Posted on Nov 15, 2015
What kinds of things should I consider when becoming a Platoon Sergeant?
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I am likely to be put into a Platoon Sergeant position when my pending promotion goes through.
I have been thinking about the metrics that I should evaluate during my initial months (Reserve position).
Some of the things I have:
1. Retention and promotion- where are the soldiers in the platoon in their careers.
2. APFT and HT/WT issues
3. Military Education and DMOS skill level; can the soldiers do their jobs and where do they need more training
I think one of the first things I would do would meet with my squad leaders and have a open, "no-bullshit" conversation about the company and platoon climate. Do they feel the unit chain of command and NCO support channels work; how is the communication up and down; if there is a PL, is that LT respected, experienced or right out of college and still learning the ropes.
I assume I will have some sort of initial session with the command team to discuss any issues, my ability in the position to affect change, and to have a frank discussion about my learning curve as a new PSG.
Any other advise from the experienced masses out there?
I have been thinking about the metrics that I should evaluate during my initial months (Reserve position).
Some of the things I have:
1. Retention and promotion- where are the soldiers in the platoon in their careers.
2. APFT and HT/WT issues
3. Military Education and DMOS skill level; can the soldiers do their jobs and where do they need more training
I think one of the first things I would do would meet with my squad leaders and have a open, "no-bullshit" conversation about the company and platoon climate. Do they feel the unit chain of command and NCO support channels work; how is the communication up and down; if there is a PL, is that LT respected, experienced or right out of college and still learning the ropes.
I assume I will have some sort of initial session with the command team to discuss any issues, my ability in the position to affect change, and to have a frank discussion about my learning curve as a new PSG.
Any other advise from the experienced masses out there?
Posted in these groups: 
Platoon Sergeant
Leadership Development
Platoon Sergeant Leadership Development
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 20
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1SG (Join to see) This is my perspective having had a few platoon sergeant jobs and positions of higher responsibilty. So here goes.
Excellent thoughts and delving for a eay ahead. Everything you mention above are good points and correct... but your writing reflects in my opinion that you leaving the PL out... That is wrong. This should be a shared message from you and the PL.
A wise 1SG, by the name of Nelson, who was 1 of 3 of my best 1SGs, told me this in Korea in 91... "SSG Wesson... Make sure you remember you aren't in the Chain if Command anymore! Just like me your in the NCO Support Channel. Everything you do know is to support the PL, the platoon mission, and to take care soldiers! Guide the Sqd Ldrs... But do not undermine the PL."
He said this because its critically important. In my career, I have often watched a contest of wills between PL and PSGs... and that is the wrong answer.
TC 7-22.7 pg 4-21 provides that, "the PSG is the primary assistant of the PL.... caring for soldiers... helping the CO train the PL. Read this guide if you haven't... It is powerful. Additionally i would read, "From one leader to another" which should be on the Center for Army Leadership website.
Finally, three parting thoughts.
One... And this will happen... Dont let the NCOs and soldiers play the "sides against the middle." It is a phenomena that is from the beginning of time... And does more to weaken a formation than any I've seen... Squash it when you see it.
Two... Have humility to know its not about you and listen to the "bitching" to determine if there isnt something there that needs to be checked out.... and then determine the "why". There is a book by simon sinek called, "start with Why" and a podcast.... Worth cheching out.
Three...you only have a limited sphere of influence. Use it wisely... Dont worry about whats happening in the other platoons... That is not you concern unless its Immoral, unethical, or illegal. Your concern is the platoon and the company from a holistic perspective. Offer counsel and recommendations.... Not critisism. That breed ill feelings.
Well thats my 2 cents.... Hope it helps.
Good luck and take care of those soldiers.
Cam
Excellent thoughts and delving for a eay ahead. Everything you mention above are good points and correct... but your writing reflects in my opinion that you leaving the PL out... That is wrong. This should be a shared message from you and the PL.
A wise 1SG, by the name of Nelson, who was 1 of 3 of my best 1SGs, told me this in Korea in 91... "SSG Wesson... Make sure you remember you aren't in the Chain if Command anymore! Just like me your in the NCO Support Channel. Everything you do know is to support the PL, the platoon mission, and to take care soldiers! Guide the Sqd Ldrs... But do not undermine the PL."
