As a leader, what do you feel is/was your most important responsibility?

SPC Margaret Higgins — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 15:01:37 -0400

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Aug 28 at 2015 3:07 PM

SGT Scott Bell — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 15:07:31 -0400

Takingcare of your men

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Aug 28 at 2015 3:10 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 15:10:54 -0400

Ensuring that your subordinates developed professionally, and grew personally.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 3:11 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 15:11:05 -0400

Making sure Soldiers are taken care of and mission objectives met.

Response by SGM Joseph Wolfe made Aug 28 at 2015 3:12 PM

SGM Joseph Wolfe — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 15:12:13 -0400

My greatest responsibility was to mentor my subordinates. I believed that was the only way our Military can continue to be the greatest Army in the world. A lot of Leaders today are afraid to mentor their subordinates because they feel it threatens their job. Well hell, if you do your job it is not threatened. Joe Wolfe

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 3:13 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 15:13:28 -0400

Accomplishment of the mission and the welfare of my Soldiers.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 28 at 2015 3:16 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 15:16:59 -0400

As a Squad Leader, I felt that my most important responsibility was to take care of my squad members, to be the best example I could be; and to teach them. I felt that the greatest responsibility I had when I taught Sunday School children was to take care of them and to teach them about God and Jesus Christ. I felt that the greatest responsibility I had when I taught emotionally handicapped children- was to comfort them; and to teach them.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Aug 28 at 2015 3:23 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 15:23:58 -0400

Accomplishment of the mission and the welfare of my Soldiers (and their families).

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Aug 28 at 2015 3:25 PM

SSG Leo Bell — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 15:25:21 -0400

Teaching the new people coming in to the squad. Preparing them for things they might have to face. Seeing to it everyone was trained properly. Making sure that they were getting there civilian education done as well as correspondent courses done. Ensuring there family had everything they need ( housing, doc appt).

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 3:30 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 15:30:29 -0400

Mission First, Marines Always.

Response by SFC John Durham made Aug 28 at 2015 3:40 PM

SFC John Durham — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 15:40:20 -0400

Soldiers and Families! Without them we have no Army.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Aug 28 at 2015 4:10 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 16:10:33 -0400

Taking care of Airmen.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Aug 28 at 2015 5:07 PM

PFC Tuan Trang — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 17:07:26 -0400

I'm not a leader, but doing everything in my power help my unit, and any soldier that need help.

Response by LTC Ed Ross made Aug 28 at 2015 6:40 PM

LTC Ed Ross — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 18:40:04 -0400

–My greatest responsibility was as an artillery forward and air observer in Vietnam. Artillery fire that I directed in 17 operations over 10 months took several hundred enemy lives; in doing so it saved many American lives. Brigadier William Fulton, commander of the 2nd Bde of the 9th Inf Div Mobile Riverine Force http://www.9thinfantrydivision.com/html/fulton1.htm gave me extraordinary and unpresidented authority to control artillery, air strikes and gunships over the battlefield. Even today, when I look back at that year I realize that of all the important jobs I've had since, don't compare.

The first Army mobile riverine force since the Civil War, we had nothing to guide us. Under Gen. Fulton's excellent leadership we wrote the book from scratch. It was almost by accident that the Birddog aircraft I flew in had the most radios (5) of any aircraft on the battlefield and was the only one capable of comprehensive fire support coordination. When Bde officers and troops discovered it was a second leiutenant dong the talking, they complained that the individual should be a more senior officer. Fulton said no, he wanted me doing the job. It's a good thing that then the 21-year-old I was did fully appreciate what was happening. I also must recognize all the great pilots I flew with. It was their great flying skills and courage that enable us to do what we did.

fulton1

Brigadier General William B. Fulton receives Distinguished Service Medal aboard the USS Benewah - September 1967.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 28 at 2015 6:55 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 18:55:39 -0400

To look after those I lead and to mentor them. To give them the tools to succeed

Response by SSG Ronald Rollins made Aug 28 at 2015 7:03 PM

SSG Ronald Rollins — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 19:03:01 -0400

Before I retired, I felt my most important responsibility was training my soldiers and future soldiers (I was an instructor) how to do their jobs and stay safe. It is the responsibility of all NCOs to take care of and train their soldiers. But many fall short. I have been retired since 2012 and I still get phone calls from some of my former Soldiers to ask for advice or say thanks. I have one that I knew since he was a PV2 now a SGT(P)!! Calls me at least twice a week. Makes me feel good that I can still help!!

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Aug 28 at 2015 7:04 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 19:04:42 -0400

People, we are in a people business! That includes our Service Members & their Families!

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 8:01 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 20:01:35 -0400

The welfare of my Soldiers cause if I take care of them they take care of the mission! Now in my current Instructor position Training and Teaching my students to be tactically and technically proficient SME'a in their field!

