SENIOR NCOs & PSGs: What qualities and actions do you look for in a young LT?

Willingness to learn and acknowledge that OCS/ROTC/The Academy did not provide you with all the tools you will need. Trust your Platoon Sergeant ... if he is worth his salt, he wants you to succeed, because you take a load off his shoulders. Learn (quickly) when to walk away and let the NCOs do their jobs. It may not always be what you were taught in school, but usually, if it works and accomplishes the mission, then the NCOs have more experience than you do. At the same time, don't be afraid to voice concerns to your SNCO and NCOs ... if you have a question, ask it. They will quickly realize that you are on their side and not just there for yourself. Your job is to deal with planning and resources ... you take the case to Company and Battalion. Do not be afraid to fight for your platoon's needs ... You are not there to learn the snuffies' jobs or to play ... you are there to lead and help your NCOs train them for that day when all their skills will have to be put on the line to save not only your life, but theirs as well.

I can say from experiance when I was a young Cpl. I was also an RTO. When a fresh LT comes into the fleet a Marine like myself looks for an open midset. Being an officer you make choices hard choices at times. Sometimes especially being an infantry marine those command decisions cost lives. When you get to your unit and are new. Instill your training and always remember your 14 leadership traits and priciples. Know your men and look out for their welfare. Even though your an officer you still put your uniform the same as the rest of us. My Plt commander looked like he was 17 coming to fleet. Many of us enlisted already completed 3 combat missions during the war in its beginning. My job as an RTO and 203 gunner I had to watch his six and my Ssgt at the time did the same. The platoon as a whole accepted him as our brother we did what he asked no questions asked. My job was to carry a radio but also protect him. I realize now when I was in that slot or job. I like him was a number one target. Battle hardened me. Officers coming green in any mos owe their experiance of that brother hood to NCO'S and Staff NCO'S. We are a team and work together to do one thing. Complete the mission. In combat rank and all that goes out the door. We are men equal in our purpose. We feed off of one another to stay motivated. Stay Oscar mike. Promote me on gofundme.com/andrewz245 and support Andy stumpf a former Navy Seal raise funds and motivate him to make his world record happen. Semper Fi brothers and sisters

Open ear syndrome. If a young leader is afflicted with this infirmity they are ok in my book. I'm not suggesting that they take everything they are told as gospel, but as long as they weigh in the advice when they make THEIR decision I am a happy camper.

The ability to listen and the understanding that you do not know everything... Also, not being afraid to standup for your Soldiers. Its goes a long way.

The willingness to learn and be part of the team, as long as you want to learn from those guys, they will guide you, do not go there and try to act like you own the platoon and do what you please, remember it is your platoon, but they been there longer than you, the soldiers are loyal to them, just be a team player and learn. This is your time

First and foremost....Humility and a willingness to learn.

Willingness to listen and learn.

The ability to keep quiet until the LT understands "things". When he does, it appropriate to pay attention and to keep your Sxxx straight! I have memories of a quiet LT; only a month out of West Point who was so quiet! UNTIL ! PFC Bob Meredith soon learned!

Sir, a good young PL will come in and listen and learn from the PSG and Squad Leaders. Realize you don't know everything that your NCO's have experienced alot and will not lead you wrong. Be a good battle buddy team with your PSG. He will make sure you learn what you need to for mission accomplishment and get you trained. I have been a PSG for a good while now and I could not ask for better LT's
They wanted to do great things for the platoon not themselves and for that the platoon was successful and that made everyone successful. It's a exciting time for new LT's cause it will shape you as a leader and you will never forget your PL time or your PSG. I wish you the very best. Sure you will have a great PSG! If you want anymore advice from my experience I would be happy to share anything with you. BROTHERHOOD!

If you have a good Senior NCO he will guide you and let you know when you are heading in the wrong direction. What we need a young LT to do is listen and not be hard headed, thinking he/she know more then the PSG. A good LT will seat down with the PSG and create a plan of action for the Platoon. This way you are both on the same page, moving in the same direction and not contracdicting eash other. Work as a team for the betterment of the Platoon.