He said this because its critically important. In my career, I have often watched a contest of wills between PL and PSGs... and that is the wrong answer.
TC 7-22.7 pg 4-21 provides that, "the PSG is the primary assistant of the PL.... caring for soldiers... helping the CO train the PL. Read this guide if you haven't... It is powerful. Additionally i would read, "From one leader to another" which should be on the Center for Army Leadership website.
Finally, three parting thoughts.
One... And this will happen... Dont let the NCOs and soldiers play the "sides against the middle." It is a phenomena that is from the beginning of time... And does more to weaken a formation than any I've seen... Squash it when you see it.
Two... Have humility to know its not about you and listen to the "bitching" to determine if there isnt something there that needs to be checked out.... and then determine the "why". There is a book by simon sinek called, "start with Why" and a podcast.... Worth cheching out.
Three...you only have a limited sphere of influence. Use it wisely... Dont worry about whats happening in the other platoons... That is not you concern unless its Immoral, unethical, or illegal. Your concern is the platoon and the company from a holistic perspective. Offer counsel and recommendations.... Not critisism. That breed ill feelings.
Well thats my 2 cents.... Hope it helps.
Good luck and take care of those soldiers.
Cam
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1SG (Join to see)
1SG Cameron M. Wesson,
I appreciate the advice. I have never had a PL. I come from mostly training units and PLs just weren't built into the structure. The closest so far would be experienced 1LTs serving as staff officers.
I fully intend to involve the PL, but my thought is that the established NCOs have already experienced the leadership provided by their PL and it would be valuable to have their assessment.
I like the reading suggestions.
Thanks
I appreciate the advice. I have never had a PL. I come from mostly training units and PLs just weren't built into the structure. The closest so far would be experienced 1LTs serving as staff officers.
I fully intend to involve the PL, but my thought is that the established NCOs have already experienced the leadership provided by their PL and it would be valuable to have their assessment.
I like the reading suggestions.
Thanks
(1)
(0)
1SG Cameron M. Wesson
1SG (Join to see)
You show that you are executing a good mission analysis... and determining the facts.... And getting at a COA series of COAs. That is spot on!
As i spent most of my career in line units and only on a few occasions did i not have an officer. That is my perspective and experiences. One instance resulted in one of my NCOER being as a PL and i rated the PSG AND SLs. It was odd... and truthfully a little difficult when 5 months later we got a PL. But the PL and I became a good team in short order and the voice of 1SG Nelson was present in my brain.
Your proposal on getting their collective assessments is worthwhile and worthy of analysis; however, and I offer this cousel unsolicited, these established NCOs experiences are varied... and the situation with leaders and leadership the same... truly assess what they offer. I'm not saying they intend to play the sides against the middle or are jockeying for position. Just be aware that some play that game... I see it quite often here at CAC.
Again! Good luck and keep thinking on the challenge from all sides.
If you ever have a question or thoughts about books to read for Professional Development... Ask. I have many depending on the subject.
Regards
Cam
You show that you are executing a good mission analysis... and determining the facts.... And getting at a COA series of COAs. That is spot on!
As i spent most of my career in line units and only on a few occasions did i not have an officer. That is my perspective and experiences. One instance resulted in one of my NCOER being as a PL and i rated the PSG AND SLs. It was odd... and truthfully a little difficult when 5 months later we got a PL. But the PL and I became a good team in short order and the voice of 1SG Nelson was present in my brain.
Your proposal on getting their collective assessments is worthwhile and worthy of analysis; however, and I offer this cousel unsolicited, these established NCOs experiences are varied... and the situation with leaders and leadership the same... truly assess what they offer. I'm not saying they intend to play the sides against the middle or are jockeying for position. Just be aware that some play that game... I see it quite often here at CAC.
Again! Good luck and keep thinking on the challenge from all sides.
If you ever have a question or thoughts about books to read for Professional Development... Ask. I have many depending on the subject.
Regards
Cam
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What I did when I took over the Platoon Sergeant spot as a SSG, was to get with other Platoon Sergeants and got advise and insite from them. Like what they did when they first took over this position in their career. It helped me, plus use them along the way to make sure that the decisions you make is a good one for your platoon. Plus don't jump to conclusion until you get all the facts first. That way your platoon will know that they can approach you and that you're fair with them.
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