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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: Each member
of their unit is trained to competency in their MOS as prescribed in the appropriate
soldiers 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.
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