Has SSG (E-6) been the best rank for you thus far?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 22:34:34 -0400

I always remembered thinking when I was a young SPC longing to be an NCO that things would be easier; how wrong was I? When I became a Sergeant I was blown away by the amount of responsibility, I felt like a baby bird thrown out of the nest and expected to fly. Most of the time I felt as though I was swallowing water to keep from drowning. I had great leaders who never once let me get in too deep yet allowed me to make my own mistakes and grow and learn. That was the best way, I learned, to become the NCO I am today and I am so proud of that. The lessons I learned certainly prepared me to become a SSG. I feel like this is the best rank in the army. We know so much, work so hard, mentor so many and have so much pride and potential. How do you feel about being a SSG (or E6 for my brothers and sisters in different branches)?

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made May 12 at 2015 10:34 PM

CPT Bruce Rodgers — Tue, 12 May 2015 22:34:46 -0400

I loved being an SSG

Response by SSG Steve Van Erden made May 12 at 2015 10:41 PM

SSG Steve Van Erden — Tue, 12 May 2015 22:41:04 -0400

I love being a SSG. When I was in Iraq I told a Colonel in CMATT that I worked for E6 was the best rank. Still got my hands dirty, no REMF stuff, didn't have to babysit 30-40 snot nosed kids, and most importantly I didn't have to clean the latrine!

Response by SSG John Erny made May 12 at 2015 10:42 PM

SSG John Erny — Tue, 12 May 2015 22:42:37 -0400

Well you do not for the most part have troops reporting to you and you do not have to go to vist the operations room for briefings from the CO and 1SGT, yea its good!

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made May 12 at 2015 10:43 PM

CPT Bruce Rodgers — Tue, 12 May 2015 22:43:29 -0400

I had to pin SSG rank inside my uniform for OCS

Response by SFC Joseph James made May 12 at 2015 10:42 PM

SFC Joseph James — Tue, 12 May 2015 22:42:54 -0400

I think being a Staff Sergeant was very rewarding. It allowed me room to grow as a leader while still being close to the soldiers. When I made E-7, the path started to pull away from the one-on-one issues to more "Bigger Picture" concerns. I never really got to live that rank because a few months after I got it, I was med boarded for my injuries. I regret not experiencing that rank more. I earned it, but never really owned it. Great question!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 10:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 22:47:40 -0400

It can be easy, or it can be difficult, but I guess it all depends on the size of your company, the amount of additional duties that you have, and what tempo the battalion sets for the mission. For instance, I have five squad leaders, 24 soldiers, I am the equal opportunity leader, unit movement nco, retention nco, and maintenance supervisor in an AH-64D helicopter battalion. It looks great on an NCOER, but if I get the slightest bit behind it's an ass pain to say the least. That's where the technical expertise of a staff sergeant comes into play. I'm a bit overwhelmed at times but I tend to get through it

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 10:52 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 22:52:11 -0400

being in a top heavy command, i haven't gotten the troop leading experience that i need yet

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 10:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 22:52:21 -0400

I feel as if we don't get enough recognition as SSG's for what we do you is it just me?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 10:50 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 22:50:30 -0400

From the moment I was pinned my SSG I was thrusted with immense responsibility and trust. I was made a PSG among many other vital roles in my Co and BN. All of these additional duties and responsibilities have given me tremendous growth both as an NCO and a leader....not to mention the mental and physical growth. I love being and NCO and I look forward to my continual growth and rank as in progress through my career!! Lead from the front!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 10:53 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 22:53:44 -0400

SSG Marcelain,

I too have wondered this, because I had the same thought when I was a SPC, young to the Army.

I served my team leader and operations time as an E5 while at Fort Bragg. Since then, I was promoted to E6 while on recruiting duty in 2013.

I PCS to Fort Campbell soon, and will be taking over a squad for the first time. It makes me nervous because I have been out of the loop for 3 years and was used to Airborne, not Air Assault.

Responsibility is easy for a leader, but accountability is harder. Anyone can be held responsible for a mistake, but not everyone will care about accountability.

