Posted on Jul 30, 2017
CSM Civil Affairs Specialist
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I am about to assume responsibilities as the First Sergeant of an HHC. I was just wondering if any current or former 1SG's had any insight, advice and/or best practices to share. Thanks for any comments
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Responses: 33
CSM Michael J. Uhlig
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Don't take the assignment lightly, the HHC 1SG is typically the senior 1SG in the BN/BDE and with that the expectations are higher and you will have to become creative in getting everyone involved. You have to have a open dialogue with the Commander & CSM, and you have to have their ear...know what they are thinking and expecting from their own company. Get to know the OPS-O and OPS SGM as well, get their backing and support and let them know how you plan on supporting the Commanders intent. If you end up having problems with folks not wanting to participate in training (e.g. qualification/APFT/mandatory training) go to the Memorandum for record, provide multiple opportunities (three dates) for them to chose their own date for their training event and execute training. How do you reinforce it.....be part of the meeting where the boss is briefed on the stats of his/her unit and ahead of the meeting, provide the CSM a by-name delinquency roster (be prepared to provide this to the Commander as well).

Most importantly, enjoy your time there as the 1SG and be the rock for the unit, enforce standards but never lose sight that you are there to serve the Soldiers, all Soldier Enlisted & Officer.
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CSM Civil Affairs Specialist
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CSM Uhlig, thanks for that insight. Much appreciated.
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SGM Steve Wettstein
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Edited >1 y ago
You will learn a lot in this position because you are dealing with more MOSes. Don't get frustrated when you are dealing with the O4s that don't want to help the unit. Don't be scared to tell your O5 and/or O6 boss when your Os are not doing their training. Sometimes you'll get a company commander that will only try to handle that through the XO, which usually doesn't work. Like CSM Uhlig said, work hand in hand and support the OPs O and SGM and they in turn will support you. I did this and was supported. When I was a BDE OPs SGM, I was not support, therefore the company command team had problems from the big 5.

IMO, being a HHC 1SG enabled me to be selected for SGM.
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1SG Bill Farmerie
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The hardest part is when weapon qual, pt tests, mandatory training and such come due. Trying to get the staff officers to include the BN commander and CSM to do the training
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