Does age have any bearing on your first impression of an incoming soldier or NCO?

2013-12-19T18:10:26-05:00

So I am a very young SSG in the Army (23) and it seems that any unit I go to I have to prove myself even more than most in order to gain the trust and confidence of my leadership than someone of an older age. I was just wondering if anyone else out there has any input on this situation i find myself in frequently.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 6:18 PM

2013-12-19T18:18:37-05:00

It shouldn't. Army Leader's should judge an individual based on performance and personal drive, unfortunately that doesn't always happen. Too often, Leaders tend to compare others (subordinates included) on performance of individuals they have known in the past and hold in high regards.

We should always hold our opinions close to our chest when evaluating new Soldiers and subordinates, but most people judge others by appearance rather than getting to know someone and judging their performance.

I can say this for you though, if you continue to work hard and strive to excel, then eventually your efforts will be recognized and you will be rewarded for your efforts. If not, then it sounds like you may have a case to take to higher leadership or IG/EO.

Hope all works out for you.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 19 at 2013 6:42 PM

2013-12-19T18:42:57-05:00

Don't worry, a decade from now you'll be doing the same thing when you meet your new 23 year old LT. ;)

Response by SFC Shakira Browne made Dec 19 at 2013 7:40 PM

2013-12-19T19:40:59-05:00

I too have run into this problem. I was 25 when I pinned SSG. To add to that I am also a single mother, so I am usually automatically tagged as a potential problem. I let my work ethic and soldier's performance speak for me. As well as my "Resume", which is what I consider my NCOER. I also like to think of it like this, the older generation of soldiers can not deal with the fact that many of the younger generation, while some are careless, are go getters. Keep your head up man and NEVER let someone else opinions determine YOUR performance!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 7:48 PM

2013-12-19T19:48:35-05:00

I know from my experience and due to my age my old Platoon Sergeant would NOT send my to the Staff Sergeant Promotion Board because he thought no one should be ready to wear that rank at only 4-5 years in the Army. This was on my 3rd deployment to Iraq having served in two already in a Squad Leader "SSG Position". He was a fast tracker back in the day, and he said age had a lot to do with rank.

At the time I listened and thought about what he said, but now I see a lot of guys who made SFC list last year a lot younger than I. I am 28 years old with over 10 years in the Army and I am getting looked at for SFC this year for my first look. Had I went to the board a few years before then, I would be on my 2nd or 3rd look.

My opinion is this. I would rather be a strong older E-6 than a young E-7. Reason for this is no matter who you are, we are all judged based on our rank. It kills me when I see younger SFC's who out rank me, especially on the trail as a Drill Sergeant that are clueless on skill level 1 tasks. Some of them can't even write a proper NCOER, but they are quick to tell you that they made E-7 in 7 years at the age of 26 or 27.

I will be happy when I do make the list. I am a religious man and when the time is right for me to progress and get promoted then it will come. For now I try and focus on being the best SSG in the battalion, and will worry about the next rank and age when it comes.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 7:59 PM

2013-12-19T19:59:31-05:00

I think for the most part age shouldn't be a factor if someone has gained a lot of hard earned experience in a short time period (which often happens wen we are in wartime situations). I have seen both kinds at all levels, some that are young who deserve to be promoted and some that are older and you wonder how they got promoted.

The leadership (if it's any good) will look at all factors when considering someone for promotion. The 'good old boy' network needs to be dismantled whenever or wherever it is discovered - that sad system has done more detrimental effects to our military than any enemy ever has.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Dec 20 at 2013 8:57 PM

2013-12-20T20:57:34-05:00

Because trust is so important, it must be earned. Simply having rank on your chest (or arms...or wherever else it may be) doesn't earn trust; what it does represent is that you are (or should be) good at your MOS. Even SFCs and MSGs/1SGs have to earn trust of their leaders/Soldiers...I hear it's a little less of an effort when you reach SGM/CSM.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 8:58 PM

2013-12-20T20:58:13-05:00

People believe with age come experience but their are also people out there who have experience more because they have lived there life's. If A troop or a NCO is profession, can PT and know his/her job then growth is there.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 7:48 AM

2014-01-22T07:48:38-05:00

In my opinion...it makes sense for more than one reason. First impression are said to stick and I find that true. The first time anyone sees you in action is where...PT. Maybe its not far to judge you based off you physical ability and it does always stop there with GREAT LEADERS. I would like to think there is a 360 degree evaluation given. Say you are not top 5 in PT but can lead, train, and mentor Soldiers and very proficient in your MOS as well as all your duties and responsibilities requires. Then that alone will be your proving factor. As far as age...experience beats all but again I think if you continually work hard and keep your shot group tight then you will not only earn the trust and respect of your leaders, peers, and Soldiers but you will know that the respect and trust given is 100% EARNED and not because AR 670-1 said so!