Good luck,
SSG ALLENBRAND

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 10:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 22:57:14 -0400

In the 13F world, all fun stops at SGT. Lol after that its just more paper work then hill climbing, FO, JFO badassery.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 10:58 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 22:58:36 -0400

Dont get me twisted though. I do love being a SSG and the TC of my own M3A3. Lol

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made May 12 at 2015 11:10 PM

SSG Leonard Johnson — Tue, 12 May 2015 23:10:08 -0400

SSG is the best rank.....Not to much to take a complete ass chewing however able to pull plt doggie duties if need be....the best rank to have fun and get paid for it

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 12 at 2015 11:18 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 12 May 2015 23:18:59 -0400

It was the best rank I ever had...at the time. I did not want to go back to Sergeant but I think you will like SFC even better...or at least on pay day?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 11:30 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 23:30:58 -0400

SFC is probably my favorite but a lot less work as a SSG 19K.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 12:39 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 00:39:41 -0400

Pay isn't horrible. A lot more responsibility on this end. Take care of my squad, with the help of my Assistant Squad Leader or team leader ( whichever term you prefer to use). I get really busy in drill weekends though between squad leader/ platoon stuff as well as trying to get Company packets completed and managing S1 stuff. It's not too bad though

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made May 13 at 2015 12:47 AM

SFC Rollie Hubbard — Wed, 13 May 2015 00:47:04 -0400

My best rank was SFC, I did learn a higher responsibility as far as taking better care of the troops male and female that were assigned to my PLT and I was a better plt sgt and nco . So I would say SFC was my best rank.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 1:10 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 01:10:52 -0400

Well I fast tracked all the way to SSG and was stucked in that rank for nearly 6-7 years, then promoted to SFC and in the secondary zone this year was selected for MSG. I will definitely cherish those years as a SSG because it definitely prepared me to become a better Senior NCO. I was able to gain tons of knowledge and to have a clearer understanding of what was expected of me as a leader. I learned that as you gain rank you have more authority but authority to better take care of Soldiers.

Response by SFC Charles S. made May 13 at 2015 2:02 AM

SFC Charles S. — Wed, 13 May 2015 02:02:48 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member I can't say SSG was my most favorite rank, It was my most productive rank, my most rewarding as far as career achievements and in Military awards. It was also my most labor intensive and challenging rank. SFC was my most favorite rank and the one that I strived to achieve since I put the uniform on. I was an E-6 for 7 years and I was an E-8 for 7 years. So, equal time in each, I wouldn't change anything but I was glad when I pinned SFC on to move out of SSG.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 4:14 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 04:14:00 -0400

In my current assignment, being an E-6 is quite common and there are totally more officers on my base than enlisted, I'm dead serious! So I don't have many subordinates, I've literally seen two E-3's and below since I've been here for a little over a year. Most of my co-workers are E-6's, and it's a joint assignment which I love. BUT......I do get much respect from the more junior officer's and even some of the 0-5 0-6 types. Being a SSG in the Army I do see that I'm senior just enough for superiors to actually ask for my opinion and guidance, since I have been around for 10 years. And not so junior where I'm not detailed out on some stupid crap. So I feel as though being in this rank/grade is a good feel, because we know alot but still have so much to learn.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 13 at 2015 6:38 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 13 May 2015 06:38:48 -0400

Speaking as someone from another branch. We experience a baptism by fire at Cpl. We don't have a Specialist/Corporal divide, so the second you get that second stripe you are an NCO. But even before that Marines are VERY focused on leadership at every level. The idea of the "Senior Lance" is very real, and we have no problem taking a PFC (E2) to task for not properly supervising those under his charge.

That said, there is a marked difference when we get the 3rd stripe. At that point, no one knows whether you've been in for 4 years or 12 years. All they see is 3 big stripes, and that if they give you a task, you'll take care of it.

For us, SSgts are "management," usually Platoon Sergeants or Shop Chiefs (BN level) This is the point where we start seeing them being pulled away from daily interactions. The Sergeant (E5) is where "the rubber meets the road" so to speak.

It's just a different organizational philosophy because of the sizes. The Army/NG/Reserves combined are about 4-5 times the size of the USMC, so "scaling" of responsibility just isn't the same.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 6:46 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 06:46:17 -0400

I was a SSG for a while. I great enjoyed it. It was my favorite position when I was enlisted. I didn't really want to be a PSG so I commissioned. I didn't really think it could get better than being a Squad Leader. I was deployed as one and when you get a good group of guys in your squad it is awesome to see the magic. I don't think there is a better enlisted rank than SSG or a better duty than Squad Leader. Then I went to the dark side. I will say I enjoy being an officer more than being an SSG. I know I may take flak for it. But it is what it is.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 8:15 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 08:15:42 -0400

It is my most challenging and the best rank I earned. Alot of responsibilities and like you SSG Marcelain this is where I became the NCO I am today. Challenges came from every aspect and rank but I learnt that through Regs, policies, experience and perspective one never stop learning!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 8:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 08:21:22 -0400

This post and these threads give me hope to look forward to my next 4100 packet, lol!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 8:22 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 08:22:32 -0400

I loved being a SSG, but as you and me know I just made SFC, and I have to say that this rank is probably the best. You are a senior NCO, but not really expected to do everything as required by a 1SG/MSG or CSM/SGM. You are still able to be one on one with the troops. Works well for me. But I am still working on my goal of E8 before 20 years!!!

