Any Tips for a Newly Promoted E-5?

2015-06-02T17:42:10-04:00

We've all had experiences with both good and bad NCO's. Any tips for a newly promoted E-5. Anything would be appreciated

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 5:45 PM

2015-06-02T17:45:27-04:00

Treat the NCO Creed and NCO Guide (7-22.7) as primary references. Live and learn. Follow your heart, but take your brain with you.

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Jun 2 at 2015 5:47 PM

2015-06-02T17:47:23-04:00

Take care of your troops, primarily the ones in your squad. Do that and everything else will fall in place.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 5:49 PM

2015-06-02T17:49:25-04:00

Study study study, plan plan plan. Welcome to the NCO corp. As a new NCO it is important to start realizing the full scope of your realm of responsibility. No one knows everything and no one is immune to mistakes. Things will come up that you can't answer and mistakes will be made. The most important aspect of being an NCO in my opinion is the ability to be adaptable. Don't be flexible, be fluid. Change is inevitable in the Army and hugely prevalent as leader. Planning and studying are two key aspects of a good leader. Your actual leadership style will come with trial and error when working with your soldiers, your peers and your leaders. Outside of your actions humility is huge. Take things with a grain of salt and adapt as needed. Being a good leader means being able to constantly learn and adapt. Good luck and again welcome to the corp

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 5:57 PM

2015-06-02T17:57:35-04:00

Dnc, show those that are moving up how to properly execute movements since it is a requirement at wlc. One that most soldiers have trouble with.

Response by SGT LeTerrence Johnson made Jun 2 at 2015 5:59 PM

2015-06-02T17:59:08-04:00

Yes. Don't forget where you came from, meaning that now you are an NCO, don't treat your soldiers (who were just your buddies) like they are beneath you now. Some ppl let the rank go to their heads. Most importantly, don't be afraid to jump into the mix. Offer to attend classes or training to fulfill the units needs. You will become an asset and you will stand out as well. It has worked for me. I hope this helped.

Response by SGT Edward Schakel made Jun 2 at 2015 6:13 PM

2015-06-02T18:13:19-04:00

When I became an NCO and made a squad leader,the first thing I did was get to know my people. That wasn't so hard because I had already worked with most of them. I kept a note book. I had names,their wife's name,birthdates,kid's names. I wanted to know my people. By knowing them I was better prepared to help them if they had problems. They are your family,take care of them,and they will take care of you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 6:16 PM

2015-06-02T18:16:14-04:00

1) don't let rank get in your head.
2) respect all ranks thou may be lower than you some veteran or SM have experience so listen
3) always ID the problem an attempt to solve it never be shy to ask for advice
4) start slowly performing E-6 tasks learn from the higher ups
5) don't mind to volunteer for certain things
6) set goals to get ahead of your peers
7) NCO are the back bone
8) congratulations and welcome

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 6:20 PM

2015-06-02T18:20:47-04:00

Always know and take care of your soldiers! Having a good team can make or break and NCO

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made Jun 2 at 2015 7:09 PM

2015-06-02T19:09:38-04:00

Remember the NCO creed..."accomplishment of my mission AND the welfare of my soldiers".

There is no OR. Do not sacrifice your soldiers to accomplish your mission.

They are not there to make your life easier.

And welcome to the Corps!

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made Jun 2 at 2015 7:14 PM

2015-06-02T19:14:42-04:00

Try and remember what motivated you as a young soldier and duplicate it. Now is your chance to influence "your" Army for the better. Try and find ways for "SGT Time" training to be both fun and exciting. Integrate all the things that you looked forward to before you enlisted. Think outside of the box, but still keep that disciplined approach. Remember, "KNOW ONE IS MORE PROFESSIONAL THAN I (you)!

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made Jun 2 at 2015 7:18 PM

2015-06-02T19:18:50-04:00

Also, practice cadence calling on your off time while your walking somewhere by yourself. Come up with new material that no one has heard before and then sing it so they can hear it in the heavens. Nothing will cause your new soldiers and those NCO's above to get behind you until you motivate them on a run or drill pad!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 7:54 PM

2015-06-02T19:54:29-04:00

Shut up and be a sponge.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 8:28 PM

2015-06-02T20:28:01-04:00

SGT Rojas touched on it in his reply.

Soldier welfare is huge, especially given the fact that you are in the Reserves (versus Active Duty where resources are readily available). What are the resources for your Soldiers with financial difficulties (I once had one living under a bridge)? Who is the chaplain and others (contact info) that respond when a Soldier is in an emotional crisis (PTSD, family, suicidal)?

(BE) the example. Maintain your tactical and technical MOS proficiency.
(KNOW) the basics: AR 670-1, TC 3-22.20, AR 600-9, promotion requirements, etc.
(DO) the right thing, always put your Soldiers first.

Communication is huge. Do it well, do it often. Maintain an open dialogue with your subordinates.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 9:45 PM

2015-06-02T21:45:03-04:00

I appreciate everyones feed back. keep it coming. Im working on being a sponge.

Response by SSG John Erny made Jun 2 at 2015 10:39 PM

2015-06-02T22:39:16-04:00

The guys and gals than you hung with are no longer available for that! Yes, they were an forever will be your friends; however, you have stepped up to higher palne. Do your best to bring them up with you as fellow NCO's. Those that do not make it be their leader and show them the door by opening it and not throwing them through it.

After that you must watch and learn, find your own style but do it the to the Army Standards.

