NCO Transition: Responsibilities & Keys to Success --First Sergeant-- Apr 2014 1
Stage Setting Listen to Pete Land, Citadel 58: http://www.peteland.com/index.html Click on link above (or cut & paste link in browser Click on Share to Succeed icon Making Your Relief Better Video: 2 min, 13 sec 2
Purpose Ensure effective leadership of SCCC during personnel transition Provide overview of specific responsibilities Share keys to success in successfully completing responsibilities Describe challenges faced in the role Thoughts to keep in mind Focus: Advice and Insight Corps Leading the Corps 3
Rising First Sergeants Overview What is my role? What am I responsible for? What are the expectations? Practical advice. 4
What is my Role Cadet Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers are responsible for maintaining good order and discipline, instructing those placed under their command and for exercising proper leadership at all times. It is the duty of every Cadet Officer and Non- Commissioned Officer to support the authority of his or her superiors. Duty descriptions for each leadership position in the Corps of Cadets are listed in paragraph 1-4 below. Command and maintenance of good order and discipline rests with the ranking cadet present. Cadet First Sergeant Serves as the senior non commissioned officer in a cadet rifle company. Advises and assist the commander in managing unit activities and exercises general supervision over assigned cadets. Advises and assists the commander in maintaining discipline and standards. Provides guidance to cadets on matters of leadership, military courtesy, personal appearance, and self-discipline. Ensures that all cadet NCOs and Officers set an appropriate example for subordinate cadets. Corrects conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline. Supervises care and upkeep of barracks area. Coordinates and schedules unit functions and duties, leaves and passes and other absences from duty. Directly supervises and assists the training cadre in proper development, guidance, and care of the fourth class. 5
What Am I Responsible For? Accountability Strength and Status Official Reports, Unit Rosters, Orders, etc. Compliance to Standards Holding subordinates and superiors accountable. 4th Class Training and Development COMMUNICATION (Company, Leadership, TAC) 6
Expectations BE THE EXAMPLE!!!!! Know your people, know your people. Know the regulations, follow what you enforce. Support your command team. Be on time, be on time, be on time. Always know events for the current day, and next day. Plan, set goals, for yourself and for your team Never lose control, be in charge, and own your failures and learn from them. Be who you are. Empower your subordinates, involve everyone to give pride to your unit. 7
Practical Advice Keep the goal and vision in mind, and constantly review it Never lose control, all eyes are on you Always back up the commander and your team, question any problems in private Communication is key Do not delegate all of your tasks, challenge yourself Give yourself a break and rest when you are overwhelmed Develop the upperclass as well as knobs Show genuine concern for all classes, not just your class and the knobs Challenges: Peer leadership, criticism from peers, taking initiative, implementing new procedures 8
Worth A Review --First Sergeant-- On LEAD-ing is a short pamphlet written by graduating Class of 2015 junior leaders: CSM, SGMs, and 1SGs Each junior leader provides insights for rising junior leaders by answering three questions: What is your number one take-away from your first 30 days as SGM/1SG? What advice would you share regarding leading your peers? How did you build a strong command team with your commander and NCOs? Find On LEAD-ing at http://www.citadel.edu/root/commandant-ltp/training-resources 9
Final Point/Questions? The First Sergeant role is one of great challenge, and you will not always be appreciated at times, but your unit should know that what you are doing is what is best in mind for the company, battalion, and regiment. With great challenge comes great reward, this position offers a very satisfying feeling towards the final stage, much like now. Your endless work and efforts will culminate into a sense of accomplishment when recognition day arrives and you are beginning the goal setting stage of your senior year position. Stay positive, and be a visionary. Set your goals and vision now, and constantly reflect upon them during the year to ensure that you are charting the proper course. Enjoy the year! 10