Posted on Jan 20, 2016
SGM Mike Barbieri
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I have been part of many conversations regarding the Command Selection List process and eventually the topic of profiles comes up. Specifically, being able to run. There are already requirements that outline that you must be deployable to fill a CSM position in deployable unit; should there be additional considerations just to be eligible for CSM? On that note, do you need to be able to run to be a good leader?
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Responses: 33
SGT Kristin Wiley
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Personally, I would prefer a CSM that doesn't run, but has all the other qualities of a good leader over one that can run, but doesn't possess those qualities. There's more than one way to set an example, and I strongly believe that soldiers would prefer leadership that they can respect and trust to uphold the standards and take care of their subordinates.
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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>1 y
SGT Kristin Wiley , I could not agree more. Back in the late 90's when I was on AD, I knew many an NCO that would base the ability and worth of a Soldier simply by how well he/she could run and what their APFT score was. That is all they really cared about.
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SSG Audwin Scott
SSG Audwin Scott
>1 y
MSG (Join to see) - this was instilled in us as NCO's the being physically fit was apart of leadership, so many sacrifices had been made, my knees hurt like Hell now because I was a leader of soldiers and I didn't want my soldiers to see me running behind or slacking off.
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SFC Pete Kain
SFC Pete Kain
>1 y
I slacked off once, got chewed out for falling out of a run. I spent the next 3 days in I.C.U. for a heart attack. Running is overrated. I was an E-7 and 35 years old.
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CSM Carl Cunningham
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SGM Mike Barbieri , I have heard these conversations as well and I think it is sickening. I think this is a closed minded thought process that goes against what we teach and preach to our Soldiers everyday. We implemented PRT to minimize injuries in young Soldiers. We teach them everyday that you need to go to medical and get a profile if you are hurt. We teach them that we will not judge you just because you have a physical profile as long you are performing as a Soldier....and then we turn around and tell SGM's that they cannot be a CSM because they have a profile. We just went through (and are still doing) 15 years of combat operations and many of us have had numerous deployments. Are we really going to fault a SGM who has a beaten down body after years of service to the Army? We talked about not allowing a mass exodus after these wars to prevent losing years of combat experience in the Army, and yet we will basically tell a SGM to get out because we are not going to allow you to be a CSM because you got injured. What are we doing?

I have a question because I am sure you have heard it come up....what if the SGM has a P2 for Lower but has a run at own pace? Will they review the profiles of SGM's to see what exactly their issue is? And what if the SGM can run, but has a profile against push-ups? Does that make him a better leader because he can run but not do push-ups? Sorry, I know this is just a question you posed. It is just frustrating.
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SGM Bill Johnson
SGM Bill Johnson
8 y
I have never heard of a Sergent Major being forced out of the Army simply because they couldn't compete for CSM. Is that a new policy? I retired in 2014 as a Sergent Major at 32 years Active Duty. I was selected for CSM twice (once as an Alternate) but never assigned to a CSM position because of competing priorities of a unique skillset that I had and the Army wanted to use.
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CSM Carl Cunningham
CSM Carl Cunningham
8 y
Yes, it is a new thing. Everyone is required to compete now as well. And if you don't take your job, you have 7 months to retire.
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SGM Assistant Site Lead
SGM (Join to see)
8 y
Thanks why I retired, I was selected on the Alternate list and ask if I could be activated and I was denied, but within two weeks, I was on assignment to serve as a G-3 SGM, therefore I felt the need to submit my retirement packet and hang up the uniform because at the SGM/CSM level, you are dictated what the big Army want you to do, whether it's in favor of the service member or not. I always factor in Soldiers family status and capabilities when recommending assignments. For all SGMs that are eligible, I wish everyone the best during the remaining of their service and remember that it's not all about you, but always factor your family into your decisions.
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CSM Andrew Perrault
CSM Andrew Perrault
>1 y
If you can't perform all your duties time to retire......
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COL Vincent Stoneking
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My 2 cents. It should be an evaluative criteria, but not a screening one.

A CSM needs to present a good military bearing, both in actions and appearance. I don't consider running to be NECESSARY to do this. Will Soldiers notice if the CSM doesn't run? Probably. Will a running profile mean that the CSM will lose respect? Not by itself, IMO.

So, a running profile (or any other profile that doesn't stop one from serving) should not DQ someone from going before the board. However, profiles seem to me a reasonable thing to consider when coming up with an OML - especially ones that could be seen to reasonably impact either duty performance or setting of the proper example.
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SGM Assistant Site Lead
SGM (Join to see)
8 y
Well said LTC Vincent Stoneking......well said Sir!
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CSM Andrew Perrault
CSM Andrew Perrault
>1 y
CSM doesn't run why should I? so and so doesn't do this why should I? How can a BN Cdr have a Command TEAM with his/her CSM if he's not out front with his Commander..... When I was a CSM I personally watched every Soldier take a PT test to go to PLDC, BNOC, ANOC, or SGM's Academy and I usually took my PT test with the Soldiers going to PLDC..... There is NO way I would do that if I was broke dick. CSM needs to be where the Soldiers are, at the range, training sites, field, wherever. As a CSM you have to be visible, and be out front not sitting running e-mail from your desk......If you can't hack it pack it..............
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