Posted on Aug 17, 2015
How do I best prepare for an assignment as a First Sergeant? What is your best advice?
61.6K
144
77
16
16
0
I am looking for an advice, guidance, or best practices that works. I am incredibly pumped for the opportunity to be a company 1SG, but i want to equip myself as best as I can. Any input will be much appreciated.
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 53
Having a caring attitude helps. My troops love the fact that I care for each and every one of them from the lowest private to my most senior platoon SGT. I know all of my soldiers, their families, their pay issues, etc.
(1)
(0)
Disclaimer: I had 3 1SGs in my tenure as Troop Commander. as a 1SG: you must know the regulations (to include Admin Stuff) you must be a SME at your MOS. You should know the METL of the Troop or Company. Soldier care is critical. But the biggest thing I would say is- the Commander relies on you for guidance and advice. Don't be afraid to speak your mind or disagree (in a tactful way) with the Commander, IF you disagree, dont just say- Sir this sucks. Instead say, Sir this sucks because of these issues and propose solutions. Most Commanders will listen to you if you use a tactful approach. If its wrong- say its wrong. If its a safety issue, SPEAK UP ASAP. As the 1SG, you work for the Soldiers in the Company but you must accomplish the mission.
In summary: Know the regulations, METL, speak up and look out for your soldiers (Soldier Care) and you will be fine.
In summary: Know the regulations, METL, speak up and look out for your soldiers (Soldier Care) and you will be fine.
(1)
(0)
I dare you to do a zonk for your first PT formation. I bet they will love you after that.
(1)
(0)
(1)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
22 JUL 11: Zonk PT. When you are in an Army formation and you hear the word "Zonk", you have five seconds to get out of sight. Otherwise, you're doing PT.
CSM(P) (Join to see) - First let me apologize for the Army's failure of giving your the joyful bliss of a "Zonk." They don't happen much anymore. A "Zonk" is an unofficial command that is used to dismiss everyone from PT and they are supposed to un-ass the AO as fast as they can. The first time I had a zonk I just took off running but I didn't know what was going on. A buddy told me PT was canceled. Here is a video of it. There is nothing better than a Zonk on a monday morning.
(1)
(0)
Firstly, congratulations and enjoy what's about to be the ride of a lifetime. There's a bunch of great comments here, here's my 10 cents:
1) Know your Soldiers - strengths, weaknesses, motivations, families
2) Know your mission; be cognizant of the "brandname" of your unit - You are a Subject Matter Expert of something
3) Set Big hairy audacious goals for the company and ensure your CO's goals are nested within. Constantly evolve as the company achieves. You'll have plenty of COs, but you'll be the rock
4) Make routine things routine -- Admin work shouldn't take take your time away from the soldiers. ((If you are still at Mead, get down to meet and greet the folks at MILPER on Huber Rd, they'll help with streamlining processes if you're nice :-) ))
Lastly, the NCO Creed is an absolute foundation for your job description. Have fun and lead with panache...
1) Know your Soldiers - strengths, weaknesses, motivations, families
2) Know your mission; be cognizant of the "brandname" of your unit - You are a Subject Matter Expert of something
3) Set Big hairy audacious goals for the company and ensure your CO's goals are nested within. Constantly evolve as the company achieves. You'll have plenty of COs, but you'll be the rock
4) Make routine things routine -- Admin work shouldn't take take your time away from the soldiers. ((If you are still at Mead, get down to meet and greet the folks at MILPER on Huber Rd, they'll help with streamlining processes if you're nice :-) ))
Lastly, the NCO Creed is an absolute foundation for your job description. Have fun and lead with panache...
