Do units still do Sergeants Time training?

2014-01-31T13:31:03-05:00

Im sure a majority of people have heard of it, I was just wondering how many units out there still do it? Do you as a leader think it is necessary? To the JR enlisted, do you think that it is necessary? I know that my platoon has done SGT's Time Training since before my first deployment (2010-2011). My opinion is that is our responsibility as leaders, no matter what our MOS is, to continue to train our soldiers in such areas as Land Nav, React to IED, Squad movements, React to Contact, ECT..

Response by SFC Robert Trodahl made Jan 31 at 2014 1:40 PM

2014-01-31T13:40:15-05:00

SGT's time training was/is a handy method to train Soldiers, and is a good as the effort that the instructor put into the training event.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 2:03 PM

2014-01-31T14:03:39-05:00

Back in Garrison we did Sergeants time and Hip pocket training at least 3 days a week.
I wouldn't say it is "necessary" but it keeps soldiers busy, and keeps some of the more tedious tasks and drills fresh on memory.
Often I've found that Sergeants time provides a lot of insider secrets, so to speak, which can make soldiering and military tasks a whole lot easier.
it's like was said above, despite your MOS there are always things you can train on, and if you have some secret trick to success, it's a great time to share it.

Response by SGT Robert R. made Jan 31 at 2014 4:01 PM

2014-01-31T16:01:59-05:00

I remember when they implemented STT in my unit in Ft. Huachuca. We were a bunch of NCO's with no junior enlisted. I think I was one of the most junior. As we were a garrison unit and far removed from anything "field" related, I think a lot of NCO's went through the motions, but I found some of the training to a good way to break up the doldrums of staring at a computer all day. I don't know what I would think about STT training if I were in a field unit that spent more than half the time in the field though.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Jan 31 at 2014 5:37 PM

2014-01-31T17:37:10-05:00

I've always thought Sergeants' time had serious potential, and I'm glad so many of my fellow NCOs found it useful.

My recollection from my real Army days (before the career counseling gig) has unfortunately resulted in a degree of cynicism.

Despite many efforts from the post commander to ensure this time was available to first line leaders, it seemed my battalion and company always managed to circumvent it. Sergeants' time in all practicality meant that we skipped PT, started work at 0730, and worked in the motor pool wearing kevlar and LBE, and we had better not be caught at the PX before the appointed lunch time.

Let's not let that happen again.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 1:24 PM

2014-02-21T13:24:33-05:00

SGT Cepero,

I have also seen the entire spectrum; units that have outstanding training programs to those that pencil whip rosters just to check the block on mandatory training. I am currently serving in a direct reporting unit with a diverse military population and a very unique and demanding mission set. Despite this, the training programs are extensive and stringently enforced. It all comes down to command emphasis and some units just don't seem to see the benefit or are currently experiencing a weak leadership group.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 2:25 PM

2014-02-21T14:25:43-05:00

SGT Cepero,

In my opinion, quality of training is primarily determined by the emphasis of the commander (at all levels) and the enforcement of the 1SG and NCOs. My BN CDR emphasised that I conduct realistic and relevant training based off of our METL tasks. So I made sure I emphasized it myself. I selected the METL tasks that were the most important and needed the most work and my 1SG and I worked out training events. He helped the NCOs execute the training and I supervised it along with the LTs. Some of the best training that we did was Combatives Level 1 Certification (we were lucky enough to have a level 3 certified SGT) for the entire detachment and good old Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills. For many of the WTBDs we had competitions for the Soldiers and finished it off with a 2 day "Best Warrior Competition" for the detachment. The winner got a trophy, AAM, and went to compete in the BDE Best Warrior Competition. the runners up got COAs and passes. Competition can usually bring out the best in people. The Soldiers loved that training.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2014 9:21 AM

2014-04-06T09:21:32-04:00

Sergeants Time Training is something that needs to come back. we steered away from it due to the tempo of deployments. Now that the deployments are whinnying down that predeployment training is gonna go way. So Sergeant Time Training needs to come back to keep the skill sharp and also keep with the total soldier concept.

Response by SFC Stephen Hester made Apr 30 at 2014 11:25 AM

2014-04-30T11:25:33-04:00

I just posted a similar discussion and then I saw this one. I don't know what is happening with STT and hip-pocket training but I know many young Soldiers with whom I have spoken don't know what they are. There is always time to train on common tasks when in garrison; leaders and those who want to be need to make maximum use of their scheduled and unscheduled training time.

NCOs can create excellent training with a little bit of forethought and efficient use of available resources. What a great way to keep the troops sharp and get some great NCOER bullets.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2014 9:25 AM

2014-06-12T09:25:19-04:00

My brigade does STT and I feel like its a waste of time simply for what the subjects are on and how poorly mismanaged it is. I work at a motorpool and for STT it is always the same training. low density mos training. We come in at 7 insteast of 0630 and skip pt, do what we do every day anyways till 1200 then 1300-1500 is counseling time, yet I have not had a monthy counseling in 6 months then after 1500- is family time. but they dont release us till 2200 and I cannot have family at the motorpool because of safety reasons.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Sep 12 at 2014 11:11 AM

2014-09-12T11:11:43-04:00

From what I've seen it depends on the post. In Korea, Thursdays were set aside for STT. NOTHING could be scheduled on that day except SST and it was expceted that units use that time.

Response by SGT Josh Turner made Sep 12 at 2014 12:04 PM

2014-09-12T12:04:25-04:00

To the leaders...past, present and future. I believe sergeants time is a must! As a private, I didn't really understand. As I began to learn more and experience the need of the knowledge to be gained, I began to realize the true value of it.
Over the years, and many situations later I realized that if my sergeants hadn't taken the time to train me and my brothers and sisters in arms, many of us would not be alive today!
For every chance to learn the skills and knowledge of the people who take the time to teach us ,we must learn. In doing so, we honor and protect, them,ourselves and those who are yet to be taught.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 7:49 PM

2015-01-13T19:49:30-05:00

I have been at Fort Lewis for the last 8 years and we always did SGT time training every Thursday. As a NCO SGT time training is something that should be happing every day when ever there is down time being a NCO is a full time job. We need to get back to the basics.