Soldier Stories
Served in the military? Discuss your time and experiences here.
Hosted by Dave Willett
Rank NCO vs. CO
staff_Jim
Staff MemberPublisher
KITMAKER NETWORK
Visit this Community
New Hampshire, United States
Member Since: December 15, 2001
entire network: 12,571 Posts
KitMaker Network: 4,397 Posts
Posted: Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 07:04 AM UTC
Ok...I am sure new recruits love this question. Where do higher NCO ranks like SFC or Sgt. Majors rank in the command structure. In other words can a Second LT. give orders to a Sgt. Major? I wouldn't think so, but I was curious how it works.

Thanks,
Jim
GunTruck
Visit this Community
California, United States
Member Since: December 01, 2001
entire network: 5,885 Posts
KitMaker Network: 1,405 Posts
Posted: Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 07:20 AM UTC
Well, in the Air Force, our Squadron's Chief Master Sergeant had a 2LT, LT, and even a Captain working for him by all accounts. The Squadron Section Commander (a Major) didn't mess around with The Chief either. When the Chief and the Major retired (around the same time) I could never bring myself to call him by his first name - but had no problem calling the Major by his first name...

Seriously, the lowest Officer Rank gives orders to the highest NCO Rank - though the higher the NCO the "softer" the tone of direction usually is from the low-ranking Officer. There are always exceptions to this military custom from those not yet initiated...

Gunnie
kkeefe
Visit this Community
Massachusetts, United States
Member Since: May 12, 2002
entire network: 1,416 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 08:23 AM UTC
As a former Army Infantry SSG (Staff Sergeant), with absolutely nothing against the O levels...

CSM (Command Sergeant Major) = God... SGM (Sergeant Major) = Assistant God,
1SG (First Sergeant) = St. Peter. All others follow suit.

In my experience, a 2nd Lt. would 'listen' to his ranking NCOs. Gets a bit more difficult as the Os get up there tho, because the experience levels ie: years in service, start to level out.

But technically a 2nd Lt can order a CSM or SGM, and the 2nd Lt must be addressed as "Sir".

Being assigned to the S-3 (Operations) in my later years, I had no problems in dealing with or being around Senior NCOs or Junior/Senior Officers. It actually would get me in to the O club (in uniform) quite often.


Thanks,
Kevin Keefe
Mortars in Miniature
kkeefe
Visit this Community
Massachusetts, United States
Member Since: May 12, 2002
entire network: 1,416 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 08:30 AM UTC
P.S.

Actually Jim, I'm kind of uncomfortable 'wearing' these "railroad tracks". Would you happen to have any (permanent) SSG stripes laying around? Would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Kevin Keefe
Mortars in Miniature
Sabot
Member Since: December 18, 2001
entire network: 12,596 Posts
KitMaker Network: 2,557 Posts
Posted: Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 09:54 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Ok...I am sure new recruits love this question. Where do higher NCO ranks like SFC or Sgt. Majors rank in the command structure. In other words can a Second LT. give orders to a Sgt. Major? I wouldn't think so, but I was curious how it works.

Thanks,
Jim



Second Lieutenants can give orders to any enlisted man, non-commissioned officer or warrant officer. They in turn, refer to the lieutenant as "sir" and must salute him. Usually, senior non-commissioned officers work for a more senior officer and is his representative to the enlisted men. For example, a sergeant first class (E-7) works as the platoon sergeant for a second lieutenant who is the platoon leader. The first sergeant (E-8) works for the captain who is the company commander. A sergeant major or a command sergeant major (E-9) works for a lieutenant colonel who is the battalion commander. Command sergeants major also work for brigade commanders (colonels), division commanders (major generals), corps commanders (lieutenant generals), etc.

Where it gets fuzzier is with the warrant officer ranks (W01-MW5). A Chief Warrant Officer 4(CW4) and a Master Warrant Officer (MW5) are treated like field grade officers (major, lieutenant colonel, colonel) but are still out ranked by second lieutenants.

As an 04 (major) commander, I have a sergeant major, but he's not a command sergeant major. He does reap benefits on the air force base we live on and he has nicer quarters than I do. He's a good man and we work well together. He does know who the boss is and when I'm away (like now), I leave my Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) in command, not the sergeant major.

