What are some questions to expect for a First Sergeant interview?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:47:04 -0400

I'm hoping to board for 1SG and I'm curious as to what some of the questions may be for the position I'm interviewing for. Its a 1SG position for an MCAS Company. What are some examples of Leadership Philosphy that you heard you liked?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2023 9:01 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 21:01:02 -0400

If I was sitting there, I would ask:
"Talk me through the EPS process", "Talk me through the Enlisted PME requirements", and "what is the 1SG's role regarding all NCOERs in the company?"

That's because I think every kid in the company should understand the EPS process, understand their current PME requirement and the full path, and every NCO in that company deserves a timely and accurate NCOER.
1SG is a pretty big job, but these three things are the toughest to get done (especially with MDAYs in the Guard), and most important part.

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Jul 5 at 2023 9:09 PM

COL Dan Ruder — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 21:09:48 -0400

SFC Szabo, a discussion about your leadership philosophy is something certain to come up. It will be a "discussion" too, not a simple question about it. Truly, if you understand YOUR personal leadership philosophy and can effectively articulate it, I think you are ready for any leadership question. Even those subsequent questions that present you with a tough leadership challenge as a First Sergeant and you are asked about how you would handle the situation. Not talking about management and leader tasks relating to programs that a 1SG is supposed to be a SME (NCOERs, AR 600-9 etc). Talking about those tougher leadership questions that have less to do with you getting the right answer and more to do with understanding your leadership style. So, your philosophy serves as a foundation for your leadership style and guides your actions and decisions. Your philosophy and style (actions/decisions) should match up -- do you 'walk' the 'talk'.

You can review some others' written leadership philosophies, which you can find posted almost everywhere. Many will sound similar, not because they were simply copied from someone else’s, but more likely because there are common principles that many military leaders strive to embody. Examples are "Lead by Example...", Clear Communication ...", Develop Others ...", "Resilience and Accountability ...", etc. Take note of those common principles and some will likely apply to you. However, do not stop there. I am thinking that it would be a good exercise for you to take a little time to also think about your principles and write some of them down. It's a personal and introspective process about YOUR values and beliefs, and principles that guide your judgment. Knowing these and including them will make your leadership philosophy genuine -- personal. When you know yourself, your values, and the principles that you adhere to that guide your actions, which guided you to this point in your career, you're at the point where you could talk about your personal leadership philosophy for hours and answer any question.

Writing your philosophy is both clarifying and eye-opening. It allows you to articulate clearly to others who you are and how you lead. Best of luck.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2023 1:25 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 13:25:16 -0400

I haven't done a NG or Reserve 1SG interview, but here are some things I'd expect after being a 1SG for awhile.
1. How will you use your leadership philosophy and commanders priorities to balance mission and people?
2. Have some goals for the company, if you have exposure to the company I would make them as specific as possible.
3. Have an example of good and bad decisions you have made, why you made them, what the outcome was (intentional & unintentional), and what you learned from those.
4. Be prepared to have a discussion on ethics. 1SGs are where policy and people collide and what is in black and white may not fit the situation, how do you handle those situations?
5. Expect a discussion on SHARP and EO. 1SGs are mandatory reporters but if you know it doesn't automatically make it a restricted SHARP report now. Pretty new change and it creates a dilemma of trust between you and your Soldiers.
Great question, I hope this helped and good luck at your interview.

Response by 1SG Jason Almond made Jul 18 at 2023 2:49 PM

1SG Jason Almond — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 14:49:54 -0400

I did not have to interview for my position because I was boarded to it.

But I was a successful first sergeant. And I think the basics that go into that is simply understanding your units. Mission, understanding how training is executed at every level down to squad leader.

Embracing and understanding your role as the first sergeant, and knowing that all the legalities really get involved at your level.
So you understand, and are familiar with all the pertinent programs that affect your soldiers and unit in terms of readiness and morale.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Sep 13 at 2023 4:05 AM

1SG Harold Piet — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 04:05:59 -0400

I was a 1SG both in Fort Richardson and Fort Campbel, I never interviewed, I was assigned. When assigned in Alaska I knew nothing much about running a company, but plenty about running a motor pool. The CSM told me to go talk with the medical company 1SG for advice. So I give you the same advice, go talk to another 1SG in the battalion or a CSM.

Response by 1SG John Millan made Feb 12 at 2024 6:49 PM

1SG John Millan — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 18:49:51 -0500

Big issue for a 1SG is getting good and capable young specialists and sergeants into schools and promotion tracks. I would make sure that is a priority.