The Ocean State Guardian - Winter 2010

NCO Leadership: “The way ahead” part III
The senior NCO
By Command Sgt. Maj. John J. McDonough IV, 5th State Command Sergeant Major, RIARNG
In parts I and II of this article, I have
talked about our junior NCOs—the
sergeant and staff sergeant. I outlined my
priorities and discussed my expectations.
I now focus on our sergeants fi rst class.
The sergeant fi rst class commonly
serves as the platoon sergeant at the
company level, or serves as a special
staff NCO, and is expected to embody
all the traits of a leader. Watching a
successful platoon sergeant operate
on a daily basis is to see the execution
of a variety of skills developed through
many years of experience, specifi cally
skill levels 1 through 4. The sergeant
fi rst class trains the platoon or section
in their collective tasks; checks maintenance;
monitors morale and welfare
of his/her Soldiers and their families;
develops subordinates; trains the
junior offi cers assigned to your platoon/
section, and on and on. My point:
you are the seasoned veteran. You
have acquired skills necessary to lead
Soldiers and manage resources at the
platoon, company and battalion level.
The sergeant fi rst class, or E7, is the
fi rst level at which the term “senior NCO”
As we enter the holiday season, I want to take a couple
of minutes to say thank you. As we close out Fiscal Year
2010 and begin a new year, the Rhode Island Army National
Guard is in excellent shape as we remain a relevant, ready
and reliable force. Through the hard work of every one, we
attained our end strength goal for FY-10 and are on a very
good glide path to attain our goal for FY-11.
Our preparedness for state emergencies has never
been better. The relationships we have built with our state
and federal partners are tremendous and continue to
strengthen. This became evident as Hurricane Earl came
barreling up the East Coast threatening the infrastructure
and citizens of Rhode Island. Once again, the Rhode Island
National Guard was called to state active duty. This was
accomplished fl awlessly with both Army and Air personnel
responding. Although the hurricane nearly missed Rhode
properly applies. The platoon sergeant or
sergeant fi rst class generally has 15 to 18
years or more of military experience and
is rightfully expected to bring that experience
to bear in quick, accurate decisions
in the best interest of the mission and the
Soldier. You will have completed Warrior
Leader Course, Basic NCO, and be
preparing for or enrolled in the Advanced
NCO Course. These military courses are
required for promotion to either master
sergeant or fi rst sergeant.
You as a senior NCO are responsible
for the development of those sergeants
and staff sergeants which you lead.
Ensure that they enroll in the proper
training at fi rst opportunity. It is your
responsibility to show new lieutenants
“what right looks like.” Most successful
fi eld grade offi cers will tell you they
attribute their success to the training
and mentorship they received from their
platoon sergeant as a junior offi cer.
You are the standard bearer.
Reiterate and enforce Army standards
with your junior NCOs. Challenge them
with greater responsibility and hold them
accountable. Don’t let our sergeants
Commander’s Column
develop bad
habits or take
shortcuts that
jeopardize safety or mission accomplishment.
Promulgate the commander’s
intent; ensure that it’s understood,
and that all resources are focused on
the achievement of those objectives.
Support and encourage physical fi tness
programs and good nutrition. Watch
for substance abuse issues and fi nancial
problems; beware of signifi cant
emotional events which could adversely
affect the Soldier, their family and the
unit. When issues occur, intervene,
assist and direct the Soldier to the best
resource to resolve the issue.
Be that senior NCO which all junior
NCOs wish to emulate. Set the example.
Approach decisions with maturity, fairness,
impartiality, and exercising good
judgment. The sergeant fi rst class has
enormous responsibility and massive
authority. Those that master these skills
will go on to master sergeant. Others
may become the father of the organization—the
fi rst sergeant.
Island, it proved without a doubt that
the Soldiers and Airmen of the Rhode
Island National Guard stand ready.
All of this has been taking place
while we are preparing to deploy
some 800 men and women in support of Operations New
Dawn and Enduring Freedom. None of this can be accomplished
without your hard work, dedication, and the support
of your families. For this, the entire command group of the
Rhode Island National Guard is forever grateful.
Again, as we enter the holiday season, I want to say
thank you, wishing you and your family the very best for a
joyous and safe season.
Brig. Gen. Brian Goodwin
Assistant Adjutant General for Army and
Deputy Commanding General, Rhode Island National Guard
Winter 2010 / Rhode Island National Guard 3