Disclaimer: If this question was answered in error, or an answer not required/expected/wanted, please notify me and I will delete the post. This post is not intended as an attack on any persons posting prior to or after this post. Please feel free to disregard/disbelieve/discount any information contained in the post.
wangman7
Visit this Community
United States
Member Since: May 20, 2002
entire network: 10 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 11:13 AM UTC
Very good responses!!

Sabot is a little more sterile and by the book in his description.

Keith and Gunnie give more of a real world slant to it. Hopefully the 2LT’s pier group and training has clued them in on effective listening techniques.

A ‘wise’ young Lieutenant will listen to the ‘advise’ of the experienced NCO. Remember: One of the most dangerous things in the Army is a 2LT with a compass.

I have survived good and bad working relationships with young officers. And being prior enlisted doesn’t always help with attitudes. Either they remember their roots or figure it’s their chance to dish it out. I have to respect the rank, I don’t have to respect the man.



What’s with all the disclaimers? Too thinned skin, can’t be trusted to act semi sensibly? It all started with the warnings on my 2 liter pop bottles. What happened to common sense and adult judgment?

Can’t hurt my feelings, I ain’t got none- just an old grumpy NCO.
Sabot
Member Since: December 18, 2001
entire network: 12,596 Posts
KitMaker Network: 2,557 Posts
Posted: Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 01:42 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Very good responses!!

Sabot is a little more sterile and by the book in his description.

Keith and Gunnie give more of a real world slant to it. Hopefully the 2LT’s pier group and training has clued them in on effective listening techniques.

A ‘wise’ young Lieutenant will listen to the ‘advise’ of the experienced NCO. Remember: One of the most dangerous things in the Army is a 2LT with a compass.

I have survived good and bad working relationships with young officers. And being prior enlisted doesn’t always help with attitudes. Either they remember their roots or figure it’s their chance to dish it out. I have to respect the rank, I don’t have to respect the man.

What’s with all the disclaimers? Too thinned skin, can’t be trusted to act semi sensibly? It all started with the warnings on my 2 liter pop bottles. What happened to common sense and adult judgment?

Can’t hurt my feelings, I ain’t got none- just an old grumpy NCO.


Some people get flustered when I answer their questions, hence the disclaimer.

When I was a first lieutenant, we had a really "ate-up" second lieutenant. He used to get locked up by the first sergeant all the time. It didn't do any good and he would complain to me since I was the executive officer. I told him Top's a$$ chewings were free and good for him. The company commander's a$$ chewings would cost him on his efficiency report. The other lieutenants in the company couldn't straighten him out either and he was eventually fired from several jobs in the battalion before being kicked out after failing to make first lieutenant (the system does work).

Yes, although lieutenants (and captains) do outrank sergeants major, they do best to listen to the senior non-commissioned officers. In the armed services, it is position of authority, not rank that truly matters. A captain is just a captain unless he's a company commander, the same goes for any other officer rank with the exception of general officers. They are generals after all.

Welcome aboard Wangman7, I was a former enlisted man in the National Guard before I was commissioned many years ago. I haven't forgotten my roots.

Disclaimer: If this question was answered in error, or an answer not required/expected/wanted, please notify me and I will delete the post. This post is not intended as an attack on any persons posting prior to or after this post. Please feel free to disregard/disbelieve/discount any information contained in the post.
wangman7
Visit this Community
United States
Member Since: May 20, 2002
entire network: 10 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Friday, November 22, 2002 - 12:53 AM UTC
Thanks Sabot,

Ya, I remember career death by OER. Your work, social and private life is subject to the OER. I grew up an Army brat and thought that was stupid then too. At least your NCOER wasn’t influenced too much my by your behavior at NCO call, unless you threw up on the 1SG or CSM.

Haven’t hear ‘ate-up’ in years. Brings a smile every time I hear it. Flash backs?

You ask the questions and you takes your chances.
“You can’t handle the truth!”
BroAbrams
Visit this Community
Washington, United States
Member Since: October 02, 2002
entire network: 1,546 Posts
KitMaker Network: 494 Posts
Posted: Monday, November 25, 2002 - 05:10 AM UTC
Jim can you see why I would prefer CSM over a commission.

