Over the past year I’ve been working slowly towards expanding my own professional and self-development ideas. How do I improve as a Leader, as a Platoon Sergeant, as an NCO, as an Infantryman, and as a Soldier? Introspection has been the driving force behind my journey of becoming better and trying to make those around me better; that’s where writing comes in, it gives me a place to put thoughts to words and words to actions. The Last 100 Yards is a project that I hope will encourage more NCOs to occupy the written realm and help them extend their influence outside of the local unit level.
Tag Archives: NCO
Planning…It’s Your Business Too
An NCO's Role in TLPs
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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
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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.
An Enlisted Perspective
Expectations of a Company Commander from the Ranks
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Perception matters and the perspective of the Soldiers you lead provides insight. How are you being perceived? How do you know what they need from a Company Commander? Who is experienced enough to lend legitimacy to the enlisted perspective? Enter, the Noncommissioned Officer. Every young lieutenant can remember the Noncommissioned Officers who significantly impacted his or her career. When I arrived to my first unit, one week before deployment, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. The leadership and perspective of my NCOs informed my leadership. One NCO in particular gave me even more than I could have expected.
The 8th Army Command Sergeant Major addresses Soldiers at Yongson Garrison, Republic of Korea.