How should I prepare to become a driver for a battalion or brigade Sergeant Major?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2020 17:31:16 -0400

I have a chance to become my Sergeant Major’s driver. Is there any tips or anything I should learn before I am chosen for it?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2020 5:39 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2020 17:39:18 -0400

Conduct yourself in a manner professional at all times. Know that vehicle INSIDE AND OUT. Know any and all routes possible. This includes both on post in garrison and in the field. Beef up those Land Nav/Map Reading skills.

Not sure what your interview process is going to be like, but you need to speak in a voice that is clear, concise, and firm. When asked questions, be sure of your answers....but don't bullshit answers if you don't know them.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2020 5:47 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2020 17:47:13 -0400

And one more thing, SGT Private RallyPoint Member, when you walk into that interview...be sure to have the cleanest, crispest uniform on that you have. And the cleanest boots possible. Like, so clean and crisp the Virgin Mary herself would eat a meal off them.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2020 5:48 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2020 17:48:42 -0400

Like being any driver. He's just a person, just know that it's a much more visible position than like the Section Sergeant's driver.
Square away the load plan, Ensure the CSM's spitter is within reach, ensure the radios are working perfectly and know how to use the SKL, and know how to load emergency COMSEC if need be.
Memorize the before during and after checks..but still use the TM during PMCS. Ensure the weekly monthly etc egt done (that's for any driver but you get it).
KEEP IT CLEAN!
Go over it with a fine tooth comb. Find every deficiency and get the motorpool working. Be friends with the Motor Sgt and Chief
Talk to the CSM and see if there's anything he/she needs in the vehicle.
Motorpool Mondays, every monday.
BII - lay it out and inventory, create shortage annex.

You need to be an expert on the vehicle, driving, maintenance, equipment, communications, battlefield tracking, weapons, etc..

If you get it try to go to an advanced driving school like the EDC at Leonard Wood or INTAC

You are the example driver of the unit in this position, all others should be able to emulate you for their own truck/track.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made May 15 at 2020 7:08 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 15 May 2020 19:08:58 -0400

Always be early and absolutely good to go!

Do not neglect little details that will make the CSM’s life easier. (And yours).

Perform any additional tasks the CSM might assign you as if your life depended on their completion!

Plan ahead with creature comforts in case you, (and the CSM), miss a meal.

Be absolutely reliable, trustworthy and do not share any of the tidbits of information you might overhear with other Soldiers.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 15 at 2020 8:14 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 15 May 2020 20:14:38 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member there are multiple discussions on RP on this already. Start there.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-can-i-expect-being-the-battalion-csm-s-driver

What can I expect being the Battalion CSM's driver? | RallyPoint

He is familiar with me because he was my AIT CSM and now he's the CSM here at my first duty station. Besides all the normal formalities what else should I do?