Do you have any tips on how best to work with many SNCO and Officers around you?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 22:05:01 -0500

I've been attached to an HQ and I have found that there is a lot of rank here. I went into a room as ordered to pass out cards with information on them to anyone and everyone. I quickly noticed the room was full of E8 - E9 and O5 - O7, and somewhere there was a two star.

Any tips on working with this much rank around you at all times?

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 13 at 2017 10:13 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 22:13:28 -0500

Practice Makes Perfect. Oh My. I can Appreciate as an E-3 right out of A-School I was assigned to CINCPACFLT Staff. Keep the Professionalism You Learned in Boot Camp and Insert Your Own Identity and Personality into that Professionalism. In 21 Years I would serve on 2 Admirals Staff and in Direct Support of Another. I have Faith in You Brother! CTO1 Wm "Chip" Nagel USN(R). Master at Arms to Commander Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and Off Line Encryption Operator for Commander in Chief United States Pacific Fleet.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2017 10:35 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 22:35:00 -0500

Just remember the respect and courtesies you learned in boot camp. In time the awe factor of all that rank will wear off a little and you will become more comfortable in those settings; just don't become complacent.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Feb 13 at 2017 10:51 PM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 22:51:08 -0500

Put into practice what you learned. The officers can be addressed by their rank or sir. Same goes for the 8 & 9's. Respect never goes out of style. If you spend a lot of time interacting with them, use their last name when addressing them, just be sure to not drop their rank, i.e., Captain Smith.

Response by SFC George Smith made Feb 13 at 2017 11:01 PM

SFC George Smith — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 23:01:02 -0500

Yes Sir... No Sir ... 3 Bags Full Sir...

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 13 at 2017 11:07 PM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 23:07:34 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Take a deep breath and do your best. Be professional, and do your job well. Don't ever become complacent or too comfortable.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Feb 13 at 2017 11:08 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 23:08:08 -0500

Just remember a few key rules:
1. Complacency kills!
2. Remember your Customs and Courtesies.
3. Senior ranks were once young and impressionable too.
4. Complacency KILLS! (yeah, it's that important!)
5. Watch, listen, learn.

Another tidbit to keep in the back of your cranial unit.... These folks put their trousers on the same way you do. Tie 'em up between two chairs and jump right in! (what? doesn't everyone do it this way?) Don't get complacent but don't let the concentrated awesomeness bowl you over either. Deep down, they are people to (well, most of 'em anyway). In time, you will develop your routine and learn how to handle the situation with confidence.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Feb 13 at 2017 11:10 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 23:10:25 -0500

JUST remember This that they are Officers and Generals and Also SGM and MSG' and address them as were taught in Basic Training and be sure be courtesies the More time you are in you understand what is expected of you. Good Luck.
SSG MARK FRANZEN
USA VET

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2017 12:30 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 00:30:21 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member you will get used to it. We are all human. I found that out when I had a two-star ask me where the port-a-john was located on my jobsite.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Feb 14 at 2017 12:47 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 00:47:05 -0500

Be polite, courteous and even if Your addressed by first name don't respond with theirs, use rank and perhaps add last name to rank. I never found working with General Officers a problem as a Senior NCO, I had the same input as a Colonel for the most part. When a General asks You opinion or for Your input its usually because He wants it. If You arrive at the upper NCO or Officer ranks more than likely that may be You experience also. As a Junior Officer or enlisted man You don't have to be terrified but You have to reach a certain level before You will have much influence, nothing now, pretty much how its been in any organization looking up. Be respectful and don't forget those customs and courtesies, watch, listen and learn.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Feb 14 at 2017 12:56 AM

SN Greg Wright — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 00:56:46 -0500

They get up and put their pants on one leg at a time, just like you. They wipe their ass just like you do. I am being deliberately vulgar in an effort to show you that they are, no matter what their rank, just human. Observe the respect and courtesies you owe them, but don't put them on a pedestal unless they've earned that from you. Professionalism, courtesy, respect. That's what you owe them. Awe, you do not. I once arm-barred the civilian SES commander of my SCIF from entering, because he did not have his badge and I didn't know him. I would have done the same to a 4-star if they didn't have the credentials.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 14 at 2017 5:25 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 05:25:09 -0500

Honestly, they're just people. Be polite and courteous, and do your job... no biggie.

