BOISE, Idaho - Idaho Army National Guard sergeants from across the state gathered on Gowen Field Sept. 9 - 10, for a junior leader development course aimed at providing them with tools to become successful military leaders.
This is the first time the course was offered to junior leaders of the Idaho Army National Guard. Soldiers that attended gained a better understanding of how to handle situations they face as leaders, such as training management, future planning and Soldier management and care.
"I thought the training was important. The focus was from the sergeant's perspective, how we can help our Soldiers who are having problems," said Sgt. William Jarrett, from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion.
Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Elgan, in collaboration with several unit sergeant majors, created the course to assist units in providing useful information to Soldiers that they may not receive during regular training.
"We gave them tools so they can show up to drill and start performing better," said Elgan, Idaho Army National Guard Command Sergeant Major.
The first day of training consisted of presentations from senior leaders throughout the organization who spoke to Soldiers on topics that included duties and leadership, the enlisted promotion system, the blended retirement system, family programs and individual training.
On the second day, sergeant majors held an open forum that gave Soldiers the opportunity to ask questions and voice their concerns. The forum was an open discussion between the junior leaders and sergeant majors that hoped to gain awareness of pre existing issues, and suggestions for how to improve Soldier quality of life.
"I really liked that when it came to the questions and answers portion, that the sergeant majors did everything they could to answer questions directly and find the root cause of the problems," said Jarrett. "They were honestly looking for answers and trying to make things better."
Junior leaders, in the rank of sergeant, hold the position of team leader and are in charge of multiple Soldiers on their team. Senior leaders depend on these leaders to facilitate training while at home, and ensure the fighting force is mentally and physically ready to deploy.
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