The sergeant operates in an
environment where the sparks fly. The sergeant can be accurately
described as being where the axe meets the stone. Although not the lowest
level of rank where command is exercised, this level is the first at which
enlisted soldiers are referred to as sergeant, and of all the grades of the
NCO, this one, very possibly, has the greatest impact on the lower ranking
soldiers. Privates, who are the basic manpower strength and grade of the
Army, generally have sergeants as their first NCO leader. It is the grade
sergeant that the privates will look to for example.
Like the next grade, the
staff sergeant, the sergeant is responsible for the individual training,
personal appearance and the cleanliness of their soldiers.
The sergeant is also
responsible for insuring that:
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Each member of their unit
is trained to competency in their MOS as prescribed in the appropriate
soldier’s manual.
-
All government
property issued to members of their unit is properly maintained and
accounted for at all times and discrepancies are promptly reported.
-
While on duty status,
they be ready at all times to report to the location and activity of all
members of their unit.
-
Their unit is trained
to function in its primary mission role.
The authority of the sergeant
is equal to that of any other grade or rank of the NCO. Often, however, a
lack of delegation of authority by superiors improperly limits the
sergeant’s ability to act. Professionally competent leaders inherently
command respect for their authority and the sergeant must be unquestionably
competent in order to carry out the mission correctly, accomplish each task
and care for assigned soldiers.
The rank of sergeant is not a
position for learning how to become a leader, no apprenticeship here. While
certainly the new sergeant will be developing new skills, strengthening old
ones and generally getting better, he is a sergeant!!! and is therefore, no
less a professional than those grades of rank to follow.
|
DUTIES OF A SERGEANT,
U.S. ARMY |