What's the wisest thing you ever heard from a senior NCO?

2015-03-26T18:24:44-04:00

This question was prompted by a question posted by SGT Veronica Fulgham - Blais regarding best line from military movies

Dedicated to Sgt. Maj. Basil Plumley (We Were Soldiers)

Lt. Colonel Hal Moore: I think you oughta get yourself an M-16.
Sergeant Major Basil Plumley: Sir, if the time comes I need one, there'll be plenty lying on the ground.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Mar 26 at 2015 6:28 PM

2015-03-26T18:28:55-04:00

I will gladly go 1st...

From a training SGT in survival class
"The probability of you surviving is inversely proportional to the time it takes you to eat your 1st bug"

Response by SSG Gelbert Samsung made Mar 26 at 2015 6:47 PM

2015-03-26T18:47:18-04:00

Officer's use loyalty as a foundation but NCOS use integrity. https://www.change.org/p/barack-obama-army-fox-news-cnn-abc-hold-command-accountable-for-selecting-cases-based-of-discrimination-retaliation-and-racism-with-double-standards?recruiter=264457876&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_facebook_responsive&utm_term=mob-xs-no_src-no_msg

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 4:28 AM

2015-03-27T04:28:29-04:00

It's hard to choose just one, when there have been so many. Currently, here's the nugget of wisdom that motivates me each day.

"Your job as a leader is to train your Soldiers to replace you."
SFC Johnathan Squires, January 2015

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 5:00 AM

2015-03-27T05:00:32-04:00

When someone asked a Chief I once worked with what the secret to making Chief was, he answered "Do the job you are given to the best of your abilities." He followed with something like, if you do you job as well as you can people will take notice and take care of you.

I know at least in the AF SNCOs tend to get wrapped up in a job title or some other small thing that they believe will be the golden ticket to career progression instead of simply carrying out all their duties to the best of their ability.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 6:42 AM

2015-03-27T06:42:05-04:00

I was a PFC and selected to be the driver for the CSM. My platoon sergeant told me to be professional but be myself around the CSM and I would be fine. The first time I was supposed to drive the CSM he walked out of the HQs, got in the jeep and said "Do you know where you're going Oldsen"? I said, "roger CSM I studied the route with the battalion commanders driver". The CSM said, "you're shitting me"? I said, "I wouldn't shit you CSM you're my favorite turd"?

My platoon sergeant wasn't too happy when I walked back in the CP...

That same CSM was the commandant for the NCO academy when I went to BNCOC as a Sergeant, many moons later. He remembered me and while I was doing push ups outside his office he told me "Oldsen, don't ever forget where you come from". That was the wisest thing I ever heard from a senior NCO.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 27 at 2015 7:17 AM

2015-03-27T07:17:35-04:00

"Is yelling going to make them listen better?"

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 27 at 2015 7:42 AM

2015-03-27T07:42:36-04:00

That is a great question SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. ! Obviously, if you can make it to the Rank of Colonel, starting as a Private, you listen to a lot of NCOs. I have two:

1. SFC Young, my first PSG, 472nd MP Co, Fort Wainwright AK, told me early in my career as young PV2, how the promotion system works, and that I alone control my future: Go to college, take correspondence courses, go to any training available, max your PT test, etc. In 1980/81, he was an uncommon NCO in my view.

2. CSM Morris, my first CSM from Battalion Command, used to explain to new Sergeants, at his NCO induction ceremony the importance of NCOs checking, checking, and checking again. His example was "SGT Checked on It" vs. SGT Told you So." Meaning good NCOs actually check personally vs. just asking if all is accounted for, ready, etc. I use his example a lot.

If was successful in the Army, I owe it all to NCOs, and our Soldiers.

Response by SSG James N. made Mar 27 at 2015 8:51 AM

2015-03-27T08:51:30-04:00

Sergeant, Pay attention to your Joe's. Train them to be successful, train them hard, and insure they play hard, but teach them success. If you tech them to succeed and be successful, your success will be automatic.
- 1SG - (I cannot remember his name due to pTBI, but I can see his face when I hear these words)

Response by Sgt Martin V. made Mar 27 at 2015 9:15 AM

2015-03-27T09:15:12-04:00

Don't sweat the small stuff, everything is small.

That one stands out for me along with: Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Mar 27 at 2015 9:27 AM

2015-03-27T09:27:47-04:00

When I was a new O-1, my platoon sergeant told me the following: "If you make taking care of your Soldiers priority #1, everything else will fall into place." I didn't fully understand the gravity of that comment since I was so new, but over time I realized the wisdom in those words. I carried that forward with me the rest of the time I was in the Army.

