NCO's and officers, what is your image of the ideal soldier?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 10:21:12 -0400

What makes you thinks thoughts like "Damn, I wish he/she was in my squad/platoon"? I'm trying to be the best I can be and would like second opinions/confirmation on the proper steps and procedures to take.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2017 10:23 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 10:23:44 -0400

Oh, this is going to be an interesting thread. Let me get my beer and popcorn for the show to come.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Apr 13 at 2017 11:14 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 11:14:51 -0400

Simply speaking, my idea of the "perfect soldier" is someone who is going to watch my back while I watch theirs.

Sure being physically in shape is important, but that doesn't mean a lot if the guy that's supposed to be protecting me cuts and runs at the first sign of trouble.

I need to be able to trust someone with my life. Despite being a "brotherhood", it's a lot harder than you can imagine.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 13 at 2017 2:02 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 14:02:13 -0400

I did not give two farts what a Soldier "looked like" other than conditioned and well kept.
Swagger and kit full of tacticool means nothing.
If a NCO,,,,, do I see Soldiers come to him to ask questions? Does he answer, or blow off....
Is he proficient with his personal weapon and can he teach others to be?
Is he knowledgeable with all weapons and equipment in his team, platoon?
Is he commonly found where his soldiers are working?
If a crew task, are his hands as dirty as his crew?
Does he communicate well, with SM, with other leaders, with me ?
There is more but that give you some of what Im thinking is important to "see" in a SM I want in my company, battalion, Division.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2017 2:21 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 14:21:39 -0400

Know your job, do your job and have your fellow soldiers back when they need you. Lookout for your peers if they need help and be willing to assist them. How well you know and preform your job says a lot about how good and needed you are to a unit. Being all squared away and polished is a nice touch but means nothing if I can't count on you when we need to accomplish a task. If your peers are looking to you for guidance because they know you will and can get the job done your NCO's will notice. These are the types of individuals who senior leaders take under their wings and develop into the leaders of the future. Good luck in your career!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2017 3:42 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 15:42:28 -0400

PFC Private RallyPoint Member Listen, observe, and emulate the best practices of those around you. In the military, you should be in top physical condition and know your MOS. You should also use your educational benefits. A good service man or woman will look out for their brothers and sisters, and mentor others. Others will observe your behavior and actions, and know that you are one squared away service member.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2017 3:59 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 15:59:37 -0400

Very simply someone who does the following.
takes initiative / tries their best / listens to instructions /seeks out help when needed / owns their mistakes and learns from them / trustworthy / has a can do attitude / and a team player
Not every soldier can be superman and the best at everything, but everyone can do the steps on this list.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 14 at 2017 2:49 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 02:49:06 -0400

I prefer cigars and cognac on stuff like this. People tend to talk characteristics, protocol, attributes, etc. "Ideal" isn't fixed. It varies all the time by circumstance, mission, etc. So you want that warrior to be skilled, but know when to use it. They always get the job done and bring the maximum home alive with him/her. Lots of different styles that gives that result. Don't discount chemistry. An Ideal in one unit can be toxic in another.