For those of you who are already NCOs, what was the hardest part of transitioning from a junior enlisted member to an NCO for you?

2016-03-26T09:07:22-04:00

Response by Sgt Roan Isaku made Mar 26 at 2016 9:10 AM

2016-03-26T09:10:42-04:00

The blood stripe gauntlet

Response by TSgt Dawn Premock made Mar 26 at 2016 9:40 AM

2016-03-26T09:40:36-04:00

Getting the dumb ass troops.

Response by SSG James Elmore made Mar 26 at 2016 9:43 AM

2016-03-26T09:43:15-04:00

Having people around you realize that when you speak you're not just being there buddy anymore you're actually telling them to do something…

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 10:00 AM

2016-03-26T10:00:18-04:00

The people you were friends with before getting promoted have a harder time cutting ties than you do.
They get hung up that "now you think you're their boss and your better than they are"
You just gotta stay the course and do the right thing.

Response by SSgt Michael Hacker made Mar 26 at 2016 10:17 AM

2016-03-26T10:17:45-04:00

Being looked at and treated differently (both people I knew and those I didn't).

Response by SSgt Michael Hacker made Mar 26 at 2016 10:29 AM

2016-03-26T10:29:21-04:00

I will suggest this. If you are ever called "sir" (or anything else uncomfortably respectful-sounding), drop the "I work for a living" trope and just accept it. The first time it happened to me, it came from a scared, frustrated kid 10s of thousands of miles from home and he needed me to be "sir" to make things OK, even if only in that moment.

Response by SGT Shawn Schweinberg made Mar 26 at 2016 10:56 AM

2016-03-26T10:56:02-04:00

For me it was adjusting to the leaders mind set. As a SPC I was in charge of some daily operations but stepping into the NCO role was a major change. I was also I little bit on the young side of life. But once I got my footing and command voice I never looked back.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 11:35 AM

2016-03-26T11:35:41-04:00

Not choking the life out of someone who desperately needs it.

Response by SSgt Marshall Franklin made Mar 26 at 2016 12:07 PM

2016-03-26T12:07:52-04:00

For me there was no adjustment it was just another stripe and a bigger check. But then when I was an Airman First Class I had a full bird Marine colonel put in his place, and when I was a sergeant I had a butter bar Army Airborne Ranger remember his place on my line.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 12:16 PM

2016-03-26T12:16:57-04:00

If you're in the same unit, you'll be at the mercy of your superiors for backing you up as a newly promoted NCO, handling your pride with those you now outrank and maybe supervise, and understanding the new expectations of you.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 1:15 PM

2016-03-26T13:15:38-04:00

I'd say finding that new balance I your life. As an NCO, your superiors expect more from you but your subordinates still remember who you used to be. It can be hard to put on a new "hat" so to speak but reminding yourself that you were chosen for this role and your leadership is trusting you to fulfill the responsibilities that go along with it can be a powerful motivator to act like the NCO you now are and not like the junior enlisted you used to be.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 26 at 2016 1:20 PM

2016-03-26T13:20:54-04:00

It was hard to adjust at first, but after a short time I handled it well. Only had 1 Spc. need a chewing on.

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Mar 26 at 2016 1:31 PM

2016-03-26T13:31:30-04:00

The hardest part for me was earning it everyday. You gotta be the mythical NCO that is smarter and more well rounded than you were yesterday. Folks will either look at you and think "if that guy can do it so can I", or they will want to join your outfit if it is made up of guys like you.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Mar 26 at 2016 1:32 PM

2016-03-26T13:32:53-04:00

I know this may not be a popular opinion, but NCOs are different in every branch of service. So the transition to an NCO will also be different. There are different expectations of an NCO in every branch, so NCOs from your branch of service and your career field are going to be your best resource for the transition. I don't want you to have the wrong expectations. I imagine some of the responsibilities are simliar, but the methodology won't be.

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made Mar 26 at 2016 1:36 PM

2016-03-26T13:36:02-04:00

I was an experimental Flight Engineer, As such, I was flying B-29's as an Airman 1'st class (E-4). When I made staff I had all the respect of my fellow engineers and nobody knew I was an experimental. In later years a guy said those experimental engineers were not with a shit. I was standing behind him and I said--you are looking at one. I was an E-7 and he was an E-6. He looked for a hole. I forgot, as a NCO I did not have to pull CQ.