(1)
(0)
Congrats, you will do great. This question shows that you put a lot of thought and preperation and take this challenge as 1SG seriously to do the best. Every Company has its strengnths and weaknesses. Go into the job with a good attitude, assess your company for at least the first 30 days. Get to know the Commander, PLs, PSGs, SL's, etc. Your job is to look out for the welfare of the Company Soldiers. You know what is going on with your Soldiers/NCOs, and keep the Commander abreast if and when he needs to know. Handle business by teaching PSGs, SLs and TLs when necessary and appropriate. Most times NCOs figure it out through experince, you are there as their sounding board, a mature older adult / older Brother / Uncle / Papa Bear / Leader / Standard bearer / 1SG / Top that is always looking after the best interest and welfare of his Soldiers and NCOs. Your job is to train NCOs and set the example. Your NCOs should be providing challenging and meaningful training for your Soldiers. Your Job is to ensure this is actually happening. PT with your Soldiers/NCOs. Encourage growth and education. Please don't make your Company soldiers wait for you at the end of the day for a formation to be released. Either have the formation on time, or let them go. Nothing worse than waiting in formation for an hour, just for the 1SG to come out to say, Released. Common sense goes a long way. Company Comander plans the mission, and you make sure the NCOs and Soldiers are ready to perform. Good Luck and Enjoy, being 1SG is the best job in the Army.
(1)
(0)
Don’t forget that your CSM is your adviser, not your boss or in your chain of command! Your Commander and you run the unit! Anything a CSM pushes your way is something your commander must agree with, it’s your job to show value in the CSM advice to the CO. My CO’s often didn’t want to take the CSM advice, I’ve more often than not, not taken the advice of a CSM, or outright respectfully said no,(some CSM tried to use my unit outside our mission...) but most CSM will give you good advice, so learn from them, and ask them for advice but when it comes to your unit, it’s you and the Commander!
I personally asked my first CSM to mentor me.
I personally asked my first CSM to mentor me.
(0)
(0)
I am assuming you are a SFC promotable yes? Be yourself and apply all of the NCO traits you have learned thus far. You will learn a lot at the First Sergeant school and be sure at school to cross pollinate commo with other 1SG's as far as leadership and working with your CO (normally a Captain or Major. ) Be confident and have a positive can do attitude. Remember, your entire Company or Battery is watching you....Hoooah!
(0)
(0)
You and the Commander will be as one, and the troops need to know this.
Meet with the Commander but also meet with your Platoon leadership, get to know them well because your effectiveness relies on your leadership with them, let them know you are there for them 100% but also let them know your expectations! Be consistent and treat everyone with Fairness, Dignity and Respect. Earn respect. Be the last one to finish the day, be the first one to start it.
Meet with the Commander but also meet with your Platoon leadership, get to know them well because your effectiveness relies on your leadership with them, let them know you are there for them 100% but also let them know your expectations! Be consistent and treat everyone with Fairness, Dignity and Respect. Earn respect. Be the last one to finish the day, be the first one to start it.
(0)
(0)
Be, Know, Do.
I would like to address this from the cheap seats. Everyone is talking about knowing your PSGs and senior enlisted. The fact remains that your bread and butter are the soldiers standing in your formation. Never forget that in addition to being the “Top” NCO and enforcer you should also be their chief advocate. If your Senior NCOs are willing to go to bat for them you should be willing to as well. You should be willing to fight as hard for an award or school for a soldier as you would for a chapter or NJP. Spend more time where your soldiers work than you do behind your desk.
I would like to address this from the cheap seats. Everyone is talking about knowing your PSGs and senior enlisted. The fact remains that your bread and butter are the soldiers standing in your formation. Never forget that in addition to being the “Top” NCO and enforcer you should also be their chief advocate. If your Senior NCOs are willing to go to bat for them you should be willing to as well. You should be willing to fight as hard for an award or school for a soldier as you would for a chapter or NJP. Spend more time where your soldiers work than you do behind your desk.
(0)
(0)
I like the rule of three. Meaning if there's more than three steps to a process, more than three things to put out at formation, more than three anything - two of them will be forgotten and the other three will be done half assed because everyone is stressing out trying to remember what the other two are. Everything the unit does should support SHOOT-MOVE-COMMUNICATE (did you notice the three there). Where your job is hard is associating all the BS to those three.
