Why Did you become a NCO?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 15:25:12 -0400

Some of us have opportunities where we could of went warrant or, went OCS. Hell , some of us could of got out as a junior enlisted soldier . Just wanted to get to know you guys and see why you chose The NonCommissioned Officer Corps

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2019 3:55 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 15:55:28 -0400

Well disclaimer, I am planning on going Warrant ha, however prior to that.. I knew i wanted to make the Army a career, even in bad units I loved the Army, so in order to stay in that obviously means you have to promote. Going "full" officer is not appealing to my in the slightest, and as a Warrant I want to go technical so need to hold squat for a bit. Thus joining the NCO corps. When first picking up SGT i didn't look at being an NCO as i do now. I was NCOIC at my last unit and loved helping, teaching, and mentoring Soldiers and seeing the good that can be had in being a great NCO.

I will definitely take my joy in teaching with me to being a Warrant to still teach and mentor Soldiers as the "SME".

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Aug 25 at 2019 4:25 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 16:25:14 -0400

Ooooh buddy ... I was tempted (not seriously so) to say something like, "Everyone else was dead and some one had to step up", BUT naw ... there was the job and I wanted it.

Response by CSM William Payne made Aug 25 at 2019 4:37 PM

CSM William Payne — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 16:37:05 -0400

After a four year active duty tour from which I ETSed as a SP5, I was looking to join the Army Reserves. I really didn’t want to drive from Norfolk Virginia to Fort Meade Maryland for drill weekend in my then MOS of 74D-G5.

So I had to find another career field closer to home. After spending weekends in a transportation unit at Fort Eustis, a military police detachment at Fort Monroe and a medical supply company in downtown Norfolk, I was still uncommitted.

The frustrated recruiter had one unit left on his list, a drill sergeant unit at Fort Story Virginia. He said the kicker was I would have to recertify as 11B to go to Drill Sergeant School.

After an interview with the company commander, I said sign me up. Was immediately appointed to Sergeant from SP5, went to a two week 11B certification course, had my MOS changed, attended drill sergeant school, and then spent 36 years in the Army Reserves.

Was a Drill Sergeant, Senior Drill Sergeant, Senior Field Leader, First Sergeant, and a CSM in drill sergeant units.

Was then appointed Commandant of an Army Reserve Drill Sergeant School, Professional Development Brigade CSM, deployed to Iraq to train the Iraqi Army, returned to become the Training Command Sergeant Major with all of the Army Reserves’ Drill Sergeants, finally ending my career as a Regional Support Command Sergeant Major.

Enjoyed it all and would do it again.
Think I made the right choice.

Response by William Barry made Aug 25 at 2019 6:41 PM

William Barry — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 18:41:02 -0400

Are you guys in the NCO Corps aware that you are playing with the life of someone's son or daughter? I took a client to a regular hospital for a test and she invited her father to be there. I met the father and talked to him and instantly realized that he felt that we were responsible for his daughters life.

I take my job as a caregiver to mentally ill and suicidal clients very seriously and am about to be promoted to a lead slot. This is a huge responsibility to be charged with caring for others lives. If I do my job correctly many times the client will not like it but it is for their safety.

I know that NCOs are responsible for training and also in combat for maintain safety of those they are charged with.

This is in my mind every day I work. Sometimes for example i tell a client gthey cant go out to the porch at 3 am. i am on the 3d floor. If they jump it would be a real problem. that is one easy example.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 25 at 2019 7:15 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 19:15:34 -0400

Turned down OCS 3 times. Saw early on, that NCO's do the actual training and close leading, while O's got stuck with projects, formal dinners and other nict picking things that kept them from the troops.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2019 8:20 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 20:20:16 -0400

I chose to remain an NCO for different reasons.
During my first enlistment, my commander wanted to recommend me for Prep School. I turned it down because I didn't understand the value of what was being offered. At that stage of my life, I would have blew it.
I took a break in service and attended college. As a junior, I was the cadet BN CSM. Life happened and I decided to finish my degree early and reenlist. My ROTC cadre asked me to consider staying, assuring me I'd be the BC and honor graduate my senior year. I chose to reenlist rather than remain and become an officer because if the life situation. I figured I could go to OCS once back in.
Once I was back on AD, I decided to remain an NCO because I believed I'd have more troop time, AND my MOS at the time wasn't a feeder to become a WO.
Had WO been an option before I was promoted to MSG, I would have pursued that.
I don't have any regrets.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Aug 25 at 2019 8:49 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 20:49:29 -0400

