How important do you feel the relationship between Supply and the commander is?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 13:04:53 -0400

XO's, 1SG's, Platoon Leaders most all outrank and tend to try and push their agenda on Supply. How are we able to properly adminester the Commanders CSDP if there is no relationship between CO and Supply

Response by SFC Thomas Howes made Oct 19 at 2015 1:09 PM

SFC Thomas Howes — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 13:09:33 -0400

It is a major one the supply sergeant keeps the commander for and report of surveys if the supply sergeant is good. I only had one bad one and we shipped him out fast.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2015 1:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 13:13:49 -0400

This is a tricky question. Knowing your commanders intent and priorities are very important. Often you will work for the XO. It is supposed to be the Logisitics master of the company. If the Xo is competent, he should be delivering guidance from the commander anyway. I attempt to conduct most business with him. You provide a service to the company sections so they aren't setting the policy, only utilizing the service. The "commanders" supply SOP dictates how they utilize that service. At the end of the day, you ultimately answer to the commander, but that answer may go through the the XO to the commander. 1SG does not dictate how supply should operate, but he may advise the CDR on programs and operations within the supply room. Just be sure to adhere to the published SOP and regulatory guidance.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2015 1:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 13:14:01 -0400

CSDP is a commanders program! If you're CDR is not putting emphasis on it he/she might need to rethink priorities. Have you also been appointed as a CSDP monitor? If not it's time to make sure you do. Relationships are built on trust. Re-engage your Company XO on policies as he is your CDRs grunt and more often than not, your Rater. If your CDR is not holding up their piece of the deal, might want to start involving the BN XO. Don't allow yourself to get pushed around by others. Know your role and position. You have the power to influence

Response by SGT Reginald Tyler made Oct 24 at 2015 2:12 PM

SGT Reginald Tyler — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 14:12:30 -0400

As a supply Sgt you hold more power then most rank carries, you answer to the commander but his career is also in your hands. Be the best at what you are supposed to do and never settle for less for every soldier in your unit and you and the commander should never have a problem.

Response by CPL Randy Bautista made Oct 25 at 2015 11:53 AM

CPL Randy Bautista — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 11:53:03 -0400

It's very simple you have responsibilities. Those over ride any rank. If your doing something for the commander inform others as to not be interrupted. Never lye about to or it will be your ass, and as long as your responsibilities are being maintained you shouldn't have a problem

Response by SGT LaRonda Coffie made Nov 12 at 2015 10:27 PM

SGT LaRonda Coffie — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 22:27:40 -0500

Go back to your commander and assist him in understanding the role role you have as his supply sergeant. A well informed commander knows the true value of supply and their role in protecting his unit AND his pocketbook (ie. Report of Survey). If he doesn't consider this, then that is what BN S4 and the Property Book Officer is for. To help enforce that standard. I know from personal experience; as PFC in a warrant officer position back in 2007, I worked at the Battalion/Brigade level S4 office & had to contact my Division SGM to get a company commander commander to understand the severity of his situation because he did not listen to his supply sergeant & treated them (rotating door) like garbage.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 10:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 10:33:09 -0500

BLUF, in our position you are not going to make friends. The regulatory guidance is clear when it come to matters of the supply chain. When I took over the supply room at my current unit it was in chaos. I had several meetings with the commander over the issue and eventually gained full support. My office and annexes are now locked down. The only way to do this is to ensure you aid your commander in establishing a solid CSDP and Supply SOP. For example, I am the HHC Supply SGT for a large Brigade with 2 property books and no one is allowed in my areas without first vetting their request to the HHC office. At the end of the day we work for the commander and we are accountable to that personal alone when it comes to property security and management. You can not allow others to dictate property or time management to you because their priorities may not align with your commanders. I simply look at it this way, I like my money and my rank and I am not about to loose either because someone wants to try and intimidate me into something. Then again I'm a former active duty grunt turned National Guard AGR Supply SGT in a MEB. These folks make their "intimidation" rather comical.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2016 3:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 15:24:42 -0500

That is a serious issue. I have never been in a bad relationship with a commander. I have had bad ones but our relationship was not bad. They are typically your senior rater so that has to be fixed.