Posted on May 19, 2023
What advice do you have for a new SFC? What are some tips and tricks for success?
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So I have seen the promotion list and my new OML and my question for any senior NCOs or Officers is what was the biggest hurdle for new SFC's or what was the most helpful thing to learn when you made rank? I am headed to be an AIT Drill Sergeant and if I show up with two rockers instead of one I certainly want to be ready for the hard stuff before I am blindsided. I have a fair number of experiences, but asking the crowd can be a worthwhile endeavor. Thank you kindly in advance for your answers and advice.
Posted in these groups: 
Promotions
Leadership Development
Leadership
AIT Platoon Sergeant
Drill Sergeant
Promotions Leadership Development Leadership AIT Platoon Sergeant Drill Sergeant
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
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First I would call branch and ask them to change your assignemnt. While Drill is one of the most sought after, you should try to get a platoon, if they insist on Deill then try for a Basc assignemnt, there you can get viable credit for platoon time. AIT not so much, of course knowing your branch would help. Based on what you are saying, you were selected for the AIT job prior to making the list, they will likely work with you.
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CSM William Everroad
SFC Casey O'Mally - That CSM may be misrespenting the Boards they have been on.
No one on any board I served counted AIT PSG as "225". The PSG manages the other DIs, not the students. While they are accountable, Senior NCOs are tasked with developing other NCOs.
There is a difference between chasing around 225 privates in a TRADOC environment and managing Teams, squads, and platoons. The skills are different (equally important), but should not preclude service in an operational role.
No one on any board I served counted AIT PSG as "225". The PSG manages the other DIs, not the students. While they are accountable, Senior NCOs are tasked with developing other NCOs.
There is a difference between chasing around 225 privates in a TRADOC environment and managing Teams, squads, and platoons. The skills are different (equally important), but should not preclude service in an operational role.
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SFC Casey O'Mally
CSM William Everroad CSM,
If I mis-communicated, I apologize. Yes, operational time is still absolutely necessary. But operational time can be gotten VERY easily. There is always an opening for a PSG somewhere in FORSCOM. But that Drill Sergeant slot, if passed up, may not come back around.
When I went through AIT PSG school, which I will grant was a decade ago, just north of 50% of AIT PSGs were getting picked up in one of the next two selections following a successfully completed tour. I have to assume the numbers for AIT DSs are similar now that we have switched back to DSs in AIT.
No, that assignment by itself will not get you picked up, But it shows a lot of potential for performance at a higher level.
If I mis-communicated, I apologize. Yes, operational time is still absolutely necessary. But operational time can be gotten VERY easily. There is always an opening for a PSG somewhere in FORSCOM. But that Drill Sergeant slot, if passed up, may not come back around.
When I went through AIT PSG school, which I will grant was a decade ago, just north of 50% of AIT PSGs were getting picked up in one of the next two selections following a successfully completed tour. I have to assume the numbers for AIT DSs are similar now that we have switched back to DSs in AIT.
No, that assignment by itself will not get you picked up, But it shows a lot of potential for performance at a higher level.
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CSM William Everroad
SFC Casey O'Mally - 100% I understand what you were saying. The issue isn't for MSG, it's for SGM.
Any limited amount of operational time at SFC and MSG combined can drop the OML number significantly. But, so can a lack of generating force experience. It's a double edged sword. A lot of it has to do with the generating force trying to hang onto as many NCOs for as long as possible, including vying for priority fills for other billets they could get promoted into (going from PSG to 1SG in the same DIV). We do it on the operational side too if we can get away with it. I honestly think it is why so much is being moved to centralized boards.
There is an optimum balance, but it is rare. You will see it in those that get ranked in the top 5-10% for their CMF usually. But good luck decoding the success formula for the rest. The relative "rated" potential between #21 and #30 is kinda arbitrary while the difference between #1 and #21 is pretty easy to figure out.
Any limited amount of operational time at SFC and MSG combined can drop the OML number significantly. But, so can a lack of generating force experience. It's a double edged sword. A lot of it has to do with the generating force trying to hang onto as many NCOs for as long as possible, including vying for priority fills for other billets they could get promoted into (going from PSG to 1SG in the same DIV). We do it on the operational side too if we can get away with it. I honestly think it is why so much is being moved to centralized boards.
