What advice do you have for someone going into a new position as the senior NCO of a Military Police Detachment?

SFC Aaron G. — Sun, 12 May 2019 20:23:05 -0400

I am currently mobilized on an ADOS-RC tour. At the completion of my tour, I am being reassigned to a new unit as the detachment platoon sergeant. What advise do you have? Any helpful information would be greatly appreciated.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made May 12 at 2019 8:35 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Sun, 12 May 2019 20:35:06 -0400

Do everything within your power to get rested as a 1SG; because that’s what you’ll be!

I happen to have 3 detachements at different times and damne made sure their senior NCOs got credit for their work!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2019 8:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 May 2019 20:36:34 -0400

Your either are going to be a Det SGT(1SGish) or a PSG not a Det Plt Sgt

Response by SFC Charles McVey Sr. made May 12 at 2019 8:41 PM

SFC Charles McVey Sr. — Sun, 12 May 2019 20:41:34 -0400

I have been out since 2003, an am aware that much has changed, but the one thing I would say is talk with your Squad leaders and learn how they have been operating, the have the same talk with the Detachment Commander and get his or her feel about how they have been operating.

Response by SFC Ocie Conner made May 12 at 2019 9:09 PM

SFC Ocie Conner — Sun, 12 May 2019 21:09:58 -0400

Regardless of what positions you are projected to fill, it could all change upon arrival. Advice is to learn the process of the unit to ensure there is not disruption. Ensure evaluations,awards, counseling’s are complete by your predecessor. Ensure you get the Detachment Sergeant guidance as he or she will brief you up on issues in the Platoon/unit that you should be made aware of. He ya good knowledge base on standing SOPs and Policy Letters. Get on the Commanders schedule to get his/her philosophy and vision for the unit. Link in with the operations sergeant and get the battle rhythm for the unit. Talk with your junior leaders as there may be issues unknown to the command team. I am currently a Detachment Sergeant and have a company size detachment. Try not to change the world in one day. But look at the process for your platoon (if PSG) and unit (if Detachment Sergeant). Big changes immediately (unless necessary) can create confusion for the Soldiers. Counseling’s are key. Ensure counseling’s for all up to date. Also link in with the DES SGM and seek guidance on what are some of the issue plaguing when the Soldiers got on work at the PMO. Spend some days with the PMO Sections as well and become very familiar with DES Policies. Last peice of advice is to have fun, create a climate that is healthy, take some of the ideas from your Soldiers and implement them as our Soldiers see things form a different foxhole. Most importantly be a servant leader!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2019 11:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 May 2019 23:35:05 -0400

So sorry you're under the 200th MP Cmnd

Response by SSG Phil Miller made May 12 at 2019 11:46 PM

SSG Phil Miller — Sun, 12 May 2019 23:46:39 -0400

Joe don't mean to screw you he just will. Don't take it personally.
Each soldier is different and will respond best to individual treatment.
Your "worst" people sometimes make the best soldiers.
Don't let your sergeants do all the work. They have already been there, it's Joe's turn.
Your sergeants should know everything about their soldiers down to their children's' birthdays and middle names.
You should know that about your sergeants.
Love your soldiers!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2019 3:00 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 May 2019 03:00:08 -0400

Got a couple of questions first.
Q1: Are you a traditional Reservist i.e. a weekend per month and two weeks per year?
Q2: Is your Det staffed by an AGR?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2019 8:58 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 May 2019 08:58:45 -0400

When in charge take charge

Response by SFC John Armstrong made May 13 at 2019 9:41 AM

SFC John Armstrong — Mon, 13 May 2019 09:41:14 -0400

The biggest thing to remember is that some might question you because you are new.. Just be you. Trust all of the training that you have had and be ready for anything

Response by SGT Robert Wager made May 13 at 2019 9:47 AM

SGT Robert Wager — Mon, 13 May 2019 09:47:31 -0400

In like a lion, out like a lamb

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2019 1:56 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 May 2019 13:56:40 -0400

Don't, lol. But seriously, instill discipline from the start. A buddy was a SFC 31B PLT SGT, he felt it was very rewarding, but his stories are little different than the expectations of the average Infantry squad...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2019 4:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 May 2019 16:50:26 -0400

Let Cops be Cops!

Response by SGT Kyle Mullen made May 13 at 2019 6:57 PM

SGT Kyle Mullen — Mon, 13 May 2019 18:57:28 -0400

If you're going in a det that strictly works in LE, don't try to micro-manage! Each section has a NCOIC that should be competent enough to take care of their section and soldiers. Also, some sections will have an OIC who is a civilian and in charge of the section (MPI, Traffic). These sections primary duty is working LE and the last thing anyone wants is a det SGT that has no idea about LE trying show people who's boss. (This is coming from active duty)

Response by SFC Aaron G. made May 16 at 2019 12:10 PM

SFC Aaron G. — Thu, 16 May 2019 12:10:33 -0400

For anyone that comes across this thread, I did find some useful information regarding leadership transitions: The Army Handbook for Leadership Transitions published by the USACAC.

"The Army Leader Transitions Handbook offers a methodology to help leaders transition into a new leadership position as effectively and efficiently as possible. The handbook contains best practices and proven techniques from military and civilian sources."

http://cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p4013coll11/id/2077

Army handbook for leadership transitions. :: General Military History

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 16 at 2019 12:34 PM

CW4 Craig Urban — Thu, 16 May 2019 12:34:11 -0400

Do not use your private mobile phone when on patrol. I caught a sp/4. He received a article 15. I was the DOL. Schinnen the Netherlands. The pmo was a friend.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Jul 19 at 2019 11:11 PM

CW4 Craig Urban — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 23:11:36 -0400

Keep your SP/4's in check. Your Sgt's and SSG's will be OK. It is those e4's you should be worried about.

Response by SSG Steve Knox made Dec 30 at 2022 3:24 PM

SSG Steve Knox — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 15:24:50 -0500

DON"T MOVE TOO FAST. Assess your warriors and determine what level of proficiency they possess. Bring them up to speed if needed, but DON"T make them feel you are looking down on them You are their leader, their mentor, their strong presence, their security, YOU ARE NOT THEIR FRIEND! Remember that. One day you may have to make a difficult decision. A "warrior" will follow orders. A "friend" may challenge it. Use your experience as lessons learned not for "bragging: rights. Above all, NEVER put in to question your ability to lead. These warriors can make you look as good or as bad as they want you to.