Is it possible for a SM with a P2 profile to hold the position of 1SG or CSM?
1SG
CSM
Profiles
Ultimately this is not a disqualifier but as with anything in the military. Various people have bias and/or it's your level of competitiveness as a whole. A leader is not determined by physical fitness; however, this profession does require some level of fitness.
My personal opinion, any leader who takes care of me I will put that leader on my back if I had too. As long as I know they would do the same for me and are capable of fighting through whatever pain or injury in a combat situation. Heart is much more of a indication of combat function than knocking out 90+ push ups. I can care less about that persons profile as long as it didn't affect their work/duty performance. Lead Me, Follow Me, or Get the HECK OUT OF MY WAY (General Patton).
SFC Grudzinski,
I believe that the wounded warriors that choose to stay in should be put in leadership positions. When you have someone that is missing an arm doing push-ups and pull-ups, its motivating. They also show that they have real heart and determination because they did not quit when they could have. Great point!
SSG Ryan
SSG Greer, good question. I expected to see a
lot more debate on this. There are two popular trains of thought on this. What’s
the P2 for? Is it for something that would limit your physical abilities and
prevent you from taking all required events on the APFT, PU/SU/ 2 Mile Run? The hard line school of thought is usually
driven by the “Lead by Example or Lead from the Front” attitude. If you are one
who truly embraces this then the simple answer is NO, an individual who can’t
meet all the standards that their Troops are expected to meet should not be in
a 1SG, CSM, or of even PLT SGT or Squad Leader Position. I’ve worked with a few
NCOs throughout my career who, when they were put on permanent profile, dropped
their retirement packet because they truly embraced this and loved their job
and decided if they couldn’t be out there running, rucking, and jumping with
their Troops then it was time for them to get out so an NCO that could do all
these things had an opportunity to move up.
The other side of that is looking at the “Whole Soldier”. Just
because a Troop has a profile that prevents them from being able to do certain
physical activities does not mean they can’t be an effective Leader. Just the
opposite, they could actually serve as an example to younger Troops who are
injured or on profile thereby giving them hope that they could make it to that
level. Another argument I have heard to support this is the reason for the
profile, did the Troop get injured in the line of duty, during a training
event, was it a combat injury? If so, then why should the Troop not be allowed
to serve in a Leadership position after all they may have been out there “Leading
from the Front and Leading by Example” and in the process of doing this they
were injured to such an extent that they now are on a permanent profile.
I have met great NCOs throughout my career who have been on
permanent profiles; I have met mediocre Leaders who were in great physical condition
so pick your opinion. The only thing I would ask is that you fully embrace it.
If you choose the Lead by Example side of this and you are ever put on
permanent profile then step aside so another NCO who can Lead by Example has
the opportunity to fill that Leadership position. Sorry for the length of the
post but this has always been one of my favorite debates.
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