Response by SGT Robert Wager made Feb 14 at 2017 6:26 AM

SGT Robert Wager — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 06:26:47 -0500

First and foremost be a subject matter expert in your job. Do it right the first time, every time. Be respectful but not meek. The shine wears off with age. That applies to the chevrons, brass, and silver on all those collars and shoulder boards. Remember, there is a lot of knowledge and wisdom around you. Absorb that. Learn the "big picture" and it will help you for the rest of your career.

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Feb 14 at 2017 8:13 AM

1SG Al Brown — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 08:13:07 -0500

Tact and professionalism. Works every time.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2017 9:47 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 09:47:33 -0500

I remember my younger Army days with this same type of thought. As I grew in rank and experience, it finally dawned on me that these high ranking folks are really no different than me. They put their uniform on the same.....they have the same (if not worse) hardships, they chewed the same dirt as me. When working with/for them, just constantly keep your professionalism and military bearing strong and the rest will fall into place and you will find that you will become more at ease with their presence. I just wish it didn't take me so long to learn this lesson.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Feb 14 at 2017 10:51 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 10:51:36 -0500

Do your job, don't need to be told to do your job, listen more than you speak, If asked for your opinion, THINK, then give it as appropriate to the discussion and audience.
Anticipate, have things ready they ask for every Thursday (or any other day)
Strive to be the one they give extra work to....Its not because they are mad, its because they trust you and need it done right the first time, on time, and know you'll comeback and tell them it s done, or not, and if not why, what you already tried and what you need to get the task finished.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 14 at 2017 12:04 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 12:04:36 -0500

I spent a lot of time in Headquarters in my 40 years of working as an Air Force officer, government contractor, and Army Civilian. Here's some advice.
-Pay close attention to every detail of your personal appearance and uniform. You may be the first impression a visitor gets of the entire Headquarters.
-Many Senior Officers and NCOs at Headquarters aren't used to seeing junior enlisted. They will either ignore you or they will want to talk to you because you represent a unique experience in their daily grind. Either way, be absolutely courteous and discretely honest.
-Learn tact. You may be asked to herd senior officers, NCOs, or their guests. In this case, you will be working in the name of the most senior officer involved in the event. Start with "Sir, it's time for everybody to take their seats." If that doesn't work, you'll need to go to, "Sir, General Smith will be here is a couple of minutes, can I show you to your seat?" You get the idea. Courteous but firm. If the Honorable Congresswoman from Texas has broccoli in her teeth after lunch, don't tell her. Find her military aide or assistant and tell him or her.
-Give directions when asked, but not advice. If the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Something wants to know how to get to Burger King, tell them (if you know). If they ask you about a good place for lunch, defer to a more senior officer or NCO.
-Listen and learn. This assignment allows you exposure to very senior people. Listen to how they converse. Try to discover how they make decisions. Learn how they make and maintain networks. See whom they appear to trust and whom they may not give much credit. Don't comment on any of this, but file it away for dealing with senior people in the future.
-Never gossip.
-Know what your security clearance (or lack thereof) means. Get out of the room as quietly as possible if you think you might be exposed to classified information you aren't cleared to see.
-Lear how to talk to Government Contractors. This is almost as important as dealing with classified. Learn what you can and cannot say to Government Contractors. If in doubt, be courteous, but say nothing of substance. The Army and Defense Acquisition have some good on-line courses on this subject.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Feb 14 at 2017 1:05 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 13:05:50 -0500

The same way you would work with anyone else in a professional environment. Be professional. They put their trousers on one leg at a time too. So the biggest thing to do is get over the fear aspect. I worked with a lot of rank too and one thing I noticed about my Junior Marines is they were afraid to knock on the Officer's door. Whether they were afraid of the rank or afraid of getting chewed out, I don't know. But like I've told my Marines, you knock, you walk in. Give the proper greeting of the day. Conduct your business. Get out.

