Becoming “Top”
What better time to start my regular presence here at VAMC than on the anniversary of when we became a nation?! I’ve signed on to be a regular blogger as I transition from one duty station to another. I’ll take you through the stresses of moving on the Soldier and military family.
Soldiers are some of most nomadic people in America. The average Soldier spends about 2-3 years at a duty station before being reassigned to another location. Sometimes these moves are voluntary and sometimes they are “needs of the Army”. It never fails that your PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders come at the point you get the most comfortable with your job. You spend three years making friends, learning your way around town, finding the local attractions and best places to eat, and raising your kids - then, you’re uprooted. Don’t get me wrong, one of the reasons I joined the Army was to see the world. I kind of enjoy moving around, but I’ll be glad when it’s over. So, where am I in this process?
As of right now, I only know I’m leaving. Probably since I joined the Army and met my first First Sergeant, I’ve wanted to wear the coveted NCO diamond. My favorite jobs in the Army have always put me in positions where I am in charge of Soldiers and entrusted with their care. I love taking care of Soldiers and helping them develop their skills, talents, and leadership abilities and solving their problems. So, it’s no secret that I’m excited that in my next job I take on the title, First Sergeant.
There’s a sort of creed about First Sergeants that we try to live by:
I AM A FIRST SERGEANT
My job is people — Every One is My Business.
I dedicate my time and energy to their needs;
their health, morale, discipline, and welfare.
I grow in strength by strengthening my people.
My job is done in faith; my people build faith.
My job is people –
EVERY ONE IS MY BUSINESS.
The Army describes the First Sergeant this way:
When you are talking about the first sergeant you are talking about the life-blood of the Army. There can be no substitute of this position nor any question of its importance. When first sergeants are exceptional, their units are exceptional, regardless of any other single personality involved. Perhaps their rank insignia should be the keystone rather than the traditional one depicted here. It is the first sergeant at whom almost all unit operations merge. The first sergeant holds formations, instructs platoon sergeants, advises the Commander, and assists in training of all enlisted members. The first sergeant may swagger and appear, at times, somewhat of an exhibitionist, but he is not egotistical. The first sergeant is proud of the unit and, understandably, wants others to be aware of his unit’s success. For the first time, the title of address for this grade is not sergeant, but first sergeant. There is a unique relationship of confidence and respect that exists between the first sergeant and the Commander not found at another level within the Army. In the German Army, the first sergeant is referred to as the “Father of the Company.” He is the provider, the disciplinarian, the wise counselor, the tough and unbending foe, the confidant, the sounding board, everything that we need in a leader during our personal success or failure.
It’s a daunting task taking care of between 60 and 150 troops, depending on the size of the company. It’s one that is not for the feint of heart. Many Master Sergeants don’t even accept the responsibility of First Sergeant because they are close to retirement and don’t want the hassle. I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s something I’ve aspired to my entire time in the Army. Sort of a dream realized.
To be fair to my family, I’m not going to discuss the specifics of where I’m going or exactly when I’ll be there. I’m not even on orders yet. I only have a verbal acknowledgment that the job is mine and could change if some piece of paperwork gets held up along the way. I haven’t been in a truly leadership role for about 4 years and I’m anxiously awaiting “getting back in the fight”. I’m not a good desk jockey. And I’m looking forward to bringing you along for the ride with me. I hope you stick around.
sue
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:41 pmCJ, I’m so proud of you!! Congratulations!!! You sooo deserve this and the men and women who will serve with you are so blessed to have you as their 1st SGT. Bless you and your family and my very best wishes for a very successful time. Love to you my friend.
Sharon M
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:57 pm>
CJ, this is you hands down. Congratulations. I couldn’t be prouder of you!!!!
Sharon
Donna
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:13 pmCJ,
I too want to give you my Congratulations on the promotion. I know that you will do an outstanding job at being First Sergeant! God Bless You and your family as well!!
Deb
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:58 pmCongrats CJ! You will be an awesome 1st SGT!
Terri
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:25 pmCONGRATULATIONS my friend! I’m so proud of you and know that Em and the kids are as well. You’ll be a fantastic 1SG, of that I have NO DOUBT whatsoever. You truly deserve this promotion and I know that you’ll do the title proud!
