Posted on Jun 16, 2019
SPC/Shop NCOIC being forced to pair up with new PVT in barracks?
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Seeking advice or some general guidance: I am the Supply Sergeant in my unit, with one soldier underneath me. I am a single, 4 year SPC and I am going to the promotion board at the end of this month. My issue is as follows: I don’t have an NCO to fight on my behalf and I am being forced to switch barracks rooms and live with a private who seemingly can’t take care of himself. I am, for the most part, running the supply room on my own, as my soldier has not been properly taught and due to the change of command that we just went through, I haven’t been able to get him up to my speed. This leaves me in a stressful spot, as running a supply room with a screwed up property book and being charged to fix it isn’t exactly easy. My motivation these long days (and nights..) of work is the fact that right now i am able to come to my barracks room where I am the sole occupant and relax stress free without some messy private stressing me out further. The unit isn’t short of rooms; There are plenty of barracks rooms that don’t have anyone in them. Doesn’t being an NCOIC of a shop have any bearing on the E4 and below being paired up with a roommate thing, or do I need to suck it up and just wait to pass the board/BLC and get promoted?
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Barracks
Barracks
Edited 5 y ago
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 10
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As much as it sucks, only actual NCO's rate their own rooms, If there is availability, you might have a case as you ARE the Supply NCO by virtue of the position you hold, but that is up to the discretion of your command. I have been out for 4 years, and the regulations and policy letters might have changed, but when I was serving, E-1 to E-4 Specialist were bunked together. Also, as the Supply Sergeant, even as an E-4, You work for the Company XO, So you do have someone to advocate for you, as long as you are respectful, truthful, and honest.
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SGT (Join to see)
SSG Robert Perrotto - SSG, I suppose when you put it that way I don't really have a leg to stand on. I thank you for the wise words and guidance.
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SSG Brian G.
SGT (Join to see) - Ok, couple of things here. You signed the same basic contract as the rest of us. Just because someone in your unit told you that your day ends at say 1630 does not mean it does. You are in the army 24/7 and you are always on duty, just not always doing your job.
This mentality that your responsibilities should end when you log off for the day and hit your room is a bit nuts. Also, as to your private that is un-trained, that is the breaks of Army life sometimes. You work him in and with him as you can.
This private is not a child, do not treat him as such. You are the ranking person in that room. Give him an order to square his shit away and keep it squared away. Make sure your shit is squared away and carry on. If he cannot, then go to HIS NCO and make him aware of the situation and request action. IF nothing is done then step up the chain to his PSG, the First Sergeant Etc., someone will do something but you are likely not going to get out of the bunking situation until you promote.
This mentality that your responsibilities should end when you log off for the day and hit your room is a bit nuts. Also, as to your private that is un-trained, that is the breaks of Army life sometimes. You work him in and with him as you can.
This private is not a child, do not treat him as such. You are the ranking person in that room. Give him an order to square his shit away and keep it squared away. Make sure your shit is squared away and carry on. If he cannot, then go to HIS NCO and make him aware of the situation and request action. IF nothing is done then step up the chain to his PSG, the First Sergeant Etc., someone will do something but you are likely not going to get out of the bunking situation until you promote.
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SGM Robert Gentner
SSG Robert Perrotto - But is it HIS responsibility? Does the soldier work directly under him? Can't he go and wake the private up rather than live with him. I don't think the decision was well thought out. With logic and the right approach he may have the decision reversed.
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SSG Robert Perrotto
SGM Robert Gentner - SGM - If you decide that it is a Soldiers responsibility to influence and lead other Soldiers, then it is so. Command Authority gives you that power to determine, and grow, future leaders by placing them in positions of responsibility. If 1SG and the Commander has faith trust and confidence that this Supply Specialist can influence his room mate in a positive manner, utilizing Be, Know, Do, then they should try it. Responsibility is what Command decides.
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I have seen squared away Soldiers in the barracks saddled with the screwups for a LONG time. Hell, back in the 90s, I was the Soldier they gave the screwups too. I know it is a burden. Yes, it sucks. BUT.. try flipping your mental script. The reason your unit has given you this bonehead as a roommate is that they believe you can be a positive influence. They are expressing a level of trust and confidence in your abilities and competence. Don't view it as a burden, but rather an opportunity.
I remember seeing the wisdom in the life advice posters that read "Strive to be the person your dog thinks you are." (Still good advice' IMHO). Here, you need to strive to be the leader your 1SG thinks you are.
I remember seeing the wisdom in the life advice posters that read "Strive to be the person your dog thinks you are." (Still good advice' IMHO). Here, you need to strive to be the leader your 1SG thinks you are.
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I was a 28 year old corporal serving as a squad leader and a section leader and my roommate was a PV2 from another unit. BLUF, it can suck sometimes. Consider it one of those hard life lessons. Do what I did. Get promoted as fast as you can to where you can get on the OML and move out. Yes, I put up with a year of that dude and his girls coming over at all hours of the night and waking up at 0400 and stepping over naked bodies on the floor in the morning. But guess what. It was great motivation to do those correspondence courses to make points for promotion.
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