Advice on promotion from SPC to SGT?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 15:20:03 -0400

I am currently promotable and could very well end making cutoff this month and getting picked up for E5. I didn't think I would make it this fast(been in a little under 2.5 years) but I have been preparing myself to be an NCO. How do you look at NCO's that have not deployed in today's Army? Sometimes I think it will feel odd to be a SGT without a combat patch. Lastly what is the most important thing to remember when transitioning from junior enlisted to NCO?

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Aug 15 at 2014 3:59 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 15:59:42 -0400

I am going to pipe in here on the last part of your question. Ther hardest transition to make is when you get promoted out of your peer group and then have to lead that same group of individuals. However you can make it easier on yourself by not forgetting where you came from. You may be an NCO now and not have to participate in all the work parties and what not but you are now assigning soldiers to these tasks.

The most important thing is to be firm but fair and most importantly consistant. You cannot show favortism or else you will lose the group that you are trying to lead. As far as the no combat patch and not deploying. well you don't really get to decide when and where you go and as always haters gonna hate so don't let it get to you. you have done something right in your 2.5 years to get promoted so keep doing that.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 12:52 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 00:52:28 -0400

It's a big deal no doubt. That's why typically you'll be transferred to another platoon or company due to the peer separation. As long as you know how to do your job, you'll be just fine.

Response by COL David McClean made Jun 25 at 2015 5:48 PM

COL David McClean — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 17:48:48 -0400

The best advice is to read and reread the NCO creed. The hardest hurdle is to realize all your E4 friends peers are now your subordinates. Watch your actions for they will be perceived as favoritism - that's a killer in building a team. Know your craft and most of all treat all fairly.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 9:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 21:46:55 -0400

Just because you don't have a combat patch does not make you less of a nco. There is a lot of really bad NCOs out there with combat patches.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2015 7:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 19:36:03 -0400

If you think you are ready take it. Combat tours are winding down so it's not a show stopper. Believe me, there will be plenty to come. There are some I know with 2 & 3 tours in combat I won't not trust to lead others. Good leaders don't need combat patches to validate them your effective leadership should accomplish that. Keep moving forward.