I want to become an NCO in the National Guard. What should I do in my career to do so?

2016-06-13T14:08:45-04:00

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 2:12 PM

2016-06-13T14:12:43-04:00

Do what is told of you, get your education, complete ssd1, go to BLC, maintain good pt

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Jun 13 at 2016 2:16 PM

2016-06-13T14:16:00-04:00

RIGHT PLACE! RIGHT TIME! RIGHT UNIFORM!

Response by SGT Brian Wall made Jun 13 at 2016 2:19 PM

2016-06-13T14:19:50-04:00

All the advice given is great. Get your ssd1 out of the way. Get BLC before you get out. Show up on time right uniform and be ready to lead. That's how I did it. Maintain a good physical readiness. Never lose the infantry mind set. Train to standard and not time.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 2:21 PM

2016-06-13T14:21:18-04:00

Education, education, education... Civilian and military education/training. High score on PT tests and weapons qual. This is the most effective way of receiving promotions, outside of doing the common sense soldiering (uniform, doing what you are told, etc.).

Response by SGT Robert Cupp made Jun 13 at 2016 2:29 PM

2016-06-13T14:29:36-04:00

Do your ssd

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 2:37 PM

2016-06-13T14:37:27-04:00

Stand out! As a young Soldier you should focus on learning everything you can from the leaders around you, good and bad. Most importantly, you need to seek out self improvement. If you are not enrolled in college, you need to be. Getting a college education fast is the best way for you to stand out, as well as knowing your job and the job above you as best you can. Be the Soldier that is always there, is always ready and is always hungry to learn.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 2:58 PM

2016-06-13T14:58:29-04:00

The basics such as doing the right thing, doing PT, SSD, BLC and so on are expected of you. Do what is not expected of you. Those you must do whether or not you plan to take your career to the next level or not. Take charge before you become an NCO. Learn and ask to learn how to train junior enlisted. Learn a task to the best of your ability and train that task. Then go to your next task and so on. Ask for mentorship from Senior NCOs as you progress in leadership roles. Seek out career enhancing schools early in your career. Some courses are meant for certain grades and you may miss the chance to take it.

Here is a good starting reference: http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/STP_1.html STP 7-11B1-SM-TG & STP 7-11B24-SM-TG
Here are some more references:
http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/ATTP_1.html All apply to your job.

If you can master your job fast and learn how to train others while meeting all other standards you will off to a great start. Good luck!

STP- Army Doctrine and Training Publications

Official Department of Army (DA) administrative publications and forms managed by the United States Army Publishing Directorate APD. Utilizing the latest technologies producing high quality downloadable electronic pubs and electronic forms view U.S. Army Regulations and DA Forms.

Response by CPT John Sheridan made Jun 13 at 2016 2:59 PM

2016-06-13T14:59:36-04:00

A few pieces of advice:
1) Make extra effort on your uniform every time you wear it, even in the field (bring shoe polish to the field?)
2) Set the example by trying the hardest.
3) Be the first to arrive and the last to leave at drill.
4) When CIB testing comes up, take it seriously, study, and out perform your peers.
5) If your battalion has a soldier of the month/quarter competition, ask to be selected for it.
6) Keep a positive attitude and show it with enthusiasm, a cheerful demeanor, and a serious demeanor when appropriate.
7) Be attentive to your leaders.
8) If the troops you hang out with during down time whine, complain, or show a bad attitude, find others to hang with.
9) Tell your NCO's that you want to be a sergeant. They may joke with you about it, but most leaders are looking for willing troops to mentor and will be happy to do so.

(Yes, I know that I was a Chemical Captain, but I was an Infantry Sergeant before that)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 3:15 PM

2016-06-13T15:15:05-04:00

SSD and BLC (WLC). Show your current leadership that you deserve to lead. ie. PT, job performance, etc

Response by SFC Daniel McIntire made Jun 13 at 2016 3:42 PM

2016-06-13T15:42:44-04:00

A few starters. Focus on the basics, get educated (military and civilian), connect with those sections/people that can help you (S-1, supply, fellow and senior NCOs, etc). Be the EXAMPLE!

