Who decides the NCOIC of each section in a brigade level unit?

2019-11-07T21:34:02-05:00

So im not a sergeant yet, but I was the senior enlisted person in my S2 due to all the NCOs PCSing. Basically I was the acting NCOIC for the S2 which was acknowledged by the detachment sergeant and commander. However, because I'm also the armorer (my unit is really undermanned), the S2 (who is a major) didn't like that I was always being tasked out by the detachment. So he made the other specialist in the S2 section acting NCOIC without ever talking to me about it or the detachment. I'm just confused as to who gets to pick the NCOICs for sections in a brigade level unit. I'm not trying to counter his decision, I just want the confusion to clear up.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2019 9:38 PM

2019-11-07T21:38:03-05:00

The S2 actual, who in your case is a MAJ decides. The fact that you guys don’t have an NCO at the BDE level in your section is mind baffling. Your MAJ should coordinate with the BDE CSM and pull up somebody from a subordinate BN to be the S2 NCOIC. You don’t have a dog in this fight. Follow orders and continue to improve yourself so you can become an NCO.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Nov 7 at 2019 9:54 PM

2019-11-07T21:54:39-05:00

The OIC of the section in conjunction with the BDE CSM

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2019 10:53 PM

2019-11-07T22:53:16-05:00

SPC Sandoval, I think there is something I left out. In the military there is a difference between rank and position. Maybe you feel wronged because you are actually senior to the other SPC that was just put in charge. I understand your frustration. The most important thing is accomplishment of the mission, and based on your manning, you are more valuable as an armorer at the moment because you are trained. It is also an administrative pain to change out armorers. You are helping your unit and adding value. Getting back to rank vs position, think about a CSM and a 2LT. The 2LT is higher ranking and the CSM will salute them all day, but the CSM only answers to the Commander. By position, the CSM has more power as the Senior Enlisted Advisor than anybody other than the Commander. I’m a MAJ and I would never think of disrespecting or contradicting a CSM, or any other Senior NCO in a public setting unless something illegal, unsafe, or immoral was about to happen.

Your chain of command has entrusted you to be the unit armorer and you still have duties as a 35F. Try to excel at everything within your sphere of influence. Make sure to work with your XO to ensure that you pass all inspections and utilize every opportunity to serve as an analyst. Try to do as much Foundry training as possible, because it will enhance your career and cost your unit nothing.

Response by SSG Dale London made Nov 8 at 2019 3:03 PM

2019-11-08T15:03:39-05:00

It's the call of the Brigade Commander officially but he/she normally delegates that authority to the respective staff officer. Thus, the S2 was more than likely acting completely within his/her remit to name another soldier NCOIC. By the way, while seniority/rank often has a lot to do with this type of selection, it is totally the call of the OIC, unless the BDE CO overrules the decision -- something CO's are well advised to avoid unless it is their intent to undermine the authority of the staff officer in question.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Nov 8 at 2019 7:09 PM

2019-11-08T19:09:01-05:00

When I was on battalion staff and when I was on brigade staff I did not have input as to who was the section NCOIC. I was selected for a staff position and the section NCOIC was already in the position. I was glad to have their experience and counsel to help me as I adjusted to my new position. When it was time for the NCOIC to move on I received a new NCOIC. The commander and the CSM did not ask me who I wanted, nor did I presume to have any authority in the matter. I understood that the NCOs needed to move around and punch their cards just like officers do and that any professional NCO that the commander and the CSM had confidence in was good enough for me. Although this does not address your specific situation it does show you how it works in some headquarters.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2019 8:55 PM

2019-11-09T20:55:22-05:00

SPC,
You have been given great advice already and no need for me to keep repeating. At this current moment like a previous SM stated, focus on what you can control at your level. As far as who assigns NCOs to a position, that will be your CSM/S1 Strength Manager. The OIC made a call that is going to help him admin wise within the shop. There is probably someone inbound that you are not even tracking at this moment, focus and continue to drive on and one day you will get your opportunity.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2019 3:48 PM

2019-11-29T15:48:44-05:00

So first of all, the unit MTOE decides what position you are in. You will be slotted accordingly. But then the Rank and position debate comes up, if you are the highest ranking individual in the unit, you are supposed to be slotted in the position.

Now something I have to put very clear to you is: if you are assigned to an S2 shop for a battalion or higher (which is every S2 shop) YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE THE ARMORER!

You better get that taken care of before your unit gets inspected.