Making sure that your subordinates are taken care of (including their family situations, etc.) should be a top priority for any leader in a command position, in my opinion.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 10:19 AM

2015-03-27T10:19:28-04:00

"Why do we, your Cadre, train you harder than you can take? Because when you survive the inpossible, everything is possible. You are our future, and the legacy we want to live on, to be passed on to your future."

Top

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 27 at 2015 10:25 AM

2015-03-27T10:25:52-04:00

I was in the Infantry at Ft Campbell. Been there a few months outta basic. Was my first command inspection. The Col. and the CSM from brigade was coming through and all who trailed. My squad leader at the time was and old seasoned Korean, 2 tour in Nam Vet. SSG. Lambert. I was freaking out, couldn't get anything right, Room was spotless, floor was a mirror, and bed was tight. Locker and three drawer was spot on. Class A's was to reg. Me and my one ribbon. Sweat pouring down my face in a Air conditioned room. He comes over to me straightens my tie and says "Boy what is the matter which you?" Told him that the Col was Coming through and also the CSM. He said and I quote" Shit son they put there pants on the same way as you, Feet first. They are men just like you. Don't say anything stupid and you will be fine." After that, they didn't bother me anymore. Was still scared of the SGM, but who isn't. Don't want to be in the BN area cutting grass on his detail all weekend with scissors!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 10:30 AM

2015-03-27T10:30:20-04:00

Don't drink the Soju... YIKES

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 27 at 2015 10:30 AM

2015-03-27T10:30:52-04:00

Oh here is another one. KISS.
Keep
It
Simple
Soldier(stupid is how I actually heard it)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 10:37 AM

2015-03-27T10:37:01-04:00

My S2 NCOIC told me that "the will to win means nothing, but the will to prepare means absolutely everything." I later found out that it was commonly used by our battalion commander is ceremonies and briefs. I took it to heart and personally I don't know if it originated elsewhere but I'm sure I'll never forget it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 10:40 AM

2015-03-27T10:40:21-04:00

On a serious note

My 1SGT in Iraq.

"Don't ever let anyone walk all over you. Stick up for what you think is right."

"Make the NCO Board Members Laugh. Don't know the full answer, give them what you do and say "1SGT, I do not remember the rest of the question AT THIS TIME."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 10:54 AM

2015-03-27T10:54:32-04:00

There is an "I" in team...its in the middle of the "A" hole...Don't be an A hole.

Response by SSgt Joe V. made Mar 27 at 2015 10:55 AM

2015-03-27T10:55:32-04:00

Ssgt Stockman (one of my first NCO's) - Hold my beer watch this shit...

As an aside, best dude I have ever worked for.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Mar 27 at 2015 11:14 AM

2015-03-27T11:14:32-04:00

Q: What is the wisest thing you've ever hear from a Senior NCO?

A: Shut up and listen.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 11:20 AM

2015-03-27T11:20:29-04:00

"Camacho, I don't get amazed with a 300 APFT score, I don't care if you score 181 as long as you pass it, but being a squared away soldier EVERY DAY that amazes me. Look better than other soldiers, know more than them, prepare yourself more than them, that will make you stand out from you peers." SFC Tutini

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 11:33 AM

2015-03-27T11:33:37-04:00

CSM: Your buddy is your life. Lose your buddy, you will probably lose your life.
LTC (in passing): And if you dont die, you have to explain to your buddy's family what happened.
CSM: You'll definitely die then. Soldiers' daddies dont like hearing about their dead sons.
PV2 Me (on Staff Duty): Roger that, Sir, Sarn't Major.
CSM: Would you keep me safe in a firefight, Private?
Me: Yes, Sarn't Major.
CSM: Why? My rank? Or because I'm a human being?
Me: Neither, Sarn't Major. If you're next to me in a firefight, then sh*t's hit the fan, and you are now my buddy. And my buddy is my life.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 11:35 AM

2015-03-27T11:35:11-04:00

My PSG at Carson:
PSG: Remember, you are always training your replacements.
Me: Roger, Sarn't.
PSG: Dont get my future NCOs killed, guy.

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Mar 27 at 2015 11:55 AM

2015-03-27T11:55:12-04:00

during Softball practice back in 1984............ "If you can't catch the ball.....Run into it.....you get free sick call." hehehe different army back then...SFC Epps was the best Chief of Firing Battery I ever had. Today for that statement, some green behind the ear LT would probably figure out a way to write him up for that....giggles :)

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Mar 27 at 2015 12:34 PM

2015-03-27T12:34:32-04:00

The sagest piece of advice I ever got was from a squadron sergeant major who started an NCO professional development class with this zinger:
"The most important decision you will make each morning is 'Who will I disobey today?'"