Rob
Dubanka
Visit this Community
Alabama, United States
Member Since: June 29, 2002
entire network: 152 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Monday, November 25, 2002 - 02:19 PM UTC

Quoted Text



At least your NCOER wasn?t influenced too much my by your behavior at NCO call, unless you threw up on the 1SG or CSM.



I've been an NCO since 92, and with the exception of my Spur induction ceremony and yearly Armor Balls, I've never seen an NCO call that involved alcohol. NCO calls have been replaced with NCOPD (NCO professional development) This involves all of the company or battalion's NCO's getting together after 1600 and learning something by watching a powerpoint calss that took someone about 12 hours to make......the Army has changed a lot my friend......

John
kkeefe
Visit this Community
Massachusetts, United States
Member Since: May 12, 2002
entire network: 1,416 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 07:01 AM UTC

Quoted Text

....I grew up an Army brat....



Same here. Dad retired as a CWO4 (40 years, one of the original Americal Division Members), and Ma was a 1st Lt. WAC. Ma's previous was killed on the beach at Anzio.

I was the only one of three sons (youngest) to be physically fit enough to go in.

Thanks,
Kevin Keefe
Mortars in Miniature
StUkaWang
Visit this Community
Singapore / 新加坡
Member Since: January 02, 2003
entire network: 28 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Friday, January 10, 2003 - 06:10 AM UTC
Over here,
as a junior NCO I call my CSMs and the rest of the senior NCOs the english equivalent of "Uncle" or "father" because they're the old farts and they know more stuff then any of those half baked 2LTs.
honestly, i rather follow my CSM than my platoon commander. i don't even salute him nowadays....
Paul160
Visit this Community
United Kingdom
Member Since: January 07, 2003
entire network: 102 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Friday, January 10, 2003 - 07:53 AM UTC
i never once saw a bottom of thge rung officer tell our RSM (regimental sergeant major)what to do. I think most of the time they treat each other with equal respect. i think alot of the time its asking each other and not comanding each other. That being said my RSM was the scariest man i ever met, and if i was a alowly officer i would have listened to him.

Cheers,
Paul B.
Epi
Visit this Community
Texas, United States
Member Since: December 22, 2001
entire network: 3,586 Posts
KitMaker Network: 453 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 05:32 AM UTC
I see alot of responses from active duty guys here. Well, I did start out active duty for 6 years, but now I am in the Guard. Here is my little tid bit that I have observwed since I've been in the Guard. What all the guys said is true, but what Ive seen in the Guard, you still have to respect the rank, but a majority of the respect comes from the experince. The guys that have been on active duty before tend to get a little more respect than the guys that have been in the Guard there whole military carreer. There has bben numerous times that I, a Specialist, has been put in charge or asked advice from several of our new 2LT and even Cadets that drill with us, based on my active duty service. But you still have to respect the rank.
Still, Robs explination was hit right on the nose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I like how Kevin put it, CSM=GOD!!!!!! #:-)
I think of a 2LT like Specialist or and E5 Buck Sargent. You get the best of both worlds, you get treated like lower enlisted most of the time, but you also get the privalige of having some power.
Hollowpoint
Visit this Community
Kansas, United States
Member Since: January 24, 2002
entire network: 2,748 Posts
KitMaker Network: 841 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 01:20 AM UTC
Pete's post reminded me of my time in the Guard after many years of active duty. WAR STORY ALERT!

I was working a good chunk of the summer at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, as the supply sergeant for the Officer Candidate School. Even though I was only a staff sergeant, I was often looked to for answers to questions abut the "real Army" as well as practical soldiering tips (I learned a lot in my four years with the light infantry).

One day I was coming out of the Military Clothing Sales Store with a few of my soldiers when we noticed a group of newly-commissioned ROTC second lieutenants coming down the road. They noticed us and, acting like a bunch of ate-up, grabass privates, crossed the street to avoid returning our salutes. I turned around, put on my "game face," went up to them, stopped them and explained the significance of the salute and that they were setting a bad example for my soldiers. They were fairly dumbfounded by my actions and stammered an apology as I snapped to attention, saluted, waited for them to return it, then did an about face and double-timed back to my soldiers. During the entire episode, I managed to maintain a proper level of respect, military bearing, professionalism and tact.
(For those of you who wonder what "tact" is, it's telling someone to f*** off and having them walk away smiling.)