Response by SGT Kenneth Curtis made Mar 26 at 2016 1:56 PM

2016-03-26T13:56:54-04:00

I'd have to say getting used to having a bit more responsibility. Especially when you are promoted to Sergeant amongst junior enlisted of your current team. The first bit of advice I got from a SrNCO was, 'Congratulations on being promoted, but remember that you are now a leader among your team. So you'll be put in hard and awkward positions where you'll need to put those feelings of buddies and friends with them. You've got to not look at them as friends and buddies from here on out to avoid not being taken serious and to do your job properly.'
But at the same time, you'll have to find a health balance. If you only focus on being their Sergeant/SSgt/Sgt, you'll lose the connection of trust amongst the team and they'll probably feel like you're being a boss and not a leader. But if you act more like their friend/buddy, then they'll walk all over you and could commit murder feeling like they'll get away with it.
So the best advice is to find a good balance. Be the NCO/mentor so that they'll have have somebody to rely on for advice/mentorship, but also know when you need to put your foot down. Never lead from the rear, always from the front. Nothing inspires troops/airmen/Marines/sailors more than seeing their NCO rolling up their sleeves to work in the shit with them.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Mar 26 at 2016 2:02 PM

2016-03-26T14:02:50-04:00

Sometimes it's hard. I was promoted to SSGT over people who had more service time and been in the shop longer. I had two that said they wouldn't work for me, and 2 that wanted to give me a hard time. I had to have one on ones with all and I didn't take the attitude that I am the boss now and you will do as I say. One I did have to get a little hard on him but in a short time the problems went away. I had to prove that I earned the stripe rather than just have it given to me. That was the one and only time i had that problem. But don't be surprised if you run into someone you know or used to work for and you out rank them. Happened to me and the man wouldn't even talk to me. Never lord over your people.

Response by SGT Robert Andrews made Mar 26 at 2016 2:36 PM

2016-03-26T14:36:09-04:00

The hardest thing is becoming inchoate of your peers. Some Jr. Enlisted personnel do things and figure if we don't get caught
and the Sgt. Doesn't find out were are
fine. Well your now the Sgt. And you know what's going on because you just got promoted. So now what do you do?
I have always believed in promotion to N CO gets an administrative transfer due to becoming an NCO.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Mar 26 at 2016 2:58 PM

2016-03-26T14:58:47-04:00

Balancing showing respect to my soldiers while not loosing their respect for me.

I was NCOIC over a post security detail at Fort Stewart and was making rounds in all of the gates with one of my specialists with me as we made it from gate to gate.

Our platoon was assigned to augment the MP's at each gate. Saying this is a more exciting way of saying we checked ID's and did RAMP inspections.

Arriving at one gate, I was greeted by the MP (SSG) who informed me that one of our junior enlisted (PFC) at his gate was being disrespectful and was making my other soldier (PV2) do all of the work.

The sergeant then advised me when he spoke to the soldier to get him to start helping the PV2 out, he would just look at him and tell him that he would only listen to his NCOIC and that the SSG MP was not "in his chain."

I called the PV2 off to the side and asked if he noticed any disrespect being shown, at which point he opened up on his belief that the SSG had gone out of his way to be respectful to the soldier, but the PFC would either make a snide remark about who was in his chain.

I asked SPC Bagwell (the soldier making rounds with me) to help the PV2 for a minute while the PFC, the SSG and myself had a talk. We walked across the road to a freshly cut grassy area just outside of earshot but definitely within view, and I gently put him at parade rest, and asked the SSG to tell me the story once again in front of the the PFC.

After he finished I told our PFC that, while he wasn't in the MP's chain on paper, he was assigned to that SSG while acting under his supervision. I told him that I would not give him a chance to speak on his defense because our other soldier (PV2) confirmed the story.

I then put him in front leaning rest on the side of the road so everyone could see it. My feelings were that since his act of disrespect was done in front of everyone, so should his punishment be done in public.

After placing him in the front leaning rest, I asked the SSG to tell me if he felt we needed to take this incident up higher, or if he was comfortable with handling it here. He said he believed immediate counseling would be fine.

I asked him how many push ups the soldier should do, and he said 20 should do it.

So his punishment was 20 push-ups, with the soldier having to stand up move to the position of parade rest and recite this statement:

"I am a soldier. I am a professional. My job is to do my job. My job is to help SSG (forgot name) carry out his job. I am assigned to SSG _____, and I apologize to you SSG.

I have always been of the opinion that if the offense was committed in public, so should the punishment.

After he finished SPC Bagwell (who is now a great NCO (SFC) and myself were going to Headquarters to check on my troops there.

On the way, SPC Bagwell asked me if I would ever drop him like that in public, and here was my answer:

"Bagwell, there are 2 important things you need to understand in regards to that question. The first is that you are a squared away soldier, and I firmly believe that you would never do anything to put me on that position."

"And the second?" He asked.

