Guidance on how to efficiently transition to a Section NCOIC position at a new unit?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 12:28:45 -0400

Is there a grace period before I should take over? Right-Seat left -seat? I can't find a regulation that outlines how to transition to a new position at a new unit to standard. 91E Allied Trades Specialist

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 12 at 2018 12:53 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 12:53:04 -0400

There are very few specialties where the Army allows for such transitions. For enlisted that would mean mostly highly specialized duties (likely not even then), and positions such as 1SG and CSM that requires a ceremony. This type of transition is usually reserved for commanders to complete inventory’s, etc. Thank you for your service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 1:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 13:02:23 -0400

Take sometime and see how things are run, prioritize then implement changes. People and places do things a little differently, take time to understand why. Unless of course you are told this section is so ate up we need it turned around now.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 1:37 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 13:37:48 -0400

Is the Soldier you're replacing leaving. If it is, then it is when they leave. If you are not replacing anyone, then imediately. If the person you are replacing is staying in the section, no more than a week.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 1:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 13:45:34 -0400

There is not a regulation that covers this transition. My best advice would be to observe how things operate then implement new or old tactics from your last unit to try and improve your section. Also ask your rater/supervisor what their expectations are of you. Keep in mind all units do things different than the last..

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 3:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 15:22:30 -0400

If you're replacing someone you get a sort of left seat, right seat but if you are coming in and no one is there, you take the reins and run with them.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 4:58 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 16:58:00 -0400

Don’t try to change of fix anything right of the bat unless it’s a safety or legal issue. You don’t want to put your subordinates internet shock and saying how they miss the last guy. Sit back and evaluate what is working good and what is broken or inefficient. Once you get a priority of work get to work on them.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Apr 13 at 2018 6:36 AM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 06:36:08 -0400

SGT Thelusma,
I don't there is a regulation about transitions like the one you describe on your post. But, I can say to take the time to observe how things are run. I think the ideal is to have the person you are replacing still there, but that doesn't happen often at least in my case. When I went to 5th SFG, the guy I replaced was already gone and the unit was deployed to Iraq at the time. I got on the last re-supply bird and there I was, back in Iraq. I didn't even get to meet my Soldiers until our rotation was done. The second time I ran into a similar scenario was when I returned back to Combat Camera where I knew the 1SG, and I didn't have a choice on which section I was going to...it was more like, "Hernandez, you're taking over this platoon". I was like damn, I haven't even signed in yet. The platoon was full of crazies. Half of them were my former students from AIT which it helped a little bit because they had an idea how I operated.
In all seriousness, just try to observe and not try to change anything right away unless the situation or the environment calls for the change. Maybe bring some "lessons learned" from the previous unit you just came from.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 13 at 2018 11:19 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 11:19:09 -0400

Look from experience- never ever go in guns blazing. The unit's way varies from unit to unit- until you have a handle on that you go slow. Walk around, evaluate, talk to the troops. Pull you NCO's in and have a friendly talk- giving your expectation and most important you pet peeves. Ask for their input on where the unit is and what they think are problem areas. Talk to the chain of command- what are their expectations and what support do you have in reaching them. When this is done- you start the " I know you use to do this, but now we will do it this way"

Response by 1SG David Niles made Apr 13 at 2018 1:12 PM

1SG David Niles — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 13:12:00 -0400

Come in, read SOP, talk to OIC evaluate then change things if need be, take the time to talk to each member of your section, filter out the petty gripes and complaints. Only change right away what has to be changed because they are grossly out of policy etc... I really liked being an NCOIC. Can make a great team and you have real work to do