What are some character traits that a great NCO/Leader should have? And do you have any advice you would like to share?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 13:01:33 -0400

In my short time in the Army, I have had few great leaders/NCOs. I am happy that I had the opportunity to serve and work with such amazing people but I'm finding out that they are the exception and not the rule. I plan on making the Army a life-long career and I really want to be the best NCO/leader possible. Any traits and advice are appreciated.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Mar 28 at 2018 1:19 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 13:19:38 -0400

1LT Private RallyPoint Member; Some essential character traits for a leader: Lead by example, Strive to inspire, Compassion, Respecting others more than one's self and, Loving others as one Loves one's self.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2018 1:34 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 13:34:45 -0400

Be someone who is able to handle and make the hard decisions. Strive for more and try not to stay in your comfort zone. Push those around you, don't be their friend. This doesn't mean be too aggressive, but create an example of honesty, humility, and candidness. Fight for your soldiers, and your soldiers will respect the hell out of that. If you are not a some what seasoned teacher (or even learner), get out there and teach. Putting yourself in front of everyone and being confident in yourself, your abilities and your knowledge will speak volumes to the soldiers around you. (Seniors, peers, and subordinates, alike)

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Mar 28 at 2018 1:35 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 13:35:02 -0400

SPC,
This might read a bit silly. But, I won a Marine of the month plaque. It is on my office wall.
I won that award through a survey from Marines in School of Infantry. I won. Because, I sat down and talked to those Marines I was teaching as fellow Marines. All were of less rank and I was acting Platoon Sgt for Charlie company 1991.
It is not just the information and orders that have to be followed that make a great team. It is the willingness to be of the team. To lead by example. Being calm and smart about what has to be learned is key. Let them see your personality.
Regards,

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Mar 28 at 2018 2:01 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 14:01:13 -0400

Looking back, I would refrain from looking at leaders as "good/bad". It's subjective and very biased. Looking back, I'd say you have NCO's and Sergeants (regardless of rank), and both are ALWAYS learning tools. NCO's will go the extra mile to do what has to be done. It won't always be glamorous, it won't always be fun, and it damn sure won't be popular. Usually they have more "detractors" than "admirers". They'll tell you what you NEED to hear vs. what you WANT to hear. That is very important. If you're not pissed at that NCO quite often, something is wrong. Pissed can be both good and bad BTW.

Sergeants are those who made the rank. They were able to go to the boards, look awesome in uniform, are PT studs, can BS with senior leaders both O and Joe, and are considered "rising stars". They're the first to get the high speed recognition, always the fist to get looked at for promotions, or leadership positions to make promotions, but when you peel their onions back, EVERYTHING they did is on the backs of their Joes, the Joes never got recognized, their morale is at it's worst, and they're the ones pulling long hours while their Sergeant is somewhere else leading from the "front" of a keypad or keyboard. You look at their Joes 4856's and you see a pattern of no "leadership" but where the Joe needs to improve constantly, no follow up, or there are TONS of negative counseling's.

You'll know a Sergeant long before you discover the NCO. It's easy as hell to be a Sergeant. You just have to be able to play the game. Master it, and you'll be a SFC LONG before your peers, and more than likely under ten years TIS. You'll be that person with a BS with multiple valor attachments for gallantry in battle, but never left CONUS. Plus side is you will be the most popular person in the company, battalion, or group.

I hope you become the NCO. You won't be liked my many, but you'll have the respect of most. Respect is what you want, being that tells you, your peers, and leaders you are LEADING. Patton was not liked by many, but that mofo was feared and respected my ALL to include the Germans. You remember his name due to that, same as many NCO's when they get out or retire. NCO's often get calls form previous troops who are still in who value their opinion years after they punched out.

Everyone always uses the Creed as the basis of how a NCO should be. Use it as a guide, but don't think because you memorized it, you're Gods gift to the Corps. I'd rather hear you say the first paragraph and be real with it than for your to yell the whole thing out, and have no clue what it means. Lots of those running around. Tattoo BE, KNOW, and DO on your inside eyelids. If you can do that, the Creed doesn't matter being you're living it all. The. Time. Don't worry about "good/bad", just be the NCO troops want to serve with and under. The rest will sort itself out.