Therein followed an excellent hour-long discussion about the importance of setting clear priorities and making rational, conscious decisions about whose priorities we were going to sideline -- and why.

Response by MSG William Weatherell made Mar 27 at 2015 12:49 PM

2015-03-27T12:49:59-04:00

"This Army thing isn't going to last forever, so pay yourself first." He went on to say, "If everyone else is worth 80-90% of your pay check why aren't you worth 10-20%?. That logic put with my splitting every pay raise I got from E-3 to E-8 with myself worked. I had a nest egg when I retired to get myself set up for my next career Real Estate. If I got a $100 pay raise I'd up my allotment $50 to savings, If I got promoted and a $200 pay raise I'd up it again another $100. Till I was putting away nearly $700 a month at the time of my retirement. If you finally pay off a bill you have had for many months or years, save half of it when the bill is paid in full. Money I never seen and never missed. And I still got a pay raise every time. This works no matter what you do.

Response by MSG David Chappell made Mar 27 at 2015 3:49 PM

2015-03-27T15:49:42-04:00

During my time in Iraq I was the senior operation sergeant. I would haul ass to to chow swallow and get back I could cover the half mile eat and be back in under 30 min. I passed the Brigade CSM at each time I went to eat. On the 4 day he stops me and is asking me questions forcing me to walk with him. The next three days he meets me at the TOC and makes me take anywhere from 60-90 minutes for chow. The last day of this he finally says when soldiers see senior NCOs running and rushing it turns on thier alarms. If you stay calm and look in control soldiers will focus. Leaders don't rush they contemplate and reason. Greatest lesson ever. I would stroll to chow and soldiers would walk with me and talk. I became a calm in the storm. Thanks CSM!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 4:05 PM

2015-03-27T16:05:45-04:00

"Never write a counseling when you are mad" wise words from an old crusty SSG.

SSG Aponte & SSG Roemich. Thanks for believed in my and all your mentorship.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Mar 27 at 2015 4:13 PM

2015-03-27T16:13:47-04:00

Was a long time ago and I totally for got his name. But my brief time in the National Guard before I went on Active Duty I had a NCO say, "PFC Reilly, we are going to promote you today. But just so you know I can demote you even faster than you get promoted." I know now that isn't entirely true but that put a sense of do right in me that I never forgot.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 9:25 PM

2015-03-27T21:25:37-04:00

"Free will is a m-f'r!"

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2015 11:39 PM

2015-03-27T23:39:42-04:00

"Mission first, people always."

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 27 at 2015 11:42 PM

2015-03-27T23:42:33-04:00

Maybe not the wisest thing,but the best thing,"you did your job well, now go home."

Response by PO3 Michael James made Mar 28 at 2015 10:09 PM

2015-03-28T22:09:00-04:00

Sounds goofy, You won't believe me, But... "Feeling sea-sick"?? RMC informed me to EAT !! Last thing I wanted to do.. but it really worked.. Never got Sea-Sick !!

Response by BG David Fleming III made Mar 28 at 2015 11:33 PM

2015-03-28T23:33:32-04:00

Early in my career, a senior NCO once told me something that stuck with me after I walked in late to a formation with everyone watching me enter. "Better never, than late".

Response by SGM Eric Lobsinger made Mar 29 at 2015 1:11 AM

2015-03-29T01:11:38-04:00

Every Soldier who has worked with me from the time I was promoted to SGT in September 1987 through when I retired in October 2014 always heard the same thing from me. It is a simple, three-step process of wisdom to achieving success:
1. Be where you are supposed to be.
2. Do what you are supposed to do.
3. Keep your supervisor informed.
Do these three simple things and you cannot fail. Seriously.
Now, although this has been one of my multitude of 3-step keys to success, and one that I have claimed ownership to for more than 27 years, I'll have to thank SFC Phillip Bottoms, my first platoon sergeant, for sharing his wisdom with me.
Yes, it's mine ... but borrowed from a great leader.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2015 6:36 PM

2015-04-02T18:36:58-04:00

I keep them written down as I get them, so I have a collection from several NCOs that helped me a lot in TRADOC. Some of the ones that hit home for me:

-Be patient and empathetic. You'd want the same.
-Remember The Soldier's Creed and take it literally.
-Remember The Army Values and know that they matter.
-Do the right thing because it's the right thing to do. Do the wrong thing, and you'll end up on CNN.
-Don't take your work home with you. Your spouse is not your subordinate.
-Don't become stagnant. Complacency kills.
-Emulate the NCOs who made an impression on you.