I guess the simple answer to this question is ,I was ordered by my training range OIC to “volunteer “ to attend the NCO Academy Ft.Hood,it seems the slot I was giving instruction on required at least an E5 rate or above,having just returned from Vietnam and feeling a bit burnt out ,it wasn’t something I would have chosen,but on looking back that Captain gave me something I’ve been proud of for the rest of my life,being part of the NonCommissioned Officer Corps

Response by CSM William Everroad made Aug 26 at 2019 8:31 AM

CSM William Everroad — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 08:31:06 -0400

1SG Private RallyPoint Member, Great topic! I think for me, like SGM Bill Frazer, it was the choice to remain an NCO.
I did seriously consider OCS a few times during the first few years as a young E5. The LT was the leader of the platoon, and I wanted that experience. But the longer I was in touch with Soldiers, the more I appreciated the training aspect. Giving Soldiers the skills and abilities to make the team, squad, and platoon the best was rewarding to me. And then as I moved up, training new NCOs how to do the job better than me. We went through so many lieutenants, but the NCOs in the platoon were relatively constant and no matter who wore the bar, we were successful.
Then, I started looking closer at the career trajectory of the Army Officer. They lost that connection and responsibility for individual Soldiers really early in their career. As a 1SG, I really saw how much the company's success depended on the quality of training and mentorship each Soldier was receiving. In my mind, the value of quality NCOs skyrocketed. It does concern me how hard officers' jobs get when wee have entrenched poor quality NCOs. The ones who cite things like "that's NCO business" in and adversarial context and want nothing more than to send troops to the field while they do "paperwork". They aren't training quality NCOs and their subordinates learn what not to do. It has become my mission to effect change at my level, and return NCOs to their former stature of professionals, expert trainers, and subject matter experts.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Aug 26 at 2019 10:12 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 10:12:14 -0400

Because my mentor made it pretty clear when asked about OCS that my temperament and personality were best suited to being an NCO and the Soldiers, the Army and I would be best served if I stayed the course and stuck to the NCO path. I think he called it pretty well.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2019 10:36 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 10:36:18 -0400

I wanted to give back to the next generation what was given to me. I wanted to help make a difference in the lives of Seniors, Peers and Subordinates alike. Plus, I would have made a very bad Officer.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Aug 26 at 2019 12:15 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 12:15:33 -0400

1SG Private RallyPoint Member I was given the opportunity to attend OCS in Basic,actually declined because i did not wish to commit to more years in the Corps. Probably a good decision at the time.
Years later reenlisted and was promoted up the ranks to E-6.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Aug 26 at 2019 12:40 PM

SFC Michael D. — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 12:40:28 -0400

For me I just took it as normal progression. Hell, I would study my NOC's and observe all of the leadership styles and see how I would do it if I was them. I had a real good NCO who told me that I was going to the Soldier of the month board. I won, month, quarter and year. I went to the E5 board 2 months later and enjoied the NCO life ever since.

Response by MSgt Steve Sweeney made Aug 26 at 2019 4:18 PM

MSgt Steve Sweeney — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 16:18:16 -0400

Seemed like the thing to do at the time.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2019 8:02 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 20:02:49 -0400

I became a NCO because I wanted to beat my dad at something! He made it to SP5 during the Vietnam War. I stayed an NCO because I love what I do- why mess with a good thing?

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Aug 27 at 2019 8:46 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 20:46:26 -0400

To train and mentor Soldiers; pass along the knowledge & experience I had gained, and to prove as well as better develop myself as a leader.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2019 2:07 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 02:07:38 -0400

For me, it has always been about helping soldiers out and leading them. I had a great NCO when I was a pvt way back when. He taught me what a good NCO does, and I have had a lot of bad NCO's that taught me how not to treat a soldier. When I have a soldier that was a pvt and now an NCO come up to me later in my career and tell me how I changed their life for the better and how they were taught to lead soldiers from me, that is when I know that I love being an NCO. It has always be a dream of mine to be a Platoon Sergeant and maybe a First Sergeant one day, and I hope to achieve those dreams before I get out. The biggest hope is to see someone I mentor achieve more than I did because they realized their full potential because I lead them down that path through my mentorship. It sounds cheesy I know but I truly wish for the success of my peers, and subordinates alike and it make me happy to see soldiers succeed especially when I have a helping hand in their success.

