Posted on Jul 20, 2020
SGT(P) Team Leader
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I was recently approached by a young private who asked if I would mentor her. Slightly, shocked that she asked me versus an NCO, as most would, I humbly accepted. I told her I would counsel her monthly so she could reflect in the months and years to come and so they may serve as a tool to keep her on track towards her goals. She then requested me as her mentor through ACT. My question is; are there any publications or references that talk about mentorship in the Army besides ATP 6-22.1, that I can reference in her counselings?
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Responses: 2
CSM Eric Biggs
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SGT(P) (Join to see), first things first, this Soldier sought you out over an “NCO” more than likely because she has seen your leadership and not seen theirs. Second, ensure you keep it professional at all times. Mentoring someone of the opposite sex, can sometimes turn into a relationship ( which can be good and bad, and sometimes blow up in your face). Now to your question. There is not much as far as ADP, ADRP or ATP’s. However there are quite a few articles you can find on the web regarding this subject. Many are from the Modern War institute or the War College, and most are written towards officers. Here is something I stumbled across many years ago, it can be helpful. http://www.armycounselingonline.com/download/Mentorship%20Handbook.pdf
At the end of the day, as a mentor, knowing what you know now, what would you have liked to have shown, or explained to you. What guidance would you have liked to have received as a younger Soldier that would have made career decisions or doing your job easier. That is the information you should give to your mentee.
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SGT(P) Team Leader
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Thank you for the advice and guidance Sergeant Major. Professionalism is very important to me and my intentions are as simple as wanting to provide as much knowledge and guidance as possible. This Private has some incredible potential and is extremely driven. I have had subordinates try to use my reputation in the unit to further them before and I’ve always cut it off. I don’t mess around when it comes to integrity. The most reassuring detail which leads me to believe this won’t be an issue is that, whenever she asks for guidance or advice, she always asks “what can I do?” Or “what do you think I should be doing?”. Suggesting she is driven to get there on her own by simply applying what she’s learned. Rather than coming to me and asking if I can do something for her. Normally I have to tell soldiers that I’m not going to do it for them so they can learn. I didn’t have to do that with her, which honestly impressed me a great deal.
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SGT(P) Team Leader
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I understand this may come across as too good to be true that a SPC thinks this way.
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CSM Eric Biggs
CSM Eric Biggs
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SGT(P) (Join to see), then you are correct, this is the Soldier who wants to achieve great things and with your mentorship, will.
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CSM Eric Biggs
CSM Eric Biggs
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SGT(P) (Join to see), not at all. Keep up the good work, get all your PME out of the way as quickly as possible. Soon enough we will be calling you Sergeant Major. What you have going on in your head and your actions is what we call leadership!
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1SG Brian Adams
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SPC (P) Preston, I think that is awesome what you are doing and obviously this young private looks up to you. Try AR 600-100 which has some guidance in regard to mentorship.
Glad you mentioned counseling which is near and dear to my heart. Counseling for most leaders is a check the block event and used incorrectly. Happy you are starting to use counseling and learn the nuances of counseling on the private.....keep up the good work and good luck on your impending promotion to E-5...hooah!
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SGT(P) Team Leader
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Thank you for the kind words 1SG. I agree, one of my biggest pet peeves is going through counseling packets and seeing the same information copied and pasted from month to month and only seeing minor differences. I will be promoted by October, I can promise you that. I finally got a BLC slot for next month so after seven years of hard work, it’ll finally pay off. I’m beyond excited.
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1SG Brian Adams
1SG Brian Adams
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good deal...yes counseling, if done correctly should be thorough and goal oriented. Counseling can be derogatory as well. Normally the counseling you perform on your Soldiers, translates to a Soldiers NCOER of which you will become familiar with come this October. Congrats again...remember Be, Know, Do and Lead by example...good luck at BLC...hoooah!
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