Response by CPT Mike M. made Jan 22 at 2014 8:07 AM

2014-01-22T08:07:51-05:00

Not really int erms of a negative first impression but when an older individual comes into a unit, and by that I mean, an age where they're noticeably older than their peers, it gets me curious as to why. Did they enter late? Did they get out and come back in? Is there something wrong that's made them get overlooked for promotion?
On the opposite side of the age spectrum, I've never really given it much thought on someone who's young coming in.

Response by SFC Ricardo Ruiz made Jan 22 at 2014 8:53 AM

2014-01-22T08:53:13-05:00

battle keep moving forward soon you be the boss

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 10:13 AM

2014-01-22T10:13:34-05:00

It comes down to certainly time and what you have done to achieve your rank. Most people including myself cannot speak intelligently on this topic because no one really knows a specific or realistic time frame when a Soldier should be promoted after earning E-5. I would say this, if you have the knowledge of Leadership and understanding and compassion for Soldiers genuinely. Then it does not matter what, why, or when you were promoted. Jealousy is the biggest form of flattery. Congrats on your E-6; I would suggest to tread with caution however; look at the trends currently evolving rapid promoted NCO's are going to begin to possibly get removed from service, You cannot hold a E-7 slot up for 10yrs because you don't meet the time requirements for E-8. What I mean by that is I had a nice immersion in my career check my profile out. I was E-5 in five years, on my ninth year I was promotable, and my 11th year I made points. The Army is saturated with NCO's; the leaders who will survive the cuts and uncertainty will be those that have well-rounded knowledge, deployments, and a desire to train mold and develop future NCO's. I don't want to take away anything from you but rapidly promoted NCO's have caused problems amongst the slower more steadfast NCO's If you were promoted so quickly did you learn enough writing 4856's to now rate an individual. Maybe this is what your command is thinking of you.. How can a E-6 with five/six years in possibly attain the skills to evaluate his own subordinate NCO's properly...when you had little to no time EOM, Corrective action, and positive action 4856's to E-4 and below...??? Think about it,,, it can go both ways...I have seen it.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Jan 22 at 2014 10:23 AM

2014-01-22T10:23:08-05:00

I made E6 when I was 23 as well (right around 4 years) the only concern I had was that when my file went in front of the SFC board my
age and time in service would be considered a discriminator. I still made E7 under my timeline but I was an E6 for around 6 years and I was consistenly trying to figure out what the board was looking for. Was very frustrating for me, but stay the course you are doing very well for yourself.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 11:06 AM

2014-01-22T11:06:35-05:00

My opinion would be to learn and grow from all this. Continue to do the right thing for your soldiers and yourself. Being a young SSG means nothing as long as you are producing quality leadership to your subordinates. If this means you have to continue to prove yourself; well so be it. Many of us were young SSGs and came across the same way to our senior leaders. This will only continue if you make SFC at an early age.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 9:46 PM

2014-01-22T21:46:00-05:00

Egh, Im not so sure about proving yourself because of your age but more of just being reliable. If you are as good as you feel you are, this should be a nonfactor. Are you sure you are not self conscious about that yourself? If you are a strong leader, that "proving" yourself concept will go away quickly. But it is probably no different than when you receive a new junior Soldier and they request to go to the board and you tell them no--- because you don't know their work ethic and potential yet.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 10:06 PM

2014-01-22T22:06:43-05:00

Age, no...However I do believe the Navy has a flawed advancement system in which the Sailor takes a test for advancement. So in theory, (and I have seen this in a couple instances) someone could in fact become an E-6 in their first four/five years in the Navy if they are a good test taker and have a great memory and study habits. Thats great for them; good job; but unless they were a supervisor as an E-5, how are they going to be able to lead a division as an E-6? They have had very little "people-management" time in order to learn how to be a leader

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 10:34 PM

2014-01-23T22:34:44-05:00

Ambition wins the day! Age is part of your first impression. I've had both sides of the coin reporting as a 27 y/o 10yrs TIS SFC and continuing to prove you've earned your spot and then being the 30 y/o 2LT where age and prior service gives you a long leash. Keep ambitious goals and don't worry about the whispers...What's the quote of the week, "A lion doesn't concern himself with the opinions of a sheep."

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Oct 18 at 2015 7:45 PM

2015-10-18T19:45:00-04:00

I was a SGT looking like I was 16 and I had one duty station where no one took me serious, It was annoying as all get out, but not as bad as being tossed from every bar at 21!!!