I'm a recent 2LT appointee (former SSG). I'm told I will have to work HARD at transitioning from an NCO. What "exactly" does that mean?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 15:23:00 -0400

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Aug 31 at 2015 3:37 PM

SGT Patrick Reno — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 15:37:20 -0400

It means you will have to take a course on how to NOT read maps correctly. Really if you weren't ready to be an officer you wouldn't be one. Some of the best officers I had were NCO'S first. You have a huge jump on any brand new 2LT. Through your own hard work you have already achieved SSG, they don't give that away. You already know how the Military works and what is expected of you. You have a better understanding of the soldiers under you for having been one already. Don't second guess yourself, just lead.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2015 4:01 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 16:01:42 -0400

May be different in the Army vs Navy but if it is a real problem it might be in your interaction with enlisted. It also may be someone who is jealous of your success. Congratulations on your commission.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2016 6:12 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 18:12:18 -0500

Well, it difficult to say "exactly" because it likely differs among individuals. For one, get used to being an officer. Officers are expected to know the answers (or find them very quickly). Officers are not to socialize with enlisted people as they might have prior to being commissioned. If married, officers' wives generally expected to socialize with other officers' wives.......can be important to a career too. Being a former enlisted, you have an edge on many of the "fresh-caught" , newly commissioned officers. I guess for the most part, it is a change of mind set for all of us. It is more difficult for some but not others. I wish you the best, and CONGRATULATIONS on your new rank.

Response by MAJ Richard Cheek made Jan 31 at 2017 2:56 PM

MAJ Richard Cheek — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 14:56:22 -0500

Trying not to be a smarta$$ but you have to sometimes put common sense aside. I found myself an many situations were I was thinking like a soldier not like how the general is thinking. Ever painted an entire motor pool a different color because the brigade commander misinterpreted the direction of the CG. Only to be asked by the CGwhat the hell did you do. Patience will be a virtue.