Practice your knife hands too. They are fun when used properly, and can cut MRE bread in a pinch.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Mar 28 at 2018 2:12 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 14:12:03 -0400

https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/making-a-good-noncommissioned-officer

Making a Good Noncommissioned Officer | RallyPoint

What is the definition of a good NCO? Is it a hard charging nature and the ability to quickly earn those chevrons? Is it the sergeant who is always leading from the front and, when that crappy detail comes down, is right there in the suck with his/her soldiers? Are NCOs measured by the schools they attend and the ratings that they receive on NCO evaluation reports? Is it any of these, a combination, or maybe something deeper? I would love to...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2018 2:16 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 14:16:46 -0400

A toxic leader uses their authority to put themselves above their subordinates for personal gain. A good leader lifts their team up and sets the tone for success by example. The harder you work for your team, the harder they will work for you.

Response by MSG Louis Alexander made Mar 28 at 2018 3:46 PM

MSG Louis Alexander — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 15:46:31 -0400

Allow people to see you for who you really are. Remember, you too were once like them. A leader will sacrifice just as much as those under his charge and at times even more in order to retain trust and cohesion. Win their trust, you win their loyalty. Take every available moment but not to the extent of being over bearing or manipulative, to quiz and train those under your charge, that way it keeps them current, up to date and proficient in their particular duties. Open yourself up to new ideas and listen to suggestions, you’ll be amazed what you can learn. Train as a team but when circumstances call to do otherwise, have them trained to work comfortably as and efficient individual. Train your trainees to become trainers. In the long run they too will become great leaders.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2018 4:25 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 16:25:25 -0400

Know your stuff well, you'll be looked at to see if you can come up with an answer, not just formal but informal too. You'll find that the lower ranking men you use to hang out with, will now have changed their attitude about you.
You'll have to cross the line from regular enlisted to an NCO, and be authority tested by the lower ranking men of your unit.
Then move on for what you've been promoted for, and that's to lead men in a professional manner, with team work that keeps the unit strong.
"All the way, and them some!"

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 28 at 2018 5:00 PM

Maj John Bell — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 17:00:30 -0400

A leader is a servant. He/she makes sure that the unit has what it needs to succeed (e.g. Knowledge, Training, Supply, Opportunity, Direction, Purpose...) Military leaders have three and only three priorities in relation to their billet; The Mission, Preservation of Force, Troop welfare. Masters of the art of leadership can find a balance of the three priorities.

Most leaders will only get 1 or two priority well-covered.

Bad leaders will substitute their career for mission, risk avoidance for preservation of force, and "the troops like me" for troop welfare.

Response by SGT Aric Lier made Mar 28 at 2018 5:09 PM

SGT Aric Lier — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 17:09:21 -0400

be squared away yourself 1st and foremost. strive for your team to be the best always and with your knowledge train to do so. This will help you on the path of respect. Like a child be fair but firm, you are a leader not their buddy. however that isn't to say you can't take a troop with you to the beach.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 28 at 2018 6:12 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 18:12:42 -0400

1. Set the example.
2. Genuinely care for and understand the welfare of the soldiers and their families.
3. Share your technical and tactical knowledge.
4. Make it know you appreciate the hard work.
5. Have fun with them once in awhile.
6. Be open and honest.
7. Create a atmosphere of trust.
8. Be fair with rewards and details. When my soldiers had an weekend details they got time off. Thus, I had plenty of volunteers.
9. Support them in their personal and professional growth.
10. Keep them informed. The focus for this week is...............
11. Fight for them.
12. Every Friday first line supervisors will know what the soldiers weekend plans are.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2018 6:31 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 18:31:50 -0400

1LT Private RallyPoint Member A good leader makes mistakes like everyone else. Learn from your mistakes, and do not make the same mistake twice. Listen and observe from the great leaders that you have observed and emulate their actions. Good luck.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Mar 28 at 2018 6:51 PM

SGT Tony Clifford — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 18:51:31 -0400

A good NCO's defining trait is whether or not they place their subordinate's well being before their own. As a leader your priorities of work should be: mission, subordinates, self. Generally speaking, an NCO or officer who follows that usually ends up doing the right thing. If you'd like specifics, the NCO creed is actually a mission statement saying what an NCO should be. Remember, there are lots of sergeants in the army, but NCOs are harder to find.

Response by PO3 Michael James made Mar 30 at 2018 5:04 PM

PO3 Michael James — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 17:04:47 -0400

LEAD BY EXAMPLE !!

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Mar 30 at 2018 6:37 PM

SGT Mark Halmrast — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 18:37:27 -0400

Serve those you lead by looking after their training, equipment, and well-being.

Praise in public, correct in private.

Extend credit to others when things go well.
Take blame when they don't.

