What is the best advice you would give to an individual getting ready to be promoted to Sergeant?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 15:27:49 -0400

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Mar 27 at 2016 3:28 PM

CSM Michael Chavaree — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 15:28:46 -0400

I would tell that Soldier to act like a SGT and not an E5.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Mar 27 at 2016 3:35 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 15:35:50 -0400

A couple things:
1. Be prepared for the dirty looks, etc from those who think they should have been promoted, not you.
2. Act like a SGT. That means adhering to regs etc BUT ALSO use common sense.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 4:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 16:02:37 -0400

First and foremost, your soldiers come first. Period.

Secondly....you're a Seargant not an E-5.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 4:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 16:17:28 -0400

As an NCO your prior peers are now you subordinates, act accordingly and realize they are no longer your friends, business is business. Be a leader and set a good example, know the standards and live by them. The Soldiers follow NCOs more if the NCOs do not mind getting a little dirty with their troops. Soldiers and mission is important, there will be times where you have to make tough decisions between mission and Soldiers. Be able to stand by your decisions and the consequences or rewards that come with them. There will be a lot of late nights you will have to work and weekends. Be tactically and technically knowledgeable and ensure you can train Soldiers. Good luck.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Mar 27 at 2016 4:22 PM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 16:22:23 -0400

If you know for a fact you're getting promoted, then first I wish you congratulations. Next, as has already been mentioned multiple times act, and be a Sergeant. To differ from everyone else's advice: remember that you are human, and that you will make mistakes. How you recover from those mistakes will say a lot about you as a leader to your peers, your junior soldiers, and the higher-ups.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 4:23 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 16:23:52 -0400

don't forget where you come from and be open to for help.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Mar 27 at 2016 4:25 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 16:25:09 -0400

Oh, and don't forget. If you need advice - there's LOADS of it right here!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 4:26 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 16:26:15 -0400

Everyone makes mistakes, even sergeants. Learn from your mistakes, and do not make the same mistake twice.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 5:52 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 17:52:34 -0400

Once promoted to SGT, you are now a leader to those who were your peers just a month ago. Your habits should change to reflect this. Now isn't the time to be a "cool" sergeant. Now is the time to be the leader you've been training to be. I won't say you can't eat with your joes, or smoke and joke out in the motor pool ever, but it sure shouldn't be habit. I believe this is the most common mistake I see made. The other one is one that I've had a hard time with. I'm a doer. I've had a hard time transitioning from the guy who takes care of all the little details to the guy who makes sure the little details get done. I've had both my platoon sergeant and Top tell me, "Not you, Brainard, tell someome else to do it!"

Response by SPC David Willis made Mar 27 at 2016 6:18 PM

SPC David Willis — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 18:18:37 -0400

Fight for your soldiers and they'll fight for you.

Response by BG David Fleming III made Mar 27 at 2016 6:24 PM

BG David Fleming III — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 18:24:33 -0400

Mentor a younger soldier. Guiding them as they grow should be your top priority!

Response by SSG(P) James S. made Mar 27 at 2016 6:29 PM

SSG(P) James S. — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 18:29:07 -0400

Be a Leader and always set a good example also remember that training, mentoring, counseling and awards are key to being successful.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 27 at 2016 6:40 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 18:40:46 -0400

Take care of the soldiers and their families. Train them tactically and technically. Show dignity and respect. All work and no play makes Amber a dull SGT.

Response by SFC Benjamin Harrison made Mar 27 at 2016 6:57 PM

SFC Benjamin Harrison — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 18:57:59 -0400

I've never heard of a promotion to "E5". This will be your first lesson, you are not earning a pay grade, you are earning a Rank in the US Army. The rank of Sergeant comes with many responsibilities, I could write a book on advice for you, rather someone has already done this.

