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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Newly selected and promoted staff sergeants attended a three-day seminar hosted by 1st Marine Logistics Group sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Richard D. Thresher, Oct. 8-10, 2014. The Staff Sergeant Indoc was designed to reinforce the importance of staff noncommissioned officer responsibilities and covered some of the new challenges the Marines could face.
“Prior to conducting these with Sgt. Maj. Thresher, I had only attended Sergeant’s Course years ago,” said Staff Sgt. G. L. Woods, the Tactical Readiness Training Chief for the 1st MLG. “I believe this is a great precursor to any and all [Professional Military Education courses], especially since this class caters more to what's going on now in the Corps, and we can change our criteria on the spot, as new information comes available.”
Marines considered a variety of subjects that can affect not only their careers, but the careers of the Marines under their charge. Updates on careers road maps, professional military education and financial planning were among the subjects covered. Guided discussions with leadership panels included talks on ethics and leadership philosophies.
“The course has allowed me to stay on track with my Corps Values. All too often, we can get wrapped around, or lose focus on the overall mission,” said Woods. “I gain a wealth of knowledge, make new contacts, get a chance to see how others think, operate, and problem solve.”
SSgt. Jordan S. Massey of Wichita Falls, Texas, has noticed the prestige that comes from wearing the rank of staff sergeant since being promoted Oct. 1. The welder with Maintenance Platoon, Support Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion was already serving as the section leader while he was a sergeant, but is now training to take on the additional duties of a maintenance chief and some of the additional administrative functions of the job.
“One of the biggest things I learned from the course was the realization that as a staff sergeant we are now senior enlisted advisors to young officers and the expectations of SNCOs,” said Massey.
Massey feels that the younger Marines are looking to their SNCOs to set them up for success.
“I find myself being more vocal about my concerns for my Marines and making sure I am setting, not just any example, but the right example,” said Massey who tries to balance an authoritative leadership style with compassion.
Woods had similar concerns when he returned to the operating forces after three years on recruiting duty.
“As a newly promoted staff sergeant, my biggest challenge was staying current with the knowledge of my [military occupational specialty],” said Woods, who was mindful of the pressure to live up to the higher standard he felt had to be almost legendary.
“This training is important because what we stand for is important,” he said. “We are who we are because we are always seeking self-improvement. We don't wait on anyone to tell us we are slipping; we are always raising the bar on ourselves to stay 10 steps ahead of the pack.”
| Date Taken: | 10.10.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 10.23.2014 19:29 |
| Story ID: | 145917 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US |
| Hometown: | WICHITA FALLS, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 67 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, New SSgts get insight from senior enlisted leaders, by MSgt Lynn Kinney, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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