First sergeants serve as backbone of NCO Corps

Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur L. Coleman Jr., III Corps and Fort Hood Command Sergeant Major
Thursday, July 26, 2012

Make no mistake about it: the backbone of the Army is the noncommissioned officer. NCOs enforce the standard, enforce policies, oversee the unit’s training and provide guidance and direction to their Soldiers. They take care of their Soldiers and ensure the mission is accomplished. We are the backbone, because everything that happens in a unit has our fingerprints on it.

But within the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers, one rank more than any other serves as the backbone of the NCO Corps. That rank is the first sergeant.

The first sergeant operates where the rubber meets the road. He or she is at the tip of the spear when it comes to conducting the daily business of the Army. They are where the action is 24/7, 365 days a year.

When an NCO assumes the position of first sergeant, they are instantly viewed as the most professional, most knowledgeable, most motivated and most passionate NCO in the company. They are the standard bearer for the unit. They are revered by those who live the Army Values and feared by those who have not accepted the challenge of adhering to our values.

For those selected to become first sergeants, it will be the actions of that individual that will determine if he or she maintains their

credibility, but the position is sacred and those who wish to take on the responsibilities of a first sergeant must understand what is expected of them and be willing to live up to those expectations.

First sergeants, those who truly epitomize the position, don’t just tell their Soldiers where they can get help for issues they are facing. They try to understand the issues and build a plan of action that will help the Soldier overcome his or her issues. It’s simply not enough for a first sergeant to know the location of programs that are designed to help Soldiers. First sergeants must know how the programs work.

Yes, we ask a lot of our first sergeants. But there is no position more rewarding or more important in the Army. First sergeants can make or break a unit simply by how they conduct themselves on a daily basis. It is for this reason the position of first sergeant must be filled by only the best and most dedicated of noncommissioned officers.

If you are currently serving as a first sergeant, you should be both humbled and proud to serve in this position. You should strive to live up to the expectations of your Soldiers and understand that your Soldiers are looking at you at all times. How you carry yourself, and how you share your knowledge, can and will impact the morale of your Soldiers. Don’t ever become complacent.

For those who endeavor to one day become a first sergeant, remember it is not a position that you can or should fill to simply check the box on your way to another promotion. If that is your motive, you will likely fail. The position of first sergeant should be filled by those who want to make a difference in the lives of Soldiers and their Families. You must have strong shoulders because you will carry an enormous load, not only for your unit, but for our Army, as well.

Phantom Warriors! Army Strong!