Response by SGT Paul Mackay made Jun 13 at 2016 4:03 PM

2016-06-13T16:03:17-04:00

Join the Army

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 8:20 PM

2016-06-13T20:20:04-04:00

I would say do what you are suppose to do and try to get out of the NG and go active.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 8:36 PM

2016-06-13T20:36:53-04:00

Go active

Response by SGM Billy Herrington made Jun 13 at 2016 9:27 PM

2016-06-13T21:27:04-04:00

Not only pass, but excel at your APFT. Pass height/weight. Do SSD1. Pass BLC.

You're infantry, promotions come fast. If you exceed the standards on the basics, you'll make SGT. For SSG, again, check the blocks you must and add in college credit and attend any and all military schools you can.

I've seen guys get in and make SSG in 5 years in the guard that were infantry. It's a wide open field due to the attrition rate.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 10:39 PM

2016-06-13T22:39:07-04:00

Dream, believe, achieve!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 11:12 PM

2016-06-13T23:12:20-04:00

SSD1, work on getting pt and qualification up, civilian education, military schools, and always be prepared for anything to stand out

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 12:45 AM

2016-06-14T00:45:27-04:00

From what I've seen personally, SSD and the standards for your unit are a good starting point, but on top of exceeding that standard in every way you can by striving for excellence, you also should show that you have the most heart. If you're struggling, learn from your leadership, then make it work for you. Always give that extra push in PT and constantly keep trying to improve yourself and become proficient in your job. Leadership will notice when you're giving it your all. Even in the guard, stuff like that will take you far fast.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2016 10:00 AM

2016-06-14T10:00:06-04:00

Bottom line.... Know the ins and outs of your job. Be the guy in your squad that other guys go to for help, if the bossman isn't around

Response by SFC Bayardo Reyes made Jun 16 at 2016 9:46 AM

2016-06-16T09:46:27-04:00

Learn how to follow in order to Lead. Get proficient at your current job and learn 2 levels up. Ask questions, really depending on your Unit, ask your supervisors, Not sure how it works in the NG, but a NCO should be coaching you if not happening. get familiar with regulations and criteria for promotions in your career map. In addition, the title as NCO, is not just knowing your job or how far you mastered it, but how can you influence others and be able to mentor them to in order to meet Standard and unit goals.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Jun 16 at 2016 10:28 AM

2016-06-16T10:28:14-04:00

Find a NCO position and ask to be assigned to it. NG is all about slots if I am correct.

Response by CPL Zach Spurloch made Jun 17 at 2016 11:32 PM

2016-06-17T23:32:31-04:00

Number one, you have to attend PLDC. Get with your unit secretary and ask them to put you on the list. It also helps if you "Volunteer" for extra duty.

Response by MSG Mitch Dumont made Jun 29 at 2016 3:31 AM

2016-06-29T03:31:57-04:00

Get in as many military schools as possible. Promotion points are also given for the PT test. The higher the score, the more points. Points can also be accrued via marksmanship. That's what you can do for yourself. Get your immediate leadership involved and inform them of your goals. Stay focused and you will achieve your goal.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2016 9:27 PM

2016-07-06T21:27:00-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I recommend taking to heart what the members have advised you to do. My personal recommendation to you is that, don't be a toxic solider nor a passive joe that waits around to be told, anticipate what is being asked from you and place your best foot forward. Listen to the NCO's no matter how wrong they are and take it as an advise or an experience on how to better yourself when you finally get your stripes!

Response by SPC James Harsh made Jul 6 at 2016 9:54 PM

2016-07-06T21:54:39-04:00

check off the willing to transfer to another unit or battalion. I liked my unit and sometimes you can leave and then get transferred back. My younger brother stayed in and has made rank. Getting enough points to make the list. It's not too bad if you change MOS you'd see that you have many points however many other people have high points. Go to the schools too, that can help, people don't like to schedule and sometimes fall through so that could help to go on a whim's notice. It's not too early, I never applied much except other than showing up and when time and points got me on the list I actually ETS. I hadn't gone to school while I was in to get the 100% tuition waiver would of helped, while I've taken classes I think I would of done a lot better in my time had I started school instead of putting work first which put food on the table though. Lastly, I've seen e-4's get promoted with the attitude that they don't have to do all the work now. No, every promotion entails more work and responsibility and in our MOS you should grace yourself with the know how of the guy above you's job, or woman.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jul 7 at 2016 12:26 AM

2016-07-07T00:26:27-04:00

Marksmanship and show Soldier Care values.