Does a Company/Detachment level Executive Officer need to follow direction from the Senior Enlisted Leader?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 10:01:08 -0400

The entry level Executive Officers of detachment/company organizations seem to be under the impression (at least in my experience) that they are only there for the Commander and do not need to follow any directions given by the Detachment Sergeant/First Sergeant. Exactly what is their role/purpose?

Response by SGT Corey Franks made Apr 8 at 2015 1:15 PM

SGT Corey Franks — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 13:15:50 -0400

Yes and No, they need to listen for their advice but they do not take orders.

Response by CPT Elizabeth Foster made Apr 9 at 2015 12:17 AM

CPT Elizabeth Foster — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 00:17:38 -0400

Good commanders and NCO's ensure that all those within their command have a clear and functional understanding of the chain of command and how operations are to be conducted. If these basic things are ambiguous, by all means, ask for clarification from your next higher.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Sep 5 at 2015 12:29 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 12:29:36 -0400

Since I am Navy, there is somewhat of a difference. But, never having shy about an opinion on about anything, No, they should not need to, since they would be the CO in the blink of an eye. But, if I were the XO and a Senior NCO with years of experience advised me, I would take his advice and move as I saw being appropriate

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Aug 2 at 2019 3:03 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 15:03:39 -0400

Any officer is wise to listen to the opinions and advice of the senior NCOs, however, the Exec is responsible to his CO for his decisions. If things go wrong, the CO is not going to hold the senior enlisted person responsible so it behooves the Exec to use his judgement and act in a manner he feels appropriate and will be consistent with the CO's desires.
The Exec's role/purpose is to act on behalf of the CO in his absence. The Detachment Sergeant/First Sergeant's responsibility is to provide his opinion and advice to the CO/XO and execute such direction as given by the CO or XO.

Response by CPT Tommy Curtis made Aug 2 at 2019 10:46 PM

CPT Tommy Curtis — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 22:46:56 -0400

Anytime would be a fool not to take what your first sergeant says seriously. I knew they had been in a lot longer than I had.