Multi-National Division Baghdad

Story by Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia

By Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia
Multi-National Division-Baghdad

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - Most senior non-commissioned officers in our Army had the benefit of being raised during the Cold War. The reason I say 'benefit' is due in large part of the opportunity they had to learn how to care for and counsel Soldiers through institutional knowledge and day-to-day experiences in a garrison environment.

The time was available because we weren't deploying back-to-back rotations. There were a number of opportunities that presented themselves in the form of training, courses and a longer NCO Education System.

In retrospect, almost all the sergeants in our formation today came into the Army after Sept. 11, 2001. They're institutional knowledge and experience is limited to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operations Enduring Freedom 1, 2, 3, 4 etc...

The only NCO education they have received thus far may have been two weeks of the Warrior Leader Course.

It takes time to generate confident and skilled NCOs. They do not just suddenly appear. Rather, they are developed over time through a carefully designed progression.

So you can plainly see, now more than ever, senior NCOs must commit to teaching, coaching and mentoring to fill the gap of what is missing in our junior NCOs. Empowerment of the junior NCO is critical; NCO induction ceremonies lend themselves as a great tool in laying the foundation of empowerment.

Mentoring is about one-on-one, face-to-face counseling, focused on preparing junior NCOs for increased responsibility. A successful mentor can significantly influence character and values while guiding Soldiers through the fundamentals of basic leadership.

Mentoring requires leaders to look for and take advantage of teaching and coaching moments; opportunities to use routine tasks to build skills and confidence in subordinates. Mentoring should not be limited to formal sessions; every event should be considered a mentoring opportunity. When done correctly, this takes time and our junior NCOs are worth the investment.

Bottom line – empowerment of the junior NCO is critical in our formations and we must invest in their future for the good of our Army.

Control Panel