Young NCO looking for guidence

2014-10-13T07:29:57-04:00

As a young up and coming NCO what are things that would help me progress. Thats what our line of work is. Always strive to improve. In your minds what schools or opprotunities do you think would help a new buck sergant that plans to make it a career should strive to get?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 7:48 AM

2014-10-13T07:48:33-04:00

I would say always care and look out for those you are entrusted with. Your leadership will be defined by your character, devotion to duty and well being of the troops.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 8:00 AM

2014-10-13T08:00:45-04:00

Listen to your troops, they are the ones doing the work and may know how to do it best, you are going to have junior officers who always think they know how to do the job better because "they are educated". Stand up for your troops when needed. Never forget where you came from, and never be afraid to step up to the plate and get your hands dirty again. I am a firm believer in, if I am going to have you do it, I would do it too.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 12:03 PM

2014-10-13T12:03:38-04:00

Get started on college if not already. After one class AMU evaluates your military experience (I got 28 credits) and turns it into college credit. Volunteer and get your MOVSM (another great NCOER Bullet). Volunteer to do Drill or Recruiting (will show your dedicated to the Army and help with pickin your 7 up) Start figuring out the gaps you have on your 3355 for points and see what u can do to get those points. If you go to Fort Leonard Wood and are stationed there as an MP, request any school you can, especially Instructors Course, SHARP, MRT and EO. Get ALC when possible and at least make CMDTs list. Pretty much your in control of your career, so take control and do whatever you can to stand out. Good NCOERs are also a key to success, but make it so the bullets are all exemplary, not just leadership....Good Luck and if you ever need advice, let me know. Your gonna be a great CSM someday.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Oct 13 at 2014 6:43 PM

2014-10-13T18:43:35-04:00

Lead from the front, not via email.

Response by SGT Lynn Strezeski, DSc made Oct 14 at 2014 2:21 PM

2014-10-14T14:21:32-04:00

Seek out ways to improve your communication, from your public speaking to your written communication skills. Nobody will take you seriously if you can't communicate effectively, especially when you do leave the military someday.

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2014 7:24 PM

2014-10-14T19:24:52-04:00

Like the rest said pay attention to your troops the only thing I add to it is this. Just because you have a higher rank it doesn't necessarily mean you outrank them all. I had a CSM pull me up in front of a co. "one on one" before our unit received it's deployment orders and he told everyone from top down pay attention to who and what you have in your ranks there is untold riches worth of experience to rely upon. The reason he grabbed me was explained as this look at this PFC. Air Assault, Airborne, Mountain Warfare School, CIB, & 101st Combat patch. Always look to your people & utilize their experience.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 1:16 AM

2014-10-15T01:16:25-04:00

READ, Patton, Lincoln, Powell, Franks, etc. These men's actions ring through the ages and their leadership styles and methods are both simple and effective if you apply even small portions of their knowledge. The service chiefs' reading lists are pretty incredible usually.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 1:25 PM

2014-10-15T13:25:58-04:00

Find a good mentor. Does not have to be in your chain. Schedule some time with them and lay out your goals etc.. It is always good to receive input from someone else.

Do not be afraid to make mistakes. But take responsibility and learn from them.

When you have an issue and need to address it with your supervisor, do not just go with a problem.. Think of a couple solutions (COAs). It help you with critical thinking and problem solving.

Stay ahead of the curve with SSD and NCOES. If you have not already started taking some college level courses, do so.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 7:49 AM

2014-10-23T07:49:07-04:00

I would suggest to enjoy being a new NCO. Learn as much as you can from the experience and opportunity. Make the best of it during your leadership positions: Team/Squad Leader and then maybe explore becoming a Recruiter/DS/AIT PSG. Use the MSF 360 survey to give you an idea of where you stand as a Leader. Look for a mentor that identifies with you and pick their brains. Be honest, open, and willing to learn from others. Finally, do not ever compromise your integrity, regardless of the situation. Good luck!!!