Admit your own mistakes.

Above all, serve your team.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Mar 31 at 2018 9:49 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 09:49:16 -0400

I thought back to those leaders I would have followed anywhere (since I was an officer, they were senior officers).
Integrity- I never worried that I would be asked to do something I shouldn't.
Lead by example- always a role model on and off duty
Personal connection- would find or make time to answer questions, give honest feedback, both praise and suggestions for improvement
Lots of other stuff but those are three that stick out for me.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 31 at 2018 9:52 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 09:52:39 -0400

I had several CO's during my time in the service, the ones that performed the best in my opinion, were the ones that came up through the enlisted ranks.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 31 at 2018 10:05 AM

Maj John Bell — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 10:05:37 -0400

I thought I had already responded to this post, but may have it confused with another. As a military leader you have three and only three priorities.

The Mission
Preservation of Force
Troop Welfare

Where leaders get into trouble is that they make substitutions:

The Mission is not the same thing as the career, and sometimes in order to accomplish the mission you may have to kill your own career.

Preservation of Force is not the same thing as risk avoidance. A force that is not used for fear of loss is not a force. It is just a drain of resources.

Troop welfare is not the same thing as troop happiness or popularity with the troops. The single biggest complement I ever got was from a Marine who wrote me a letter. He told me that he still thinks I was a hard ass SOB whom he did not like one bit, because of all the "unnecessary" gun drill I made the crew-served weapons do every week, but he's pretty sure that he and many of his men are alive because as a GySgt he was a hard ass SOB about doing a lot of "unnecessary" gun drill before going to Iraq.

Response by CPO Mitchell Penneau made Mar 31 at 2018 11:32 AM

CPO Mitchell Penneau — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 11:32:48 -0400

In my experience be the leader, I mean do what you say not just talk. Take care of your troops, talk to them, listen to them and if needed take action to help them. While I was active duty I was always the first in and last out, if my people had to work late on a repair, or weekends I was still the first in, in the case of a small last minute job or task, when liberty came around, I let the troops leave and I did the job. There is a lot to being a good and effective leader, and being a person of your word is a big part of it. I could wright a book on military leadership, much of leadership comes from observation. Look at your current leaders see what works for them, and what you like about it, as well as what you don't, and combined it all.

Response by SPC Nicholas Bettinger made Apr 1 at 2018 11:31 PM

SPC Nicholas Bettinger — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 23:31:48 -0400

No matter what rank you have, you're still a soldier, get down and dirty just like the rest of your soldiers under you, No Fraternizing, treat all your soldiers the same! I've had plenty of toxic leaders always playing rock, paper, rank. Everything you need to know is in the Nco creed.

Response by Capt Jim Ross made Apr 2 at 2018 5:56 PM

Capt Jim Ross — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 17:56:42 -0400

I have to agree on being a good example. Don't be afraid of the challenge. By leading be example, your workers will see that you are not afraid of getting your hands dirty and that you do know what you are talking about and expect from them. If you do not know exactly what is needed, then don't be afraid to ask a seasoned Senior NCO for his input. By doing this, you are showing that you are willing to listen to others when you are in doubt. Be advised, you do NOT know everything and are NOT EXPECTED TO KNOW EVERYTHING. JUST KNOW YOUR JOB/SPECIALTY!

Response by LTC John Bush made Apr 2 at 2018 7:09 PM

LTC John Bush — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 19:09:18 -0400

first you must know every aspect of your job and strive to learn everything possible about the job above and below. (technically and tactical proficient). Be honest, never promise what you can not deliver and always deliver what you promise. Take responsibility for failure and generously share praise for success, credit those that helped or had a good idea. Be scrupulously fair and friendly with all but do not allow yourself to get tangled up in the misadventures of others. Find Kipling IF and read it, best advice I know of on one page.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2018 10:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 22:11:49 -0400

Advice: Treating your Soldiers like adults means allowing them to fail. It means allowing them to pay for their mistakes. This is part of "holding them accountable." It is also part of "taking care of the Soldiers." Taking care of people means helping them grow. Growth in adults means paying for honest mistakes and sometimes failing.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 7 at 2018 3:10 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 15:10:34 -0400

Integrity. https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/new-officers-listen-up

New Officers, Listen Up. | RallyPoint

As a newly Commissioned Officer, or as a Cadet aspiring to become an Officer, you may be asking yourself many questions as you get closer to leading your first Platoon. How will I rise to the challenge? How should I “come in”? The first thing you need to adjust is your mindset. Unless you have prior enlisted experience, you have to adjust to the fact that you will not be leading peer Cadets. Cadets are great and wonderful people. They are...