Response by PO1 Cleve Ikaika Waiwaiole made Apr 6 at 2015 11:59 PM

2015-04-06T23:59:52-04:00

"If your on-time your late, Hooligan" (since I'm from Hawaii they called me hooligan a lot)

But besides that, making it to muster early to account for your troops if you had any is pretty important! Accountability!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 8:24 AM

2015-04-07T08:24:38-04:00

"Never be the last to hold on to bad news"

Response by MSgt Steve Miller made Apr 7 at 2015 8:33 AM

2015-04-07T08:33:57-04:00

From: Retired SgtMaj Foley. He was a Sgt when he told LCpl Miller -

“If you decide to make a career out of this you will run across many different leaders. Some of them will be better than others, but all will at least have one distinct trait. Take the best from every leader and make it part of yourself……discard the rest.”

Response by SFC Douglas Davis made Apr 7 at 2015 8:36 AM

2015-04-07T08:36:11-04:00

We were putting in a retrans site when my first team leader told me the comms are the easy part. For those of us in Commo the hard part is never violating the first rule of an Opord. Security security security I lived that and with every breath trained my soldiers that from day one as an NCO.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Apr 7 at 2015 11:21 AM

2015-04-07T11:21:42-04:00

Funny, the best line I ever heard came from an officer. He said that if you are not improving yourself every single day, you shall simply fall behind. I took that line and applied it to the way I now live my life.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made May 3 at 2015 7:32 PM

2015-05-03T19:32:51-04:00

While in basic training in 1973 myself and "Spud" James (son of "Chappie" James, 1st Black 4 Star General in the AF) decided we would shave our heads. Our main Drill Sargent stood both of us at attention, in front of the entire formation, and screamed at us. "By shaving your heads you can now easily get a sunburn. IF you get a sunburn you will have damaged government property and will be subject to an Article 15 under the UCMJ for that charge."

I think he might have given us extra duty or more if Spud wasn't the son of the man that would eventually give the address at our graduation commencement. He just came to see "Spud" graduate but outranked the Post Commander.

From that point on I flew the straight and narrow path. Spud and I were among a small group of soldiers that were promoted to E-2 on graduation day!

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made May 3 at 2015 9:18 PM

2015-05-03T21:18:42-04:00

Keep your head down and your butt up, because if you get shot in either place you will go home, but in a different way.

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made May 3 at 2015 10:09 PM

2015-05-03T22:09:00-04:00

"If you cannot convince them with the truth, dazzle them with BS." MSGT Dupler, USAF

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made May 20 at 2015 11:54 PM

2015-05-20T23:54:48-04:00

SFC Lynch, my recruiter.

"Rojas, you're 42, hell you're older than me. You're older than the Colonel! When you get to Basic, remember its all a game. Teach those 20 somethings a thing or two and you'll be fine."

He was right, I've done more than fine. Thanks SFC Lynch wherever you are!

Response by PO1 Cleve Ikaika Waiwaiole made Dec 17 at 2015 11:27 AM

2015-12-17T11:27:20-05:00

"Its better to be pissed off than pissed on"

- CUCM Boomer

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2015 5:56 PM

2015-12-18T17:56:31-05:00

I've got a couple..

1.) "You lead from the front. You get out there every day, you stand in front of the soldiers and show them a standard. No soldier in formation is looking to the rear for leadership." 2.) "Bring 3 things to the table as a leader to instill in your soldiers every day. It doesn't matter if it is physical fitness, discipline, respect, bearing, technical skills, or fucking magic tricks. Teach, show and reinforce 3 things every day and you will see your soldiers develop."

Response by SSG James N. made Dec 25 at 2015 9:59 AM

2015-12-25T09:59:14-05:00

As a newly promoted SGT in the Army, my 1SG sat down with me and said,"Young Buck, this is the best advise I can give you. Always do the right thing. Always insure your Soldiers are successful, and your success will be automatic. You will not have to worry about it, as it will take care of itself. Work your GI's as a team, build them up, train them hard, earn their respect, and you will have the most successful team in any unit, anywhere."
I followed these guidelines, and had to stand up to lesser NCO's of all ranks who were not doing the right thing. In OEF VII, this leadership guidance proved itself out when my platoon was the highest awarded platoon in the unit. Me, I did nothing but make sure they did what they were supposed to do, to the best of their abilities, by the book. They were highly respected by there peers. Those lesser NCO's, you think they learned from this? Nah, they just kept on doing what they did. GI's lost to drugs, drunk driving, any and all kinds of discipline issues when we got back. Mine? Hmmmm, strong leaders in their current assignments all as good NCO's. I am still proud of them and they know it!