There is an optimum balance, but it is rare. You will see it in those that get ranked in the top 5-10% for their CMF usually. But good luck decoding the success formula for the rest. The relative "rated" potential between #21 and #30 is kinda arbitrary while the difference between #1 and #21 is pretty easy to figure out.
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
SFC Casey O'Mally i guess we will have to agree to disagree. I respect your experience and that of the CSMs who mentor you. I can only account for my personal experience throughout a long career. Having sat boards while mentoring hundreds throughout my career (still doing so), I know first hand what is regarded as optimal for selection to the next grade. Operational time wins hands down. I think CSM Everroad laid it out well.
Thank you for your service.
Thank you for your service.
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Remember as a SNCO your soldiers always come first. Like CSM ZaGara said, see if you can get a BCT Drill slot, will go much better as Platoon SGT. You are replaceable, so train your Squad leaders or if you get a BCT DS slot, your assistant DS to step up. Don't be afraid to give responsibility, but also make sure you hold them accountable. Don't always give "the" answers, make NCOs, soldiers look for the answers, but never let them fail. When they need help, put questions to them to guide them instead of just giving the answers. This way they will learn the Regs, know where things are found. So much easier today as you got the internet. Use the chain of command below you to your advantage to get things done, this also dishes out responsibility. Keep your eyes forward as far as your NCOES is concerned. Remember no on cares abut your career any more than you do.
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SFC (Join to see)
I like that. Soldiers first and don't just give away the answers. I had a firstline who did something similar when I was at my first duty station, forcing me to find the answers or at least some course of action.
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SGM Mikel Dawson
SFC (Join to see) - Just giving the answers, many forget and do not know where to find them. Making them find the answers, they learn.
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Never Strive To Be As Good As Everyone Else,
Strive To Be Better.
How You Manage Others, Will Be Reflected Upon Yourself.
Discipline In Private; Commend In Front Of Others.
Develop An Adequate Vocabulary, To Communicate On All Levels.
Always Ask Yourself, "Am I Being Fair"?...
It's Very Important To Be Trusted As Honest & Respectful.
Don't Ask Your People To Do Anything, You'd Not Do Yourself.
If You See Where This Is Heading. ....Your Going In The Right Direction .
.
Please Allow Me To Make This Suggestion ~ But Totally IGNORE The Title.
.
My First Copy Was $1.95. ~ In 1958. ! ~ And I've Always Had At Least ONE Available For A Constant Reminder.....I Recently Purchased Another Replacement, At Least My 10th, From AMAZON For $13.95...
In 03/2023..
But It's Worth A MILLION ~
Dale Carnegie's Publication: "How To Win Friends And Influence People".
As I Suggested "IGNORE The Title"....You'll Understand "Why", As Soon as You Begin Reading It.
Strive To Be Better.
How You Manage Others, Will Be Reflected Upon Yourself.
Discipline In Private; Commend In Front Of Others.
Develop An Adequate Vocabulary, To Communicate On All Levels.
Always Ask Yourself, "Am I Being Fair"?...
It's Very Important To Be Trusted As Honest & Respectful.
Don't Ask Your People To Do Anything, You'd Not Do Yourself.
If You See Where This Is Heading. ....Your Going In The Right Direction .
.
Please Allow Me To Make This Suggestion ~ But Totally IGNORE The Title.
.
My First Copy Was $1.95. ~ In 1958. ! ~ And I've Always Had At Least ONE Available For A Constant Reminder.....I Recently Purchased Another Replacement, At Least My 10th, From AMAZON For $13.95...
In 03/2023..
But It's Worth A MILLION ~
Dale Carnegie's Publication: "How To Win Friends And Influence People".
As I Suggested "IGNORE The Title"....You'll Understand "Why", As Soon as You Begin Reading It.
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SFC (Join to see)
I won't judge taking good life advice from a book I haven't yet read. Will add it to the list. Thank you.
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