Does no being technically proficient in my MOS mean I should not an NCO?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 07:58:48 -0500

I just entered secondary Zone for e5, my dilemma is, upon arriving to my unit my clearance was not adjudicated, so I was in HQ platoon, up until I was waived to SPC at 18 months. I was then assigned as CSM's driver which I am still currently doing. Mainly what I'm asking is does no being technically proficient in my MOS mean I should not be a leader? I believe I'll pass the board, but should I?

Response by SSgt Nick Cooper made Feb 12 at 2018 8:09 AM

SSgt Nick Cooper — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 08:09:21 -0500

You are asking the wrong question. What you should be asking is Do I believe I can be a good NCO? A lot of times especially when it come to the military is a trial by fire. As a member of the US. Armed Forces we are known for our flexibility and adaptability. Study your knowledge, do not be afraid to ask for help. Remember you are part of a team, and as a NCO you are there to lead, and to set a good example. Work hard and use the members of your team for their knowledge while increasing your own. You might not have the respect of your peers because you do not have that MOS proficiency but do not let that stop you, earn it. Show them that you are not afraid to put in the extra work to catch up, and remain humble, understand what you know and what you do not. Do not think of your self as unworthy, but judge your self by your willingness to work hard to get to where you need to be.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Feb 12 at 2018 9:04 AM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 09:04:20 -0500

Ask that same question to the CSM you drive about -- I'm guessing he'd say something to the affect of "With an attitude like that - yes". It'd be great to have a leader who was perfect, but I never had the pleasure in 25+ years. But the great leaders were confident in their abilities, knowledgeable in their missions, and continuously shoring up the weaknesses in their leadership foxholes. You have an opportunity to watch leadership in action at a high level on a regular basis; that is not necessarily available to all SIGINTers and should not be devalued. When your clearance comes in and after your stint as a driver, I'm sure the CSM can put you in a challenging tech assignment if you ask. Good Luck

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2018 9:20 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 09:20:33 -0500

The second paragraph of the NCO Creed contains the following: "Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind—accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers. I will strive to remain technically and tactically proficient.." The key here is the two basic responsibilities of the NCO. For as long as you can accomplish the mission to standard and take care of your soldiers, WHY NOT? I understand you have concerns about training the soldiers, start by putting some time into the FMs, TMs, and ARs and get all that knowledge from the books. Little by little you should be able to development your own leadership style as time goes by. IMHO, if you are a driver, be the best driver you can be! Today is the day that you start striving to be technically proficient. Good luck at the board.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2018 10:56 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 10:56:31 -0500

Promotion was always based off potential. Do you have the potential to be T&T proficient ? Do you have the drive to be the most knowledgeable SGT in the room about your equipment and MOS? Will you go the extra mile to get there? If the answer is you then you have the potential, and don't discount the experience your getting now as the CSMs driver. It will broaden your knowledge of a units mission along with other things.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2018 11:38 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 11:38:05 -0500

I believe that if you are mature enough to ask yourself that question then you have the potential to be a solid NCO. Promotions are based off of potential to succeed at the next higher grade. Having a little introspection is a good thing. There are a lot of my peers that got promoted and felt entitled to it and that is not the right way to think. It took a lot of stumbles and falls for them to understand that and grow up a little. It is extremely important that you get the technical expertise that you will be expected to have and use as a leader though. Especially when you have Soldiers underneath you.