Tell me about your favorite NCOs; what attributes did they possess?

SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 12:41:34 -0400

RP, tell me about your favorite NCO(s); and what attributes/characteristics they possessed.

You can add a short story if you wish, or simply a few sentences. Names are not necessary, only if you desire.

This posts aims to further layout some of the qualities of an NCO, so as to establish a pattern. This post helps to promote community within RP, as well as serve as a guide to NCOs to further develop them professionally.

My favorites have always had a stoic toughness about them, and then in the next moment could prove to have more emotion and passion that could only be described as inspiring. They were strict, but fair. Well versed, or could point you in the right direction if needed. Examples of loyalty, duty, respect,selfless service honor, integrity, and personal courage.

The were not afraid to get their hands dirty, to fully engage in the tasks that they are ordering others to do. They truly are the backbone of our Armed Forces.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 12:43 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 12:43:19 -0400

They were intelligent, caring, but most importantly they lead from the front. Always, from the front.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 12:44 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 12:44:22 -0400

Judgement Justice Dependability Integrity Decisiveness Tact Initiative Endurance Bearing Unselfishness Courage Knowledge Loyalty Enthusiasm

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 1:08 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 13:08:13 -0400

I had so many NCOs that stood out as leaders and mentors, it's hard to pick one. One in particular was truly something though-He had been in the Navy longer than I had been alive, had a sleeve full of red (meaning he'd been in a long time...and had his shares of misfortune). He took time to teach, and knew more about the job than many had forgotten. He looked out for all of us when at sea...and we looked out for him while on shore.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 15 at 2015 1:41 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 13:41:49 -0400

My favorite, and greatest loss, was my first Senior Chief when I made O-1. The taught me how to be a good officer much more than my O-Mentor. He did a good job of showing me how my enlisted appreciation could enhance my officer relationship with the community. The big thing was giving the NCO community the slack to run things. It was a relief that good NCOs made my job much easier and I could focus more on taking care of them vs. nitpicking them. So Ralph got me off on the right path early and I stuck to it.

It all fell apart when Ralph got very ill down in Antarctica. I don't ever recall crying so hard as I carried him out to the medevac. He was gone 2 weeks later. Well, not totally gone. I recall he'd still kick my ass every now and then through my career. Many a night I still tip my cognac in his direction.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 1:49 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 13:49:01 -0400

I was my favorite NCO

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Oct 15 at 2015 1:52 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 13:52:24 -0400

When i pinned on my SFC stripes I was on a Brigade staff and they recreated a job to keep me there. 2 years later i PCS'd to another position on another Brigade staff. After a year there i requested Platoon time. And i was given a platoon in a line company. I had no Idea how to be a Platoon Sergeant in a company where I had never even been assigned in that type of company, had never used the equipment assigned to the Platoon, Basically i was lost... In steps 1SG Roger....(not his real name) 1SG Roger had 23 years in service, 17 of them in the SF. He taught me to be a Platoon Sergeant. Then he taught me to be a 1SG...
And if he wouldn't have retired I would have learned even more....I did take over the company as Acting 1SG for about 3 months waiting for his replacement.... BTW He had been one of the green beret extras in the john Wayne movie "The Green Beret" and had an autographed Pic of the Duke hanging in his office...

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 2:16 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 14:16:43 -0400

SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres for my last birthday my wife gave me a nice pair of Oakleys as present, BUT orange glasses. I didn't know, I got to the office and showed them to my NCO, he told me right away I couldn't use them in uniform. When I came back from lunch, the regulation was printed and highlighted on my desk.
He doesn't just tell me what to do or don't but also tells me why. I learn with him, everyday. And because we are the same age, the relationship between Private/NCO is an easier one, i.e. I don't get in trouble, never late, etc.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Oct 15 at 2015 2:18 PM

SSG Leo Bell — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 14:18:25 -0400

I'll have to say it was my first squad leader Sgt Hayes ( shady Ray ) we call him. He taught me allot about our mos and land nav. He was a great NCO and always inspired use to do better and go above and beyond. He taught use just average or just passing wasn't good enough. When we did live fire in Greece we scored highest in nato that year but we still had areas we could improve in the next time we went. I tried to follow his examples my whole career and even today. When I would find myself slacking off I would hear his voice telling me I can do better.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 15 at 2015 2:30 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 14:30:50 -0400

I use to call my best Tank NCO's Tanker Gods. They new the technical aspects of the M1 and were superb tactically. I gave them minimal guidance because we used the Wingman Concept. Sometimes a Tank Commander would get on the net to tell me he had a clear advantage.

