Have the duties of an NCO changed in the last 3 years?

2022-08-13T16:19:33-04:00

So I’ve jus came back onto Active Duty from a 3 yer NG contract and I’m settling into my new unit right now. One thing I’ve learned is that there is a lack of guidance in my squad and sometimes my NCOS are nowhere to be found. Being new, I’ve taken the time to sit back and observe my company and I’ve seen that the expectations and standards are pretty low. When I got here no one sat me down and explained to me how things work here, the expectations, or even when I’m going to start doing my job. I say this because I’m a 92G and I have yet step foot into a dfac. Another reason I say this is because the last time I was on active duty, our squad leader would text us every day what was going on along with changes, the time for PT formation and uniform, etc. when I voiced some of these concerns to my squad leader, she looked at it as “holding my hand” or micromanaging and that if I need to find things out I need to “eavesdrop” on conversations. I jus need to know whats changed because since I’ve been here I feel like I never know what’s going on and I really care about my career.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2022 5:25 PM

2022-08-13T17:25:38-04:00

92G but you selected Infantry in your profile? That's gonna raise some eyebrows. Now, on to your dilemma:

Each unit runs different. That may sound like a cop-out answer, but it is the sad truth answer. If no one is showing you the ropes and explaining how things are done there, then may I recommend you seek out the NCOs and ask them to explain things. If the NCOs from your Squad are not around and not providing guidance, then take charge to seek out your NCOs to get that guidance. Seek out the Training Schedule (that should be posted).

As for what has changed, it's the society and mentality that has changed. Mentality of NCOs and mentality of Soldiers. NCOs that keep engaged with their troops...some troops see that as overbearing, which in turns leads to complaints....which leads NCOs to back off. It's a double edge sword, really.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 14 at 2022 12:02 PM

2022-08-14T12:02:25-04:00

NCO Duties have not changed- the problem is very few folks want to enforce them, and very few leaders want to make any kind of waves doing it.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 15 at 2022 11:54 AM

2022-08-15T11:54:25-04:00

Leadership roles and NCO tasks have not changed. What has changed is that you are at a new unit with new people with new ideas and approaches to things. Regardless of right or wrong don't expect every unit to be the same. Units will vary as the people assigned to them vary as well. Just apply yourself and work to effect positive change. Good luck.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2022 12:42 PM

2022-08-15T12:42:13-04:00

You just have some shitty NCOs really. Where I'm at, my section has a group chat on Signal. That's where information gets pushed out about PT the next day (we do formation Mon, Fri and it's section PT during week) or any guidance for the next day, etc. During the day there's also emails pushed out too. I've never had a NCO say "just eavesdrop to find things out." That's horrible leadership. Pushing out pertinent information isn't "holding hands" or micromanaging.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 17 at 2022 8:31 AM

2022-08-17T08:31:31-04:00

Duties and responsibilities have not changed. There is a cultural shift that is occurring and the military will have to rejuvenate standards in support of regulation and policy. Cultural shifts occur every decade or so based on many factors, it starts with politics, and ranges from fear of retribution to laziness on the part of senior leadership. The current cultural shift has been too broad and allowed to fester for too long, much longer than any other I can remember. Never fear the shift to what right looks like will occur when stuff hits the fan stoking the flames of war.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Aug 21 at 2022 12:53 AM

2022-08-21T00:53:36-04:00

You need to change units.