What is the best lesson an NCO/Officer has ever taught you?

NCOs should know something about the men they lead. The smaller the unit, the more the NCO should know.
Trust any subordinate leaders under you to know their people, and talk to them constantly.
This was taught to me by my first line company platoon sergeant in Vietnam, and it carried me very well through my career.

Always look after your troops, make sure they get what they need even if it means you go short.

The officer-enlisted divide in the sea services are great (edit: by great, I mean expansive and large). We wear different uniforms, eat in different places, etc. and have the historical and practical reasons to do so. It I carried a piece of wisdom from an Army NCO, MSG, when I was in high school rotc. Before doing chaplaincy, I wanted to be a submarine officer. I was designated the platoon leader at this particular summer camp, for that days activities. I was first in line to the bus, and just stood to the side as my platoon got on. MSG Ociferio, our instructor, before I got on the bus held me back, and said “That right there, that’s what makes a good Officer. Great job.” Especially poignant after hearing a SFC bring a group of high school cadets (he was NOT cadre, but was tasked by the 3ID as running the course we were on) together and said, “Officers are bas*****. All of them.”

I bumped into that MSG some 12 years later. Camp was only a week, so of course he didn’t remember me. But I made sure I thanked him.


Number 2, a gentleman at my church, UDT (forerunner of the SEALs) in WWII and Marine GySgt in Korea said, “Even as an Officer, never call a Gunnery Sergeant ‘Gunny’ unless he gives you permission.” Served me well every time thus far.

Course, there’s much advice from many many Officers that have served me well also, and other advice from NCOs, Chiefs, Warrants, and even Petty Officers and E-nothing’s. Always something to learn if you look and listen for it.

The best advice ever received was from several NCOs at the NCO Academy at Fort Jackson. And that was Methods of Instruction; how to teach professionally, thoroughly, and with conviction. I use those attributes learned in teaching today varied subjects of religious topics, guitar and music instruction.

The most valued advice received from NCOs was to always Set the Example.

The best advice I got from an old 1SG was this: "Trust your gut feeling on what's right or wrong but always take time to think about how your actions impact others and think through everything first." I feel like this is good advice because I believe I have a strong moral compass but am guilty of knee jerk reactions. This advice has got me to slow my thinking down and give me time to put my thoughts together before making a decision.

A little patience goes a long way! Step back and look at the whole situation. What is it you are trying to accomplish. You know, the big picture. One small thing here, could effect what happens in the long term. Early in my career, I had a couple NCO's who really took the time to teach me, by physically putting hands on projects. I learned a lot by that, than simply told to do something without any knowledge or trial an error! MSG Issac, SGT Thompson

I was a young PFC sweating everything and anything. Sgt. M.G. Rockwell took me aside and said, in part; "If you can fix it, fix it. If you can't fix it, it ain't your problem."

Stand Tall and be Counted.

I had heard the term before, but I had a Section Chief who always used the term "Perception is Reality" if there are things that don't appear right, chances are you'll just barely have to dig to find something really wrong. The opposite also holds true.

My first deployment as a division officer, I had a Senior Chief "take my under his wing" when my Chief was sent home following a medical emergency. He was the first SNCO to teach me that while it was good that I respected and learned from the Chiefs...I needed to learn to still "wear" the rank on my collar. He taught me to remember that every officer the Sailors see...from the CO to the CNO started out as a "butter bar", and the men expect to see the "seeds" of that leadership even from a JO. It is a lesson that I hope I gave evidence of learning...not only in my active service, but leadership in the private sector and at home.