Posted on Mar 31, 2014

How can the Army retain skilled professionals, but not promote them into leadership positions? SPC5?

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n this current rank structure, how do we promote a soldier we want to retain for their technical (MOS) skills but has no leadership potential? In the MI field we promote based on very low points but we don't promote to a skilled professional, we promote to Sergeant, the definition of a leader. How can we adequately test for leadership while still retaining skilled soldiers who do not show that aptitude? Are we doing a disservice to soldiers by promoting skilled technicians and asking them to be leaders? Discuss.

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Posted >1 y ago

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SGM Matthew Quick

Posted >1 y ago

They can submit a Warrant Officer packet.

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SFC Michael Hasbun

>1 y

So you don't want them leading, so you give them a shiny rank so they outrank all the leaders and give them orders? Interesting...

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SGM Matthew Quick

>1 y

SSG Hasbun,

Warrant officers are technical leaders...not command leaders; but I know you already know that.

Also, just because a warrant officer receives more pay, doesn't necessarily mean they "outrank all leaders".

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SFC Michael Hasbun

>1 y

CW3, agreed. Honestly, I think it sends a mixed message when you say to your NCO Corps "I am an expert and a professional" and then create a whole other field and say "oh, nevermind, THOSE guys are the experts". We either ARE the Subject Matter Experts, in which case Warrants are redundant, or we are not, in which case I think that's a whole other problem that needs addressed..

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SSG Trevor S.

Edited >1 y ago

Posted >1 y ago

LT,

Some soldiers do not have leadership potential, but those are few and far between. You should develop them with leadership, professionalism, and technical ability in mind. If leadership is completely lacking for any level of leadership take into account the current force structure plans and identify the soldiers who should be thanked for their service and transitioned into civilian life.

If we had the luxury of keeping people that are good at their jobs but had no leadership potential it would be a great world. Unfortunately we have to adapt to the realities of the current Army.

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SP5 Tom Carlson

>1 y

I o not want to sound harsh, but an Lt. that says some one has no leadership potential is not willing to actually work with his troops, therefore should not be promoted to Captain

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CH (CPT) (Join to see)

>1 y

I ask because I was an NCO for 5 years in a highly technical field. I saw many great soldiers with job skills be put in leadership positions they were not ready for because it was a matter of retaining that skill rather than that soldier being ready to lead. I think there are lots of good reasons to consider the question.

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SGT Bryon Sergent

Posted >1 y ago

If I am not mistake one of the reasons they did away with the Spec rank was because of all the pissing contest!I ca remember our drill sergeants talking about the spec 7 and the SFC. They are the same rank. One is over the other but the other leads a section and the other leads a Line unit. They might have the same time in service and in grade, but the hard stripe is the one in charge and the leader. Same thing with the T rank for several ranks in WWII. CPL T, SGT T, SSG T, I think that was the highest it went.

Personally I think they should bring back the SQT test. If you can't lead and you don't know your MOS then they need to be sent on there way. But just because yo0u can't lead and are smart as hell doesn't mean you should be a career E-4 or Stuck at SGT!

Or am I totally missing the point? Please share as to learn out of this discussion.

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How can the Army retain skilled professionals, but not promote them into leadership positions? SPC5?

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