(0)
(0)
That is a tough one. I was assigned as a 1SG when I was an E-7. Just remember to be impartial and get all the facts before making a decision when it comes to listening to lower ranking enlisted rumors. Never assume anything.
(0)
(0)
MSG, first congratulations on this next step in your career. In my humble opinion, never ever argue with the CDR in front of anyone no matter what! It causes confusion and is just not good business. I've seen it happen and it's just ugly. If you disagree, do it respectfully and take big issues behind closed doors. Next, from a PL's perspective, get to know the PL's and look to work with them but at the same time, take time to offer some mentorship (Although we're officers, we're junior officers and need solid mentoring from good NCO's) without being overbearing. Finally, seek to be one of the top people in the unit when it comes to PT. It goes a long way with the soldiers.
(0)
(0)
The best thing you can do is be a good listener. keep in mind, mission comes first but the soldier/airmen/marine/sailor must be properly trained and equipped to do the job. If a military member is not emotionally/physically fit to fight, you gotta let them know. Sometimes you gotta call the baby ugly...... It always helps discussing things with other Tops. I usually did and it really helps.
(0)
(0)
MSG, I know you out rank me, but between Active and Reserves, I have 29 years of service. I have learned a few things that might help you. First when you start your new position, you should be hard core, strict and firm. Then back off as time passes. This way your subordinates know you can be a hard ass and will listen when you have to lock them up. If you come in soft, most subordinates laugh when you try to get lock them up. Next sit back some and watch to see which NCO's the soldiers go to for advice and guidance. These are your strong NCO's and ones that I would look for when you need to know something. I would also have a meeting with each level (PSG, SSG, SGT and lower enlisted) and find out what is broke in the unit, but inform the before hand that you don't want complaints, but they should also come with suggestions of how the unit can fix them. Also if you should be making rounds of area's where your soldiers are working on a detail or in the motor pool, pick up a wrench or do something to show the soldiers that your not afraid to get your hands dirty to help once in a while. When you talk to one of your soldiers, listen to them don't just let it go in one ear and out of the other. Just remember that not all PSG's are right all of the time. Check up to ensure that the info you pass out in your PSG meeting are getting to the lowest level. I hope some of this helps you. If you should want to contact me my email is [login to see]
(0)
(0)
Hopefully, you and the leadership will get along. But like many relationships, it will be tested. I second that opinion that if you need to disagree (if it is something not illegal), to maintain your professionalism ("to disagree without being disagreeable").
Get to know your troops while avoiding fraternization. It is a fine line. Sometimes if there needs to be disciplinary action for frequent offenders, it is helpful to have another person present during counseling. But because you can't handle it, but it avoids any allegations like he grabbed me, etc.
Get to know your troops while avoiding fraternization. It is a fine line. Sometimes if there needs to be disciplinary action for frequent offenders, it is helpful to have another person present during counseling. But because you can't handle it, but it avoids any allegations like he grabbed me, etc.
(1)
(1)
1SG Michael Blount
I always made two things a habit: (1) female Soldiers, NCOs, etc always addressed me with a Battle Buddy (2) keep at least an arm's length distance between you and them. Very easy to follow; extremely effective.
(0)
(0)
Have a serious conversation with yourself asking are you truly about the troops? There is a very fine line between troops "knowing" you are Top and respecting you for it, while also knowing they can come to you for anything because you've created a comfortable environment that creates this welcoming attitude. It sounds a lot like friendship but is definitely NOT! I don't mean to sound Angry when I say that (pun intended). The problem I see with Soldier/ leadership relationship now is that everybody wants to be friends which creates too much disrespect. Like I've always said: "there are no friends in the military and you don't demand respect, you command it". Feel free to email me to avoid these long rants of mine. [login to see] .
Good luck Top and enjoy the ride. It's by far the best position I've ever held in my military career.