To which I replied "The second is that I don't think that I could handle the embarrassment of you telling me to 'F--- off!' In public..

At which point we just had a good chuckle.

Different soldiers hold differing ideas, opinions and attitudes.

The hardest part is to find the way to lead without getting too close, and to lead without being too distant.

To find a way to show your respect for your troops, while still requiring their respect for yours.

To keep them motivated, even when the chain of command may seem questionable at best, while not lying to them just to have their morals headed in the directions you want.

To be the same but different, to be unique while still trying to maintain that average quality about yourself.

To be that go between from the top to the bottom.

I'm pretty sure this is confusing, but hopefully at least part of this may answer a question.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 3:21 PM

2016-03-26T15:21:15-04:00

Separating yourself from your lower enlisted peers and setting the example by Be Know Do and being the SME on all aspects of being a soldier and NCO

Response by SGT Jason Daniels made Mar 26 at 2016 3:25 PM

2016-03-26T15:25:53-04:00

Keepingmy oopinion of the higher chain of command to myself.....I always had a problem with lazy nco's

Response by SSgt Chris Enslow made Mar 26 at 2016 4:22 PM

2016-03-26T16:22:16-04:00

The toughest part is assuming the role before getting the rank. You need to request and be put in charge of a squad. The mindset needs to change, and sometimes it takes a change in duty station before you can truly embrace the role. If you've been stuck in the same unit as an E-2 through E-4, it might be time to change up and then ask for leadership roles. It is also time to seek out a senior mentor.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2016 4:39 PM

2016-03-26T16:39:52-04:00

That first time when either a superior or a subordinate turns to you, looking for an answer. "Holy crap! Now _I'M_ supposed to be the person that knows everything!!!"

And then realizing that I was still the same non-NCO with NCO stripes... and knowing that I had better "git gud" to be able to provide those answers when they came flying at me. The learning curve was a BITCH!!

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Mar 26 at 2016 6:23 PM

2016-03-26T18:23:06-04:00

Getting underlings to respect your rockers and carry out orders

Response by SGT Diane Bekel made Mar 26 at 2016 9:29 PM

2016-03-26T21:29:21-04:00

The band is different from most other units in that the entire company spends much of the duty day together as a unit. (Now with MPTS that time is less, but the band has a cohesiveness that is not present in most units.) Also, in the band an E5 is pretty much a higher order of E4. Bands do not have any personnel under that rank unless somebody caught some NJP.

Because of that, it was difficult to find opportunities to work as an NCO, and when those opportunities arose, it was pretty much business as usual with a few extra 'Sargent Bekel' thrown my way.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 12:35 AM

2016-03-27T00:35:50-04:00

Realizing that not everyone is happy for your success.

Response by SGT Jesus Vasquez made Mar 27 at 2016 9:02 AM

2016-03-27T09:02:01-04:00

Like most people here, the hardest part was going from buddy to supervisor and having your buddy understand that

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 9:40 AM

2016-03-27T09:40:18-04:00

There really shouldn't be a hard transposition if your senior leadership taught you properly how to be an NCO and you followed them and watched how they lead while your were still junior enlisted. As a junior NCO myself, the only sort of difficult part was the paperwork. Learning to do E4 Evals and counseling were a pain but also learning to treat all your younger soldiers the same way and not favoring anybody.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 3:04 PM

2016-03-27T15:04:09-04:00

Great advice here. Was actually getting ready to post something similar. I am getting promoted on the 4th. I go from being excited, to being scared. While I have stepped up into leadership roles previously, knowing that I will be responsible for soldiers scares the cap out of me! Knowing how much impact my leaders have had on me, and recognizing that I could have that same impact on them is truly nerve wrecking for me.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 4:54 AM

2016-03-28T04:54:16-04:00

All the work and "additional duties" thrown at me the same week I was promoted. It was quite overwhelming. Also, the dilemma: be a good "high speed" NCO by fixing every issue or broken system in the unit...and quickly experience burn-out while your home-life (marriage) suffers greatly OR pick & choose your battles, turn away from some issues instead getting caught up into everything in effort to maintain your own sanity :)

Response by Sgt Aaron Gibson made Mar 28 at 2016 7:16 AM

2016-03-28T07:16:14-04:00

As a Marine, when I earned Corporal, the hardest part was earning it every single day.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 2:02 PM

2016-03-28T14:02:00-04:00

I'd say the sudden questions as if you picked up and now know everything. Balancing that and still making sure your guys have something to do and are making good progress along with the new paper work responsibilities you have is a juggling act.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 2:44 PM

2016-03-28T14:44:43-04:00

The hardest part is the expectation game. As an Airman you are expected to make mistakes or to fail. However, as a NCO you are expected to never make mistakes or fail at your job. The expectations levied on a NCO can crush a new NCO's confidence and ability to supervise and lead in some cases. So, in my opinion the expectations game is the toughest transition from an Airman to a NCO.