1. Read the ADRPs (all of them)
2. Get familiar with AR 600-20
3. Ask those to your right, Staff Sergeants and Sergeants First Class, if you have doubts.
4. Never pass along information that you are not 100% is accurate. i.e. the crap you heard from someone. By now you should know how to research, so do it.
5. Always behave in a manner commensurate to your Rank. You represent every NCO that has came before you and those who will be following. Do not be responsible for giving the Corps of NonCommissioned Officers a black eye.
6. Always communicate with your Soldiers, your leaders book should have more information than the credit bureau.
7. Own up to your mistakes as you will make them, we all have.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 7:22 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 19:22:42 -0400

E-5 in the Navy is the first rank you really are looked at to be a leader but we also have opportunities at E-4 and below depending on the job field. A lot of this can apply to you in the Army as well. My advice to you is remember where you came from. When you have to give an order or lead your troops/team/etc. to get an evolution done, you were the one who had to do the crappy work once before. Never forget that.

For new people under your leadership, make a good first impression by making them feel comfortable and wanted but make sure they understand your expectations and goals clearly. No one likes working for a leader that doesn't give clear direction or expectations.

Do your best to take the dirty looks, snide comments and disrespect from others as best you can. I am a direct person so if I feel someone has wronged me, I approach them tactfully.

Figure out a system to manage your people, try different styles and see how it works out not just for you but them. Be intrusive in your leadership, you need to know your people but they need to respect you and understand you as well.

The best advice I ever received was everything in the military has a regulation and could be "black and white" but we as leaders should live in the "gray." What I mean by that is it is up to you to decide how the outcome of a situation will go. Sometimes you handle it at your level and other times it goes up the chain of command.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 7:47 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 19:47:43 -0400

Expect the unexpected. Besides all the stuff you have in your FM and TM that may be asked know what is happening in the world just in case they ask you about world events or your opinion about it and what you would do if you deployed . The questions and topics of rally point on international attacks by ISIL, North Korea threatening the world with nuking the USA and that there are now Marines in Iraq is a good thing to know. Some may disagree but it will never hurt. You are MP (me too) so you should be proud. Who knows if they ask you about this high-speed female MP Sergeant that won the silver star by fighting insurgents in iraq and killing many by going into the trenches and throwing grenades when her convoy was ambushed by about a platoon size element of terrorists in Iraq? Be ready!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y5Ld_zx_zw

Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester - First female soldier to win Silver Star since WW2

Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester talks from Baghdad to a reporter from CBS about her role as a military police officer with the 617th Military Police and the attack...

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 8:07 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 20:07:10 -0400

Never abandon your principles, and never forget your roots. Remember, too, that you are no smarter than yesterday: keep learning through active listening, reading, and going to every school or seminar you can attend.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 27 at 2016 8:14 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 20:14:16 -0400

Do more listening than talking. Ask more questions until your secure in your believe you know the task, purpose, commander's intent and what mission success is recognized as. Its not true until you have read it. Trust but verify.. so when that fellow squad leader, platoon sergeant, first sergeant tells you the company policy is, the division standard is, the army regulation says. Say Yes Sergeant, and follow it up with " what reg, (policy, SOP) covers that so I can educate myself better?
Leading and taking care of Soldiers does not equal being a friend, it is not exclusive of it either.. but it's "Leadership" not Likership. ,

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 27 at 2016 10:20 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 22:20:09 -0400

Don't spend all that extra money in one place

Response by SGT Tyler C. made Mar 27 at 2016 11:17 PM

SGT Tyler C. — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 23:17:28 -0400

Communication with your troops is vital, get to know them and build a trust so they will come to you with any issues they have instead of their battle buddies who cant help like you can. Expect more of a workload, "I dont know" doesnt fly anymore, put yourself above your peers now that you outrank them. Also live by the Creed!
Welcome to the Corp!

