How do you feel when you are under someone younger than you both age and years in service? A fast tracking leader?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 16:40:59 -0400

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Aug 2 at 2015 4:45 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 16:45:25 -0400

It was never a question.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2015 4:46 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 16:46:39 -0400

Good, just as long as they know what they are doing.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 2 at 2015 4:54 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 16:54:24 -0400

Never had a problem with it. If they needed help I did my best to assist in any way possible. If not, I tried to learn from them.

Response by MSgt Brian Welch made Aug 2 at 2015 9:55 PM

MSgt Brian Welch — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 21:55:00 -0400

I always found that those that were on the fast track were also on the fast track of maturity. As an enlisted member we've all been subordinate to younger, often greener officers. As a SNCO we are compelled to not only comply with the "green" officer but help grow them. How is it any different if it was a fast track enlisted member?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 7:42 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 07:42:59 -0400

If they're competent and mature, I'd do my best to learn from them and support them.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 9:50 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 09:50:21 -0400

We;;, in Iraq I had this hotshot... Staff Sergeant, ranger tabbed and 22 years of age. He felt he had so much to prove. It was quite painful to watch many times. The common sense factor was often missing and the hard way was always the right way.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 11:02 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 11:02:52 -0400

I have been on both sides of this equation. At first is is awkward but I try not to let age be the reason I respect someone. It does take some getting over, but now I don't judge on age any more than I judge on race/gender, that is to say none.

If they are that rank at an earlier age, perhaps they are very good at their job, or just started earlier.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 4:07 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 16:07:39 -0400

As long as the mission is completed to standard, does it really matter? I have been in this situation many times and I think that there is always someone learning during the process (on both sides). As long as I stay faithful to my charge and my oath, then it should not be an issue.