What's Shaking?
Howdy, folks. This newsletter is just a quick update to spotlight a good article for those of you who are looking for an edge to help you climb up the ranks.
We are also sharing a class Mark developed when he was asked to train Soldiers of the National Guard Trial Defense Services (TDS) earlier this year. The class focuses on counseling tactics, techniques, and procedures. Read on for more--and while you're at it, check out the handy links in the left sidebar that point to our latest articles and Q&A.
We have a couple of big announcements coming right around the corner concerning new site features, new members of our SME Panel, and (as always) new information to help you get your job done and keep you sharp. As always, I'll keep you in the loop as soon as new information is released.
Featured Article
Get promoted in the Army by standing out from the crowd
By Jo B. Rusin
When you first come into the service, getting promoted seems easy. You do your job, and when you have enough time in service, you make E-2, then E-3. But sooner or later, it seems that you get stalled out. Your boss keeps recommending other people for promotion, but not you. What’s the deal? You’re just as good as they are, maybe even better. So how do you get out of this rut?
Just meeting the criteria for promotion is not good enough. You have to be above the standard if you want to get promoted. Average performance and enough time in grade just doesn’t cut it. Take the first step by volunteering for additional responsibility. When your boss says he needs someone to __________(you fill in the blank), even if it’s a crappy job, raise your hand and say, “Sergeant, I’ll do it.” Your pals may poke fun at you, but you have to show the boss that you are willing to do more for the team.
Teamwork is what it’s all about in the military. When you make yourself more of an asset to the team, you make the team more successful. Start by training yourself to max regular skills tests, such as physical fitness (APFT) and marksmanship. Get a military driver’s license. If you already have one, get qualified on every vehicle in your unit. Sometimes getting qualified on larger vehicles may take time, so take the initiative to learn everything about the vehicles in your unit and practice performing preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS) on them. Start by reading the manuals and getting smart on the parts and terms. You will find that once you start learning, other Soldiers and NCOs will be willing to show you, especially since this means they can call on you for help when they need it. If they aren’t willing to help you learn, find someone else who is. In addition to vehicles, get qualified on every weapon in your unit...
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Featured Class
This class was developed by CSM (ret) Mark Gerecht and has been used to train NCOs in a number of Army and National Guard units around the country. This PPT provides the presenter with an effective outline for an in-depth class about counseling tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Agenda: Overview of DA Form 4856, performance counseling, common errors counselors make, suggested actions if you disagree with a counseling, how to appeal a counseling or evaluation, and information about the importance of annotating substandard performance. Please direct comments and questions about the class to Questions@AskTOP.net
[download] Army Counseling TTPs (PPT)
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Thank you for reading!
Preston Fitzgerald
Editor, AskTOP.net