My Tanker Gods were tough but fair. They understood timelines and priorities of work. What I loved about them was they were happy to be on tanks and were aggressive fighters. They were candid in the AARs. I enjoyed setting up a half mile defense and telling everyone that is TRP1, TRP2, and TRP3. All the TCs radioed they understood the TRPs locations. The fire patterns were already set and we backed down.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 2:39 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 14:39:54 -0400

I have three favorite NCOs. One was my platoon SGT and one a section leader when I was enlisted, the other was my first 1SG as a commander.
They all:
Possessed Wisdom
Gave guidance without being condescending.
Had confidence in themselves and their abilities.
Made themselves accessible.
Made corrections without making spectacles.
Backed up what they said with their actions.
Looked out for their Soldiers welfare (above and beyond).

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Oct 15 at 2015 2:44 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 14:44:54 -0400

Be. Know. Do. and belief in the Creed are two of the greatest attributes I've had with my NCO leaders. My very first 1SG when I was a MP PVT, was a quiet man, and when he smiled, you knew hell was about to rain on you. But he was fair, firm, and determined. As a "I think I know everything" PVT I was on my way to the house for good after some choice words with my PSG. 1SG was called and I was brought back into the PSG's office and lo and behold 1SG and my Commander BOTH were there. It was a one sided conversation, and I remember 1SG with a baseball and the commander with a bat. 1SG calmly spoke to me while throwing the ball, and I listened. He brought up some sore points I had, but after 15 minutes I was dismissed and that talk stayed with me. He left and became the MP Corps Regimental CSM and to this day I'd follow CSM James Barrett ANYFUCKINWHERE no questions asked. He didn't yell the respect out of me, didn't smoke it out either. He made me want to give it to him.
Another NCO I had was an SFC when I came home from Korea, and I thought he was a world class dickhead. He was smart as all hell, and after a feel out period, he pulled me to the side and gave me some good words of wisdom. At this time I was a new dick SGT(P) and the meaning of the creed was still lost on me. He told me before mentoring was the "in" thing what I needed to do to get promoted and was there when I did. His demeanor never changed, and my attitude didn't either, but we were cool on and off work. He was there when I made a debt my ass couldn't cash and lost a stripe. He treated me like shit and I deserved it for awhile, but he brought me back, sat me down and we talked openly about what I did wrong and the way to go forward. I have the UTMOST respect for him to this day. After his retirement in 04, we stayed in touch and he was still mentoring me on things outside of the service. This NCO I'd follow anywhere is SFC Gary Bennett.
My last examples are both E-8's one a MSG while I was at Riley. He was my roommate while we were in training for the MiTT teams and I had just come from being stationed in the UK, and he from 3ID. I had no real tactical knowledge with IBA's, newer NODS, or anything and he took me aside and showed me personally how to set this crap up, maintain my gear, and what to expect over there. He was fun in a professional sense being he couldn't get mad. He was too damn professional for that. He'd "talk" to you to inform you how bad you were screwing up, and to pull your head out of your ass quick. MSG Antonio Bates, I wished I was on your team in Iraq, and you MSG have my undulated respect as a man and NCO. My last is a grunt. He was my team leader in the Stan and was smooth as silk. He was the best scavenger you've ever seen. He could sell ice to an eskimo. He could talk anyone out of damn near anything without using his rank. He was respected by senior officers and his subordinates alike. He sat me down and asked me how could I contribute to the team, and what position did I want in it. And while I made minor mistakes, he never yelled, he took me to the side, corrected me and would laugh. I think that was to let you know you did screw up, make sure you don't do it again, and it's never personal. When it was time to leave, rather than get another E8 to take his spot, he recommended that I take the reins and for the next six months I was the man. I couldn't fill his shoes, but I took what he showed me and tried my damnest to make it work. We still talk now that he retired, and he even came down to VA and we talked in person while I was going through my med board. MSG Frank Knutson, while you are the last NCO mentioned, it doesn't matter. If there EVER was a day where I had to go back to hell, I want to be on your team. Like the others I mentioned, I'd follow you with NO hesitation or reservation.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 3:06 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 15:06:07 -0400

My first. My younger is named after him.

He was honest and cared for those who worked for him.

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made Oct 15 at 2015 3:32 PM

SrA Daniel Hunter — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 15:32:31 -0400

MSgt Robert Morris. He always exuded selfless dedication to his duty. Frequently we would have multiple aircraft we were working on. We only had one heated hanger (Fairchild AFB - Fuel Cell) and when work was to be done in the unheated hanger he took a maintenance crew to the hanger and would act as fire guard during confined space entry. I would beg him to take the heated hanger offering to go to the unheated one myself. He never would. The fact is if we weren't top heavy rank wise he wouldn't have been a shift supervisor in the first place. That would have been a Tech or Staff Sergeant. He would have been Element Super or QC.