Response by SSG Buddy Kemper made Aug 28 at 2015 8:12 PM

SSG Buddy Kemper — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 20:12:01 -0400

Bringing them all home. They were a busted up, shot up, broken down, blown up, Purple Heart bunch of rascals....but everyone of my guys made it back. God bless the warriors!!!! Good Topic.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 10:26 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 22:26:44 -0400

Training and counseling subordinate Service Members; taking care of them and their Families.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Aug 28 at 2015 10:29 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 22:29:30 -0400

Fixing SM paying is important. Do not keep that on the back burner. This is the most important thing a leader takes care of when it happens. We all like to get paid. It does a lot for us and our families. If my pay is not correct and I am taking a hit for it and my family feels it and my supervisor says, "next week" I am going to make him or her learn.

Response by SSG Toryn Green made Aug 28 at 2015 11:36 PM

SSG Toryn Green — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 23:36:40 -0400

As a leader, my main priority is taking care of my Soldiers. If they fail, then I've failed. Secondary would be making sure I have all the schools and education I need to improve myself both personally and professionally.

Response by SGT Christopher Churilla made Aug 29 at 2015 10:53 AM

SGT Christopher Churilla — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 10:53:36 -0400

It's right in the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer:

1) Accomplish the mission.
2) Take care of your Soldiers.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 29 at 2015 7:36 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 19:36:54 -0400

Accomplishing the mission and taking care of the troops.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 31 at 2015 8:22 AM

PO1 John Miller — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 08:22:45 -0400

My greatest responsibility was two-fold: Taking care of my people and getting the job accomplished.

Response by Capt Michael Halpin made Aug 31 at 2015 6:43 PM

Capt Michael Halpin — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 18:43:42 -0400

Advising my boss on what should be done, especially when I thought or knew he was going down the wrong path. I've had to train many bosses over the years; and
Ensuring that there was someone qualified to take my place.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 31 at 2015 7:57 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 19:57:08 -0400

The troops deserved the best leaders, one who is driven by passion, values, mission, and love for his/her troops.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 1 at 2015 1:38 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 13:38:33 -0400

A good leader will ensure the machine called the military and troopers are prepared to evolve in a positive way.

Response by SSG Michael Hathaway made Sep 2 at 2015 1:10 AM

SSG Michael Hathaway — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 01:10:17 -0400

I think my greatest responsibility was to ensure the functioning of my medic section if I were gone, thus taking care of my soldiers and ensuring their training is up to par should they ever need to sit in my seat. That and because someday they may get promoted and will have to be the mentor and shape our future leaders.

Response by MAJ Charles Ray made Sep 3 at 2015 5:29 PM

MAJ Charles Ray — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 17:29:45 -0400

As a leader I've always felt that my most important responsibility was the well being of those I led.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2015 8:36 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 20:36:29 -0400

Knowing your soldiers and being an example through your actions is imperative. Being a relatively new member of the Army, I've experienced the negligence of NCOs as well as the positive influence of my leaders and being aware of your soldiers and working along side them has proven to be an effective way to gain trust.

Response by LTC Robert Flynn made Sep 6 at 2015 8:57 PM

LTC Robert Flynn — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 20:57:02 -0400

Take care of your men! Let them know that you are there for them, but know when to step aside and let the NCOs do their jobs.

Response by SPC George Long made Sep 6 at 2015 11:10 PM

SPC George Long — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 23:10:03 -0400

The mission, the men, Making sure any one can take my place in the blink of an eye if I go down. Educate myself, educate my men. Making sure everyone and their equipment is Always ready. But the mission always first.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2015 7:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 19:14:32 -0400

The most important responsibility is truely taking care of Soldier's. You are in the right place now use your time building your leadership tool kit by looking at those NCO's you admire and whey you admire them and take things from them that you can use to start your leadership foundation. It's easier said then done when we say "I Take Care of Soldier's" It's always seeing how you can give them information on whta's going on as well as giving direction to them on what your expectation is so that they know the boundries to accomplish the task/mission. Communicating and over communicating will be a skill you need to learn and know. Also learning how your peers communicate so you can be more effective when trying to motivate, or build unity and team work. I hope this helps that is a great question?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 11:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 23:25:47 -0400

My most important responsibilities was the training, welfare and well being of my soldiers.

Response by SFC Christopher Springs made Sep 21 at 2015 12:39 PM

SFC Christopher Springs — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 12:39:22 -0400

Taking care of my Soldiers.

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made May 19 at 2016 6:07 PM

Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM — Thu, 19 May 2016 18:07:04 -0400

The Team

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made May 19 at 2016 10:04 PM

Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM — Thu, 19 May 2016 22:04:10 -0400

LIFE

Response by SFC Jim Mergott made Nov 8 at 2018 11:15 AM

SFC Jim Mergott — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 11:15:36 -0500

Learned from combat-Don’t be fake and make decisions that will not only accomplish the mission but keep your people at the best advantage as possible for what the situation dictates.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Nov 8 at 2018 11:24 AM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 11:24:30 -0500

I was once told that it is very important to take care of your people/Soldiers under you. Because eventually, they will take care of you, and everything else will fall into place. He said to me, always take care of them, even if they make you crazy sometimes. Hahahaha!!!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 8 at 2018 12:24 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 12:24:44 -0500

Take care of soldiers and NCOs, so they will take care of you.