Working with higher ranks isn't hard once you get over the intimidation of it. Frankly, as they get used to your presence, they might even loosen up and joke around with you as well. But you have to remember there are times to joke and there are times to put the game face on. Just relax and be professional and you'll be fine.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2017 3:38 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 15:38:38 -0500

People say, "Professionalism" but that goes passed merely remembering your C&C. This is rare chance for you to step up and stand out, and you should embrace it fully. Never leave a job half done, look for ways to make it better, but confer with your POC.
Have a career plan! I suggest you check out your EPS packet, and a NCOER and look at the categories, and sit down with your POC to make sure you have a path toward the best possible ratings, and about once a quarter, re-assess and see how you are doing.
This might seem off topic, but the older timers actually love to see a young soldier with a plan and some goals for their career.

Learn about strategic career planning, and start setting one up. When will you be eligible for promotion, what steps are you going to take to ensure you are at the top of the list? What can you become a subject matter expert on, and how do you ensure people see it, without looking like a suck up?

You can apply this to pretty much every facet of life, determine a goal, figure out what you need to accomplish it, make a plan, check on the progress, assess the way forward,..

Kinda, like Military Decision Making.
1.Receipt of Mission
2.Mission Analysis
3.Course of action (COA) Development
4.COA Analysis (aka War gaming)
5.COA Comparison
6.COA Approval
7.Orders Production, Dissemination, and Transition

For most of us old timers, we want to see someone worth mentoring, but it starts with you.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2017 3:45 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 15:45:56 -0500

One more thing, get organized. Never forget anything build an NCO book/ leaders book, and be on top of the information you are supposed to have. "I've got that information right here Sir." or "Sir, I will have that information for you ASAP." and mean it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2017 8:19 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 08:19:56 -0500

Like a lot of these Gentleman have stated. Customs and courtesies. I'm in somewhat of the same boat. Minus the stars part. But in aviation I deal with a lot of officers from Cw2 - Colonels. They walk the same way we do, there isn't anything to be worried about. As long as you do your best at your job, honestly that's all they care about. If they see you need improvement anywhere they'll let you know what you can do to change it. Best of luck to you.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2017 4:21 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 16:21:15 -0500

I work in a similar position. At the top of the list is to always be respectful, and don't be nervous whenever they have a conversation with you. Most of them have been where you are now at some point in their careers so you have a plentiful amount of knowledge around you for both career and life questions. Always be on top of your game, be that best that you can be at what you do, it's an amazing sensation when you become the 'Go-To-Guy' but always stay humble.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2017 8:51 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 20:51:08 -0500

I would like to thank everyone for their advice. I'm going to be in my position for awhile I think so it's something I need to work on.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 1:47 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 13:47:31 -0500

I've learned quickly that if I don't know or am unsure to simply voice that information. I've seen a lot of guys stay quiet and try and figure it out only for the deadline to be delayed. Me simply admitting that I don't know the answer or how to do what they're asking me to do has fixed a lot of problems.

I've also noticed that they do like it when we think, if we notice something incorrect or what we think may be incorrect that if we voice it with our suggested correction instead of just doing the potentially incorrect action due to lack of information or instruction or experience whatever the case may be.

I've also learned that sometimes SNCO's and Officers get so focused on the task at hand they forget we don't know everything that they're doing yet or how to properly assist. So a respectful reminding is helpful rather than just trying to figure it out. While also at the same time trying to figure it out by yourself is also appreciated. So it's an interesting puzzle sometimes.

Complacency... I've learned this one immediately with some of the juniors who have been here longer than me. I quickly found myself falling into their habits because they've been here. That was not the right thing to do.

I appreciate all of the advice you have had to offer.