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I'm currently a SPC trying to get my NCO's to take me seriously and put me in a team leader spot so that I can go to the P board (I guess it's some kind of requirement for this company). I'm motivated almost every day, I'm always working, and the joes listen to me and usually don't give me any lip when I inform them of a detail we need to do. Usually half way through the job, an NCO will walk up and take over and I end up getting no credit for any of the work I put into whatever we had going on. I really don't know where I stand in this company and am honestly getting tired of being overlooked. Any advice would be appreciated because I'm starting to lose faith and motivation.
SGT
SPC
Promotions
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 114
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I was told by a PSG many years ago that I may perceive that nobody is paying attention, when in fact more people are watching than you realize! I know it can be frustrating, and I agree with both SSG Palmer, and LTC Curlee. Let the NCO know that you got this (be tactful & respectful). Also ask your SQD LDR what you can do that you are not already doing. I know it is said a lot of times do not volunteer for anything, but I would argue that. Volunteer and let your leadership know you are willing to do what is necessary. Most of the time when you think nobody is paying attention is the time somebody has eyes on you. Keep driving forward and with your head up, and fully motivated and you will get your due.
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SPC (Join to see)
Thank you SP6. Times have changed, but thanks to the leadership on here I have learned a lot and will try to apply it to my career.
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I would begin by telling my soldiers stop trying to impress me and focus on doing your job. I can't stand brown nosers and would rather have soldiers that were more concerned with the, in my opinion, 2 most important things: mission and men. Then comes competence, learn every aspect of you job you can. Soldiers who demonstrated the desire to learn and lead by example got promoted first in my platoon. Finally stop trying to win awards and ratings. those come automatically when you do the above.
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SPC (Join to see)
SFC, I was raised in the old army (my dad did 15 years between '91 and '06) and I can say that I raised "old army" style. However my current chain of command and NCO support channel have adapted to new army ways which seems to be a lot different than I remember my father teaching me. I think I should end my remarks here before I get in trouble. But thank you very much for your time and advice.
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SFC Joseph Bosley
I will grudgingly admin that later in my career I ran across my share of those "your making me look bad" leaders. Under my supervision they never did very well. But they were becoming more and more prevalent right before I retired. Reflection of society I guess now that we are in the me generation. I did my best to coach, teach, and mentor them the right way; the infantry is not an individuals club but a team sport. I can say that as a PSG I saw allot more that my soldiers thought I did. I suspect the same is true in your unit. Honestly, the best course of action may just be to have a one on one with your squad leader. You should be receiving monthly counseling that discusses among other things where you stand for your next promotion. If your not then that's a horse of a different color.
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SSG (Join to see)
Absolutely SFC, the changes I have seen over the past 39 years are mind boggling. I took a few breaks in service because I never really intended to make it a career, it just ended up happening. My point being every time I took a break and came back there had been significant changes. I will most likely retire in two more years at age 59. It's certainly been interesting. I enjoyed reading your comment to SPC. O'Quinn's question. I whole heartedly agree.
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SPC O'Quinn, you're right SSG Ryan R. gave you some very solid advice. He pointed out some things that helped you realize that wanting a thing does not necessarily mean you are ready for it. He also made a great point about too many E-5s are really SPCs running around wearing SGT stripes just because the points dipped low enough.
A promotion is the Army (via your chain of command) recognizing that you have shown the ABILITY to perform at the next highest grade. Although you only have 9 months TIG, that doesn't concern me as much as you do not have a complete grasp of how your own promotion process works (how are you supposed to mentor the SPCs that come behind you if you don't know yourself?).
One of the biggest responsibilities of being an NCO is Soldier care. If you had a Soldier under you that had a financial problem, a drug/alcohol problem, PTSD, threatened suicide, etc...would you know what resources to get them to? These are things you will be expected to answer when appearing before the promotion board you mentioned.
On to points...how do you compare to your peers in the things that you have control over. The very first thing I ask when a Soldier comes to me about getting promoted is, "what do your correspondence courses look like?" These are free points (as opposed to a minimal cost to you on AD to attend college). Both show initiative (a required trait for a successful NCO) and can help you overcome areas where you may be weak (perhaps your eyesight keeps you from consistently shooting expert, maybe you have an ingrown toenail that hampers your ability to max the 2 mi run, etc.). Never underestimate the value of schools, whether NCOES (like WLC) or a course like ASIST that is a benefit to the unit as well as you...a future leader.
One thing that will benefit you is obtaining a mentor. This may not be your team leader, it may not be anyone in your chain of command, but who else to help you get to where you want to be than someone that has already done it. Approaching an NCO that you respect for career advice doesn't constitute "jumping the chain," and shows that you are invested in your own success.
Keep the faith & stay motivated!
A promotion is the Army (via your chain of command) recognizing that you have shown the ABILITY to perform at the next highest grade. Although you only have 9 months TIG, that doesn't concern me as much as you do not have a complete grasp of how your own promotion process works (how are you supposed to mentor the SPCs that come behind you if you don't know yourself?).
One of the biggest responsibilities of being an NCO is Soldier care. If you had a Soldier under you that had a financial problem, a drug/alcohol problem, PTSD, threatened suicide, etc...would you know what resources to get them to? These are things you will be expected to answer when appearing before the promotion board you mentioned.
On to points...how do you compare to your peers in the things that you have control over. The very first thing I ask when a Soldier comes to me about getting promoted is, "what do your correspondence courses look like?" These are free points (as opposed to a minimal cost to you on AD to attend college). Both show initiative (a required trait for a successful NCO) and can help you overcome areas where you may be weak (perhaps your eyesight keeps you from consistently shooting expert, maybe you have an ingrown toenail that hampers your ability to max the 2 mi run, etc.). Never underestimate the value of schools, whether NCOES (like WLC) or a course like ASIST that is a benefit to the unit as well as you...a future leader.
One thing that will benefit you is obtaining a mentor. This may not be your team leader, it may not be anyone in your chain of command, but who else to help you get to where you want to be than someone that has already done it. Approaching an NCO that you respect for career advice doesn't constitute "jumping the chain," and shows that you are invested in your own success.
Keep the faith & stay motivated!
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