Vic Angry
CSM (retired)
Former CSM, Army National Guard
Good luck Top and enjoy the ride. It's by far the best position I've ever held in my military career.
Vic Angry
CSM (retired)
Former CSM, Army National Guard
(0)
(0)
Be sure to do your homework on your company or battery you are on orders to report to. If you can communicate with the outgoing 1SG, that would be most helpful. It would be a good idea to go over all the enlisted personnel in the unit! See where all your Soldiers are at as far as their counseling goes. For some reason, counseling goes to the way side. Check your Soldiers award status' and or 201 file as we used to call it.
Try to communicate with your company commander if you can. This can all be accomplished via email and talking on the phone before you even show up for duty.
As far as yourself, you should have graduated from the 1SG academy or getting ready to go. Rely on your years of experience as an NCO and your instincts. Every company that I ran is different in the sense of the Soldiers and locations. What they had in common were proper records, PT cards updated, counseling updated, awards updated. Remember, health and welfare is at a premium. Good luck First Sergeant! They don't call us "Mother Hen" for nothing!
Try to communicate with your company commander if you can. This can all be accomplished via email and talking on the phone before you even show up for duty.
As far as yourself, you should have graduated from the 1SG academy or getting ready to go. Rely on your years of experience as an NCO and your instincts. Every company that I ran is different in the sense of the Soldiers and locations. What they had in common were proper records, PT cards updated, counseling updated, awards updated. Remember, health and welfare is at a premium. Good luck First Sergeant! They don't call us "Mother Hen" for nothing!
(0)
(0)
This is what I did, gather all my PSG in the office and enforce the unit SOP, also the commanders guidance in training, also the BN CDr directive, also clean my unit of all chapters, NCO that do not want to go to Jumpmaster school place them on orders, bring new e-5 and e-6, talk to the CSM in all changes in NCO's also change squad leaders around the Company, complete all task like NCOERs, awards, schools, and training, all this happen after 60 of evals observations, my best day to complete my admin stuff was WENSday and I give a due day and hours to submit all documents! Enforce my E5 to go to Ranger school jumpamsters and pathfinder (of course in order to do that they must score 280 and better) gather all my PL's and enforce that training is ours ( command team) not their OER bullet filler and maintain a good team from the beginning to the end, support all family matters do not leave anything behind with my paratroopers families remember they are your support in everything, be fair and impartial at all cause listen to paratroopers don't be a static listener, look at thei needs and maintain 150% motivated from the beginning to the end!
(0)
(0)
Make sure you set the standard and come hell or high water ensure it is followed and enforced. Make sure your soldiers are always informed and taken care of in every way. If you do those two things your metrix numbers will be good save the 10% that no matter what will be an issue. My advice for those soldiers is to kick them out of the Army, thus not making them someone else's problem, or letting them eventually became senior leaders! Hope this helps you and good luck!
(0)
(0)
Be empathetic. Get to know your troops. Open door policy. Good luck. Your troops are lucky to have someone who cares as much as you obviously do.
(0)
(0)
No one cares but you, and that understandable. You have a valid profile. If you work your butt off within the limits of your profile your leaders will notice and respect that. It's only a problem, for me, if you don't attempt to get off or improve from your injury.
(0)
(0)
Best to ignore people like this. She is confused or misinformed and probably lack the capacity for critical thinking. Probably haven't attempted or don't know how to look at the impact versus intent in what she is attempting to do. Better ways to get your message across than using inflammatory methods.
(0)
(0)
SGT(P) (Join to see)
SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" I would love to know the discussions these responses are directed to, I'm sure they are not intended to be in this one. SFC (Join to see)
(0)
(0)
No negative feelings whatsoever. Thank you for serving. Injuries, illnesses happen. Some early in their careers, some later. That feeling that you are having is natural because no one joins to be discharged early, but it happened. Hold your head up and be proud of your service to your country.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next