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Apr 16 at 2018 7:11 AM

Capt Christian D. Orr — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 07:11:47 -0400

To quote CDR Richard "Demo Dick" Marcinko (USN, Ret.), founding C.O. of SEAL Team 6, "Lead from the front, not from the rear."

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2018 8:43 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 08:43:57 -0400

A true leader is the servant of his subordinates.

While success belongs to the team, failure is his and his alone to bear.

Response by SFC James Beasley made Apr 21 at 2018 5:17 PM

SFC James Beasley — Sat, 21 Apr 2018 17:17:49 -0400

Honesty and integrity are first and foremost. Your Soldiers need to know that you can be trusted and that you care for them. Likewise, your chain of command needs to know that you can be trusted and that you are honest. If you mess up ( and you will ) then own up to the mistake and learn from it. Don't play the blame game.

Response by MSgt Don Dobbs made Apr 22 at 2018 4:09 PM

MSgt Don Dobbs — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 16:09:26 -0400

Lead by example, always hear what your people have to say, never expect more than you are capable of, and always remember what it was like to be on the other side of those chevrons. or in the case of a TI, DI, or DS the other side of the hat.

Response by COL Jon Lopey made May 7 at 2018 10:06 PM

COL Jon Lopey — Mon, 07 May 2018 22:06:47 -0400

SPC: A great question. When I was a young Marine, before competing for a meritorious promotion board, I had to memorize the leadership traits of a Marine (military) leader. This list was evidently developed by studying successful NCO and officer "hero types" during WW II. I still have them memorized and they are as follows: Bearing, Endurance, Enthusiasm, Decisiveness, Dependability, Integrity, Initiative, Loyalty, Tact, Unselfishness, Courage - Moral and Physical; Knowledge, Justice, Judgment, and of all things, most heroes of WW II and beyond had a "Sense of Humor." I think this is a great list. There are leadership principles I memorized as well - Things like set the example, train your unit as a team, ensure tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished, be technically and tactically proficient, etc. I hope this helps. Thanks for asking a great question. Most of the great NCOs and officers I knew in the USMC and Army practiced most of these traits and principles. Jon

Response by Cpl Tyler Therrien made May 7 at 2018 10:21 PM

Cpl Tyler Therrien — Mon, 07 May 2018 22:21:00 -0400

Never ask anyone to do that which you would not do yourself

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2018 11:14 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 May 2018 11:14:19 -0400

I would add the ability to listen.

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made May 11 at 2018 2:21 PM

SFC Greg Bruorton — Fri, 11 May 2018 14:21:50 -0400

Part of the NCOs creed, as hammered in the NCO Academies world-wide is to Set the Example. LTC Charlie posted some great points too. But by setting the example, you should excel in your military appearance and decorum, follow the rules and regulations put forth by Army and your unit, and most important, lead your squad and platoon members with absolute integrity and faithfulness. Admit your weaknesses to yourself and fellow noncoms, but don't apologize to the troops. Simply improve yourself in all facets of your MOS and the non-commissioned corps.
When promoted to Sergeant E5, volunteer to attend an NCO Academy ASAP.

Response by CW2 Roy Taylor made May 13 at 2018 5:25 PM

CW2 Roy Taylor — Sun, 13 May 2018 17:25:02 -0400

I retired 20 plus years from the army, served in the USMC National Guard and last the US Army where I retired in 1974. Leadership is the most important part of ant organization bar none. Leading from the front and setting the example for others to follow. John Maxwell states that if you look behind you and no one is there you are out for a walk in the park. Be first in and last out in anything you do whether Family job military etc. Trust , train, educate others up and down line so you do not have do over what should have been done right the first , ROY J. TAYLOR, CW2 US ARMY RETIRED. RVN VET TWO TOURS.

Response by Col Brooks Reese made May 14 at 2018 3:42 PM

Col Brooks Reese — Mon, 14 May 2018 15:42:48 -0400

To be short and concise: If every action you both take and consider motivated is for the benefit of everyone other than yourself, then you'll be a great, effective and highly valued leader. It's all about servant leadership...putting the needs of others above your own. Easy button.

Response by Sgt Steve Williams made May 27 at 2018 8:06 PM

Sgt Steve Williams — Sun, 27 May 2018 20:06:35 -0400

The single most important thing I learned was never ask your people to do something you won't do.

