Posted on Feb 9, 2018
Does anybody have any advice on CSM duties and responsibilities?
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I am stepping into a new rank and duty position as a BN CSM. Aside from the tradition roles of maintaining the colors, and maintaining morale and welfare, what other duties and responsibilities should I expect or ask for to assist my Commander and the entire Battalion? Any and all advice, anecdotes and stories welcomed.
CSM
Leadership
Battalion Commander
Responsibility
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 30
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Be firm but fair. Spend as much time with the Troops as you can - make that happen (gotta keep the 6 from growing roots into a chair bottom). Get your hands dirty while with your Troops. Don’t let any Commander do “stupid” in a “non-stupid” zone.
Expect and demand professionalism from all NCO’s. Training is HUGE. Teach them how to teach their juniors how to fight, win, and survive. Teamwork all the way, no excuses.
Expect and demand professionalism from all NCO’s. Training is HUGE. Teach them how to teach their juniors how to fight, win, and survive. Teamwork all the way, no excuses.
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Give your Soldiers the benefit of doubt. Take care of them. When their leadership wants to punish them, you owe it to them to hear their side too. If they are wrong find a way to get them back on track with little impact on them and the unit. Understand that everyone makes mistakes. If they are unrecoverable, slam the hammer on them and put them out quickly. We are not going to win the war today. If its not done by 1700, it can wait until tomorrow. Give Soldiers more time with their families. Keep their families happy as well. Then the obvious, give them everything they need to be good at their job. Good luck CSM. If you need a 1SG, I'm here.
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CSM (Join to see)
MSG. Thanks for the reminder and sound advice. Much appreciated. If you ever need a job, look me up.
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Do not be chair/office bound! You will not be able to know all of the Soldiers in the BN, but you should know most of the NCOs, their history and strong points. Do not be chair bound!
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MCPO Roger Collins
An old management theory was called Management By Walking Around (MBWA). It works.
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Walk around your AO with an insulated cup of coffee and threaten lower enlisted to not walk with their hands pockets and stay off the grass. Do that and you’ll fit the bill perfectly.
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Congrats on your soon to be CSM spot. Would what I would say is let your 1SGs be in their Company not your office for 4-6hrs daily. Yes of course there are standard meetings and other things that go on. Back in 2000-2004 as an Artillery Soldier I would see the CMD group often if not daily at ranges or coming to the field even when we went with Infantry and Artillery didn't go. Nowadays it seems everytime some needs the CMD group they have to hangout and wait for them to finish at BN. Which leads into the Soldiers hanging out after hours waiting on notes to be passed fown the chain to them, bad morale, bad work ethic and garbage CMD Climate surveys. Even though it may not be stated that way I can guarantee that's some of the biggest contributing factors.
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First be the example- in all the little things, they matter. Get out of the office often go around look and just be seen, ask questions. Be the Battalion/BDE senior trainer (work with the S3) Work with all NCOs and young officers - they will make up our Army in the future.
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SGM (Join to see)
Great advice! I call this "Leadership By Walking Around" (LBWA). It's being seen where soldiers don't expect you - in the motor pool getting dirty, in the field showing you know how to accomplish tasks there, setting the example everywhere you go. Talking to troops, not always about work but about their families, how they are doing, what are their thoughts. Listen to them, don't always do the talking. Same thing with your mid-grade NCOs and JOs. Let them see you are interested in what they think and how they are doing, and that you want to help them learn to be better NCOs and officers, that it's part of your job to help them and that you're approachable. Just make sure you aren't going behind your 1SG or CO CDR's backs with anything. Have fun! Beside 1SG, being a BN CSM was the best job I ever had in the Army. I had two terrific BN CDRs and we developed great relationships. Enjoy life, because it just don't get any better than where you're at!
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You need to build a relationship with your CDR, you are his eyes and ears for what is going on. Are his/her orders and vision being fulfilled, if not why. You need to place an emphasis on the NCO CORPS you are key in guiding, mentoring and directing Soldiers within your scope. You and your CDR have to be on the same page, ensure you input to him is directed by Regulations, policies and procedures. Your CSM should be there to mentor you, use him and other fellow CSM’s as get guidance and direction as well as “What works and What doesn’t. “
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I was never a CSM but I feel the most fundamental job of the CSM is to be an NCO to the battalion's NCOs. Basically, if your NCOs are doing their jobs right, particularly the 1SGs and PSGTs, you should have relatively little to do. Yes, its nice to come up with new programs and bright ideas but what really matters is making sure that soldiers are cared for. This care should be provided by their NCOs and it is your job to see that it is. The other major component of the job is to set and enforce standards. As a 1SG you know you want to be left alone to run your company so stay away from the 1SGs who are doing their jobs right. When the underperforming 1SGs figure this out they will improve their performance if, for no other reason, to keep you way. You should have an NCO call once a week for E-7s and above to see how things are going. You should share your observations and concerns with them and they should with you. Good luck!
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