Response by 1SG Michael Minton made Mar 29 at 2016 7:51 AM

2016-03-29T07:51:16-04:00

That is easy...one day you are one if the guys (lower enlisted) and friends with all of them. The next day, your promoted and in charge of them and accomplishing the mission. Because your so called friends will try to get over on you by using your friendship against you. And with out a doubt you will run into atleast one that will take it too far and then it is decision time, friendship or corrective actions. And you will learn you can't be drinking buddies after work, you can do things together during work day, but end it there or it will come back on you.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 8:38 AM

2016-03-29T08:38:09-04:00

I was screwed over my first year as an NCO bc I was going through a trauma which put me behind bc I couldn't be in a squad leader position. So my second year as an NCO I had to play catch up while my peers already gone to the board and is about to pick up E-6. Understand how to be a leader in the sense of doing the counselings correct and making sure the packets are correct and up to date was my challenge.

Response by SFC Edward Sneed made Mar 29 at 2016 8:45 AM

2016-03-29T08:45:46-04:00

When I made E6, I encountered the problem of retaining my rapport with those I worked with. I became their supervisor, and they felt indifferent towards me. I sat them all down and explained to them, what the situation was going to be, how I felt about them, and what my new expectations were going to be. I could see and feel their change in attitude, and the return of the respect that I was going to require. I was promoted to E7 almost as soon as I acquired my new assignment, so the transition was not a difficult one. All of my crew was either E5 or E6, and I was their first supervisor.

Response by PO2 Michael de Miranda made Mar 29 at 2016 9:00 AM

2016-03-29T09:00:29-04:00

The hardest part is not becoming a Senior Do-er.

Response by SSG Joseph Trompeter made Mar 29 at 2016 9:55 AM

2016-03-29T09:55:35-04:00

Realizing that the "buddies" you have now look up to you for guidance.

Response by SFC Antonio Nieto made Mar 29 at 2016 10:25 AM

2016-03-29T10:25:29-04:00

For me is to stay update with everything that is constantly changing around you, I grew up without siri and goglee, so basically I had to become one for my Soldiers, having that first experience of walking into a classroom during PLDC and finding a pile of books stocked as high as my eyes can see was hard to understand how would I remember all this, but I was not about remembering, it was about reference and how to find information in any giving case

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 11:17 AM

2016-03-29T11:17:50-04:00

I will honestly agree with a lot of people here saying that the guys you grew up with, the guys you climbed the ranks with, you're now their boss. This is especially hard for some due to how close you were.

I'll also say that there were some parts that were difficult in the transition. Dealing with SIR's and having to tend to soldiers needs and being there for soldiers was a big step. You can only get experience with these sorts of things, unfortunately, by experiencing them. I've only been a Sergeant for a few months and it's already been an eye opening experience for me.

Response by Sgt Mike Kitko made Mar 29 at 2016 11:26 AM

2016-03-29T11:26:01-04:00

I was meritoriously promoted to Corporal after 22 months in the USMC. Two weeks later my SNCO insisted that for my first quarterly counseling session I counsel LCPL Johnson, who had been in 4 years, was best in our MOS, but had been denied promotion only because of cutting scores in the MOS.

The SNCO used this as an opportunity to humble me, and as a way to welcome me into the NCO ranks by making sure I knew there were additional challenges in leading Marines beyond just daily execution and shop cleanup.

It worked.

Response by SFC Robert Townsend made Mar 29 at 2016 11:42 AM

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My friends thinking I wouldn't do my job, and make them do what had to be done...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 12:25 PM

2016-03-29T12:25:26-04:00

To be honest, my first week after pinning 5 took some getting used to. I'm sure to came off like a total tool more than once when someone called me Sergeant and I looked around to see who snuck up on me.

Response by SSG Ronald Rollins made Mar 29 at 2016 2:19 PM

2016-03-29T14:19:19-04:00

The hardest part for me was coming to terms that I was now an NCO and not "one of the boys". When I was in the Marine Corps and got my corporal I went stupid. I tried to be hard and yell. I had an old MGYSGT pull me in his office and explain I was being an idiot. I was not a SGTMAJ. He let me have it then calmly explained what I should do to BE an NCO and not just a corporal. I am thankful to that man everyday. I still use his advice to over 25 years later. He was my mentor for 3 years even thou he was in a different unit.

