What did you do this year different from last year to better prepare yourself for the E-7 Board?

I will agree Major Ken Landgren. We had a maintenance officermand a NCO but they were not around much, so the Branch was mine to rum. There is your strong NCO grades but we couldn't;t do it without support of our officers that gave us authority and stepped back.

MSgt John McGowan - If aint broke, don't fix it. If NCOs rock n roll, tell them they rock and reward them! The NCOs did not know this but there were several times I got an alternate COA from an NCOs in training meetings. They rarely were dramatic advice, but if I saw passion then I agreed because I wanted to see the passion, give them authority, and buy in. A few times all the NCOs ganged up on me and I raised my arms up, laughed, and said you folks win! lol

NCOs are truly the backbone of the military. It is much easier in my estimation being a leader in the military than in the civilian world because if I have a good relationship with the NCOs they execute my vision and create the culture I want. If they are taking care of soldiers and day to day operations are good because I can see that, I should stay the hell out of their way. The NCOs are much more satisfied when they are given an azimuth and they run with it. They don't need a micro-manager, toxic leader, or power hungry person above them. However, in tactical situations I will have more control. It was really intersting going from aviation, armor, to budget. I was fortunate to have all great NCOs in my career except one. He was technically great, but had a hard time cooridinating things because of time and space.

MSGT John McGowan thank you I feel like when it's time it's time. I always give my best every single day no matter what...

You will be fine.