When I was diagnosed with epilepsy and was told I would be discharged, he pulled me aside got on his knees and prayed for me.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 3:57 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 15:57:25 -0400

I was blessed with a fantastic team of NCOs in my last company.
One was a older man with a ton of experience. A former Captain, he was a meticulous planner.
Another was a jokester that kept things loose.
A third was a professional operator, one so much like myself it was impossible to not love and hate him.
A fourth was a consummate quiet professional that led by example.
My Supply Sergeant was very adept at finding people and finding things that got the job done.
Put them together, and it was a hell of a team.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Oct 15 at 2015 5:23 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 17:23:03 -0400

My favorite NCO was the last First Sergeant that I had. He was the kind of person that people just naturally wanted to follow. He was airborne and ranger qualified and a combat vet and was in great physical condition. He just looked like a soldier. He was the kind of leader who could be friends with his men but no one ever doubted who was in charge. He could be strict without anyone ever feeling that he was being abusive or didn't care about them personally. He constantly encouraged his people to be better and helped them do it. Good behavior and good results were recognized and rewarded. The opposite was delt with in such a manner that people didn't resent it. If you were punished you knew that you deserved it and why. Then it was not mentioned again. I may not be explaining this very well but he was just a natural born leader.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 7:28 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 19:28:48 -0400

When I got to my first base I was a one striper and I met my supervisor who was only a few months older than me and a SrA who was going to ALS next week. Although young in both aspects he was professional and personal with me and when it came to our job(fixing c130's) he was endless in knowledge. He taught me to always strive for more and that there would be many plateaus in my career but always find the next mountain of knowledge that was out there whether it be professional or job related. Always continue to grow into a better more capable airman.

Response by SGT Josheua Cooke made Oct 16 at 2015 1:44 AM

SGT Josheua Cooke — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 01:44:06 -0400

SSG Christopher Johansen, was not just my Team leader while I was a PFC-SPC, he was my mentor. He became our Platoon SGT shortly after he pinned my E-5 and I took his spot. The thing that made him stand out over any other NCO I have ever served under, is that he was grooming not just me, but all of his soldiers to take his position. His reasoning was that he expects to be where his boss is by the time we were ready to be where he was. That kind of care and grooming is rarely seen anymore.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Oct 16 at 2015 10:55 PM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 22:55:54 -0400

1) My first NCO leader out of the training base, Mitzy. She was strong, competent, made working in an otherwise undemanding support command not only fun, but worthwhile. She helped anyone who wanted it get further training in whatever field they were looking to move to (lots of unassigned E 1-3s found their way there.)
2) The Chief at my last duty station was one of the most knowledgeable supportive leaders to be had. Again, it was the willingness to see to it his people got the training they needed and advanced. He also made sure you had everything you were up for. Fun to work with and for. You wanted to go to work being in his office.

Response by MSgt John Carroll made Oct 16 at 2015 11:44 PM

MSgt John Carroll — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 23:44:30 -0400

Ask yourself this question. Are you a Leader or a Manager? Mangers have subordinates. Leaders have followers. If you don't have followers, you are a manager.

Response by PO2 Nick Burke made Oct 20 at 2015 9:51 PM

PO2 Nick Burke — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 21:51:34 -0400

CMC on my last ship. Great guy great Senior Enlisted. He impressed the hell out of me. A consumate Pofessional

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 29 at 2015 6:18 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 18:18:21 -0400

They take care of the troops, they are go getters, they will not fail simple missions, they are receptive to telling the truth, they are integral to company missions, they use TLPs, the mentor subordinates, they have fun with the troops, they motivate troops, they have fun with the troops.

Response by SSG Brian Hosenfeld made Oct 29 at 2015 11:53 PM

SSG Brian Hosenfeld — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 23:53:40 -0400

Easy one for me. The first one I worked for. When I got to my first duty station, I got selected to work in the S-3 shop and to report to the S-3 SGM. I did so, he grunted at me and asked my MOS. I told him and gave me a few more grunts and said "follow me".

He marched me over to the learning center and told the little Korean lady to "sign him up for as many correspondence courses as he can take and make sure he does them until he leaves here next year. if he fails, kill him and toss him in the dumpster behind the chow hall." That was it. He never said another word about it. Occasionally I would ask him about some of the ones I received and I'd get a few old stories and a little guidance and more questions that I could not answer.

I did not realize until a few years later when I was an E-4 looking to get promoted just what that little forced education was worth. I was promoted to SGT. A year later I was promoted to SSG. I saw the then retired CSM soon after I made SSG at the main PX on Ft Knox. Had a short discussion with him about what he meant to me and that I owed him for where I was today. Again, in typical Sergeant Major form, he just grunted and sneered at me, "you did it yourself you dope. Proud of you. Go create more leaders. Charlie Mike."

That was the last I saw of CSM Patrick MacDonald. That was 20 years ago and I'll never ever forget that man. I modeled myself after him and I'm proud to have served for him and with him.

Charlie Mike -

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 1 at 2015 9:00 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 21:00:30 -0500

On a side note I new the studs and studettes would become over worked and told the senior NCOs that we should not burn them out and to share the wealth.