Any advice for a newly promoted 25U SSG filling in as an NCOIC for a Battalion S-6?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 20:47:11 -0500

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2017 8:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 20:49:30 -0500

It looks like I will be moved to another battalion S6 that currently has no E7 serving as the NCOIC. I only have experience with the tactical side of the house. I am just wanting to see if there are any SFCs who can guide me a bit with the challenges I have to look forward to.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Nov 28 at 2017 8:53 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 20:53:47 -0500

Go find the Commander and ask him (her)
Sir, what are the top 3 things you got pissed at last FTX ( deployment, what ever is appropriate). Sir what are your top three priorities for my shop? Real or perception there are what that are. Then go ask the CSM the same things.

Take it all with a grain of salt... then go talk with your crew...... Tell them what the perceptions are for the issues and priorities. See what they think....
Then talk with your OIC and make a plan to fix what can be, improve what can be and work towards the CDR's and CSMs priorities.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2017 9:10 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 09:10:21 -0500

You'll be okay. I'm going on 2 years at the ncoic of my shop. The first year I started off as an E-5 with no OIC, second-year with an OIC and me as a staff sergeant. Take a look at your commo sop.

Response by SSG Robert Weiser made Nov 29 at 2017 4:42 PM

SSG Robert Weiser — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 16:42:03 -0500

Get ready to be extremely busy

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2017 11:58 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 23:58:03 -0500

Make sure to pass knowledge on to you soldiers. Make sure you train them to replace you and leave your section in a better spot than you left it.

Response by SSG Christopher Torix made Dec 13 at 2017 4:13 AM

SSG Christopher Torix — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 04:13:35 -0500

Honestly take care of your Soldiers. They will take care of you. Remember what your shop accomplishes reflects the team. Shortcomings are often seen more than success. Be open to new ideas, even from subordinates. Be able to take constructive criticism, and ask for advice in situations you aren’t sure how to handle.
I ran a light infantry S6 shop as a SGT(P), then a STB S6 Section as a SSG with no SIGO, and understaffed by MTOE. Both positions were of course SFC slots. At first the tasks were daunting. After awhile you learn EXACTLY what you need to know and do, and how to do it.
But always remember mission first, Soldiers ALWAYS, and you will be fine.
A successful NCO is made by their Soldiers that they lead.

Response by MSG Trevor Jones made Dec 16 at 2017 12:53 AM

MSG Trevor Jones — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 00:53:38 -0500

Take care of your Soldiers and support your S6 OIC, if he fails you failed also

Response by SFC Carlos Diaz made Dec 25 at 2017 12:13 PM

SFC Carlos Diaz — Mon, 25 Dec 2017 12:13:53 -0500

Run....The Best assignments are at this level. You have to keep the XO informed and the BN Commander squared away. Teach privates and Sergeants on how to be the best communicators. TRACKERS keeps the whole BN in check. Depends also what type of BN it is. Don't be afraid to reach out and NETWORK.

Response by SFC Carlos Diaz made Dec 29 at 2017 12:16 AM

SFC Carlos Diaz — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 00:16:33 -0500

Ok.. look at your MTOE, SOP and talk to your XO, your Maintenace SGT and Supply. I was very SUCCESSFUL in Mechanized and light Infantry Commo because I had a Hell of an XO, who I would tell him to go to SFAS! And He did and became one of the BEST!!!. Here's to you Mr. Howard (LTC) (R) SF!!!!, Yeah. I missed getting Tabs but got the SIGNAL Through. I was an EXPERT with radios, too many to mention. As long as you have a Passion/Timing you will SUCCEED!!!! I was a 31K Combat Signaler, 31/25U. 300 PT. A shout out to Mr. Cress (SGM) (SF)(R) another hardcore soldier!!!

Response by 1stSgt Troy Powell made Dec 29 at 2017 12:30 AM

1stSgt Troy Powell — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 00:30:20 -0500

Your troops will make you are break you. Take care of them and they will take care of you. No one but you should hammer them. Do it with love tho. Sometimes a boot works. You are going to take on a lot for your troops, accept it. part of the job. Train them, get called a hard ass, you are not their friend, you are the boss. If you are consistent they will respect you. If your unit performs your superiors will respect you. Best of luck.