Has anyone experienced problems where a promotion put you in a position of authority over friends within your unit?

Cpl Kevin Henderson — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 01:36:45 -0500

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Dec 19 at 2018 1:52 AM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 01:52:05 -0500

I had made friends with a guy in my unit when I was a SPC. I was promoted to SGT while still in that same unit. The guy couldn't/wouldn't behave in a professional manner while on duty so I had to end the friendship.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Dec 19 at 2018 2:46 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 02:46:55 -0500

I think most of us have had that problem at some point. How you handle it goes a long way to demonstrating whether you were worthy of the promotion in the first place... And often why the "friend" wasn't promoted, as well.

The older I get, the smarter my first PSG and 1SG get.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2018 5:48 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 05:48:16 -0500

Yes, and it happens all the time. If they are your friends, and professional, it shouldn't be an issue as long as you're professional. If they have a problem with it, they probably weren't a friend.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Dec 19 at 2018 9:29 AM

SCPO Jason McLaughlin — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 09:29:42 -0500

Just remember, true friends wouldn't ask you to compromise your integrity.

Response by BG David Fleming III made Dec 19 at 2018 9:37 AM

BG David Fleming III — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 09:37:52 -0500

Yes, that is why it is important to not over socialize with friends when you are going for your dreams. It can be awkward to lead friends who may know your dark secrets and have the potential to exploit them. Remember the crabs in the basket, they always try to grab the one trying to climb out! I might get out of the basket, if necessary (ie. ask for a transfer, if it got too awkward). Best of luck!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2018 10:16 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 10:16:03 -0500

Absolutely. Coming from someone in your MOS I can definitely relate. If your friends are good to you, they’ll respect your authority as an NCO. If you’re good to your friends, you’ll respect your authority and use it to look out for them. The hardest thing I’ve seen is guys leading by leadership, not “likership.” You’ll find ways to make it work.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Dec 19 at 2018 12:46 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 12:46:24 -0500

Of course. Actually, most of the soldiers under my responsibility immediately after my promotion to SGT were guys that I was very close to.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Dec 19 at 2018 12:58 PM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 12:58:54 -0500

Cpl Henderson,
There is always that fined line between been a professional and been friends. That's the reason why I always conducted myself a certain/professional way. My leadership saw it that I set myself apart from everyone else. Not on purpose, but because that's just the way I was. So, my transition from been a "Soldier" to NCO was easy for me, and the rest of the personnel in my plt. They understood I was about to take a different roll, and me especially. And we all respected each other.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2018 7:24 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 19:24:20 -0500

Happens all the time. That’s why you should move (PCS) if you can. Never allow that to influence your decisions or work ethics. Always do the right thing even if it’s seems harder.