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jan 31 at 2016 6:29 PM

2016-01-31T18:29:03-05:00

This pearl of wisdom goes way back training at Fort. Lewis 1965 on the way to Vietnam.SFC Audrey Smith platoon sergeant for 1st platoon says on a particularly hard route march,people he says always called us people look at PVT Gill he's no bigger that a popcorn fart but he can out walk you all keep up! He went over with us was wounded by a booby trap had a shot of booze with the LT and stayed in the field until they ordered him to go back to base camp on the next chopper he was old school hard core and one the best men I remember ever serving with.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Dec 14 at 2017 9:37 AM

2017-12-14T09:37:46-05:00

I remember hearing that., i was just watching that movie y’day(13 Dec)..
Col. Moore took it pretty good.. not getting huffy-puffy over it..
* * *
I was at the in-flight kitchen facility at a eastern coast base and was laying out items for the sandwiches and timing was important to keep the bread fresh as possible.. This time it was sub sandwich rolls. Anyway some civilians from base planning and property offices and another office showed up and wanted me yo stop and take them on a grand tour and I just didn’t have that kind of time, and told them so as respectfully as I could... “Gentlemen you can sit and wait in the waiting area and have some coffee, I have these ground-feed’g meals to get done !” Airman Herrst, I am GS 11 Bla-Bla-Bla and .. I let him keep babbling away and continued making the sandwiches... I could see by the overhead mirror he was getting steamed I was ‘t paying him any attention.. He started to come back into the prep area.. I told him stop there and back off.. thathe’d contaminate the area.. (his Comrade was coughing and I didn’t want what got on him get on the food. (It sounded good..)
“So are you going to..”. “NO, I got this work to do, the Lt. And Chief are on their way.. in fact, they’re here now.” “ And he got in the Lt’s face saying I was insolent and disrespectful((I said NO)..
his comrade broke in; “No, George, you were, He’s got a lot of work to do!” (Thank you, Sir !) I said under my breath...
Then George says; “I have connections at the top!” (“What ya want... a cookie !”)
<- under my breath .. He must of had acute hearing.. Maybe he could read my lips.. I wasn’t going to get into it with him, didn’t have time . Finally after them walking all over my clean kitchen in somewhat muddy shoes(hadn’t they ever heard of wiping their feet off on the mat outside). My Supervisor got the broom, dustpan and mop and bucket and got the floor for me.. very good of him !.. afterward the Lt. Told me the guy was upset with me.. I disrespected his importance in the world.. or s’thing to that effect.. the Lt. Didn’t like him either..
She said she’d take care of the sit-rep with the Base Cmdr.. I went back to barracks and got out my typewriter and made my statement on it.. and dropped it by the Lt’s office... explain’g the sitrep and mentioned the associate that sided with me.. it seemed the Colonel liked my side of the story .. I wasn’t the one in hot water.. that gs 11 was.. it seemed lied and exaggerated his side of the story. His associate, the guy who sided with me contradicted the gs 11’s statement.. I didn’t read nothing in the base official timeline(daily bulletin) .. they kept it quiet
I didn’t see him much, then heard he went over to Fort Dix, next Base over ..
to work.. at a lower pay grade.. Karma can be nice s’times...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2017 6:42 AM

2017-12-15T06:42:44-05:00

When it comes to good NCOs and bad NCOs; always strive to repeat the best, and remember the worst so that you don't repeat it.

Response by SGM (R) Antonio Brown made May 20 at 2018 2:52 PM

2018-05-20T14:52:11-04:00

Train your Soldiers to replace you.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Nov 5 at 2018 7:33 AM

2018-11-05T07:33:05-05:00

I was a fairly new 2LT and doing a line of duty investigation on a sergeant in our battalion that had committed suicide. I was going out to interview the widow and my 1SG told me not to go alone as the widow could allege misdoings on my part.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Aug 31 at 2019 12:35 PM

2019-08-31T12:35:27-04:00

“You can take a girl out of the bar, but you can’t take the bar out of the girl.” MSG Nail 5th SFG(A)

Response by Maj John Bell made Oct 6 at 2020 10:02 PM

2020-10-06T22:02:10-04:00

"If you lose your mind when it is training, what have you just told your Marines to expect from you in a combat crap sandwich?"