Response by MSG Garth Vinson made Aug 29 at 2019 8:32 AM

MSG Garth Vinson — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 08:32:13 -0400

Like many others have said staying an NCO was a conscious choice. During my time as a SSG I was recruited for Warrant school as there was a critical shortage but I loved what I was doing and was actively shielding my subs from a toxic Commander. Selected for E-7 on my first go and never looked back.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Aug 29 at 2019 10:27 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 10:27:53 -0400

Short answer: I wasn't given a choice.
Long answer: I was ordered to the promotion board, wasn't asked a single question, recommended with max points, and sent on my merry way. I had a reputation at that point, after having been named as the BN and BDE Soldier of the Year, and Division Soldier of the Quarter (SOY was the following month). I told my 1SG I didn't want to be promoted, I wasn't ready to be responsible for other Soldiers' lives. He told me he didn't give a shit whether I thought I was ready, I was going. So I went. Two months later, I sprained my ankle BAD. I was on a no run profile when a PLDC slot came open due to a HT/WT fail in the unit. The Commander literally took my profile away from me, ripped it in half in front of me, and told me to pack, because I was going to PLDC on Sunday (this was a Friday afternoon). So, yeah... not a lot of choice for me.

As to why I STAYED an NCO, which I think is really your question..... I never really gained the expertise I felt was requisite of a WO - I did a hell of a lot of admin and staffwork and not much work in my actual MOS. I felt like crossing over to Warrant, while it was a goal I had, would have been a disservice to the WO corps and to the Army as a whole. And I respected myself way too much to go Officer. Not that I don't respect Officers, I just respect the NCO Corps more - we are the ones who actually get shit done. I also saw that successfuly Officers had to be far more political, and I wouldn't respect myself if I went into that world. Either I would compromise my personal morals*, and lose respect for myself, or I would stand on principle, fail as an Officer, and lose respect for myself.

*Before anyone gets it twisted: I am NOT saying that all Officers, or even all successful Officers compromise themselves. I am saying that for *me* to have been successful as an Officer, I would have had to compromise myself.

Response by CSM George Reeve made Aug 29 at 2019 5:59 PM

CSM George Reeve — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 17:59:01 -0400

I was a specialist 5 and was stationed at the Presidio in SF. My brother in law was a 06, paved the skids for warrant officer and a board down at Monterey. It wasn't cold feet, I just wanted to earn it on my own terms. Shortly afterwards I was promoted to E6 and feel in love with working with soldiers, never looked back after that. Probably the best greatest decision I ever made.

Response by SFC Bennie Davis made Aug 29 at 2019 6:21 PM

SFC Bennie Davis — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 18:21:15 -0400

You are so right with your statement. I had a chance to go to OCS to become a Infantry Officer but I made a decision to take the NCO path. Looking back on it, I wouldn't have changed anything. I have worked with some of the most outstanding Soldiers in my career. Bottom line, I am a hands on type of a leader. If my Soldiers were to do a task I was their to do the task with them. I had Soldiers at one of my units ask me why I was under my HUMVEE during PMCS, I told them that's my job to make sure it's ready for the mission. It doesn't matter if you're a E1 or E8, an NCO leads by example. I was taught by a old school CSM and I held on to his beliefs.

