Hitting the Mark

Teaching Unit Level Marksmanship

Marksmanship in the Army is continually evolving, and everyone seems to be an “expert.”  Leaders at all levels tend to limit their teaching to the TTPs that they think work best. Individuality has its benefits, but we can’t rely on a “shooter’s preference” mentality when teaching marksmanship. Don’t become the NCO who says “this is how I did it,” or “this is how I was taught.” Learn the standard and know the doctrine. We need to balance hard-earned experience with an understanding of our constantly developing profession. TTPs and personal experience makes NCOs stronger as teachers and trainers. But if they aren’t built on a strong doctrinal foundation, we are setting our soldiers and future NCOs up for failure.

Soldiers with 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, prepare to qualify on the M240 and M249 in South Korea, Jan. 25, 2019. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Alon Humphrey)

Planning…It’s Your Business Too

An NCO's Role in TLPs

If your company were to mobilize today, are the squad leaders ready? The future of war may require squads to work independently to exploit fleeting gaps in the enemy’s capabilities. As NCOs in today’s Army, some leaders have grown accustomed to recognizing “NCO business” and “Officer business,” rather than Leader business. Are you prepared, not only to execute, but to plan and execute the mission?

Sgt. 1st Class Fernando Gonzalez directs the movement of his platoon outside Combat Outpost Zormat in Afghanistan’s Paktya province, May 30, 2012. Gonzales is assigned to the 25th Infantry Division’s Company D, 3rd Battalion, Airborne, 509th Infantry Regiment. Photo Retrieved from U.S. DOD Website.

Introducing Sergeant’s Time

An Invitation for NCOs to Write and Contribute, by Harlan Kefalas

Effective writing is critical to an NCO’s success. It is a critical component of the Non-Commissioned Officer Education System (NCOES). Effective writing is an evaluated skill at both the Master Leader Course (MLC) and Basic Leader Course (BLC). This is for good reason; counseling, awards, and evaluations are just a few of the writing responsibilities championed by our Sergeants and the NCO Corps. If you want to get better at writing, write more. Sergeant’s Time is your invitation to write more and contribute.