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

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!

When in charge take charge

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!

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)

Let Cops be Cops!

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...

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

So sorry you're under the 200th MP Cmnd

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.

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