Response by TSgt Julie Miller made Mar 29 at 2016 3:37 PM

2016-03-29T15:37:55-04:00

That questions asks for many interesting answers. As you can see there is no one right or wrong answer. For me, it was realizing that I had to give orders and had to set expectations of the troop I supervised. I quickly learned what it was like to be the one giving the directions vs getting them... that being in charge of a project or situation meant being observed to see how I handled it. Becoming an NCO, meant ownership... no more excuses.... So, for me, I guess it was taking on the responsibilities that for so long belonged to others.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 3:52 PM

2016-03-29T15:52:15-04:00

Hardest part for me was separating myself from those personnel I previously went out a drank with. It's hard to put space between friendships you make before a promotion. Sure I hung out with other NCOs afterword, but it felt like I was shunning the guys I used to hang with.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 6:47 PM

2016-03-29T18:47:46-04:00

Just like most of the responses here, drawing that line between buddy and manager. Not knowing how to cope with this so that you can set it aside and be an effective leader can challenge you as a person. What helped me with it was to start thinking of the Army as a workforce (which it is) in the sense that in the civilian sector everyone will not be your friend and only you can control your career. Do you want to be successful or be everyone's friend? That's what lit the fire in me. Good luck to you and that's why Rally Point is here.

Response by SSG Carlos Garcia made Mar 29 at 2016 6:56 PM

2016-03-29T18:56:57-04:00

Working with incompetent fellow NCO' who got to their positions by "Is not What you know, but Who you know.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 7:33 PM

2016-03-29T19:33:32-04:00

As a new buck Sgt the transition was keeping friends who were e4 and below
.With the responsibility came the message that you had expectations to lead and delegate to get the job done. All eyes on you to acknowledge that you are now NCO the mission has priority. Time to lead by example.

Response by SSG William Jackson made Mar 29 at 2016 9:22 PM

2016-03-29T21:22:53-04:00

Friendships, people understanding that you have a job to do and you can not under any circumstances bring your friendships with lower enlisted to work.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 9:53 PM

2016-03-29T21:53:29-04:00

Getting used to the fact that I need to delegate some tasks, rather than trying to do everything myself.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 9:54 PM

2016-03-29T21:54:44-04:00

Adjusting to the concept of delegating tasks, rather than trying to do everything myself.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2016 10:14 PM

2016-03-29T22:14:14-04:00

Realizing that you're no longer a Jr enlisted member, that you have to now lead from the front, and that you have to set the example that you want your troops to emulate.

Response by PO3 Rod Arnold made Mar 30 at 2016 2:46 AM

2016-03-30T02:46:10-04:00

I personally found becoming an NCO on my ship, a smooth transition. Counting our Chief there were 12 of us in the repair shop. We respected each other and our jobs. A couple of year later, while in Vietnam, our Chief and 1st class were reassigned, and that left me as an E5, running R division. Things went on as normal, I had a great group of HTs in my shop!!!

Response by 1SG Carlos E Bonet made Mar 30 at 2016 4:54 AM

2016-03-30T04:54:14-04:00

I think the hardest thing for me was, that my section sergeant did not send me to another squad, so it was kind of hard transitioning from worker to supervising the same soldiers that you were working with. Is not impossible, but is a little challenging for a rookie NCO.

Response by MSgt Stephen Kammerer made Mar 30 at 2016 5:00 AM

2016-03-30T05:00:27-04:00

Similar to many others - the relationship between co-workers of the same rank that did not get promoted. Made E-5 the first time testing, and as a "reward" I was made leader of a work crew composed of three guys I had known since my first year in the military. They were all E-4's and still saw me as a hangout partner and not in a supervisory role. We remained friends but it was a more distant relationship, no more going out together. As each of them eventually made rank and became NCO's in their own right, they then understood.

Response by MGySgt Joe D'Alo made Mar 30 at 2016 7:51 AM

2016-03-30T07:51:14-04:00

When you get promoted and given new responsibilities you need to remember your former peers are now under your charge. Friendship aside they need to follow your lead.

Response by SGT Bruce Miller made Mar 30 at 2016 8:51 AM

2016-03-30T08:51:44-04:00

Going from partying buddy to leadership position

Response by SFC Derrick Graves made Mar 30 at 2016 9:02 AM

2016-03-30T09:02:26-04:00

For me it was the realization that I had additional responsibilities for the accomplishment of the mission and the health/welfare of the soldiers under me who also might have been my peers prior to my promotion. As the saying goes it's lonely at the top!

