My ultimate goal is to become CSM of the Reserves, those who are there or trying to get there, what will I need to do and look forward to?

2016-01-16T15:18:46-05:00

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 16 at 2016 3:27 PM

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Maybe the recent Army Reserve CSM himself can help? SGM Luther Thomas can you please post a separate response to this motivated NCO?

Response by COL Randy Alicea made Jan 16 at 2016 3:34 PM

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I have always recommended my Sr NCO that MOSQ, Higher Education like a Bachelors Degree, Stay Fit and Pass all your Physicals, plus a positive attitude with everyone including your younger subordinates makes a good SGM.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2016 3:57 PM

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Broadening assignments and leadership roles outside of your MOS. have experience at the tactical and strategic level. That's what I'm trying to do and maybe we'll be a command team together one day! Lol keep up the motivation

Response by CSM William Payne made Jan 16 at 2016 4:47 PM

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Among seeking and accepting ever increasing, challenging positions, stay physically fit, lead from the front and excel in any military training to the best of your ability. Volunteer to complete in your unit's Best Warrior or Best Instructor Competitions and compete for induction into the Audie Murphy Club. Having spent time as a Drill Sergeant not only enhances your ability for promotion but is a common identifier among senior Army NCOs, active, reserve or guard. Last but not least concentrate on your civilian education. To the Chief of the Army Reserves this always seems to be one of those qualifications that is the determining factor that separates one candidate from the rest. Hope this helps. Good luck on your Reserve Career.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 16 at 2016 6:49 PM

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Be the best damn NCO you can be!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2016 11:46 PM

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Get real good at understanding the infrastructure we use such as Defense Travel Service and government travel cards. As a CSM, you will travel with your battalion commander a lot. Also, many of the Soldiers and Senior NCOs will be using these resources and you will have to mentor them. The little things like not knowing how to use DTS or miss use of a government credit card kills missions, and destroys a Soldier's credit rating. This causes issues when we need to deploy Soldiers.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2016 11:50 PM

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As a CSM, with the Commander, you will also need to be "the king" of the NCO evaluation process, SHARP, Equal Opportunity, dignity and respect for others, and master resiliency. You won't be administering these programs directly, as there will be Soldiers designated for them, but you will need to be well versed in all these areas. You will help the commander meet and exceed standards. Do not be the speed bump for mission accomplishment though.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 17 at 2016 7:24 AM

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"Nobody cares more about your career than you." Set your goals and go for it. I set two : Get a retirement and make SGM - I made both.
This is what you want, focus yourself and career. It will take lots of work on your part. Remember your values. Listen to those around you and go. Don't set back and wait for people to do things for you.

Response by CSM Victor Angry made Jan 17 at 2016 1:02 PM

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Good for you SSG Peters! First I highly agree with MAJ Weiss, you need a one on one with my good friend CSM Luther Thomas, your current CSM. Email me at [login to see] and let's work on arranging that. For the group, I will tell you that truly respecting and taking care of your Soldiers (all Soldiers) was and still is the key to my success as a leader. It's not about babying anyone or giving preferencial treatment, it's about knowing the standards, knowing your people and finding a way to merge the two successfully. Some troops love tough love, some troops need to be carried a little, some just need to know they have a safety net in case they fall. It's not easy to lead from the front, there are so many variables, what I can tell you is that tough love and selfishness will get you nowhere fast. Yes, you may reach your goal and have the rank as well as the position, but it means nothing if your people can't trust you or follow you and I don't mean follow you because they have to, when the troops follow you because they want to, you know you've got something special.
Lastly, leading from the front is important but checking on the rear is critical. Not everyone back there is there because they want to be. spend 90 percent of your time with the troops, you represent the old man/ woman and the pulse of the command is represented by you. You are at a good rank to incorporate this attitude now. Everything said here is important. Good luck on your journey.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2016 2:09 PM

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Brush up on your politicking skills.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2016 2:49 PM

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Diversity of assignment is very important, along with getting quality leader time at the E-6, -7, and -8 level. The most important position you will ever hold is a company first sergeant, and will tell you a lot about whether or not you are ready for that step.

Response by LTC Andrae Evans made Jan 18 at 2016 5:24 PM

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The first thing you should do is change your goal. Reserve, National Guard, Army Command Sergeant Majors are Command Sergeant Majors. Where you serve is not important. Who who serve with is not important. It is important that the game you bring is Legendary. Good or best is not enough. As a CSM you are the primary advisor and partner to your commanders. You are the first and final line to ensure that no blood is spilled in vain. You are the first line to ensure your officers meet and know the standards and are challenged to excel beyond them, the CSM CSM Santovito, CSM Young, CSM Cush, CSM Voyer. CSM Rivera all touch my soul and inspired me to be a Legendary Leader. The next step is finding a mentor to believe and mold you as potter clay. From there....You are in God's Hands!

Response by SGM Luther Thomas made Jan 18 at 2016 5:48 PM

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SFC Private RallyPoint Member the advice I always give Soldiers is pretty simple and that is do your best every day, get your education and never stop growing and developing. Whether you are taking the APFT, on a rifle range or in a PME class always do your best.
I also tell Soldiers that success leaves clues. If you look at most senior NCOs at the three star level they have taken the tough jobs and have done well at them. Look at the BIO of your favorite senior NCOs or the NCOs who have held the position you aspire to hold their BIOs will give you a roadmap.
Your career has three pillars and they are operational assignments, institutional training and self development. Be sure to grow in them equally.
I am on the global and would be glad to speak to you personally about your career.
Twice the Citizen, Army Strong!

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Jan 19 at 2016 10:33 AM

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One thing I always tell my NCO's. There are those out there that look for themselves. "My NCOER, My schooling etc." While these things are important, remember these things. Take care of your Soldiers. If your team, squad Platoon is green in all their areas, this is a reflection of your leadership. If your Soldier perform well, this is a reflection of your leadership. IE If you take care of your Soldiers, ensure they are ready to deploy, engage and destroy the enemies of the United States, your NCOER will write itself. Schools are #2. NCOES, College. these are the feathers in your cap. DO NOT FORGET to improve yourself. Look for positions that are difficult. Accept and excel. This will get you recognized on the board. Once you are at the SGM/CSM Level you are now going to realize that you do not have control really of Soldiers. Your job is to mentor 1SGs and to be the right hand of the Commander. He/She will look to you for guidance of a seasoned warrior. It will be difficult to let go of Soldiers, at least it has been for me. You can look forward to many telecoms, meetings, and having to make difficult decisions about your 1SGs, Soldiers and possibly your Commander. While you may not agree with your Commander on all decisions, you MUST be able to take his/her decision and execute like it was your idea. NO ONE should know that you and your Commander disagree. You are a battle buddy team and must be on the same page ALL THE TIME! Your failures are their failures, their failures are your failures. This is hard to accept but it is the way it is. The position is thankless, the position is difficult, but the position is well worth it!!! Remember this as well, you are the one the entire Battalion will look up to, you must be above standard ethically, physically, mentally. At no time must the CSM be red in anything, you are the example that others will follow. Good Luck!!! I wish the best for you future CSM!!!

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Jan 26 at 2016 1:01 PM

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Ensure that you are mentally and physically qualified for next promotion(s)......