What does "taking care" of Soldiers truly mean to you?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 19:45:24 -0400

Does it mean making sure that all of their needs are met, setting the example, being emersed completely in their lives, disciplining them to make them better and to not screw up as much, etc. I would really like to hear your thoughts as well as grab some insight.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2016 7:54 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 19:54:32 -0400

Helping them through any problem and teaching them to avoid the problem in the future.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2016 8:24 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 20:24:24 -0400

Being their mama, father, priest/pastor, psychiatrist, mentor, big brother/sister and most of all, problem solver.

Response by TSgt Robert Danley made Jun 25 at 2016 8:35 PM

TSgt Robert Danley — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 20:35:02 -0400

Yes, their needs are met. And that they have the training and are properly equipped to do their job and complete the mission. I don't know that immerse myself into their lives, that might come off as a little over-bearing. When they screw up find out why...get them to walk through it and see where they went wrong themselves.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2016 9:05 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 21:05:06 -0400

That they don't risk their long term career.

Response by MSG Pat Colby made Jun 25 at 2016 9:35 PM

MSG Pat Colby — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 21:35:56 -0400

Training your replacement is your main job. Educating. Setting the example. Showing compassion while maintaining Standards. Admitting that you are not the expert at everything but can steer them in the right direction. Showing them through your actions, as a team you can work through anything.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2016 10:16 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 22:16:18 -0400

1. For those doing the right thing ... Making sure they are afforded all the benefits and privilege they are authorized.
2. For those NOT doing the right thing ... Making sure they know and understand what they are doing wrong, why and how to fix it and the benefits in correcting that action.
3. For those who continue to not do the right thing ... Making sure they were afforded the maximum opportunity to seek excellence outside of the Army.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2016 1:39 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 01:39:09 -0400

SSG Scheil, You mentioned some good points already. Here are some more: encourage and assist Soldiers to know thyself, help them learn to be critical and creative thinkers, treat them with respect & dignity, and challenge them frequently to help develop problem solving skills.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 26 at 2016 12:54 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 12:54:35 -0400

Taking care of your soldiers means grooming them to be the next generation of leaders. It means answering calls at 2 in the morning because your soldier is having a rough time adjusting. It means being a mentor as well as a friend when they need it. Everything you listed I would consider part of taking care of your soldiers. Your troops are a reflection of yourself.

Response by Sgt Christopher Wenzel made Jun 27 at 2016 1:22 PM

Sgt Christopher Wenzel — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 13:22:11 -0400

Looking out for their well being, disciplining them when their out of line, being there when they need someone to talk to. I always tried to steer my guys in the right direction.

Basically being that mentor that they need, so that in turn, they can be that mentor for somebody else.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 28 at 2016 6:04 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 18:04:34 -0400

Placing their needs above my own!

Response by CPT Chris Newport made Jun 28 at 2016 6:32 PM

CPT Chris Newport — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 18:32:41 -0400

It means all that, and putting their welfare above your own.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Aug 4 at 2017 2:58 PM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 14:58:30 -0400

Leading them in the right path and leading by Example!

Response by CSM Eric Biggs made Aug 5 at 2017 9:18 AM

CSM Eric Biggs — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 09:18:26 -0400

Taking care of those in your charge; means many things. It means you teach them right from wrong, and expect them to put that knowledge into action. It means you train them how to be experts and professionals in their jobs and prepare them to take yours. Taking care of your troops requires that you know them; do they have kids or not and if those kids are in school or not. What does that Soldiers spouse do for a living? What do they like to do when they are off work? Did PVT Snuffy just break up with his girlfriend? But in my humble opinion the biggest thing involved in taking care of your Soldiers is helping them manage their career and making sure no one screws them over. I'm the only one who is allowed to screw my troops over and since I won't do that, nobody else better try!