Leadership training as a Specialist - how to best practice it?

You know, I just realized that rally point admin changed the wording in my topic. I'm sitting here wondering why I getting tips on how to be a leader but when all I wanted is to know why NCOs don't let specialists be put in a leadership position in order to build their skills instead of assuming the skills are magically squired when getting pinned E5.

I was a squad leader and in charge of 3 maintenance shops as an E4 in the 82nd. my chain of command supported this because I proved to them in iraq that I was capable of managing while my squad leader was sent elsewhere for weeks at a time. Even though my soldiers were all the same rank as me they respected the position I was placed in. I have learned (alot of it the hard way.) that the best way to be a leader as an E4 is to be competent in everything you do. That confidence bleeds through to your peers and they will find themselves naturally doing things you suggest rather then having to offend them by outright giving an order. most importantly, your NCO's will notice this quality about you eventually and you will find yourself standing before a board in short order.

I've found that knowing my job, and being reliable, has been a big help in getting me a leadership role. Hold yourself to the higher standard, and encourage your fellow lower enlisted to do the same. The good NCOs will notice and leadership opportunities will come more often. Also keep a cool and level head when doing something new.

The NCO pledge or creed states that "no one is mor professional than I"... I found this to be almost never true. That does not mean that we did not have good people. They were however minimized by self important people of higher ranks that were everything but professional.

How can I edit this post. I messed up a spot