Download the full publication here: No. 25-04 (912), First 100 Days NCO (Apr 25) [PDF - 6.5 MB]
Introduction
Welcome to the Frontlines of Leadership
As you join the ranks of the noncommissioned officers (NCOs), you are about to embark on a challenging and rewarding journey. You are not just stepping into a new role; you are stepping into a legacy that stretches back to the very foundations of the U.S. Army. This isn't just a promotion, it is a call to lead, inspire, and make a difference.
Your First 100 Days: Laying the Foundation for Greatness
The first 100 days of being a leader are crucial. This is your time to build a solid foundation for your leadership experience. This handbook is your guide, packed with essential information and insights into the leadership requirements model and the six core NCO competencies and all the other basics you need to know as a junior leader.
How this Handbook is Organized
This handbook will take you through an overview of what other Soldiers and superiors expect from you as you move from being a follower to a leader in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 discusses the six NCO core competencies (DO) and attributes (BE and KNOW) you must possess taken from both from the Army leadership requirements model and the Six NCO Common Core Competencies. Chapter 3 and 4 will cover the leader attributes (BE and KNOW), while Chapter 5 discusses the leader and NCO competencies (DO). Chapter 6 provides a roadmap to success in your first 100 days. Lastly, this handbook provides a Leader’s Book outline, a checklist for your first 100 days, and a reference list for further study on the various topics covered in this publication.
Four Takeaways from this Handbook
You probably have plenty of expectations, and maybe a little bit of anxiousness now that you are assuming a leadership position. You are not alone in having expectations; you will soon find that everyone else expects more from you as well. Here are four key expectations from your subordinates and your superiors that you should understand:
- Your Soldiers and superiors expect you to lead by example in all things. This is not simply telling Soldiers what to do, it is about showing them. Your actions speak louder than any order. When a Soldier is unsure of what they should be doing, they should need only to look to you to guide them. If they do what you are doing, they should be right. That means that you must be doing what is right, always.
- You are not “one of the crew” anymore. You are no longer evaluated solely on your individual performance. As a leader, your leaders now hold accountable for the performance, discipline, and welfare of your Soldiers. This means taking ownership of the performance, both good and bad, and accepting responsibility for the outcomes.
- Learn from your mistakes. Mistakes are inevitable, especially as you navigate the complexities of leadership. However, it is not the mistake itself that defines you, but your response to it. Your leaders expect you to view errors as learning opportunities. After any setback, take the time to honestly assess what went wrong to identify root causes. Then fix the problem so you do not repeat the mistake again.
- Continuously Develop. The Army is constantly evolving and so must its leaders. Your leaders expect you to be a lifelong learner, dedicated to honing your skills and expanding your knowledge. This means honing your skills and knowledge on doctrine and tactics for yourself and developing your Soldiers.
Understanding and meeting these four expectations will not guarantee your success as a leader. However, failing to meet just one of them will most certainly ensure you will not be a great leader.
NCOs: The Army's Powerhouse
From the earliest days of American military history, NCOs have been the backbone of the Army. NCOs are the disciplinarians, the standard-bearers, the small unit leaders, master trainers, developers, and educators. Foreign militaries look to the U.S. Army's NCO Corps with envy, recognizing the power of empowering junior leaders to make critical decisions in the heat of the moment.
Get Ready to Lead
So, buckle up, because your journey as a leader is about to begin. You are part of a proud tradition. The future of the Army is in your hands!
Social Sharing