Response by SGT William Howell made Jun 3 at 2015 7:23 AM

2015-06-03T07:23:12-04:00

Don't ever assign your troops to do something that you would not or could not do yourself.......BUT always remember!!!!......Privates not working, are privates that are getting in trouble. That means don't be afraid to help your troops with a task, just don't do it for them.

Also, carry a notebook to write down everything that senior leader do that was good or bad. Use those to mold what kind of NCO your are going to be. Find one good leader and watch them work. Try to emulate them, but with adding you to the mix.

Nothing I will ever do in was more satisfying than having my own troops and making them better soldiers. Enjoy it, but remember you now have young soldiers that rely on you not to fuck up or you may just get them killed.

Response by SGT John W Lugo made Jun 3 at 2015 10:03 AM

2015-06-03T10:03:30-04:00

Learn to lead without letting the rank get to your head,An effective NCO performs better when soldiers want to follow him,sitting on your tush giving orders isn't the best example.
Congrats on promotion and best of luck.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 10:09 AM

2015-06-03T10:09:31-04:00

I have to agree with everything that has been said take care of troops and remember where you came from

Response by SGT John Wesley made Jun 3 at 2015 5:09 PM

2015-06-03T17:09:11-04:00

Remember what it was like as a lower enlisted! Be prepared to get the duties that other NCO's don't want. Listen to your senior NCO's as they've been there, done that. Work smarter, not harder! And dont get involved in the politics that seem to linger around the head shed.

Response by SGT Neil Doty made Jun 4 at 2015 8:40 PM

2015-06-04T20:40:29-04:00

Remember where you come from and help your soldiers study to become nco's also congrats on promotion.

Response by SGT Edwin Claudio made Jun 5 at 2015 12:08 AM

2015-06-05T00:08:33-04:00

Learn the job of the next rank regardless of your MOS. You're gonna need it for the SSG.

Response by SGT Chip Hutchings made Jun 5 at 2015 10:28 PM

2015-06-05T22:28:48-04:00

Lead by example, don't try and be your soldiers friend, never ask a soldier to do something that you would never do, be canded and fair, do your share.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 1:39 AM

2015-06-06T01:39:26-04:00

Develop a good rapport with your squad and help them to understand that you've got their 3,6, and 9. Let them know that you have their best interest at heart in every decision you make. Develop together tactically; spend time taking the lead and establishing yourself as the head of that squad. The more they see you in that role, the more they will trust you, just as long as you have yourself squared away properly. Congratulations, SGT. Welcome to the NC Corps. Keep on keepin' on!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 9:48 AM

2015-06-06T09:48:32-04:00

Counsel your Soldiers.. And be the best leader you can be.. Dispite the example set before you... You may not have the best example.. Be what you expect from a leader

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 10:38 AM

2015-06-06T10:38:46-04:00

Congratulations on your promotion. Welcome to the Corp of the Noncommisioned Officers brother. As far as being a new leader goes, it would greatly help you to find a mentor firstly. Try to find one that you want to emulate. We all have different leadership styles, so find the one that works best for you. If you like your mentor's style, but disagree with some things, just tweek it to where you feel that it should be. For me, I found that yelling and getting hot-headed doesn't work too well. I am patient and calm with, but I put out my no bs attitude. Stern looks helps a lot. Hahaha. Take advice to heart. When it comes to leading Soldiers, be fair with them, whether it be for rewards, or punishment. We have to remember that no one is perfect, and at one point in time we were in their shoes. So if they mess up, do be too swift with punishment just yet, talk to them and figure out if they are having problems elsewhere, such as family life, Etc. But also, don't let them fool you at the same time, or take advantage of you. Put in the effort to work with your Soldiers, and any other Soldiers that need your help. Work with them, guide them. Remember, they will be in our spot one day. We want to leave better leaders for the future. And as we all know, shit rolls downhill. So when it comes time for an ass chewing, don't get discouraged or bent out of shape. Take that as a learning experience, and with a grain of salt. Hopefully in the process of being a leader, you will leave an unforgettable and positive impact on these Soldiers. Good luck with everything, let me know how it goes.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jun 7 at 2015 8:55 AM

2015-06-07T08:55:53-04:00

Just lead by example, set the standard,you are a Sergeant. Your subordinates,peers, seniors are watching

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jun 7 at 2015 9:01 AM

2015-06-07T09:01:48-04:00

As a SGT you must Be the example you want your Soldiers to emulate. Know your job and Do not be afraid to ask others for help. Lastly, you must not be afraid to try and fail. Failure is how you grow. Congratulations on becoming a member of a time honored group.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jun 7 at 2015 9:19 AM

2015-06-07T09:19:11-04:00

Be, Know, Do.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2015 10:24 AM

2015-06-16T10:24:01-04:00

Never forget where you came from; and that your failure or success is based on the failure or success of your Soldiers. Take care of them and they will take care of you. Do not demand respect, but earn it every day.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 5:44 PM

2015-06-17T17:44:52-04:00

First off, congrats! Now you are in a position to make changes! If you have seniors and subordinate others alike that help you develop as a NCO; then you'll be great! You make a decision and stand firm. Remember how you were treated and treat others with respect and do not go power hungry! You'll do great by earning the respect of others!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2015 10:39 PM

2015-06-27T22:39:32-04:00

Thanks everyone. There is a lot of good advice here and i appreciate it. Im going to take a lot of it and add it to my toolbox so to say.

Response by SGT Raymond Kauffman made Jul 7 at 2015 9:11 PM

2015-07-07T21:11:17-04:00

Gratz on the promotion, the best advice I can give respect and care for those under you. Don't think that since your collar is heavier that you have all the answers. Lastly this is when the real work begins.