Response by SSG Kevin Prokop made Mar 30 at 2016 9:23 AM

2016-03-30T09:23:52-04:00

to quit being the best buddy on the job without losing the respect

Response by MSgt Michael Lane made Mar 30 at 2016 9:33 AM

2016-03-30T09:33:52-04:00

The hardest part is you are caught between two worlds the lower enlisted world you just left were your dealing with your old peers who don’t respect your new rank and roll in the section, unit, and the NCO’s who don’t recognize the fact that you have joined their ranks and still treat you as an junior enlisted. It’s best that you request a transfer to a new base or at least a new unit were no one knows you, that way you come in as an NCO and would be treated accordingly.

Response by SSG Donald Duplessis made Mar 30 at 2016 10:24 AM

2016-03-30T10:24:50-04:00

The added responsibilities. Although you knew they were coming and expected them it was still an eye opener. Do it again in a heartbeat!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 11:28 AM

2016-03-30T11:28:36-04:00

Being in the army guard you get promoted to your current battalion which a lot of times is the position above all your buddies. It gets hard to separate yourself from setting them as your buddies to setting them as your subordinates and vice versa.

Response by SSgt Stephen Lindsey made Mar 30 at 2016 11:29 AM

2016-03-30T11:29:11-04:00

Don't be a "know-it-all" and exhibit arrogance. Remember that a Junior NCO is learning the ropes and just scratching the surface while in the pursuit of becoming a good leader, supervisor and manager. Junior NCOs need to be humble, listen, observe, learn, and be exemplary. With that said, they should not fear exerting their authority or demanding respect. Be fair, even-handed, use common sense, and don't be afraid of asking questions or seeking guidance from Senior NCOs!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 11:40 AM

2016-03-30T11:40:10-04:00

The hardest part was making that separation with your friends that are lower ranking than you are in an environment where that means something. I am a former maintenance troop and rank was important in my shop, especially in the differences in responsibilities between E-4 and E-5

Response by SGT Stanley Bass made Mar 30 at 2016 11:52 AM

2016-03-30T11:52:15-04:00

The hardest part for me was when I initially pinned on my E5. They tell you, once you move from E4 and all those friends you have that are still E4 and below (non corporal), can't be your friends anymore. Meaning you cant be buddy buddy because then it wil look like favoritism, and they were right. You have to become a leader, be able to give direction and order to lower enlisted, and be able to dis engage from being a friend and become a supervisor

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Mar 30 at 2016 12:22 PM

2016-03-30T12:22:13-04:00

The hardest part for me was having to figure out exactly what the boss wanted for wording on the annual performance reports. Oh and motivating Airman to write bullets for me. I had to go as far as having the flight chief one year threaten to cancel leave for one of my troops or let him take a referral one for no bullets.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Mar 30 at 2016 12:49 PM

2016-03-30T12:49:20-04:00

When your a new NCO this is a shock. It happened to me in Vietnam of all places---a serious decision had to be made on the spot---and everyone looked at me.----Is that a wake up call.

Response by SSG Bill Cooke made Mar 30 at 2016 1:38 PM

2016-03-30T13:38:42-04:00

IN the transition from Jr. Enlisted (E-4) to E-5 and E-6 is the leadership part. Courses like PLDC, BNOC, and others do assist. However, either and E-5 or E-6 can lead or can not lead. And the leader trains their people under them to do their job better. For come the transition is hard for others no problem. It is called experience and doing things right.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Mar 30 at 2016 3:17 PM

2016-03-30T15:17:26-04:00

For me it was a long time ago, but it was hard letting go of all the things I could get away with, worse was No longer being in the Specialist Mafia; before computers that was power.

Response by 1SG Jorge Guzman made Mar 30 at 2016 5:27 PM

2016-03-30T17:27:53-04:00

When in charge, Take charge! The biggest thing was knowing how to separate yourself from your buddies that might be the same rank as you, but now you're in charge of them. I was an Infantry Team Leader (E5 Sergeant) and Squad Leader (E6 Staff Sergeant) as an E4. Know your job and what responsibilities go with it, which include knowing what the responsibilities are for the next rank up.

Response by 1SG Jack Crutcher made Mar 30 at 2016 8:14 PM

2016-03-30T20:14:54-04:00

Leaving my friends behind, making them understand my new role, treating them with respect and earning their respect, but at the same time not forgetting that I was once one of them.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2016 4:47 AM

2016-03-31T04:47:40-04:00

Separating yourself from the soldiers you once stood next to.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 31 at 2016 9:32 PM

2016-03-31T21:32:37-04:00

Being a leader vs. being one of the gang. Still remember it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2016 3:36 PM

2016-04-01T15:36:31-04:00

The hardest part was learning that it is not ALL about you and that it is about taking care of your Soldiers. I do believe every branch is different, however I am addressing this from an Army standpoint t.
Leaders are expect to teach, coach, and mentor their Soldiers. Part of the NCO Creed states, "All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my Soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my Soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment."
This was not easy for me in the beginning, but as I've grown personally and professionally it has become second nature. Use the doctorine in which your organization has provided to help guide you. Knowing is half the battle.