I've sometimes wondered how many times one of those louies used my lecture on a salute-avoiding subordinate after that day?

I got a million second lieutenant stories. Like most critters, they're so cute when they're little ...
1stsgt
Visit this Community
Louisiana, United States
Member Since: January 26, 2003
entire network: 173 Posts
KitMaker Network: 114 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 01:16 PM UTC
after 22 years of fun and travel to strange and exotic lands, i always had trouble following and taking orders from "KIDS". my last tour pair me with "LT" and i kept calling him "The Kid", he reported me to my CO, who in turn told him that 5 good NCO's can do more good then an entire class of West Pointers. One other if you are a guardsman be very proud of your status. Remember you are the best.

1stsgt (retired and still alive)
kkeefe
Visit this Community
Massachusetts, United States
Member Since: May 12, 2002
entire network: 1,416 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 03:40 PM UTC

Quoted Text


1stsgt (retired and still alive)



"Top",

Welcome aboard!
warlock0322
Visit this Community
North Carolina, United States
Member Since: January 13, 2003
entire network: 1,036 Posts
KitMaker Network: 152 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 11, 2003 - 05:08 PM UTC
The queston raised is an interesting one. Of course an Officer can give an order to any enlisted rank being a Senior NCO or other. After reading some of the responses I noticed that some of majority were either Army or Air Force. I personally cannot speak of how those Officers treated or got treated by by Senior Nco's, but speaking as a former Marine The SGT MAJ was God and feared more by the enlisted men than any Officer below Captain.
The 2nd LT would tell the SGT MAJ what he (the 2nd LT) was tasked to do or what his superiors wanted done ( that was the order) ask, not tell or order him to do it. He would say Aye Aye sir and the ball rolled down from there.
The lessons we learned from this in the commands I served in was. The junior officers were figureheads and the NCO's did all the work with the only credit coming from a grateful young officer. ( The figurehead remark come from a young LT not me).
That just my take on the question from personal experiance.
sgtreef
Visit this Community
Oklahoma, United States
Member Since: March 01, 2002
entire network: 6,043 Posts
KitMaker Network: 1,603 Posts
Posted: Friday, February 14, 2003 - 12:56 AM UTC
Yes have to agree The Sgt Major Ruled at least in my units. Matter of a fact the Sgt Major saved my &ss from the Lt Colonel on more then one occassion!! Ole Sgt Major Strickland. Just as my Top did from the Co. And the Major was cool as hell for a Major
blaster76
Visit this Community
Texas, United States
Member Since: September 15, 2002
entire network: 8,985 Posts
KitMaker Network: 2,270 Posts
Posted: Monday, March 17, 2003 - 09:49 PM UTC
As a young second LT I had an E-7 and an E-6 look out after my ass. God love em. Problem was, there was a West Point top 5 percenter when I got the silver bar and moved to staff, and that was it for me..had the option to leave and I took it. Ring knockers and the West Point Protective Society were in full swing during the late 70's
Manchu34
Visit this Community
Missouri, United States
Member Since: March 08, 2002
entire network: 493 Posts
KitMaker Network: 82 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 10:24 AM UTC
Wanted to add my two cents worth to this thread. First off Officers talk to GOD. The Sergeant is GOD!!

I retired after 21 1/2 years in the US Army (reserves and active duty) Infantry and Brigade and battalion S2 and S3 staff positions . Yes, all officers, to include a butter bar (2LT) had to be saluated, respected, and follow their orders. However, to make an unit outstanding requires a partnership between the officers and NCOs. The officers had the command authority while the NCOs had the experience and knowledge.

It had been my experience, the great officers would usually in many cases seek advice from their NCO. I.E. LT would listen to the Platoon Sergeants (SSG/SFC). Captains to 1SG, etc. They would allow theie NCOs to done NCO business and not interfer.