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 13 at 2015 8:45 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Wed, 13 May 2015 08:45:11 -0400

The lessons I learned as a SSG carried me a long way towards where I am now. BLUF - learn from the early mistakes, reinforce what you do well, then drive on.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made May 13 at 2015 8:53 AM

SSG Mike Angelo — Wed, 13 May 2015 08:53:34 -0400

14 years as an E-6/SSG and so looking back my biggest take away is teams. In formation looking down the line, there are more personnel to supervise than any other NCO ranks. PLT Sgts have 4 or 5 squad leaders to supervise, which is about average all the way up the NCO chain. With the span of control the greatest at the squad level, the challenge is to create teams. I believe that the small team, small unit concept for combat service and combat support teams origin came thru this squad development. In the 70s there were contact teams with a diverse mixture of personnel and MOSs. Folks came from different squads and units to create a contact team.
While supervising team leaders, managing the squad is a shared management process. The challenge is to develop team leaders ... train the trainer concept was a challenge for me. I saw that in the early 80s. Smaller teams means a smaller army to shoot, move, and communicate and fixing and repairing military equipment and materiel at the same time. Contact teams were isolated from combat troop units back then...where they find you...
This is what is unique about CS CSS units. In the 90s, I was assigned to mobile trainning teams to support the train the trainer concept with ordnance equipment, both conus and oconus...in host nation. The team skill set here was learning the host language and working with interpreters.
I support the team concept and believe that I contributed toward its development. At this rank, SSG, supervising and managing are interwoven skill sets that are developed over time. Think "teams" at this rank...Good Luck!!

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made May 13 at 2015 9:44 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Wed, 13 May 2015 09:44:42 -0400

I had a great time as a SSG. I was a 12B Squad leader, and then PS when he was gone to ANCOC. It was a great learning time and I got to do a lot of stuff.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 9:53 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 09:53:27 -0400

It is certainly working well for me.....although I do sometimes miss the days of my SPC

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 10:20 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 10:20:44 -0400

Well if nothing else, you can retire at 20 and receive pension as E-6. At least for now. Hoping to move up eventually of course, I'm deeply honored of extra responsibility and respect that I get from juniors.

Response by SFC Jeremy Stocker made May 13 at 2015 10:33 AM

SFC Jeremy Stocker — Wed, 13 May 2015 10:33:24 -0400

I dont think it was the rank that was awsome, it was the possition. Being a squad lead in my opinion was and is the best job in the army.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 13 at 2015 10:35 AM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 13 May 2015 10:35:55 -0400

Pay wise yes, and even some of the responsibilities. SOME of them! I didn't like having to write people up sometimes take them to Captain's Mast. I also didn't like becoming less hands on and becoming more of a manager. Yeah, it let my junior people grow, but dammit I liked getting my hands dirty!

Response by MSG Brian Breaker made May 13 at 2015 11:07 AM

MSG Brian Breaker — Wed, 13 May 2015 11:07:53 -0400

SSG Jessica Marcelain,

SSG was a great rank. I also had a lot of responsibility and thankful I had good and bad leaders along the way. The bad leaders showed me how not to but the good leaders made SSG a great rank.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 13 at 2015 12:48 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 13 May 2015 12:48:48 -0400

All my E-6s were ready to perform E-7 roles. Life was good.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 3:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 15:51:20 -0400

Has SSG been the greatest rank? Well seeing as I was promoted when I arrived to a Joint command, where its very top heavy its difficult to say I have seen the greatness that comes with this rank. That being said, I have had the ability to branch out and find ways to develop myself as a leader, an individual, and as an army representative.