Response by SGT Michael Wyatt made Apr 2 at 2016 10:51 PM

2016-04-02T22:51:41-04:00

Having to realize that you're not one of the boys anymore and having them take you seriously

Response by SGT Craig Straight made Apr 5 at 2016 11:28 PM

2016-04-05T23:28:54-04:00

I was infantry at the time, it was hard being a spec 4 then Sgt. Loosing the friendship of many below me. I had to strongly establish who I was as their NCO and not drinking buddy. I stayed in the same platoon.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 11:27 PM

2016-04-08T23:27:17-04:00

Critical thinking. Now you have to think about more than just oh, this sucks, I want to go home, you are seeing the beast in action, why you stay late, why the Platoon Sergeant, Squad Leaders aren't out in the Motorpool with you. You have to keep the Soldiers motivated, and enforce the standards as well. I know I'm guilty of letting the standards go in the field, I give 0 fucks about hands in pockets in the middle of Yakistan or Canada when we're training.

Response by SGT Kevin Karvinen made Apr 12 at 2016 10:49 PM

2016-04-12T22:49:11-04:00

The hardest part for me was being promoted after I had been in the unit for a little while. All of a sudden I was put in charge of some of my buddies. There is a fine line between being a friend, leader and mentor. Becoming an NCO is a very important step for a soldier. It's a time when senior NCO's really need to take an interest in training and molding the next generation of leaders.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 7:37 AM

2016-04-20T07:37:50-04:00

For me it is the fact that I was Spc. With the people I am now in charge of. And we are in a very busy battalion. So time is limited to sit down and talk with them to get feedback on what they view and where I could make changes. I know its not them who decide but their input is still valuable.

Response by MSgt Stephen Green made May 3 at 2016 12:28 PM

2016-05-03T12:28:23-04:00

For me the Hardest part was that I wasn't going to be able to have the answers needed for my Airmen. One thing that is not being followed lately is "Training Our Replacements", and few only know what that means. The Best thing I can say to all my fellow NCO`s and junior enlisted is treat each stripe like it is the next one, don't wait to be a NCO after you made the rank. Get the responsibility and habits of leadership early. Learn all you can from those around you both good and bad so you can learn and shape your character!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 12:07 PM

2016-05-10T12:07:22-04:00

Nothing I can think of was very hard. When your buddies respected you as a Junior Enlisted Peer, they should respect you as an NCO. Well, if they are your true friends. I surrounded myself with outstanding Junior Enlisted and Junior NCOs. So, the transition for me was simple. It was not until I finally had my first female Airmen that things become complicated for me. However, their expectations were much more high than what I experienced with any other subordinates. Eventually, they did their thing and helped me be a better Supervisor, and they prepped me to be a dad for a girl.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jun 4 at 2016 9:24 AM

2016-06-04T09:24:42-04:00

As a Pvt & Pfc I only had very little authority but as a Cpl & Sgt I was responsible for an entire squad & had to become a leader of men by setting an example for them to follow.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Jun 8 at 2016 11:02 PM

2016-06-08T23:02:56-04:00

Separating myself from my friends of lower rank. Not showing favoritism one way or the other was a bit difficult as well.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Apr 3 at 2017 7:30 PM

2017-04-03T19:30:45-04:00

I had joined AF Reserves first time around and graduated as an A1C with having been in AFJROTC.. I know that's a bit different but not much. I'd also taken the by-pass for my AF Specialty. .. got my nose to the grindstone and got my next skill level. While doing that I helped other junior Airmen with their career dev. Crse
and mentored them to carry themselves like professional Airmen.. not playing high school type pranks on each other.. the usual fun stuff.. yeah you could call me a stick in the mud , I liked having fun, but not playing juvenile pranks., I got sent to Inflight Food Svc while there I got into the
Section regs and guidelines and learned them forward, sideways and backwards. I
Took a pro-pay test and was earning an extra $30 a month. I qualified for it twice
I went to S.E.A. ('Nam), A TSG there seen I was receiving that pro-pay and he made me earn it! Some other A1Cs wanted to know why I could come in and get into the cooking and they were still doing Field equipment maintenance and being servers on the line.. 3 months into that
2d 6 months of pro pay I got promoted to Sgt. I already had the responsibility of an NCO so there was no real transition time...
Shortly after (6 mo.)I had tested for SSG.
and got a great score .. I was near bottom of that 1st cutoff. I was sweating it and hoping they didn't change the cutoff(it's been done) they did do it and I was 5 numbers to the good.. whew! Another Sgt., a 8 yr. guy(he was in when a 3 striper was called A1C and was wearing it then. His number was 3 after the cutoff.
Good man to have at your "6".. Cmdr. Did what he could to get him promoted..
some inconsistencies in his ratings pulled him down.. His enlistment would of been almost ended.. so they weren't going to let him re-test because he couldn't re-up.
For some it can be hard transition and others not so hard. Be on top of your game and even when coming up in the ranks and conduct yourself as a professional Soldier or if an Airman ..
keep the right company.