War story alert!! To expand on what I mean is, I had a 1LT who thought he was GOD! I think part of that was because he was a West Pointer. However, this LT refused to listen to any of us NCOs to include the Plt. Sergeant. Heck he even tried to micro-manage the duties of his NCOs. Needless to say, we (NCOs) repelled against him and only did the minimum required of us. This attitude only lasted about a month. After he kept receiving a@@ chewing from the his peers, the CO and higher, he learnt that he had to work with his NCOs and not against them.
Manchu34
Visit this Community
Missouri, United States
Member Since: March 08, 2002
entire network: 493 Posts
KitMaker Network: 82 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 10:25 AM UTC
Wanted to add my two cents worth to this thread. First off Officers talk to GOD. The Sergeant is GOD!!

I retired after 21 1/2 years in the US Army (reserves and active duty) Infantry and Brigade and battalion S2 and S3 staff positions . Yes, all officers, to include a butter bar (2LT) had to be saluated, respected, and follow their orders. However, to make an unit outstanding requires a partnership between the officers and NCOs. The officers had the command authority while the NCOs had the experience and knowledge.

It had been my experience, the great officers would usually in many cases seek advice from their NCO. I.E. LT would listen to the Platoon Sergeants (SSG/SFC). Captains to 1SG, etc. They would allow theie NCOs to done NCO business and not interfer.

War story alert!! To expand on what I mean is, I had a 1LT who thought he was GOD! I think part of that was because he was a West Pointer. However, this LT refused to listen to any of us NCOs to include the Plt. Sergeant. Heck he even tried to micro-manage the duties of his NCOs. Needless to say, we (NCOs) repelled against him and only did the minimum required of us. This attitude only lasted about a month. After he kept receiving a@@ chewing from the his peers, the CO and higher, he learnt that he had to work with his NCOs and not against them.
kayelbe
Visit this Community
Arizona, United States
Member Since: May 21, 2002
entire network: 50 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, April 01, 2003 - 05:01 PM UTC
kind of an old thread, but just have to add my $.02!

I'm active duty US Navy, (E5/PO2) and in the Navy, it is a little different than you might expect.
Our NCO's, for those that don't know, are called "Chief's" (Chief, Senior Chief, Master Chief).The role of the Chief is to "train" the Junior Officers. Usually, the Division (for example: Main Propulsion Division, Electrical Division, etc.) has a DivO (usually an ensign or LT junior grade ) and a division Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO). The LCPO controls your work schedule, but the DIVO relays the Dept Head's orders.

Now, my funny story.
While at recruit training in Orlando, FL, the base's command master chief (CMC--like a CSM I guess) was walking with a few other CPO's when they happened upon a small group of 22 year-old Academy grads whose only sea-time involved flushing. When ol' Master Chief Konopka passed them one young ensign called him out:
"Say Master Chief! You know you are supposed to salute me?"
Master Chief walked over to him calmly, and glared at him for a moment. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a quarter and flipped into the ensign's chest. As he turned and walked away, and without a second glance said:
"Take that F***ing quarter, call your mama and tell her you met a REAL SAILOR today"

AndersHeintz
Visit this Community
Texas, United States
Member Since: March 05, 2002
entire network: 2,250 Posts
KitMaker Network: 266 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, April 01, 2003 - 06:28 PM UTC

Quoted Text

"Say Master Chief! You know you are supposed to salute me?"
Master Chief walked over to him calmly, and glared at him for a moment. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a quarter and flipped into the ensign's chest. As he turned and walked away, and without a second glance said:
"Take that F***ing quarter, call your mama and tell her you met a REAL SAILOR today"



LOL!! I love it, absolutely love it!!
Vihuri
Visit this Community
Queensland, Australia
Member Since: March 29, 2003
entire network: 39 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 09:11 PM UTC
Certainly have to agree with Manchu on that one. My last Troop Commander was exactly the same. He was the micro-manager from hell. Throught he could do everything. It didnt help that he couldnt organise his time either. That left paperwork siting on his desk for weeks- important stuff for the diggers like short leave apps and the like. In the end it began to have an effect on the moral of the troop.
Finally we, the NCOs, had to sit down as a group with him and basically had a b*tch session, letting him know in no uncertain terms what was wrong with the troop and how it could be fixed. Thankfully he was man enough to take it all in and things eventually improved.