What do you do to raise morale for your Soldiers?

2015-04-30T02:24:14-04:00

If we want our Soldiers to stay motivated, then morale needs to stay high? I have put a candle in a pound cake for a Soldier in the field for their birthday, have put in my Super Girl Jammie's with the feet in them and a cute pink cape on the back and ran around the barracks (inside) even making the dun dun dun noise. I had my sister overnight Halloween stuff and then I went trick or treating in the pouring down rain with some of he other females (couldn't convince em all) and went knocking on tents in the field. I had my Santa Suit mailed to me overseas, wore it to an MWR even (pt belt as well, safety first), then had my "Guardian Angels" escort me to the Motor Pool where our night shift Maintenance crew was working and delivered candy canes plus they got pics with Santa:) One of my friends was missing his daughters first birthday so I had gingerbread man cookies. Put a candle in one, then the females and I sang happy birthday to his daughter. He got the "cake" with the candle and the females and I split the others so we could all enjoy his daughters cake. Random birthday presents, usually something silly involved. For AT, another friend of mine (She ETS'd a few years ago) started "fake AT awards". We usually get something small to go with the awards. Example: One person got an Opera Award for always listening to problems of others, I got the AT Idol award for serenading our females every morning (I can't sing but I'll sing to anyone). All of which the Soldiers have lived. What do you do to raise morale for your Soldiers?

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 30 at 2015 3:05 AM

2015-04-30T03:05:17-04:00

Because I am no longer on active duty, I really have nothing to add this conversation (things were a little different back in the 80s and 90s). But, I couldn't leave this discussion without saying that I am really impressed by your "above and beyond" approach to raising your soldier's morale. Best of luck to you in the future. :-)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 7:19 AM

2015-04-30T07:19:16-04:00

Competitive exercise is the most effective way to boost both morale and esprit de corps!

Response by MSG Scott McBride made Apr 30 at 2015 7:36 AM

2015-04-30T07:36:28-04:00

Motivating Soldiers is an art. Some are easier to motivate than others. Putting a candle is a pound cake in the field is a great way to build rapport and show empathy to be sure, but it takes more than empathy and fun. A sure way to get Soldiers motivated is to simt keep them informed with a purpose for doing what your doing and why; allow them to be a part of your decision making process to solve a squad/platoon problem (when appropriate of course). You will find that simple tactic makes your subordinates feel they have a worth to you and the organization. Of course, that's only a small example of the many many things that can/ will motivate Soldiers, but keep in mind that most Soldiers want to be you. Showing them the ways of the leadership force will set you apart among your peers and your Soldiers will love you for it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 7:59 AM

2015-04-30T07:59:24-04:00

I have a few, but one of my tricks was to memorize a current or "old school" dance routine and perform it late at night in the barracks during AT. My rendition of the "Humpty Dance" was legendary, but my "Gangham Style" was not my best work.
I have a strict no video policy during these performances, but I keep hearing persistent rumors that 2010's "Soldier Boy" rendition has been circulated around the unit.

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Apr 30 at 2015 9:02 AM

2015-04-30T09:02:16-04:00

The best way to motivate others in all walks of life is by example. How can a leader ever expect anyone to want greatness if they have no model to base greatness off of. Everyone needs a role model, or someone they can aspire to be as good as, if not surpass in ability and motivation. If the leader does not show motivation than no one else will either.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 9:28 AM

2015-04-30T09:28:55-04:00

Hide the Master Chief's stapler Fridays.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 9:29 AM

2015-04-30T09:29:39-04:00

Agreed! Had some awesome Role models then I helped do their retirement packets years later. Was pretty excited they were there to see me make E6. They knows how to get the job done and have fun as well. Such a respect that they didn't have to yell, raise their voice or anything if you were in trouble. Just talk to you like a normal person and you felt horrible because of the respect you had for them. Definitely agree!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 10:24 AM

2015-04-30T10:24:22-04:00

Give them this...Today...lol

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 10:57 AM

2015-04-30T10:57:46-04:00

I would say as a Senior Leader one of the best ways I have found is just letting and showing them that you are there to listen to them. Most of the time Soldiers do not want you to fix there issues they just want to be able to talk about them and in return they normally develop their own solutions.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 11:06 AM

2015-04-30T11:06:36-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member I walk by the offices and ask everybody how is the motivation today? Sometimes they look me weird and I tell them, I'm the Battalion's Motivation PIC, I have to do my job. They always ask, PIC? What's that Camacho? With a smile I tell them, I'm the Private In Charge so if you are lacking motivation, go by the S4 shop and ask for me. That always bring a smile on them.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 12:05 AM

2015-05-01T00:05:20-04:00

During our last AT we were hitting temperatures in the high 90's. While operating a stationary fuel point I'd randomly pass out Gatorade's to the crews coming through. During the same AT I snagged an extra tray of deserts from the cooks and walked all over my company and the HHC bivouac are passing them out. I'd also put on a smile and ask them about there day of training to give them a chance to vent for a minute or two if they needed it.