Response by SSG Gerald King made Apr 6 at 2017 3:28 PM

2017-04-06T15:28:15-04:00

Upon my promotion to SSG, I went from being a SP5 with no responsibility other than doing my job to a new assignment as the NCOIC of a 25 man detachment. No training, no advice, just do it! I tried my best to follow the example of other NCOIC's I had worked with.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2017 1:46 PM

2017-04-12T13:46:43-04:00

Becoming an NCO was one thing. But, I was only 21 when I became a E-5. I turned 21 in January, went from E-4 SrA to E-4 Sgt in February and then sewed on E-5 SSgt June 1, 1983. I was too young. When I was with NCOs, I was always the baby of the group. Probably half the people who worked under me were older than I was.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2017 12:15 AM

2017-04-13T00:15:15-04:00

One of the biggest issues I saw too many of my peers make after sewing on that NCO stripe was that they took it to too much of an extreme. I agree wholly with the statements that your friends, now subordinates, have to treat you in a different manner, and it's now your duty to correct them. The issue that I've seen is that NCO's tend to treat former friends as just that, not friends but subordinates. It needs to be a healthy mix of Subordinate first, asset second, and friend third, but you cannot cut out personal aspect completely.

If a new NCO has to more than casually remind a former peer of their new rank, then they have not earned that new rank in their subordinates eyes, and performance will suffer all around. Leaders work for their people, not the other way around, and treating them like second class citizens is not going to foster an effective environment. Finding that healthy mix of being a leader, being a mentor, and yet still being human is the most difficult part of being an NCO, in my opinion.

Also, get off your high horse. If a new kid calls you "Sir", let him down gently, and remember he probably just came from a place where NCO's were larger than life deities, who would disembowl you for not addressing them as "Sir". Don't forget your roots.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2018 1:16 PM

2018-05-13T13:16:06-04:00

I'm still working on it but being in charge of friends you came up the ranks with.

Response by SGT Daniel Durkovich made May 17 at 2019 6:08 PM

2019-05-17T18:08:23-04:00

Hardest part is getting the JR enlisted that you've worked with to accept your leadership. It is not your issue if they can't separate friendship and leadership.

Response by TSgt Paul Vanders made Jul 28 at 2021 2:19 AM

2021-07-28T02:19:08-04:00

As a retired AF member, one of the harder parts was the longer working hours. Extra time spent writing EPR's, coming in early to set up work assignments for subordinates, staying late to finish paperwork, etc. By the time I retired I regularly spent 12-15 hrs a day. Admittedly a lot of that was my choice but most of my time after I made E-4/Sgt I was placed in positions at least one rank higher than what my rank actually was.

Response by SGT Erick Holmes made Jul 31 at 2021 8:19 PM

2021-07-31T20:19:40-04:00

Having the responsibility if crap hits the fan everyone is looking at me for help, guidance etc and I don't know a damn thing. Also, it was very difficult for to stay true to my lower enlisted buddies when we all went the trenches together to being the NCO to set the pace and tone and asking the lower enlisted to do things that NCO's don't have to do anymore or very little.

Response by Sgt Larry Irvine made Aug 1 at 2021 10:18 AM

2021-08-01T10:18:51-04:00

Realizing that you are in charge.
Not just giving orders to those junior to you, but in charge of their welfare.
Not just taking care of the task, but taking care of your people. Their training. Their welfare. Their family if needed.
They are your responsibility now.

Response by Sgt Chris Fisher made Aug 1 at 2021 11:35 AM

2021-08-01T11:35:17-04:00

I had no problem when promoted to Corporal. Getting promoted to Sergeant was different. The USMC puts a lot of stock in their buck sergeants, often putting them in billets above their pay grade. Most of the people under you get it and treat you accordingly. I found that there were SNCO’s & officers who were willing to mentor me.

Response by TSgt Ken Richter made Nov 26 at 2021 5:45 AM

2021-11-26T05:45:54-05:00

I honestly never really had any issues with it.