I have an NCO (inherited from another section) who just can't get right. Do you have any suggestions?

Like many have said, counsel, counsel, counsel. However, don't just counsel him, counsel ALL your soldiers. Set that standard for yourself and your subordinates and go from there. A lot of times, a soldier makes it to SGT (or higher) without guidance or accountability. By then, they've established their habits and think there is nothing wrong with what they're doing - they've "always done it that way" without anybody giving them negative feedback so where's the problem? Heck, they even got promoted, so it must be okay, right? Counselings give a soldier a reference point - if in doubt as to what you expect from them, they can refer to them, check themselves, and continue on knowing that they're meeting your set expectations. And if they don't meet expectations, counselings will bolster your corrective actions against them. You might be surprised, though. I have found that a majority of misbehaving/substandard soldiers straighten up and do what they're supposed to do (sometimes even exceeding expectations) when they're held to an unwavering standard that's in writing. But, again, you need to establish a counseling habit for all your soldiers, not just the problem children. That might prevent you from being accused of unfairness. And the Brooks is correct, counsel for positive things also. The same way having something negative in writing is an eye-opener, having a pat on the back in writing is a morale booster and reinforces positive behavior and garners loyalty.

Like many have said, counsel, counsel, counsel. However, don't just counsel him, counsel ALL your soldiers. Set that standard for yourself and your subordinates and go from there. A lot of times, a soldier makes it to SGT (or higher) without guidance or accountability. By then, they've established their habits and think there is nothing wrong with what they're doing - they've "always done it that way" without anybody giving them negative feedback. Heck, they made it to that rank by behaving that way, so it must be okay, right? Counselings give a soldier a reference point - if in doubt as to what you expect from them, they can refer to them, check themselves, and continue on knowing that they're meeting your set expectations. And if they don't meet expectations, counselings will bolster your corrective actions against them. You might be surprised, though. I have found that a majority of misbehaving/substandard soldiers straighten up and do what they're supposed to do (sometimes even exceeding expectations) when they're held to an unwavering standard that's in writing. But, again, you need to establish a counseling habit for all your soldiers, not just the problem children. That might prevent you from being accused of unfairness. And the SGM is correct, counsel for positive things also. The same way having something negative in writing is an eye-opener, having a pat on the back in writing is a morale booster and reinforces positive behavior and garners loyalty.

Did I miss something or what is it he isn't getting right?

You have to break it down to the basics. 10 level in move up. Don't assume anything. If he is motivated to learn and you be motivated to teach. But make sure you were documenting everything on counseling. Because if this guy turns out to be a bag of garbage, you need to back up to make sure that he does not get promoted

The first question that comes to my mind is this; Is the individual TRYING to do things things correctly. (You weren't specific in presenting the difficulty so that makes it tough to answer.) If someone is making an honest effort but just doesn't seem to get it, work with him/her as much as is needed and, with some luck, you can turn him around. If he just doesn't give a shit, there isn't much you can do but reflect it in his next NCOER and hope he moves on quickly. I've dealt with senior NCOs (E7) whose egos made them think they were above criticism. THOSE are a lot harder to deal with than any new NCO.

First...WHAT can't your NCO get right? Is it zipping up his fly or assembling a computer for spare parts? Simple tasks require simple training (Instructor tells, instructor does; instructor tells, student does (with instructor intervention); instructor tells, student does. Now if your orders are complex, then written instructions (after training) are best. However, if after everything you do, your NCO is still incapable of executing tasks ... especially simple ones, then I recommend the following:

1) Have the NCO visit medical facilities to be evaluated (yes...mental health, too)
2) If given a clean bill of health both physically and intellectually, then consider retraining
3) If retraining isn't an option, then administrative discharge is likely your best recourse.

SSG, you are the teaching tool, set the standard, correct soldier as needed. Be, know, do.

SSG (Join to see) I have read through the posts and see a lot of great information. I would say I ran into this a few times at my last duty assignment. The thing is, they have seen wrong way more times than they have seen right. It's a process that takes time, how much time is really dependent on the person in question. If they are extremely behind, it may be necessary to reduce in rank. I don't see the details on "can't get it right", so it is hard for me to say.

Some Military personnel fail to realize that this is an organization built upon a business strategy not too different from the civilian work force. However they fall into the (I'm safe mindset) only because of the provided atmosphere the Military has the tendency to give off. What I'm saying is I feel that standards need to be reinforced and if individuals are not helping the organization move forward in any way, not wanting to better themselves, or trying to leave if they have found this life isn't for them, then it's our job as leaders to free the weak links and rebuild them with the stronger ones....I don't know I'm only an E-6....

If all else fails, the Military is accepting individuals who'd like to volunteer for expedited service out of the Military lol they sound like a great candidate.