Posted on Oct 1, 2015
What is the proper way of dealing with Senior NCOs as a Junior Officer?
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What is the proper way of addressing and dealing with Senior/Staff NCOs who are on the verge of insubordination to ones who are down right belligerent as a Junior officer?
I have felt with many Senior/Staff NCOs throughout my career and have seen many have a distain for Junior Officers it doesn't matter if they are new to the military or are mustangs. It just seems like they feel they are better then them and because of their experience or time in service they seem to feel that they do not need to listen to a Junior Officer. In my personal experience I have seen some of these NCOs "protected" by CPTs or Field Grade Officers. Now I know in the true order of things where I sit in the hierarchy of the military, and though I outrank all enlisted and warrant officer ranks I now that they have an inherent authority based on their positions such as a Sergeant Major etc... and due to the fact I have no command authority even as a PL. How would I or any other Junior Officer handle these individuals when they are truly out of line or bordering it?
I have felt with many Senior/Staff NCOs throughout my career and have seen many have a distain for Junior Officers it doesn't matter if they are new to the military or are mustangs. It just seems like they feel they are better then them and because of their experience or time in service they seem to feel that they do not need to listen to a Junior Officer. In my personal experience I have seen some of these NCOs "protected" by CPTs or Field Grade Officers. Now I know in the true order of things where I sit in the hierarchy of the military, and though I outrank all enlisted and warrant officer ranks I now that they have an inherent authority based on their positions such as a Sergeant Major etc... and due to the fact I have no command authority even as a PL. How would I or any other Junior Officer handle these individuals when they are truly out of line or bordering it?
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Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 65
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When I checked into my first command as a 2ndLt, our Company 1stSgt was, how should I say, a little "problematic." Seemed he hated Lt's. As we were forming for a Company PT, his disdain for young officers was made apparent. It wasn't exactly his words. Rather, it was his tone. He repeatedly said "Lieutenant" as if it were a taboo swear word. After the morning run I caught him on the way back to his office. Asked for a moment of his time in private. We retreated to his office. I shut the door and I directly explained to him the following:
1.) He was out of line with his tone.
2.) The younger Marines looked to him for leadership and example.
3.) Without rolling over and showing my belly, I explained to him that I wanted (and needed) to learn how to be a good officer. And that HE was an integral part to my development.
I think I had to appeal to "the professional" Marine that he espoused to be. His disposition immediately changed. Problem solved.
Bottom Line: You're a 2ndLt. Your going to make a few mistakes. Don't be afraid to be the butt of the conversation. But, when it comes to dealing with senior NCO's, identify the problem, and enlist their seasoned guidance for a solution. My feeling is most SNCO's would prefer to "make" good lieutenants... especially those with whom they must work.
1.) He was out of line with his tone.
2.) The younger Marines looked to him for leadership and example.
3.) Without rolling over and showing my belly, I explained to him that I wanted (and needed) to learn how to be a good officer. And that HE was an integral part to my development.
I think I had to appeal to "the professional" Marine that he espoused to be. His disposition immediately changed. Problem solved.
Bottom Line: You're a 2ndLt. Your going to make a few mistakes. Don't be afraid to be the butt of the conversation. But, when it comes to dealing with senior NCO's, identify the problem, and enlist their seasoned guidance for a solution. My feeling is most SNCO's would prefer to "make" good lieutenants... especially those with whom they must work.
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LTC John Wilson
I've usually kept the borderline "insubordinate" NCOs closest to me. If they posssess the stones to stand up to me and kick me in the shins when I need it, then (a) I know they care and (b) I might just learn something important. The GOOD NCOs will keep you one track.
On those occassions where you have a Senior NCO who's merely being a jerk, you should first grant some deference to his experience, seek to understand -- and when they are in the wrong -- don't blow your stack. Instead, explain the facts of life (making sure you clearly understand them), let rhem know you expect candor and seek to learn and understand, but an NCO of his grade and experience should know better than to treat a commissioned officer disrespectfully. If an appeal to his professionalism is insufficient, take the matter to his supervisor.
On those occassions where you have a Senior NCO who's merely being a jerk, you should first grant some deference to his experience, seek to understand -- and when they are in the wrong -- don't blow your stack. Instead, explain the facts of life (making sure you clearly understand them), let rhem know you expect candor and seek to learn and understand, but an NCO of his grade and experience should know better than to treat a commissioned officer disrespectfully. If an appeal to his professionalism is insufficient, take the matter to his supervisor.
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CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter
Its the job of Senior NCOs to help train JR officers not to show them up.
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SGT Christopher Combs
Capt. Strobl that was weel said and 1st. SGT. shouldn't be treating Lt's like shit just because you're new. You should be learning from your E-6's and E-7's to begin with but I do realize you still have a lot to deal with when it comes to your 1st SGT.
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I would make the following suggestions. One, dont give them an excuse, be on top of your game. You are new to the Army and the learning curve is straight up, but you are under more of a microscope now, than you will be at my age/rank. Two, when the problem happens, address it directly and with force (look them dead in the eye and ask, not yelling, what is your freaking problem and do you need remedial help in getting over it?).
I say these two, because it sounds like these people are expecting you to make a mistake and then when you do, wanting to take advantage of it. We dont need disrespect on our team.
I say these two, because it sounds like these people are expecting you to make a mistake and then when you do, wanting to take advantage of it. We dont need disrespect on our team.
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Jokes happen.
Disrespect shouldn't.
Mentoring young officers is one of the most important things senior NCOs do. The Army views it as so important, it assigns a senior NCO to officers in leadership positions all the way to the Chief of Staff.
You'll never hear me commend this behavior.
Smart officers listen to their NCOs. We didn't get to where we are by accident. I strongly suggest that you stand up for yourself and go out of your way to establish a professional and productive relationship.
They are testing you. Pass the test - but do it your way.
Disrespect shouldn't.
Mentoring young officers is one of the most important things senior NCOs do. The Army views it as so important, it assigns a senior NCO to officers in leadership positions all the way to the Chief of Staff.
You'll never hear me commend this behavior.
Smart officers listen to their NCOs. We didn't get to where we are by accident. I strongly suggest that you stand up for yourself and go out of your way to establish a professional and productive relationship.
They are testing you. Pass the test - but do it your way.
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