What are the major roles and responsibilities of a staff sergeant?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 22:05:49 -0400

I am currently a SGT(p) with the potential to be picked up in the very near future. I've always been told to think and have the mindset of a rank two above my own. While I can read all the doctrine and articles online, I would really appreciate some insight into what is to be expected at the next level by those serving higher than myself. Also, if I am thinking like a SFC does that better help prepare me for the SSG rank? Thanks in advance.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 25 at 2019 11:02 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 23:02:16 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member have you looked at the DA PAM 600-25 for NCO professional development? It used to have the skills, knowledge, and abilities by MOS and grade for career progression in that MOS.

I think the big thing is the different spans of control. As a PSG you are managing 4 Squad Leaders and mentoring a Platoon Leader to accomplish Platoon tasks and missions. As a Squad Leader you are managing 8-12 individuals to achieve Squad tasks and missions. As a SFC or even a Senior SSG, you aren't leading individuals all the time, you are leading teams.

As a Staff Sergeant and Sergeant First Class you'll start spending more time above the Company level. Bringing your line experience to the BN S3 shop running things like land management, training ammunition, QTB, schools, orders, battle tracking, taskings, etc. you'll work in closer proximity to the Commander and CSM which has a range of opportunities and challenges.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 26 at 2019 11:37 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 11:37:49 -0400

For me, it would be mentoring and guiding the E-5s to ensure they are mentoring and guiding the soldiers, and be prepared to fill in for your platoon sgt.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 26 at 2019 12:45 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 12:45:27 -0400

I don't recommend trying to think two above. You'll miss critical aspects. Think one above and work hard to understand two above and the JO side. Then keep transitioning along the continuum. Your major role is to take care of your people, improve them, and not pass stuff you should be taking care of upwards. The stuff that's beyond your control that gets passed up for E-7 work should have a time limit on you. Sooner the better, start taking care of E-7 stuff. That's performing one above which aligns with thinking one above. Get that nailed down cold. You'll be drafting NCOERs. You better be a good writer. Standing out there means you're not one of the Meh Herd. So many NCOs think they're buried by the competition and don't strive. Strive and even if it doesn't pan out, you can't blame yourself. NCOs that don't strive won't blame themselves but everything else. Be visible in helping the overall command move forward. You'll be recognized more as a team player and not a flaming ego.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 26 at 2019 4:26 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 16:26:07 -0400

Great responses from the O's here. As an NCO you improve your jobs skills, trying to become not only the trainer but the expert in your field at the next level. Same for leadership, SSG normal have squads so you are talking serious counseling to subordinates. Now you dig into duty rosters, troop care and management. The list goes on, everything you were doing as an E5 has to be done at the E6 level with broader horizons.

Response by SGT Sean Bise made Jul 18 at 2019 12:27 AM

SGT Sean Bise — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 00:27:42 -0400

Teach your E5's what you wish you knew. Teach your E4's to be E5's