Response by MSG William Wold made Aug 31 at 2019 3:58 PM

MSG William Wold — Sat, 31 Aug 2019 15:58:01 -0400

In 1973, After 3 years Active Duty, and a Speedy 4 on promotion list, my dad calls me, says he’s buying the little hometown hardware store he’s worked at since 1959. Wants to know if I’m getting out or re enlisting. Still up in the air. Well you can work here and live in the upstairs apartment. That evening I walk into the club and on the board is a notice “ Getting out? How about a 90 day early out in exchange for one year of National Guard in your hometown?” Next morning I sign up. By end of the week I’m on my way home. Well, between the time I left Virginia and drove to WA state, someone swooped in and outbid dad, and he lost it. So, home, but unemployed, only income is National Guard one weekend a month. So I did a semester of school, was boring, got a job. Met someone.
1975, a job opening with the Guard cane open I applied for, but didn’t get it. But it woke them up to the fact there was someone highly qualified. In 1976, I applied for and went to Warrant Officer school. Graduated, had to come back to the unit and go thru some hands on training successfully before being pinned. In the mean time another position came open I applied for.
December 76 drill I was called forward and pinned WO1. Two hours later I was called out to State HQ, an hour drive. I get there, go into a room with a “civilian”, who started to thumb thru paperwork, looks up once in a while, sighs, thumbs thru it again. I finally say, is there a problem? Well yes, you were called out here to tell you that you were awarded the civilian tech position, however it calls for the person to be in the Guard as an enlisted soldier. I’m sorry, you can go.
Um, I was just pinned this morning, can’t I just decline it and take the job? He stared at me for a moment, said, you’d do that? Yes. He gets up, leaves the room, comes back with the AG.
Well son, I understand you want to give up your Warrant Officer tank for this job. Yes Sir. You understand by doing this it will be totally erased from your records as if it never happened, is that clear? Yes sir. He stares at me for the longest time, breaks into a smile and says, welcome aboard. Then he reaches up and takes the pins off me. Then he says, you have your old pins? Yes sir, we’ll hand them to me I’ll put them on for you. Then he steps back and salutes me, which I returned of course.
Well over the years I made it to GS11, and MSG, which I retired in 2007. Unfortunately thru all this there was a divorce so my ex gets a portion of the retirements

Response by MSG Brenda Neal made Sep 6 at 2019 6:25 PM

MSG Brenda Neal — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 18:25:48 -0400

I really enjoyed the challenge of being able to "keep up with the boys". As I went up in rank and had more responsibility I recognized I was making a difference. My attitude was learn all I can and teach those I supervised everything I knew so they could take my place well prepared. I was asked to go for officer training but the thought of being a lieutenant was horrifying. I well understood my medical training and was able to translate what the doctor said to the patient so they could understand. Being an NCO was translating to lower Enlisted information necessary to complete the mission and bringing them to a higher standard of performance. A win, win. Never expect someone to do something well if you haven't done your job of teaching them how.

Response by CSM Thomas Ray made Sep 9 at 2019 8:38 AM

CSM Thomas Ray — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 08:38:15 -0400

Went to basic in 1969 Ft. Benning, GA, was offered OCS but turned it down. Went to Viet Nam as an E-2 Jan 1970, and by June 1970 was promoted to E-5 by way of accelerated promotion (only one left). I was offered E-6 if I would extend for 3 months in country, turned it down because I though my luck would run out. After Viet Nam was stationed at Ft. Hood. I didn't even think about being an NCO, but now have retired as CSM

Response by MSG Brian Wiscott made Sep 9 at 2019 11:52 AM

MSG Brian Wiscott — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 11:52:33 -0400

I personally never wanted to be anything else from the time I used to set with my grandpa (who was twice awarded a purple heart in WW2 )on the couch and watch the old war movies, I knew that the senior NCO was the man who knew what was going on and how to inspire his troops to do extraordinary things, so that was the man that I wanted to emulate.

Response by MSG Rufus Smith made Sep 9 at 2019 11:09 PM

MSG Rufus Smith — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 23:09:34 -0400

I was encouraged and had planned to go Warrant (76Y) when I was about ten years in. Back then one just submitted a packet, and if approved, you became a WO1 overnight. I was discouraged when they changed the rules to what they are now, I suppose. I did not have the patience for that, and I had a few other things going on in my personal life. I dropped the idea and moved on, opting to go to a ten week course at Ft Lee that would give me a special skill identifier and subsequently, better assignments. In retrospect, I should have gone Warrant because the new skill identifier did not help me. My assignments, made by MILPO, were changed once I signed into the division. I continued to get the assignment that kept me in the trenches. Oh well..

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2019 1:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 13:11:15 -0400

I enlisted into the National Guard and went to college. Thought I puke give ROTC a try in my junior year as a Specialist. The way they program was organized at the time had junior year cadets filling NCO roles within the cadet battalion. They made me a platoon sergeant and lost me lol. While the platoon leader was in meetings or writing opords or doing lord knows what else I was wrangling 40 college freshmen into something close to formation and teaching them the basics of soldiering. I just found that I liked that better and had more of an aptitude for it.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 20 at 2019 11:52 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 11:52:37 -0400

My company commander thought I was perfect for the rank and position that went with it, I made sure not to let him down.