine.
Also another thing, in spare time volunteer for desk duties.
Also another thing, in spare time volunteer for desk duties.
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SPC (Join to see) I have two things. Don't forget where you came from and you are not just one of the guys anymore.
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Take charge of your situation without asking if it is ok. Be the leader. Be the quiet leader that everyone looks to. Don't be a whiner and don't be lazy. And remember, it's the Army, things change quickly with turnover. So, be the leader that also knows when to follow. We don't get to pick our leaders, at least I didn't, but I did get to pick my attitude. I chose to project leadership. When people see you step up to lead and then see what you described as another NCO taking over, they will notice that. But if you take the half hearted attitude of 'Oh well, someone is going to steal my recognition' and fail to LEAD, then it is on you. Perhaps reading the NCO creed might help you sustain. But most of all, be the leader. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3a/21/73/3a21735ed0dccbf6464c13ac20dbe856.jpg
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Take as many classes as you can: CLS, UPL (once you get your 5), just anything extra to make you stand out. This way, when they need people for those things, they can come to you. If this stuff Keeps up, take it up the chain and ask. If it still continues, check into transferring to a unit that won't be like this. Seems to me that the NCO doesn't want the work, but wants the credit.
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I was at the same point as you one time in my care and I lost my drive. I was able to find it again but by that time I no longer wanted to be an NCOs. So keep up your drive and passion to be an NCO volunteer for every board you can. This may mean going to the first Sargent and expressing your desires but make sure you do this in the proper milatary way.
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Firstly, if being overlooked is the reason you want a promotion, you are not ready to become a SGT.
You need to show you can be a good leader, and good leaders don't work for recognition. Just focus on your job, when appropriate, do more than that. Don't bicker about your leadership.
Speaking of leadership, the best way to promote is to ask yours. Your team leader/squad leader should be able to further assist and guide you.
You need to show you can be a good leader, and good leaders don't work for recognition. Just focus on your job, when appropriate, do more than that. Don't bicker about your leadership.
Speaking of leadership, the best way to promote is to ask yours. Your team leader/squad leader should be able to further assist and guide you.
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First question is, have you been to WLC yet? If you are a SPC, even as a PFC you should talk you Squad Leader into getting in to the school. How long have you been in your unit? This always a big deal, if you are new they might want you to continue to prove yourself awhile to show what your strengths are. I was a team leader for 3 years and if someone new came a long that had the time and grade to unseat me I had to be ready to either continuing to prove myself or be prepared to step one spot over. Motivation is an every day need not almost every day.
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Well first off stop referring to them as "joes" and saying they don't give you any lip. You sound like you're probably a dick and that is not a good leadership trait. I recommend memorizing the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer, then progress into understanding it.
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If I knew then what I know now...
Shortly before my ETS, around 1976, the Army came out with a new reg saying anyone who wanted to make Sgt had to go to the NCO Academy FIRST. Before that, they were making people ACTING Sergeant left and right, and they could go to the Academy at some point later. I asked everyone from my TC and 1st Sgt to the Bn Sgt Major to be put on the list for the NCO Academy. Every month a new list came out, and every month my name wasn't on it.
Meanwhile, my 1st Sgt, who used to be my Plt Sgt, made two guys who used to be on his tank crew Acting CORPORALS... clever, eh... mostly because they were the best coffee-getters he'd ever seen.
So I finally decided that if that was what they wanted for "NCOs", they didn't want me. My ETS came, and I left.
Now, what I maybe SHOULD have done was re-up for anywhere else BUT there, and gone after my stripes at Ft Knox or Ft Hood. If I had, maybe I would have retired in 1991.
Shortly before my ETS, around 1976, the Army came out with a new reg saying anyone who wanted to make Sgt had to go to the NCO Academy FIRST. Before that, they were making people ACTING Sergeant left and right, and they could go to the Academy at some point later. I asked everyone from my TC and 1st Sgt to the Bn Sgt Major to be put on the list for the NCO Academy. Every month a new list came out, and every month my name wasn't on it.
Meanwhile, my 1st Sgt, who used to be my Plt Sgt, made two guys who used to be on his tank crew Acting CORPORALS... clever, eh... mostly because they were the best coffee-getters he'd ever seen.
So I finally decided that if that was what they wanted for "NCOs", they didn't want me. My ETS came, and I left.
Now, what I maybe SHOULD have done was re-up for anywhere else BUT there, and gone after my stripes at Ft Knox or Ft Hood. If I had, maybe I would have retired in 1991.
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SPC O Quinn,
How much time in grade do you have?
Does your Company have an OML (Order of Merit List)? Are you AC or Reserve?
How much time in grade do you have?
Does your Company have an OML (Order of Merit List)? Are you AC or Reserve?
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It was like that for me at my first duty station, but I did my time there and moved on. Even though I stayed in the same brigade, I moved to a different post and eventually god E-5. You will have to start over again, but once you get it will be worth.
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You need to show leadership qualities to get those ranks also take the classes to advance.
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The best thing to do is keep on keeping on eventually someone will take notice don't lose faith it may take you going downrange but it will happen keep it up you got this
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