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 28 at 2016 4:41 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 04:41:31 -0400

First a Sergeants responsibility is to their Soldier! Learn the NCO Creed and work to embody its principles. It tells a story, and at the same time provides key words and phrases that should compel you to study and research local and Army policies/regulations. As a Citizen Soldier you will find it harder to embrace the total Army concept, not that you do not care or have the same level of dedication as that of active duty, but you will face additional challenges; a civilian job, leadership that works in and around the organization (Techs, AGR etc.) in different roles. You will have to learn to understand work life balance, this is vital. Respect those above, lateral and below. Seek out those leaders that appear to have it figured out and ask for their coaching and mentorship. If you embrace the Creed and remember, Duty, Honor, Country you will enjoy your career and have the respect of those around you.

Please never refer to your Soldiers as Joe's, or by any other name than "Soldier"!
God Speed and good luck!

Response by SSG James Elmore made Mar 28 at 2016 6:43 AM

SSG James Elmore — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 06:43:09 -0400

Always remember that just because you out rank someone doesn't mean you can't learn something from them.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 10:39 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 10:39:23 -0400

Just remember you are a SGT not a E5 unless you only care about the pay then you're in the wrong line of work. Also remember your once peers are now your subordinates, they aren't your friends, they don't get free passes on stuff, and last but not least set the example of the professional NCO!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 28 at 2016 12:12 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 12:12:31 -0400

Remember it's all about the team and the mission. Don't take yourself too seriously. Keep a sense of humor.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 2:00 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 14:00:12 -0400

it has been my experience that most members have a part of Military life that they excel at, be it Uniform set up, PT, Weapons Qual, etc. So, in addition to all the advice on here, what I try and do is mentor others in the aspect(s) that I excel in.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 2:33 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 14:33:20 -0400

Your in the Army you'll be fine lol, E-5

Response by SFC Stephen King made Mar 28 at 2016 2:35 PM

SFC Stephen King — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 14:35:15 -0400

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member Congratulations on becoming an NCO. My advice is provide purpose in all you do, be motivated even when others are not showing and adhering leading from the front. Don't be afraid to fail.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2016 3:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 15:25:36 -0400

Don't forget where you came from, but the Jr Enlisted are not your buddies anymore. You need to form a new circle of friends, your fellow Non Com's. I always thought a PCS was the best way to start out as a new E5.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Mar 28 at 2016 11:48 PM

SrA Matthew Knight — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 23:48:36 -0400

I've said this before, be the kind of leader that motivates you people to enjoy their job and want to stay in, not the kind of boss that just pisses people off and makes them hate the Service and want to get out. You won't win every soldier over but you can be a great leader to even the ones getting out all the same.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Mar 29 at 2016 2:24 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 02:24:55 -0400

New Sergeant, contrary to your own opinion, you DO NOT know it all. Rely on the advice and counsel of your peers and never be afraid to ask for an opinion of someone whom you trust.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 9:22 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 09:22:20 -0400

Seperate yourself from the e4 and below they're not your friends anymore you don't hangout with them, you lead them by example. Act like a Sgt set a standard and hold yourself and your joes to it. Most importantly put joes first, but understand the limits of this; meaning do not bend for for joe if mission needs completing then inspire them to complete the task with your leadership do not let them slack by making excuses. Be a team with your other NCOs the backbone doesn't stand without all the other columns. Support your battles and be consistent with each other try not to argue or contradict each other especially not infront of the joes.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2016 3:20 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 03:20:28 -0400

You don't have to know everything, but you do need to know who to turn to when you can't find the answer through research. "I don't know, ask [so-and-so]" is never the right answer. Commit to your Soldiers that you will get back to them, and follow up.

"The day Soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help them or concluded that you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership." --GEN Colin L. Powell, USA Ret.

Also... set the example for your Soldiers. Be cognizant of the things that you say and do when you thing no one is looking -- because everyone is constantly watching.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2016 10:20 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 10:20:55 -0400

Find a good NCO in your company and do what they do. Keep a leaders book and always lead by example. (Your not a member of the E4 Mafia anymore be a NCO)