What can I expect being the Battalion CSM's driver?

2019-01-29T11:39:43-05:00

He is familiar with me because he was my AIT CSM and now he's the CSM here at my first duty station. Besides all the normal formalities what else should I do?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2019 12:05 PM

2019-01-29T12:05:52-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Below are two posts that will provide you with guidance. Be squared away at all times, and always plan ahead so that you are prepared.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-have-an-interview-with-my-battalion-csm-next-week-to-become-his-new-driver-how-can-i-prepare-and-what-should-i-expect

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/is-being-asked-to-be-the-division-csm-s-driver-good-or-bad

I have an interview with my Battalion CSM next week to become his new driver. How can I prepare...

I have an interview with my Battalion CSM next week to become his new driver. How can I prepare and what should I expect?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 29 at 2019 12:08 PM

2019-01-29T12:08:56-05:00

1. Most units, you will be the BN CDR driver, CSM picks the driver. 2. Always on time/early, vehicle always green. Anticipate him, always have a map/right map. 4. Always have radio freqs set, challenge /password for next couple days. Always be Prepared!.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2019 12:30 PM

2019-01-29T12:30:26-05:00

Be a model soldier and always on time. Don't become overly friendly or informal unless the CSM makes the first move.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jan 29 at 2019 1:01 PM

2019-01-29T13:01:26-05:00

Congratulations! You have an opportunity to learn a lot just by watching and listening to the interactions.
Some of the things my drivers did: Map Recons before missions, know your routes, Set up the radios and keep them running, If you have one, set up the FBCB2 tracker. Keep the vehicle in 10 /20 standards, keep conversations you hear between the BC and the CSM in confidence there will times shit happens and they aren't going be worried about you standing there while they defuse a situation or incident. Be flexible, be ready and be timely.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2019 2:04 PM

2019-01-29T14:04:07-05:00

I’m currently my Battalion CSM’s driver, and in my experience it’s a very important but rewarding job. As he is extremely essential to battalion operations, everything you do to support him is equally as important. It’s a weird experience telling NCO’s and even officers that what you’re doing is more important than the MRE’s they’re telling you to move. Your vehicle is an extension of yourself, and it’s your highest priority to make sure it’s at peak functionality. Keep the JBCP updated and working, and make sure you keep information you may overhear between the big dogs to yourself. Also don’t let being in this position give you an overinflated ego. Yes it’s important, but you’re still an enlisted soldier and you still need to show customs and courtesies to those above you. But overall, I’ve enjoyed my time as a CSM’s driver (as hard as it can be), and it’s definitely helped my understanding of how a battalion operates.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2019 2:08 PM

2019-01-29T14:08:37-05:00

I also had the exact same question when I was put in this position, there are many great responses on my question if you want to find it

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jan 29 at 2019 2:12 PM

2019-01-29T14:12:08-05:00

Congratulations SGT Private RallyPoint Member! Although it was only for about two weeks (regular driver was out for medical), being the driver for my Commander was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

LTC Jason Mackay has hit the important points. The rest you can feel out as you go. If I had to stress one point, it would be to learn to keep your mouth shut! The CO and CSM may discuss things in your presence they normally wouldn't. Sometimes, they may even ask your thoughts on a particular matter. Such privileged conversations are NOT for general dissemination! Betray their trust even one time and you are done for.

Response by SSG Lyle O'Rorke made Jan 29 at 2019 6:17 PM

2019-01-29T18:17:33-05:00

At my second unit I was the Brigade CSM driver. The day started with PT then getting the CSMs schedule set for him. Would drive both him and the BRidage CO and Deputy commander around as needed. Would manage and maintain their hummv and perform any task that was needed. Only perk was due to my duty I was exempt from CQ or Staff Duty runner. You much like an executive assistant. From my experience at least.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2019 11:47 PM

2019-01-29T23:47:53-05:00

You can expect you’d better always be one 4.0 U.S. Army PFC.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2019 3:33 PM

2019-02-26T15:33:28-05:00

Each person that you drive for will have different ways of doing things.
Keep you vehicle cleaned and fed (fuel).
Conduct a recon at least the day before in the same time frame.
Look up weather and temperature a few days before, the day before, and the morning of any driving mission.
Keep your maps on lockdown.
Always do a vehicle search before picking up persons for mission.
Check the vehicle after passengers have left to make sure there was nothing left behind.
Strive to get appropriate driving courses completed such as Airfield Driving Course.
Keep contact information for XO and Aid.
Make sure your vehicle gets consistently PMCS'ed and Serviced. You will need to make sure that you schedule these in a way that does not interfere with your commanders/CSM's schedule.
Many other duties may be attached to this position, so be adjustable.
Schedule your appointments, ranges, APFT, around their schedule, nothing in your schedule should interfere with theirs.
Conversations in the vehicle are not to be talked about with anyone else.
Military movement is confidential. Do not share where you are going, when you are going, what they will be doing, how many people will be present. OPSEC This is all need to know information.
Remember what is not included in your job... You are not the commanders or CSM's advisor. You are not their entertainer. You are not their body guard, (but will always keep their safety in mind). You are not Secret Service. You are not better than your peers. Do you job with consistency and humility.
Always remember that you are replaceable. If you can not consistently execute your mission, they will not hesitate to find someone that can.