What makes a good NCO?

2015-12-08T07:58:05-05:00

Next month I will start getting ready to go to the promotion board. Recently I've been thinking about how I will be when I do get my stripes and join the outstanding NCO Corps. Both my parents are retired SFCs and I have always looked up and aspired to be just like them. What makes a good NCO or leader in general? How do you know you are ready?

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 8 at 2015 8:08 AM

2015-12-08T08:08:15-05:00

Accomplish the mission and take care of your troops. That is the most basic answer. Also, you will not ever know everything, so never stop learning. Empathy, compassion, firmness, and fairness are also good traits. And never ever under any circumstances try and BS your troops, they will see right through it. The final thing off the top of my head is make a decision and go with it. You can adjust fire from a bad decision but you cannot overcome indecision.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Dec 8 at 2015 8:55 AM

2015-12-08T08:55:56-05:00

Don't command your troops to follow you. Be that guy who inspires them to do so through your actions. People will follow someone that they have to follow, but they will follow you to hell and back if they actually believe in you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 9:56 AM

2015-12-08T09:56:14-05:00

Violence of action and lasers

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 2:17 PM

2015-12-08T14:17:08-05:00

Learn the NCO Creed, not just the words or being able to recite it but the meaning of The Creed itself. Every response I've read so far has something in it from the NCO Creed which is a testament to its purpose and meaning.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 2:45 PM

2015-12-08T14:45:47-05:00

I'd like to thank everyone for the wonderful advice you have provided me. Everyones advice to me is pretty much the same: treat soldiers well. So with that i will continue making progress! Thank you!

Response by GySgt Moses Lozano made Dec 9 at 2015 12:04 PM

2015-12-09T12:04:25-05:00

Setting the example for your troops to follow, knowing how to be fair but stern and having the guts to properly take issues up the chain that you know are relevant issues.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 1:22 AM

2015-12-10T01:22:49-05:00

Take care of your guys and know your guys. Know their family what they like etc. always ask them how they are doing and if they need anything. You have had bad leaders and good leaders. Don't do what your bad leaders have done and apply what your good leaders have done to your leadership style.

Response by SGT Jamison Calloway made Dec 10 at 2015 11:54 AM

2015-12-10T11:54:28-05:00

Any NCO that doesn't look out for his or her troops has no business with the rank your soldiers make or break you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 12:47 PM

2015-12-10T12:47:41-05:00

A good soldier.

That simple.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2015 1:28 PM

2015-12-10T13:28:11-05:00

Good on ya for seeking help and advice, already a step in the right direction. After reading these comments absolutely apply.. Most.. Of them. Use The Creed as a guide. Be fair but firm, don't be afraid to be wrong, be decisive, if it's wrong fix it, don't be afraid to delegate, you can't be everywhere all at once, teach your soldiers what you know so they can go out and fix things. Don't be afraid to take the butt chewing for your soldiers.. Absolutely don't chew theirs in public unless it was truely life threatening.. Remember good bosses you've had and apply those traits.. Never stop learning and improving. Good luck on your board.. I hope to welcome you to the Corps.. The backbone of the Army.. Professionals, NCO's, Leaders!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 10:09 AM

2015-12-11T10:09:20-05:00

As long as you put your mission first and your troops second, there is no way to go wrong. My advice to you is that no Matter what never turned to be a toxic leader, keep a professional and honest relationship with your subordinates and peers Hooah

Response by SGT John Fritz made Dec 11 at 2015 7:33 PM

2015-12-11T19:33:06-05:00

Care about your soldiers and allow them to be the best they can be. Also put yourself in the best position to be the best you can be for them. Build the team through trust not by my or the highway. Be a mentor not a boss, that's the difference in being a leader or being that SGT they work for. Know your job and be able to teach it. Learning to give great instructions and make the people around you the best they can be is such an amazing set of skills to master. Have a get the job done right kind of attitude and make it infectious. No one is more professional then I, competence is my watch word.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 15 at 2015 12:31 PM

2015-12-15T12:31:14-05:00

The really good NCOs have their ear to the ground and are cognizant of Future Ops (FUOPs).

Response by SGT George Phillips made Jan 12 at 2016 12:32 AM

2016-01-12T00:32:26-05:00

have an open mind, don't aspire to be "just like them" aspire to be better, take care of your men and women in your charge, EARN their respect, don't demand it, know the regs, knowledge is power, it does not matter how far up the lader of success you climb, if you have men that will follow you and trust you then you are a leader, respect your elders, and senior cadre, and ALLWAYS look to your CW, a chief warent officer is usually the best refrence point and a great allie, gain his confidence, do your job well, and the section will carry you back from the gates of hell,

Response by SGT Leon Riege made Mar 23 at 2016 9:59 PM

2016-03-23T21:59:11-04:00

did you know young man that ,in the cold light of reality you can have EVERYTHING taken from you?even your very life, all of it, with the exception of one thing , your honor... that you have to give up yourself, when Im unsure I think of what my dad would, do then what jesus would do, and finally what john wayne would do