I cant wait to join the Army ranks again and continue to develop myself while mentoring others.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 4:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 16:44:06 -0400

In the Tank world SSG is the BEST rank. You have your own tank and you are the HMFIC. The most fun I had on tanks was as a SPC though when I was the loader. Lots of hard, HARD work but when we were shooting, it was AWESOME. Then I was suddenly (it seemed, probably because I got old and a TBI and I lost track of time) the Tank Commander and a SSG. It was still fun, but a LOT more responsibility, NOT easy and a LOT of paperwork, but that's ok I am pretty good at paperwork.
THEN I chased a deployment to Afghanistan and decided to sell my soul and came out to Hawaii. Suddenly I was on MGS Platforms. That's a sad, sad discussion for another thread. We didn't deploy there after all and I ended up being a Platoon Sergeant for the HQ platoon in an Infantry Company.
Talk about WORK, man that put a whole new spin on it.
I am the kind of person though that always wants more, so I get my first look next year (missed this one by a month) then once I get that I will be ready for the next rank. It is not about the pay as much as the personal satisfaction. I see MSG Sand's comment and you aren't fooling me MSG, I deal with my 1SG daily (since I am the PSG), I KNOW the work y'all deal with. The pay is ok, but man the CRAZY stuff they deal with from SGM's day to day makes up for it. It has to be a satisfaction thing or you will pound your head against a wall to bring peace from the voices in your head.
So best rank? It is that rank where you start getting the most respect from both up and down I would say. But I always want more.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 4:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 16:44:40 -0400

I understand how you feel. I'm 47 years of age and now that I have the grade, it's not as bad as I thought. I remember when I first came into the Army and I seen the SGT's and SSG's training and developing me and others in basic training I thought they had it good, until my AIT instructor said its hard getting to the top. That was inn1990. I think you have to be a mature enough, mentally tough and live a little in life to wear E6. That's my opinion, I have seen some E6's and E7's old enough to be my children and I watch some of them on how they handle some of their soldiers problems and some are not professional at all. I pull them aside privately and discuss how they could handle that situation better. I say maturity, management courses, and professionalism is is the key to be an good NCO.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 5:15 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 17:15:18 -0400

I loved being a SSG at the time. While the pay was much lower than I have now, it taught me a great work ethic, and I learned so much. The best part for me was mentoring younger soldiers. While being a new Warrant Officer is rewarding in its own right, I must say I've never worked harder in life ever. I'm still learning, and the responsibility is massive

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 7:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 19:14:08 -0400

I would say it has been. As a SSG I've had the most opportunity for growth. I've had the opportunity to serve as a PSG, squad leader and section NCOIC. I love it because I am constantly challenged but still connected to the troops. It has been an amazing experience.

Response by SSG Eric Eck made May 13 at 2015 7:48 PM

SSG Eric Eck — Wed, 13 May 2015 19:48:04 -0400

I am now retired, but I think I would rather be an E-7, and if I was an E-7, I think I would rather be an E-8, etc.

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made May 13 at 2015 8:04 PM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Wed, 13 May 2015 20:04:33 -0400

Absolute worst. I did one assignment as a SSG and that was at The Defense Information School which treats its NCOs like pre schoolers. The civilians put you in your place every chance they get and never let you forget you are nothing to them. I had one come into the cube farm once and yell, "Does anyone here outrank me? Didn't think so." Hell, I got talked to because calling a Private, Private is derogatory.

I had far more influence as a SGT.. but then again, DINFOS is the biggest den of losers this side of the Mississippi. It, as an organization, has the biggest ego I've ever seen. People walk around like they are SF or something. Last I heard it had a 25% re-up rate..... from what is supposed to be a pool of the best in the career field.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 10:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 22:14:25 -0400

Sergeant was the best rank I've had thus far. It is the rank that tells you if you can handle being an NCO. It is the building block of your leadership experience!

Response by CW2(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 6:57 AM

CW2(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 06:57:24 -0400

There is no better rank in the Army then Warrant Officer.

Response by SSG John Jensen made May 14 at 2015 1:38 PM

SSG John Jensen — Thu, 14 May 2015 13:38:56 -0400

actually my best time in the service was my time as a SP5 in the 82d - within the medical corps i was an NCO, and in my HHC co. if the 1SG could only use 'real' NCOs he would only have 5 people for CQ duty - but medical has never been part of the chain of command so who cares, all other things I was a technical expert and that was good enough for me

Response by SSG Jackie Todd made May 14 at 2015 10:34 PM

SSG Jackie Todd — Thu, 14 May 2015 22:34:10 -0400

I agree completely. I have had a lot of E7-E9s approach me and say they miss SSG the most. Being a squad leader is the best responsibility it has ever been my pleasure to hold. I'm getting ready for E7 now and know I will have to move on soon and pass the torch. Its bitter sweet letting go of the reighns.