How do you initiate your Mentorship Program with newly assigned Soldiers?

1SG DeyShuan Shepherd — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 12:11:58 -0500

Mentorship should be continued from the day a newly assigned Soldier /Sailor /Airman/ Marine arrives at your unit. (First impressions and all...) What are the steps you use to facilitate that Soldier /Sailor /Airman/ Marine's arrival?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 5:34 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 17:34:19 -0500

The way that I've seen it done and participated: New soldier is showing up for first drill after AIT. Unit will assign him a sponsor, usually either his team leader, or a senior SPC on his team. Sponsor will call him several days before drill, to make sure that he'll be there. Day of drill, meet him in the parking lot outside, introduce himself, and introduce new soldier to his team, team leader, squad, etc. There is a long checklist to go through, making sure his paperwork is processed with the unit, no issues with supply, etc. Usually the sponsoring soldier will continue to "take him under his wing" and work to get newbie up to speed.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Dec 23 at 2014 7:50 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 19:50:18 -0500

I sit with the Soldier first, give the cook's tour, then introduce him/her to the Cdr and his/her sponsor. Sponsor runs the show from there. Next time I see that Soldier (usually at COB of the first day), s/he has a ship date for the Drill Sgt Academy and is working on modules.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2015 11:14 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 11:14:53 -0500

I ensured I sat down and talked with the new troop with in the first 24hr. I wanted to inform the Soldier of what was going on in the unit and what my expectation were. I would also find out all I could about the Soldier, ie...Is he/she married, are there any issues going on that will pop up. I always wanted the new Soldiers to know I was there for them.

The sponsor I assigned would handle the day to day interaction with the Soldier ensuring he got settled in.