Is SMSgt an "overlooked" rank in our Air Force?

2014-04-11T04:15:45-04:00

Prior to our SMSgt release party quite a few senior leaders spoke to us but one thing stood out.  A Chief commented that SMSgt is the loneliest stripe in the Air Force because MSgts think, he/she is just a SMSgt what do they really know and Chiefs think, he/she is just a SMSgt not a Chief what does he/she really know.  For those of you that were or are SMSgt, is there any basis to those comments?
 
Is SMSgt an "overlooked" rank in our Air Force?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2014 6:07 AM

2014-04-11T06:07:23-04:00

Each NCO should be evaluated on what they know or don't know regardless of what rank they are. If there is a bias or a sweeping generalization based on a first impression totally based on rank then it is up to the individual, fair or not fair, to overcome it and the way they do that is by stepping up and showing what they know and what they can do. 1st impressions are often wrong.

Response by SMSgt Charles Mercurio made Jul 20 at 2018 10:05 AM

2018-07-20T10:05:40-04:00

I’d say it will all depend on how you conduct yourself. If you want the respect of the rank you’ve not only got to work for your people and put the time in but, you’ve also got to conduct yourself like a chief. One small add on to this, you’re not a chief so you’ve got to not piss anyone off. You’ll pay for it later on your next promotion which will be a Mr, not CMSgt.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jul 22 at 2018 1:14 AM

2018-07-22T01:14:31-04:00

I can't say I ever had a problem operating as a SMSgt and had an excellent relationship with those few enlisted as Chiefs above Me which We worked well together. Had some very good Officers to work for, the enlisted people were also very good troops and there was a mutual respect. Also in some units We didn't have a chief and I was the ranking Senior NCO but had a good working relationship with the Chiefs at higher Group and Wing levels. I stayed busy and was never bored or lonely, get involved, make decisions and don't be hesitant. No matter where You are in the chain of command respect for rank is one thing respect for You as a person is earned.

Response by MSgt Eugene Fielder made Aug 26 at 2018 8:44 PM

2018-08-26T20:44:20-04:00

To a SMSgt was there when the Chief wasn’t. Most of the SMSgt’s I worked with and for were great. However, there’s always that one butt hole. Ugh!!!!! A brown shoe NCO in a black shoe world. Know what I mean??

Response by SMSgt Charles Mercurio made May 11 at 2021 3:46 PM

2021-05-11T15:46:40-04:00

SMSgt is just a rank but if you’re not leading, it won’t matter what rank you are, you’ll be overlooked. There’s certainly a little bias with SMSgt but, it can also be a very powerful place to advocate and help Airmen.

Response by SMSgt John Ridlehoover made Apr 14 at 2023 3:37 PM

2023-04-14T15:37:43-04:00

None whatsoever. As SMSgt. I commanded a Detatchment of 12 Airmen at a clandestine location. Later I represented my then Command, Hq. U S Air Force Communications Command at conferences where most of the attendees were 0-6 (full colonels) and I was the only enlisted member there.