Response by SPC Peter Pagnotta made May 28 at 2018 1:46 PM

SPC Peter Pagnotta — Mon, 28 May 2018 13:46:01 -0400

A great leaders knows how to be in charge and also be equal when needed.
Doing so allows those who follow you respect you

Response by Pvt Antonio Reyes made Jun 3 at 2018 2:14 AM

Pvt Antonio Reyes — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 02:14:07 -0400

Embrace The Suck and learn to Get Bitched at. Eventually learn from the mistake and either use it as a Constructive Trait

Response by 1LT Otis R. made Jun 3 at 2018 7:37 AM

1LT Otis R. — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 07:37:18 -0400

My first point would be, “Mission first, soldiers always.” My second would be “Praise in public, reprimand in private.” Lastly, when my team succeeded they got the credit; when my team failed I took responsibility. Most importantly you are asking for help and advice to be a better leader!

Response by PO1 Scott Armitage made Jun 21 at 2018 9:28 AM

PO1 Scott Armitage — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 09:28:45 -0400

I’m Navy and Marine. I help train MC O’s combat convoy operations. And they have a creed that I admire and have tried to adopt.
Mission
Men
Me
Make sure you’re accomplishing your unit misssion first.
Take care of your personnel. That starts with communications. Listen more than you speak.
Make sure they’re learning. From everything. And everyone. Same goes for you.
Me. Take care of my physical, mental and emotional health. Learn.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2018 10:37 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 22:37:12 -0400

Keeping your word, if your gonna do something then do your best to go through with it. Don’t go back on it too much or your lose the trust of your soldiers. I know I am not a NCO but the ones I’ve observed and seen do the best we’re the one’s who listened and did the best they could to do what they said they were gonna do.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Jun 24 at 2018 9:04 PM

LTC Hillary Luton — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 21:04:24 -0400

It is definitely inspiring that you would reach out for such advice. That alone says a great deal about you. I was always an officer who made every effort to learn from my NCOs. Every time I joined a unit, I gravitated to the senior NCO, because I knew they had the heartbeat of the Soldiers in their hands and the knowledge about the unit that I needed to know. Rarely, if ever, did the senior NCOs let me down.
Over the years, I found qualities in those senior NCOs that I not only learned from, but was able to use as a leader myself. I hope some of this advice will help you in your career as well.
1) When in charge, take charge. When in support, be supportive. Just because you are a leader, doesn't mean you have to be in charge all of the time. Know when to lead and when to follow.
2) You are a Soldier 24/7. This is never more true than when you are a leader. Be prepared to put in the long hours to ensure your Soldiers are taken care of and the mission is accomplished.
3) Put your Soldiers before yourself. Never ask your Soldiers to do anything that you wouldn't do yourself. If you are unwilling to get your hands dirty, don't expect your Soldiers to. Lead by example.
4) Be compassionate when you need to be compassionate. Be firm, when you need to be firm. And be diplomatic when you're dealing with leaders that outrank you. You can stand your ground with a superior as long as you have facts to back up your argument, you are honest and you are respectful.
5) Never ever bring a complaint to your superiors without also bringing a viable, well thought out solution.
6) Get to know your Soldiers. They are your family. You are responsible for them. Make sure you have their 6. If you do, I guarantee they will have your's.
7) As frustrating as it may be at times, you will spend 95% of your time on 5% of your Soldiers. That being said, don't forget about the Soldiers that are doing great and don't need your attention all of the time. They still need your attention and a pat on the back can go a very long way.
8) Listen.
9) Admit when you are wrong. Admit it to your superiors, admit it to your Soldiers and admit it to yourself. And you can take the blame even when its not your fault. Sometimes, leaders just want someone to blame. If you say you will take the blame even though you didn't do it, you will find a leader will realize that pointing a finger is not nearly as important as solving the problem.
10) Be humble. Don't chase NCOERs or awards. Chase opportunities to excel, to lead, and to mentor the next generation of Soldiers.
These are just a few suggestions, but I do hope they help. Good luck in your career and I wish you the very best.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 24 at 2018 9:13 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 21:13:22 -0400

I don't want to sound redundant so here is my 2 cents. Have some fun! I met Medevac pilots and got a program going where they took my soldiers flying with them. I had a couple Christmas parties where we had a karaoke gong contest that was hilarious. I passed down restaurant gift certificates to the NCOs to give to the soldiers. Sometimes I would BBQ with them. On a 4 mile run, I had breakfast waiting at a park for us and a bus to haul us back on post. Have fun. Life is too short.

