What advice would you offer someone transitioning from being an NCO to an Officer?

SSG Toryn Green — Wed, 13 May 2015 18:47:26 -0400

I am in the process of getting a direct commission. I have 9 years of enlisted service and I'm an NCO of two years. What is the best advice you would have to offer someone in my situation?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 6:46 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 18:46:43 -0400

Never forget where you came from

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made May 13 at 2015 6:50 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 13 May 2015 18:50:41 -0400

Learn, listen, and lead!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 6:59 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 18:59:11 -0400

Remember that your new job is different. You have an advantage because you already know some about the Army.

Now, as said above, listen, learn, and lead.

Response by SFC Joseph James made May 13 at 2015 7:02 PM

SFC Joseph James — Wed, 13 May 2015 19:02:01 -0400

Don't forget where you came from and don't ever forget where you are going! Two different roads going the same way! Good Luck Sir!

Response by PO1 Jason Taylor made May 13 at 2015 7:02 PM

PO1 Jason Taylor — Wed, 13 May 2015 19:02:38 -0400

Just don't forget where you come from :)

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 13 at 2015 7:16 PM

SFC Stephen King — Wed, 13 May 2015 19:16:18 -0400

Remember where you came from and you will have a different perspective than others which will serve you well.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 7:26 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 19:26:29 -0400

You will be a great leader because you have experiences that most 2LTs won't have, but like most on here, don't forget what it was like to be an enlisted Soldier.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 13 at 2015 7:50 PM

PFC Tuan Trang — Wed, 13 May 2015 19:50:16 -0400

"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity." Gen . Patton

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made May 13 at 2015 10:09 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Wed, 13 May 2015 22:09:18 -0400

Rule #1: NEVER forget your roots or where you came from.
Rule #2: NEVER forget Rule #1!

Congratulations on transitioning. Remember to listen to your NCO's but don't forget YOU are in charge. Don't try to act like you are still an NCO. We (the NCO's) have our role to play just like the O's. Tell me what you want done, when you need it done, and then kindly step back and let us do our jobs. Treat your troops with respect and they will do the same.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made May 13 at 2015 11:22 PM

SSgt Charles Edwards — Wed, 13 May 2015 23:22:01 -0400

The best advice I can offer is something that was told to me before I became a NCO. Don't forget where you came from. I've always admired those officers who were prior enlisted. They have an understanding of how the enlisted ranks operate and what makes them tick. If anything, being prior enlisted helps in relating to the troops better. Congratulations on the commission.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 11:23 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 23:23:36 -0400

Never forget where you came from! Do not be afraid to make the decision, right or wrong! Lead from the front, manage and let Ur NCOs make it happen. Have a straight forward professional relationship with Ur PSG. U two have to have good solid communication! Don't be afraid to let the CDR know situations that come up! U are a direct ear and voice for Ur soldiers! Be a hard charger, just don't be a pocket full of stupid! Always remember that your soldiers will make U shine like gold or they will tarnish U like dirt!!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 1:18 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 01:18:10 -0400

Here's a few things I would offer:

Your time as an NCO provides you tactical knowledge and perspective. It will help you hit the ground running as a new PL. However understand that many of your duties will still be new to you. To use a personal example, there's a significant difference in maneuvering a fire team and fighting a Platoon. Leverage your experience and knowledge and learn your new duties as a Commissioned Officer. As a PL my PSG only had 3 more years time in service than I did. However there were still many times where he helped and guided me along the way. Your PSG is responsible for your development, make sure you listen.

Be prepared to be treated like every other green 2LT. Right or wrong, Soldiers are going to look at your rank and make assumptions before they know you. I remember a prior service SFC at BOLC who was furious when a SSG Cadre member blew him off when he tried offering advice. Even now with close to 9 years time in service I'll get slick-sleeve SPC's who automatically assume I'm an idiot simply because I have a bar on my chest.

Be prepared to dedicate a lot more of your personal time preparing for Battle Assemblies and Annual Training. You should be on step 8 of the TLPs when you have opening formation. To give you some perspective, as a Company Commander I spend close to 20 hours a week preparing.

Best of luck in your future endeavors. Commissioning is both a heavy commitment and an awesome job at the same time.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2016 5:20 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 17:20:18 -0400

Find other officers near your rank who transitioned in a similar fashion.. You can learn much from their experiences.