Does anybody have any advice on CSM duties and responsibilities?

Connect with the senior NCOs in the BN. You have the experience from being a 1SG how things can be solved at the NCO level before it rises to command involvement. Keep the commander informed at an informal level so he is aware of any possible actions that may be necessary at his level.
Set an example for your personnel.
Had to evaluate a MSG who applied for the CSM at our reserve brigade HQ. He misquoted regs and showed one day with a lapel pin on his uniform instead of the ribbon. He didn't make the cut.

Good luck in your assignment.

Not my service or career path. I was acting Company 1st Sgt off and on while Company GySgt, but that's it. Anybody can fill in for a few days, so it's not significant. If you could find a CSM that would let you "shadow" him/her for a week or so, and your Command is supportive, that might be beneficial. You'll at least witness some of the duties, and from there write down some areas you need to focus on. I'd guess you'll get some formal training as well. In the meanwhile hit the books. Congrats and good luck.

mentor your subordinates down to the lowest E-5s, motivate them and enforce discipline as its the soul of the army or at least it needs to be again.

Firstly, congratulations. That said, what made you successful as a 1SG will certainly be pillars of your leadership style as a CSM. Know your boss and be on the same sheet of music with him as you work towards the BN's goals. Work with the COs and 1SGs to make the routine processes of the Army routine -- mentor the PLs and PSGs WRT leadership and the aforementioned processes -- be a presence around your Soldiers (not a nuisance).

Make frequent use of the term "Zonk!".
;-)


Okay...I'll shut up now.

HA HA HA!

I was an Army Civilian at a major command headquarters. We had several E-9s on staff, but only one CSM. The CSM was the chief advisor and advocate for the enlisted and civilian personnel on the staff. He advised the commander, a major general, on issues related to the morale, welfare, and good discipline of the military and civilian workforce. He maintained a network with the CSMs at the Brigades and Battalions. The CSM accompanied the commander on nearly all unit visits. This gave him (we didn't have any female CSMs while I was there) an opportunity to meet with the people at the Brigades and Battalions. Often the CSM was in charge of "huah" for the command. He provided motivational inputs at all-hands meetings at the HQ and on unit visits. He also kept the supply of motivational items, such as coins. As a senior civilian, I knew I could go talk with the CSM any time I had a question about or issue with the enlisted force in the command. He provided excellent advice and a little motivation to go with it. All of our CSMs were outstanding Soldiers, highly experienced, extremely positive, and expert communicators.

Great advice- nothing new, just remember you are the bridge between SM/NCO and the Commander. The Commander is responsible for training his officers, that does not mean you can't help by informal sessions for them to get the NCO side of things. You have to be totally impartial, you and the CO are a team- but there needs to be lots of room for frank disagreement without any rancor or grudges. Train/Train your NCO's at all levels and hold meetings to keep them in the loop and smart. Drive on CSM!!

Don't forget where you came from. Stay grounded.

I think troops can sense when a senior forgets his/her roots as a junior enlisted.

Advise honestly above.
Advocate passionately for those below you.


MSG Bo

You have seen it all. Take care of your troops, lead them, respect them, and if necessary, correct them.

CSM Archer, I would get the Non Commissioned Officers in a room and ask them what they need to do their jobs and where you can focus your effort.