What are some pointers regarding Commander compatibility during a 1SG Interview?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 May 2022 13:42:08 -0400

Other than accountability in a FSC supporting FA, what are some pointers regarding Commander compatability?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2022 2:05 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 May 2022 14:05:44 -0400

I had command of a QM company and during that tenure had three different 1SG's. Two had very strong attributes in very different ways, and the third was just counting the days till retirement.

What I learned in a Reservist context and would value if I had to do it all over again is a 1SG (looks like you are NG) that could have a strong administrative balance and keep the full time NCO staff in check.

Absent of all the hyped up Army Hooah stuff the 1SG that I had who was an RPAC Supervisor kept the unit's readiness books straight. My younger more Hooah 1SG was fine, and the best example for what the soldiers to be was, but at the end of the day when it came to measurement metrics those started to slip in absence of the RPAC Supervisor skill set I lost.

At the very least............... help the commander keep tabs on the full time staff in check. At least put the hot potato back in his/her lap.

Chances are the CO doesn't know half of what needs to be covered down on. Chances are also good there are new AGR staff barely able to keep their head above water, and chances are there are AGRs in place that know how to just meander along and do the minimum. Rare is the case AGRs are in place that are spot on in all aspects of running a Reserve/NG unit. Those AGR's get better as they go up to BN, BDE, and General Staff, but at the Company level in my view they tend to not be. You'll probably get one strong AGR, but you don't know which section they will be covering down on (HR, Supply, Training, etc).

Example: I was oblivious I needed a Physical Security plan. Companies generally don't need one at all, as per reg it's a BN responsibility. However, I had a stand alone company located by it's lonesome, so per reg I had to have a BN quality physical security plan. Anyway, auditors showed up one day, and my AGR's screwed the pooch. We failed every single item of inspection we got a perfect 0%.

No one ever told me I had to do that. I did it, we passed it next time (barely). I pulled a W2 on orders to make it happen, but not without having to take a lot of crap from BN. It was something we didn't need to fail if I knew it needed being done.

So help the commander keep all the balls in the air. Help him know how many balls are about to smack him on the head.

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NG and USAR are held to 100% of the responsibility as the active component at 10% of the time, pay and resources to do so. Help each other survive the system. That goes for everyone in the unit from E1 to O3.

The system would theoretically work if everyone carried their own weight 100%, but that's not what happens.

Response by 1SG George Kincannon made May 7 at 2022 7:04 AM

1SG George Kincannon — Sat, 07 May 2022 07:04:03 -0400

I don't know anything about being an AGR, I was full time active duty for 23 years in ASA, now AKA Intelligence and Security Command. I was a promotable E-8 when I was flocked to 1SG and then was placed as the First Sergeant of a 400 man SIGINT company. That was a very trying experience for me as I never had any experience as a squad or platoon leadership. It was a hands on experience and I was fortunate to have very good and experienced platoon sergeants, who were very helpful. I served as the 1SG for 10 months before being transferred to a new assignment to tactical unit in Augsburg FRG. This was another SIGINT company with 450 personnel and had two detachments in Northern FRG and another in Italy. After six months, I was able to attend the 1SG's Academy in Munich FRG. The things I learned at the academy was extremely valuable and helped me to be a valuable 1SG to my Company Commander and the Company personnel.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2022 7:50 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 May 2022 19:50:17 -0400

I was very lucky to have superb Shirts in lace when I took command (3 different squadrons). I think the very nature of a First Sgt makes 99.9% of them perfect. They are helping individual and know how to take care of the troops and advise the CC!

Response by CSM Danny S. made May 13 at 2022 12:53 PM

CSM Danny S. — Fri, 13 May 2022 12:53:51 -0400

The first thing you have to do when you come into the unit as the 1SG is to sit down and have a talk with the CDR. This will help you understand what the CDR expects of you and areas to evaluate in the company. Additionally, do your best to not let ego or personality get in the way of developing that CDR/1SG relationship. Then work with the CDR to make the unit a little better every month and you will be successful.
I saw below that you mentioned MLC. MLC covers battle staff and BDE/DIV level operations. It will not get you ready to be a 1SG. You should attend the Company Commander and First Sergeant Pre-Command course and that is the only thing that gives you some help. It goes over FRG, regulations, and other various programs that you may need for the company.
I spent 3 yrs and 6 mos as a 1SG and enjoyed 90% of it. When your time is up most people loved or hated being a 1SG, but it is all on you and the relationships you build. Good luck!

Response by 1SG Michael Brooks made May 13 at 2022 7:10 PM

1SG Michael Brooks — Fri, 13 May 2022 19:10:25 -0400

I'm Old school, I don't know the phrase "Commander Compatibility", But I do know about being a 1SG and supporting my Commander.
1. Go to the per-command course if available. When I went to the that course it was new 1SG's and Commanders together, but not not both parts of the command team. all random 1sg's and Cpt's.

2. Make part of your day and your commanders day "Management by walking around". CPT visits all his LT's at their workplace and 1SG roams the area. Plan 1 hour everyday at different times. This is where you develop relationships, learn about each others leadership style, and see whats going right and what is not going right. ( Talk to your commander and talk about when to blow an "Ass Gasket" and when to settle for " Give me when a call when everything gets fixed"). You will see some FUBAR stuff.
*** an Hour a day may seem like a small amount of time... it will be hard to find during admin intensive times. (QTB, Pre-deployment, Post deplyment, 10% inventory cycles, paydays, ) do it always...it makes the company stronger!!!

3. Understand that Paperwork has to get done. Make sure that all awards are tracked by a chosen LT and reviewed by PLT LDR before being sent to CO HQ's. note 1SG'sd and CDR's don't have lots of time to rewrite awards. Same for NCOER's. Late actions get so much attention.... Plan for success.

4. Leave: Don't be dicks. Soldiers get 30 each year. thats 6 weeks of vacation ( if they take mon-fri). Don't act like its a priviledge. Use leave as opportunity to train the next guy. Be prepared to help the next guy learn...when your best are on leave. Yes, You will work harder when your assigned leaders are on Leave...if you are a good leader, after a while it won't be a big deal.

5. ISG... Be a partner with your commander on 10% Inventories. NCO's know how to beg, borrow, and steal, fudge, trade, and borrow. As 1sg; let it be known, no letting the commnder see the same fire extinguisher twice. once in 1st platoon and again in 3rd platoon. ( I know...NCO's would never do that, I just have a big imagination). Things get lost...do ROS or find one thats unsecured... it happens

6. Remind yourself and commander daily. Mission First... Soldiers Always... You will have a rewarding time.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2022 12:48 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 May 2022 00:48:53 -0400

Well Comrades, I got it! Thanks again for your comments and mentorship!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2022 7:40 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2022 07:40:37 -0400

My Cmdr. wanted to know what I was gonna do for the soldiers how is going to improve fitness. Some other questions that were asked is what you were going to bring to the table. What are your best qualities and what are your worst qualities. How do you plan on improving on your worst quality. Also what do you bring to the fight.

Response by 1SG David Pratt made May 31 at 2022 10:51 AM

1SG David Pratt — Tue, 31 May 2022 10:51:27 -0400

Best advice I can give is, as a 1SG, you have to be whatever your commander needs you to be. This ensures mission accomplishment for your unit. You also need to be the voice of reason for everyone to the commander. Your job is to keep everyone communicating in a proper way and, sometimes, act as an interpreter between people. You must be a master of everyone's job and a talented conductor to keep them all moving in the direction of the Commander's Intent.