What should I expect as a newly promoted SrA?

SrA Johnathan Kropke — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 10:21:09 -0400

I just put on SrA and would like the advise of all NCOs on what to expect upcoming as a new SrA and what to expect going to that next rank.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 10:25 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 10:25:02 -0400

I think that was the first step, SrA Johnathan Kropke. When I was in, I tried to absorb everything my SSgt/TSgt would give me. Being willing to learn from current leaders will only make sure that you are ready to lead when your name is called! I would think that you can expect to start looking at ALS soon, no?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Oct 2 at 2015 10:28 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 10:28:24 -0400

While I wasn't in the Air Force, the advise I can give you is this. Learn and prepare! Learn both the good and the bad. Take the examples set forth by those leaders around you and start to develop your leadership style. Take notes. Ask more and more questions. Step forward when called upon to help with different tasks.

Response by SGT David T. made Oct 2 at 2015 10:29 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 10:29:39 -0400

Be a sponge...

Response by SrA Johnathan Kropke made Oct 2 at 2015 10:35 AM

SrA Johnathan Kropke — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 10:35:57 -0400

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member CHIEF I forgot to tag you I am sorry.... :) could I get your advice as well.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 10:43 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 10:43:47 -0400

Lead from the front.

THese are the 11 Marine Corps Leadership Principles. They never steered me wrong. Semper Fidelis and enjoy your journey. Go forth and do great things.

http://www.marines.com/being-a-marine/leadership-principles

Leadership Principles

These 11 principles form the foundation of leadership in the Marine Corps. Together, they form the traits and values that define a Marine Corps Officer's character as a leader.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 10:57 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 10:57:12 -0400

Nothing much. Being a SrA is pretty much have the same as being an A1C. Other than getting some more pay and an extra stripe the rank is pretty much just a bribe to get you to re-elist. I once knew a guy who remained a SrA for the max amount of time you can remain in the rank without being separated all because he didn't want the responsibilities that staff sergeants did. I separated as a SrA.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 11:55 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 11:55:55 -0400

Take the good you've learned, toss out the trash and be your own!

Aim true!

Oh... High! Sorry... Or whatever it is that you guys say...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 12:16 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 12:16:31 -0400

The Enlisted Force Structure will never steer you wrong...I would start by looking in there!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 1:11 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 13:11:58 -0400

First of all, congrats SrA Kropke. It's hard to answer with an exact expectation of what you're about to see., I would be willing to bet that all of us here have had different paths and experiences along the road to rank. So I can't tell you exactly what to expect - but as for what I would expect of one of my troops, I would expect a new SrA to spend as much time as possible shadowing NCOs, asking questions, and building on the basic leadership you've learned in your unit.

Challenge yourself and seak out opportunities to lead. Don't wait for things to be spoon fed to you. If there's something that can be improved in your unit, take the initiative to head up the project. As a supervisor, I don't look for Airmen to show me that they areready for the rank they have on, I look for them to show me they are ready to wear the next level up.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 3:01 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 15:01:00 -0400

Johnathan,
I can always look back on my career and note the subtle, but very significant, changes for when I sewed on Senior Airman. There was a monumental transition for me anyway. In that, the NCOs within your section will view you in a different light where you're not considered a newbie anymore, and where you will be entrusted with far more responsibility and expected much more to have accomplished in your day-to-day dealings, since you might be considered as a "fire and forget" type team member. Expound on what you have learned over the last 28 to 36 months of service. You are slowly becoming a master in your craft. As such, the younger Airmen will look to you for guidance, and the front line supervisors will do the same towards you with managing those resources. If you haven't been, I'm sure a trip to ALS will be in order in the not so distant future. The leading of your fellow Airmen correctly will typically pave the way for the rest of your career. In this, you may have to separate the A1C you were before, to now being able to differentiate between your buddies, and those who are now subordinate to you. As other posters have mentioned, learn more so that you can do more.

Best of luck to you, and congratulations on the new promotion.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 8:54 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 20:54:10 -0400

Raise in BAH and base pay.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Oct 3 at 2015 11:56 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 11:56:35 -0400

Congratulations. Each step up is a step forward in your career and each step forward is an acceptance of more responsibility. Lean forward, seek out more responsibility. Look out for and develop your Airmen, just as you are seeking assistance here, provide it for them. Go to ALS as soon as possible. Get involved at your base and become a leader. That is what is expected.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2015 12:04 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 12:04:02 -0400

The first rule at any rank or any job, is to do the best you can do. You have shown a willingness to do that or you would not have been promoted.

With every change in rank your seniors will expect more of you and most will give you the chance to show your stuff. Accept the challenge.

Good luck. But always remember good luck has a tendency to follow hard work.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2015 6:02 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Oct 2015 18:02:35 -0400

Be involved, not only in your flight, but in your squadron, your AFSC, and if you choose to your community. Continue to develop your technical proficiencies within your career field and begin to work towards operating in a leadership environment as well as maintaining your followership ability. Ask questions.

Becoming a SrA lets NCOs know that you have a bit of experience within your field, but asking questions lets them know that you are not only honest, but that you have the interests of your team in mind instead of guessing you way through challenges in an effort to look like you know everything.

Help develop your peers and subordinates to become better Airman, hold everyone accountable for their actions no matter their rank, and conduct yourself in a manner that you could be proud of watching from a distance. Most of all, love what you do, or change what you're doing.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2015 11:01 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 11:01:42 -0400

Start looking at the expectations of a SSgt, get the little brown book, AFI36-2618, read up on your rank and the next rank. Performing at a SSgt level will more than make you a strong, effective SRA.

When you pin on SSgt, same thing, start working as a TSgt. In all of this, take care of your people, don't be selfish, self centered.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 6:34 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 18:34:59 -0400

Lead by example!

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2015 7:27 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 07:27:40 -0400

Learn your job to the best of your ability. Treat everyone with respect(no brainer). Always help out other Airmen.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2015 6:35 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 06:35:43 -0400

Learn everything you can. I made SrA in December and made SSgt my first time. Granted, I didn't have much time, I wish I would've stepped up a lot more to learn the most I could, instead of doing it now with people knowing I have that pending NCO title. They expect more from SrA, but that's also the rank where people become content/lazy/feel entitled. Don't be that person.

Response by SrA Tyler Johnson made May 28 at 2016 4:02 PM

SrA Tyler Johnson — Sat, 28 May 2016 16:02:12 -0400

Get out your little brown book tells you everything.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 9:12 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 May 2016 09:12:30 -0400

More responsibility.
No longer can make excuses.
You're held to a higher standard.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 9:15 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 May 2016 09:15:54 -0400

Sit down with your supervisor and see what his/her expectations are now that you have promoted.