What is the best way for a new 2LT to counsel a platoon sergeant?

Our CO when I was in Germany was a 1st LT. He counseled me after my 1st Article 15. I had been there 3 months and got into a fight with a Spc5. I accepted the 1st Sgt's punishment and he knew how to give a counseling. He chewed me a new butt and I spent 4 weekends buffing floors. The Spc 5 would not take the TOP's punishment so the CO busted him down to E4 for 6 months. When I reported to my new company 10 months later in Soc Trang, Vietnam, I was supprised to see the same "First Sgt.". He ran a tight company and anyone with a problem could go to him. The CO had more to do than everyday little stuff. Plus he loved to drink.

I strongly recommend the Sergeant First Class being canceled to do his utmost to keep a serious expression on his face and try not to snicker or break out laughing.

The first thing is that his Platoon Sgt probably knows more than he does. He should not talk down to his Plt Sgt. I know that on more than one occasion my Plt Sgt kept me out of trouble, and he was my link to my Platoon for training, inspections, tractor Maintenance (LVTs). The question is why does his Platoon Sgt need counseling.
Semper FI

This photo looks like a SHARP complaint in the making

Sir,

Whatever you say it has to be in writing. Just because the season PLT SGT has been in a while doesn't mean he/she doesn't make mistakes.

As the Col stated above give him what you expect as a senior enlisted advisor and as a leader of soldiers and if he fails in any aspect of this - again it must be in writing. If not you will not have a leg to stand in when its time to rate his performance.

Plus, to be successful as a PLT LDR you and he must be on the same page.

Good luck!

This is actually a very important topic and can be pivotal in how young officers grow up and learn to interact with their SNCOs in the long term. I am a bit biased since I was a SNCO before I was a 2nd Lt but the way I approached it was with respect and the intent to learn and grow on both sides. The absolute worst thing the officer can do is come in with no experience or frame of reference and attempt to move all the furniture around. That is true of any rank in any command I have ever been part of. You cannot alienate the people you are in charge of and responsible for and then expect to be recognized as a leader. Conversely the worst thing the SNCO can do is to shut them out and not educate or support their officers. It creates a conflict within the unit, leads to a lack of unity, and a loss of esprit de corps. As a new officer in any command you must establish an open and interactive relationship with your SNCOs. That doesnt matter if you are the CO or 2nd Lt. Ultimately you are in charge and you are responsible, but you cant do anything on your own.

I had several PLs come through my company and generally the best course of action was for the 1SG and CO to counsel with the LT to familiarize them with their mission and all the working parts of the unit Usually this removed any perceived animosity from either side in the counseling session after the LT was allowed to proceed.

Be Honest. This plt sgt can help you be or not be successful and most of all remember plt sgts do not need you to run the platoon.

Yours is an insightful and mature inquiry, LT. Consider privately consulting a seasoned sergeant major for his/her insights on such a very delicate topic first. Also, try to maintain the subject NCO's anonymity as mush as possible. Give it a try.

I recommend you take the opportunity to sit down with the first sergeant prior to your counseling with your new platoon sergeant Your first sergeant will appreciate your approaching them and seeking their advice. As you cancel you should ensure that the session is both give and take about expectations in both your roles. It’s also critical that you do follow up counseling as required to ensure you maintain an effective line of communication.