How would you determine a 'quality' service member?

SGM Matthew Quick — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 20:19:20 -0500

What are (or would be) your 'Top 5' traits that determine 'quality' for a service member's possible continued service?

Example:
- High PFT score or subordinate's average PFT score
- Complete XX college credit hours or having subordinates complete XX college
- Volunteerism
- Competing in or having subordinates compete in/win competitive boards
- Awards

- ASVAB scores or ASVAB score improvement

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Dec 4 at 2013 11:47 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 23:47:45 -0500

Are there no leaders among us? ;)

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2013 4:26 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 04:26:40 -0500

A "quality" service member to me is the type of person you described in your examples MSG. For example, I went to the GT improvement class and I took my soldier with me so she could improve as well. I am currently deployed and volunteer at various locations, when I do that I take my soldier with me. I am currently enrolled in College courses and helped my soldier enroll as well to continue her courses. A "quality" service member is someone who does everything in their power to have themselves succeed and puts the same amount of effort in helping their soldiers succeed as well. There will always be those people who don't like to see others succeed in thoughts that their subordinates may be better than them and pass them up soon.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2013 7:01 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 07:01:33 -0500

I believe all of these qualities are good to have but a soldier needs to be well rounded. Would you want a 300 PT stud who spends all day on the range trying to qualify. Would you want a SGT that is an expert shooter but can't explain how to be a better marksman to his soldiers. Others could be very book smart and have a multiple college degrees but don't have the common sense to wear gloves when they know they will be out in the cold all day. I have also seen very high ASVAB scores from people who can barely maintain their MOS. Sorry about the rant, what I look for in my leaders is knowledge, experience, motivation, sincerity, and professionalism.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 5 at 2013 7:22 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 07:22:56 -0500

Top 5 for me? 1) Intellect/Education/knowledge.2) Selflessness/ volunteerism.3) Technical/tactical proficiency.4) Curious/ seeker of knowledge/ well read.5) Self motivated/ Driven. I think if you have these, the rest can take care of themselves.

Response by CPT Mike M. made Dec 5 at 2013 10:18 AM

CPT Mike M. — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 10:18:05 -0500

All those examples you listed are what the Army loves to see - quantifiable data.  I personally would rather have a few things that are harder to measure.- Proactive:  can execute the solution to a problem before he's even told there is a problem- Technical and tactical proficiency with ideally at least a couple tank gunneries already under his belt- Trainer:  is always prepared to give quality training at a moment's notice and does so in a way that keeps his Soldiers' attention- Reliable:  always in the right place at the right time, turns in products or information requirements on time, never has to be told to do something more than once- Overall althleticism.  Plays sports, lifts weights, does Tough Mudders and things like that, and translates all that physical ability to the military well in that he can run, ruck, buddy carry, work on a tank, etc.

Response by SPC Christopher Salustro made Dec 5 at 2013 10:29 AM

SPC Christopher Salustro — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 10:29:16 -0500

I agree with most of the comments here. I would rather see someone who is knowledgable all around in general Army knowledge rather than someone who can score a 300 on their PT test.

You would think the Army could understand this and stop promoting those "Greatness" PT studs, and look at overall value, you'd have more quality NCOs. Don't take this the wrong way, there are NCOs out there that do a great job, but from the multitude of those, it seems that if you look good on paper, you can go far. If you're "average" on paper, meaning you don't shoot expert, and have a 235-250 PT score, you're looked upon as "sub-par". I just find this appauling.

To answer MSG's question, my big things for quality members.

1) Willingness to learn and accept and correct mistakes

2) Furthering thier education

3) Common sense

If you don't have these traits you're stubborn, lazy, and generally out of touch with the "norm" which means the Army, isn't going to be right for you in general. That is the quality of soldier we DO NOT want.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2013 11:55 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 11:55:43 -0500

Technical competence in lieu of college

Fitness

Military Bearing

Volunteerism

Awards

Response by Sgt John Henry made Dec 5 at 2013 2:20 PM

Sgt John Henry — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 14:20:01 -0500

Also: gives a helping hand of motivation and instruction to fellow team members who need it. A leader does not leave anyone behind.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2013 3:32 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 15:32:01 -0500

1. Possesses military bearing and appearance.

2. Demonstrates appropriate expertise in assigned tasks.

3. Maintains appropriate level of physical fitness.

4. Motivates, challenges and develops subordinates and/or peers.

5. Clear and concise in communication.

6. Displays sound judgment.

7. Adaptable to changing situations.

8. Performs under stress.

9. Possesses capacity to acquire knowledge.

10. Seeks self-improvement.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2013 3:42 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 15:42:47 -0500

1. Integrity
2. Work Ethic
3. Courage
4. Initiative
5. Selflessness

To me, intelligence is one of the most overrated qualities, unless paired with other traits. A smart soldier with a poor work ethic is absolutely worthless.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2013 3:54 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 15:54:20 -0500

I'm right there with most of y'all... I really wonder why there aren't MOS and general military competency exams of some sort to help the Army quantify who is good at their job and who isn't...

I realize that 1) that's part of what the board is SUPPOSED to measure, and 2) the NCOER "SHOULD" fill in the blanks with a more subjective assessment, but in the current system, Leaders are incentivized to get their troops promoted (regardless of their merits as future leaders.) Thus, boards (in some units) become a mere formality - a rite of passage so to speak - and the NCOER becomes a challenge for the rater to find sufficient fluff to write a review that meets or exceeds the standard...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2013 4:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 16:50:22 -0500

Some one who is good with APFT , willing to fight the fight, respectful, good moral standing and common sense. Im just waiting for someone to tell me " Ski we need you to go back and fight the Taliban". I'll be all over that.

Response by SGM Glenn Dawkins made Dec 6 at 2013 10:08 AM

SGM Glenn Dawkins — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 10:08:19 -0500

All good responses, and I would also add that a quality service member should also - - have personal courage to stand up for subordinates- embody the organization's values- apply sound judgment though common sense and ethical behavior- be a team builder not a lone ranger

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2013 9:48 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 21:48:55 -0500

1. Their loyalty to the command (unit) and country

2. Military Bearing and appearance

3. Their work ethic

4. Customs and Courtesies

5. PFT/PRT scores

6. Taking care of their careers, ie..PME/GMT without being told

7. to make a long story short: HONOR, COURAGE, COMMITMENT!

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Dec 6 at 2013 10:00 PM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 22:00:19 -0500

Sir respectfully top five for me:

Never Quits

Personal Courage will stand on regulation and will not allow injustice on their watch.

Mentors everyone does not show favoritism.

Protects the future by ensure that they do not get eaten before they develop.

Humility the ability to serve and not have an entitlement attitude.