You are the SMA what changes would you make to the NCO Corps?

2014-03-18T06:06:58-04:00

If given the chance what changes would you make to the Corps of the Noncommisssioned Officer? Schools, promotion systems, all is fair game, but please keep it professional.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 7:04 AM

2014-03-18T07:04:59-04:00

I would start at the CSM/SGM level and have them develop NCOPD plans at their levels and have them submitted up for approval. Then spot check regularly to ensure they are following them. I think the problem now is that although many are already doing this, there are some that are submitting plans that aren't followed (checking the block only) or just not doing them at all and blaming it on their current command.

Response by SSG James Doherty made Mar 19 at 2014 2:00 AM

2014-03-19T02:00:44-04:00

Given the chance, I would make several changes:

1. Alter the promotion system for to include testing on your
MOS proficiency for the level you are seeking.

2. Return the NCOES to before promotion and lengthen the
training for WLC, i.e. WLC before SGT, ALC before SSG, etc.

3. Update promotion board procedures to better judge a
leaders potential. Memorizing
regulations and questions is outdated, with smart phones and tablets running
wild through our Army the information is literally at your fingertips. Situational questioning should be used
instead. "What do you do if your
soldier fails to meet the ABCP requirements?" is better for judging an
NCO's capability than asking what regulation covers the ABCP.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2014 9:01 AM

2014-03-26T09:01:30-04:00

1. I'd push to bring back the SPC/TechSGT ranks. Not EVERY soldier needs to be a leader. some of the people in leadership positions are the definitio of a "yes man" because they do not make good leaders, so they follow others, and yet they are also the first person I'd go to with a job related question, because they know the MOS better than the back of their own hand.

2. I'd push to make promotions more like the Airforce's version of doing it. Have you test on your proficiency. There's no reason for a E-7 SFC to NOT be able to do simple MOS stuff. (had a 25Bravo SFC who couldn't set up printers, or connect to a projecter. How was I suppose to trust her on the hard questions?)

3. I'd push to bring back mentorship, in a serious way. No one mentors lower enlist/junior NCOs any more. No one helps guide them into good leadership practices, instead we show them that it's all about what I can get away with, and what I can get out of. In the end we are left with leaders who are all about me me me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 4:42 PM

2014-04-30T16:42:57-04:00

I would teach NCOs a business practice and how to judge, rate, and the implications of success and failure.
I would have SSG addressed as SSG, SFC as so, and MSG as so and elevate the status of a CSM. Target certifications for more enlisted MOSs that must be maintained at all ranks.
A CPL/SGT board at BN, SSG at BDE, and central boards for SFC and MSG only after clearing the DIV level. Senior Level 1SG/CSM would be able to advise BN/BDE commanders on captain level officer leadership in a formal way. Just a few thoughts