Posted on Apr 9, 2015
Trouble with a junior enlisted soldier. Any advice?
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I am a new NCO and I am having an issue with a PV2 that is in my team. I am always having to hunt him down and constantly make sure that he is staying engaged in the daily duties. Outside of the military setting when it comes to communication over the phone or text messages or emails, I hardly ever get a response to let me know that he acknowledges what I am trying to relay to him. I am trying to find out if anyone has come across the same issues and want have you done to correct said issues? What might work in my situation? Thanks for any advice in advance.
Enlisted
Mentorship
Leadership
Accountability
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 61
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Sit him down face-to-face and counsel him on your expectations. It is important to ask his expectations of you also. Be understanding but firm and let him know consequences of ignoring future communications. You may want to talk to your platoon sergeant ahead of time and give him a heads up also. That way, if the Soldier claims you are picking on him you PSG will already be aware of the situation. After the counseling, do not be afraid to write him, assign extra duty, etc.
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SGT (Join to see)
In addition to what everyone stated, I would say that you need to develop a strong relationship with the Soldier. The more involvement you have with him the more fond of you he will become. Find out what motivates him. Maybe career progression, insentives, time off, etc. Once you know what makes him tick and help him achieve his goals he'll come around.
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SFC (Join to see)
Do an initial Counseling make sure it is a good one insert everything from PT, Army standards, Conduct on/off duty, communication, daily duties, uniform, and state what will happen if any one of these are violated. I favor taking Soldiers time first usually this will yield results I like taking weekends the most. Still have problems tap the pockets .make sure you always document everything on the counseling statement and close them out. The Army is not for everyone that is the reason it has a chapter system don't be afraid to use it. I have my SGT's and SSG"s come to my office with the soldier to conduct counseling for serious issues so we are all in the loop. And then I can "take his soul."
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Sgt (Join to see)
file for EMI (extra military instruction) in the corps your commander has to approve it but it's an effective tool we use take his or her time it will suck for you but worse for them
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I see a lot of responses that recommend counseling (initial or otherwise). Clearly, I am not an NCO, nor have I held a position where I have needed to be responsible for others.(yet) However, speaking as a lower enlisted that had a great relationship with my NCOIC I can tell you how he earned my respect. Rather than just doing formal counseling we sat down and had a conversation. About who I was, where I came from, personal and professional goals. Counseling are great for the soldier that is squared away. But for some, it may take a deeper connection. Maybe there is an underlying issue he needs help dealing with. The more you learn about that soldier the more change you will be able to see and/or get out of them. My personal opinion.
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SSgt (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) GREAT PERSPECTIVE!!! I wish I would have had the chance at my old assignment to work with this new Airman we had come in who was very troublesome and tried to challenge EVERYTHING. I personally think he got in and either realized it was not like he thought it was going to be and wanted out, or he may have been stationed too close to home and couldn't balance wanting to be with his friends/family with his requirements for the Air Force. Either way the leadership that was left with him couldn't figure it out either and a couple months after I had left he had a pair of Art. 15s and over a 3 page MFR and accompanying LOA LOR. Kind of sad but at the end of the day it was on him to perform to the clearly stated expectations and standards.
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Welcome to the NCO Corps SGT. Every unit in the military has that guy (or that gal) :)
This is what your NCO chain of support is for, there should be plenty of NCOs in your unit who have some sort of experience with this individual.
But as a starter - sit that Soldier down for a nice counseling session, and explain what your expectations are, and what the repercussion are if they're not met.
This is what your NCO chain of support is for, there should be plenty of NCOs in your unit who have some sort of experience with this individual.
But as a starter - sit that Soldier down for a nice counseling session, and explain what your expectations are, and what the repercussion are if they're not met.
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Suspended Profile
To caveat of CPT Balcinovic's comment, hopefully you have other NCOs on your team to step up and either assist with your responsibilities, so you can focus more on the problem Soldier through all the suggestions stated above. Or, there may be something more that is making him act out, in which case help him with outside resources who may be able to get to the bottom of the issue. I've been in these situations a few times, and it took the Soldier a while to be open with his issues. Unfortunately, he had entirely too much going on and was eventually chaptered from the Army.
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