What steps are you taking in your career to stay relevant during the drawdown without becoming a "backstabber"?

Interesting and increasingly more relevant question being that the NCO Corps is evolving their evaluation to "mirror" the officer evaluation system.

The perception is that since there will be fewer "top blocks" to be given, that the natural tendency will be to limit sharing and helping in order to make oneself look better against their peers.

The only way to thwart this is through the rater/sr rater rating philosophy.

One component of the the definition of leadership is "while improving the organization". If raters and sr raters do not weigh this aspect heavily, then we may see selfishness and un-selfless service.

But, if we really focus on how much an individual improves the performance of their peers and the organization over individual competence, then we will be able to use the evaluation system as a shaping tool to get folks to do what is best for the organization.

So, raters and sr raters - reward the folks who are doing what's best for the organization and not only for individual performance/competence.

I think the point about backstabbing is more a reference to doing whatever it takes to get that ACOM OER at anyone else's expense than it is about trying to get someone kicked out instead of you getting the pink slip. That said, the best thing you can do is do the best job you can in whatever your assigned position is.

I agree 100% with MAJ Snyder in reference to building up those around you. In my first battery command, my initial instinct was to focus solely on my battery. A couple of good leaders helped me understand the importance of extending my influence and improving the larger organization/helping my brothers (see ADP 6-22). When you get your house in order, you should be focused on how you can support that larger organization and make those around you better. In the sense of being a leader in the Army, you're not winning by virtue of being the top scorer on the worst team.

I also think there is merit in trying to improve yourself whether it be to increase your value to the Army (ASIs, broadening opportunities/experience, etc.) or prepare for your future in the event that you aren't able to stay for as long a career as you like. In the latter event, it's time for people to consider what they would do if they weren't in the Army and factor that into their decision making process...that might mean college/grad school now or looking at functional areas.

I don't see how backstabbing would help anyone; it's not like if you get selected for reduction you can give up another name to take your place.

I get that I am enumerated and compared against my peers on my evaluation. The best thing I can do, is the same thing I did before, do the VERY best job I can.

One of the lessons I think more senior Soldiers (officer and NCO) get that new ones don't is that "it's not about you". Do your best and improve yourself (APFT, schools, etc) but it's the success of your organization and your ability to bring your peers along with you.

If your squad/plt/Company/Battalion is doing awesome, but the other three around you are sucking eggs, YOU are failing as a leader...help your peers get to your level and you will be helping your boss a lot more, and he/she will notice it. (Not to mention "mission first, people always".