Love and Hugs,
Terri
Grumpy
July 4th, 2007 at 12:35 amCJ, quite an accomplishment. I think the Army really screwed up and have really done something RIGHT! Herding up cats, nothing, they’re in formation. You’re right, there is time for everything under the sun. It is really strange to look back at my history. 15 years ago, 4 Jul 1992, I wasn’t feeling real great. I decided to stay home and sleep. I was supposed to go to a picnic. I called and canceled out the trip. The people I talked with on that day, had this nagging question in the back of their minds. They talked between themselves and agreed, there was something off, in the way I spoke. It wasn’t all that much time and they were here. They found me in a coma, head in a very small pool of blood, after a massive grand mal seizure. They took me to the hospital. They had them call my family and explained, they didn’t have a great deal of hope. My brother said, “There are two things to remember, 1. He is a very stubborn Irishman. 2. The good die young and he’s here for forever. After 4 days, I woke up. I answered all the questions correctly except one. I answered that one correctly about 2 hours later. A few days later, I would be leaving the hospital after adjusting the beloved meds. This event was important because it was going to be a start of a journey of revelation for context of the past.
CJ, this post has been very helpful to me in understanding you. I now realize just how painful certain events of the recent past were for you. You have done very well, Sir.
Grumpy
Flag Gazer
July 4th, 2007 at 12:43 amCongratulations!
You will be great in this important job!
God Bless You!
Anthony
July 4th, 2007 at 3:58 amCongratulations CJ!
Karen
July 4th, 2007 at 5:12 amCongratulations!!!!! I hope you and your family are headed up my way :)
Carole
July 4th, 2007 at 5:30 amCongratulations CJ!
SK
July 4th, 2007 at 6:30 amCongratulations CJ!! I couldn’t be happier, that one more of your dreams came true. The first, of course, was your beautiful wife :) I’m also happy for those who just got themselves an awesome 1st Sgt! Way to go!!
Maggie45
July 4th, 2007 at 7:33 amCongratulations, Top!!! The men and women under you will be truly blessed, as will your Commander. Smart move on the Army’s part.
CJ
July 4th, 2007 at 9:22 amThank you all for your wonderful compliment. Just because I’m fulfilling a dream of mine doesn’t necessarily mean I’m going to make a great First Sergeant. I won’t willingly fail, but I like to put the horse before the cart.
Grumpy, thanks for sharing that story. You’re a motivator whether you know it or not. My prayers are will you and I’m here if you ever need anything.
Chrisntx
July 4th, 2007 at 10:23 amCJ Congratulations. I have know doubt you will make a great First Sergeant. Will keep you and your lovely family in our prayers as you make this transition to your new duty station.
J. Mraz
July 4th, 2007 at 10:54 amCongratulations 1SG. Help those new platoon leaders along as best you see fit. Help them before the Commander “helps” them help themselves. ;) They’ll appreciate your guidance and patience if they’re the type to listen to wisdom. Trust me, I know.
Kathi
July 4th, 2007 at 11:33 amCongratulations!
And wishing a Happy 4th, to you and your family!
Great to see you posting here.
PJ
July 4th, 2007 at 11:58 amHi CJ,
Happy to have you back on a blog again. I made some life/job changes recently too, and I know it’s not easy. You’ve got a terrific and suppostive family and of course you are a young capable guy so I know you’ll do very well. God bless you, and keep in touch with us.
PJ
Grumpy
July 4th, 2007 at 4:47 pmHi CJ,
You have done everything you really can do for me. I have a rather extensive vocabulary, I can access most of the time. But, on some subjects, I’m not able to tap the right words, in fact in some cases, I don’t even believe the right words even exist. Like I said before, I’m stubborn, lets try. You have been extremely helpful and motivational to this “Grumpy” old vet. About your prayers, the prayers of the warrior are extremely important. Over the years, I’ve found myself in prayer, but not talking TO HIM, but talking WITH HIM. The prepositional change is an important difference. I would be the worst liar in the world, if I said your name had not come up in our chats. This would also include your family and your unit. GODSPEED, MY FRIEND.
Grumpy
wordsmith
July 4th, 2007 at 6:04 pmCongratulations, CJ! I can’t think of anyone else who epitomizes everything I would want in an American soldier, let alone one who exemplifies all the best qualities of a true leader. Good luck and Godspeed!
devildog6771
July 11th, 2007 at 2:01 pmCongratulations C.J.. I think you will be an excellent 1stSgt.. I wish you and your family the best. Be safe!
Tracy
July 11th, 2007 at 9:20 pmCongrats CJ!!!