Response by SFC Mark Klaers made Jun 28 at 2018 5:50 AM

SFC Mark Klaers — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 05:50:50 -0400

Be honest, be loyal and be fair. Hypocrisy breeds in the "shades of gray" approach to leadership. Be "black and white". Know your soldiers...really know them. Names of spouses and children, current events or issues effecting their lives. Don't rely on email as your primary form of communication. Make orders and announcements face to face. This establishes your leadership in the eyes of your soldiers and they'll connect you with having the solutions to all life's problems. Last, your word is your bond and ABSOLUTE! Even if it means a potential setback in your career. You don't leave your people behind on the battlefield, so don't dessert them in the First Sergeant's office either.

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made Jul 10 at 2018 11:18 AM

SSG Harry Outcalt — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 11:18:49 -0400

Rule no1 train yourself to be the exception, go the extra 5 miles, always be prepared to adapt , let your actions speak louder than word's, and after all that . Plan like you want to save your life by saving the lives of those you command, By NEVER wasting the lives of your troops, so train those you command like you train yourself to be the exception by exceeding the standards , when I think back everyman in my squad was an expert not only on paper but in action, we did more than those around us , more everything more pt, more drills always with a higher standard in mind , which is why we were the Division's point squad and I was the pointman, because our ability was never questioned ,it was known . Grunts are known for being arrogant , some are others like myself don't have time for that we are to busy training to be the best at what we do . Example , the Pentagon conducts Squad combat readiness exercises every year , one year out of every infantry div. and marine's ,who were tested only one Infantry squad in the U.S. Military passed every test given to them . So here it is in a nutshell , the job of a great Officer/Warrant/NCO/ Leader is to complete whatever mission is given them with the Men/Women assigned to them , we train to adapt to complete the mission , the question is how well can you as a leader complete the mission with the least loss of life , some food for thought ... Yes, that squad was the one I trained and led . Proud Members of the Screaming Eagles

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2018 8:30 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 08:30:42 -0400

The Army Ethos are still the best, every NCO should follow those and practice what you preach. Tyhe ranks are filled with hypocrites.

Response by GySgt Greg Nemeth made Jul 12 at 2018 11:38 PM

GySgt Greg Nemeth — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 23:38:48 -0400

Bearing, courage, dependability, honesty, integrity, knowledge, judgement, etc.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 7:23 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 07:23:11 -0400

Lesson: The world revolves around results
intentions, hopes and dreams, even when I put on my try-hard shoes - none of that matters if I don't accomplish the mission.

didn't sell enough [product], fired.
didn't change the oil, stranded.
lost the kid, funeral.

life is not about getting second chances, it's about being smart/lucky/good enough not to need them. This planet is not for everyone, despite how much our humanity wants it to be. You are ultimately responsible for whatever circumstances are affecting your life.

Response by SMSgt Ed W. made Jul 29 at 2018 3:43 PM

SMSgt Ed W. — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 15:43:55 -0400

All of the responses I have read are very good, but I would add listen. Some of my best leaders have listened. They were aware of what was happening around them.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 21 at 2018 9:14 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 09:14:48 -0400

1LT Private RallyPoint Member I don't think you need to reinvent the wheel for traits:
- NCO Creed
- Army Values

How you employ all that is the magic in the sauce and makes the NCO. Some thoughts
- take care of your soldiers. This means positive and negative. Sometimes they need an article 15.
- accomplish the mission. NCOs are the difference between success and failure in the last 100 yards, literally and figuratively.
- if you raise an issue, have a recommendation to fix it. There is enough admiring of the problem in the world.
- give accurate and sober assessments of situations. Don't blow things out of,proportion but at the same time don't sugar coat it.
- make the routine things the routine. Inventories, inspections, checklists, PCCs, PCIs.
- know that when you tell an officer "I got it", they believe you and will wander off to the next thing. Don't let them down or they will manage you.
- be the subject matter expert on your MOS and additional duties.

Response by SFC Ariel Pagan made Aug 19 at 2020 10:21 AM

SFC Ariel Pagan — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 10:21:36 -0400

As retired SFC I can tell you. That one of the top traits is HONESTY. Always be honest to your soldiers and admit when you are wrong. Soldiers will know when his leaders are lying. Always put yourself in their shoes and remember when you started as a private what you was expecting of your NCO’s. Always treat your. Soldier hard but be affair to all of them and don’t become their friends. Remember you are now a leader. Good Luck