What is the ideal, healthiest relationship between a Platoon Leader and his/her NCOs?

Cadet CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 19:47:40 -0500

What do think is the best way for a Platoon Leader to learn from and be mentored by his/her NCOs and Soldiers while still maintaining a command presence within the platoon?

How close can the PL be with his/her NCOs?

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 13 at 2013 9:07 AM

SFC James Baber — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 09:07:26 -0500

The best way is to watch and soak it in and then evaluate what you believe to be good and what needs improvement and then discuss it with your NOCs openly and honestly for their input and constructive criticism both ways. It will build that trust and respect between both sides which is the most invaluable thing you need, especially in combat.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 13 at 2013 9:21 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 09:21:04 -0500

This is an excellent question to see from a future 2LT. I had a great relationship with my Platoon Sergeant, and we were friendly to some extent off duty, but it's important in my opinion that you never cross that line to where you are best friends, and the command relationship is blurred. That goes both ways. If you become too good of friends, or you go out partying all the time, it may compromise his ability to stay objective with his advice for you, and it may compromise your ability to maintain his/her respect on duty as the commander of the platoon. Once you lose that legitimate respect, you may never be able to get it back. So, it's a fine line, but follow your instincts and build a strong relationship with your Senior NCOs and you'll do well with this issue.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2013 11:01 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 11:01:06 -0500

Sir, please set standards, guidelines, and expectations. If Soldiers see you there, you're introduced and they're told who you are and what you will be doing. You should take that time to "speak" on what you are, give a little about yourself, talk about the mission for your platoon, what you expect from each person and what you will and will not tolerate. Protect your personnel, when and if needed. Work hard with and for your PSG.

Thank you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2013 11:01 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 11:01:25 -0500

Always show support for each other in front of your troops. If you disagree, take that discussion to another location, you don't want to undermine the authority of either of you by conterdicting the other in front of troops. Ask questions and offer advice. We Sr NCOs have a wealth of knowledge but we aren't the be all end all. If you don't know ask to find out, if you think you have a better way, discuss it and work together to find the final answer. The more your troops see you working as a team the more they will. You are the Sr person in the PLT. If you need to, stomp that foot down and hold your line. As CPT Kletzing has said, be friendly but mindful. Don't get so friendly that it becomes an hindrance to the stability and performance of your PLT. If you ask me Cadet CPL Nathman, simply asking this question shows a good bit about your desire to become a good and effective leader that can affect the unit you are assigned to. You'll be fine.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 8:08 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 08:08:57 -0400

1) Congratulate in public; criticize in private.
2) Use informal sensing sessions (in the field, during ruck marches, etc) and separate the gripes from the problems and address the problems. This is part of getting to know your Soldiers.
3) Don't forget to take time for formal NCOER counseling. This is a time of conversation and not a one way talk. This dialog is what is used to determine and shape where the platoon needs to go.
4) Remember that this is not a club, its a platoon which is part of the whole. Platoon Pride is fine but in the end we work together under one company guidon.
5) Take time for team building events. Extended lunch for Bowling with a squad, BBQ with the platoon at the lake, that sort of thing.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 1 at 2015 1:40 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 13:40:05 -0400

It is imperative the PL has a good relationship the NCOs, especially with the PSGT. The PSGT should be mentoring the PL. Once they trust you, their is more confidence of turning platoon to you. Don't take power away from the NCOs when in garrison by micromanaging. Where the PL makes his money is in the field gunnery, that is where the officer takes the lead.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 1 at 2015 5:01 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 17:01:02 -0400

:\ <<flounder eyes