Finally promoted!

darkfader

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
  • May 26, 2020
    636
    1,503
    West Virginia
    Well, this is the second time I scored the highest on a promotional exam and this time I finally will be promoted. This department adds seniority points to written test scores for the final promotional list and this time I was able to cover the spread, even being “younger” in my career than some of the other guys. It was a brutal 60 day study period and I put a lot of work into it. I’m looking forward to building my leadership skills and taking on the new responsibilities. Just wanted to share with you guys.
     
    Hi,

    Coming to your work inbox shortly?????

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    Sincerely,
    Theis
     
    Something to ponder on in the future. DONT BE A DICK
    When taking a position of some authority. I have seen it happen too many times and you will be hated and despises and eventually a run off motherfucker.
    remember where you came from and treat people with respect. Unless they done deserve any. Then be a dick
     
    Something to ponder on in the future. DONT BE A DICK
    When taking a position of some authority. I have seen it happen too many times and you will be hated and despises and eventually a run off motherfucker.
    remember where you came from and treat people with respect. Unless they done deserve any. Then be a dick

    The hatred will come from those you jumped in front of usually because they did not invest the effort to get promoted. When I was a no rank GI, I recall E4, 5s, 6s would refer to SNCOs as assholes. I noticed the name callers had lots of TIS/TIG so I decided I wanted to be an asshole.
     
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    What kind of job do you have?

    When I was in the Army, 69-70 in RVN, I got promoted too, from E-3 to E-5 in short order and I did not want that at all as I didn't feel that I was good enough to be a squad leader and I hated the "Lifers" but they were the ones looking out for who was getting shit done and I didn't realize that I was the one doing most of the leading in my squad, I was just trying to take care of my friends, and hoping for the best.
    It was not something I wanted as I knew I was as short term as I could make it, and so did the "Lifers", and I just wanted out of that Lash up and go home as best I could.

    Looking back on it all now, many years later, and going to Reunions and talking to those I served with, I realize those "Lifers" did the right thing, but I hated every second of me being an NCO. I don't think I was Leadership material, but I was what they had to work with.

    My squad all came back to the "World" with 4 wounded, 2 unscathed, but I never had anyone killed, but it was close.

    Some people are geared up to be leaders, and some are not, but they are still good people, they just don't want to lead but do so when it is down to nuts, bollts. and screws.

    It is up to you but, never underestimate what the lower rank and file can do and don't let it go to your head that you are the Boss. I never did.
     
    I appreciate all the replies Gents!
    I hope I didn’t give the wrong impression, I’m not military, however you guys who are or have been will always have my utmost respect. I’m a firefighter and will have 11 years on the job in about 2 weeks. I’m also a paramedic and a Fire Service/EMS instructor as part time jobs.
    I’m not even sure which shift I will go to yet as we had several retirements at the beginning of the year so the entire top of the department structure has changed and a lot of personnel will be shuffled around over the next 60 days.
    Throughout my career here, I have done my best to be a strong team member and create good relationships with all the other guys. I’ve already received a lot of positive feedback since the exam last night and the guys seem to be pretty happy to see me move up. I realize relationships will change from peer to supervisor, but I will make it a priority to practice humility and continue to study the craft so I can develop more command presence and strong leadership skills.
     
    I appreciate all the replies Gents!
    I hope I didn’t give the wrong impression, I’m not military, however you guys who are or have been will always have my utmost respect. I’m a firefighter and will have 11 years on the job in about 2 weeks. I’m also a paramedic and a Fire Service/EMS instructor as part time jobs.
    I’m not even sure which shift I will go to yet as we had several retirements at the beginning of the year so the entire top of the department structure has changed and a lot of personnel will be shuffled around over the next 60 days.
    Throughout my career here, I have done my best to be a strong team member and create good relationships with all the other guys. I’ve already received a lot of positive feedback since the exam last night and the guys seem to be pretty happy to see me move up. I realize relationships will change from peer to supervisor, but I will make it a priority to practice humility and continue to study the craft so I can develop more command presence and strong leadership skills.
    I am leaving in a couple months after thirty years. Always lead from the front, and don't ever demand their respect. Your first six months are going to be your toughest. Resign yourself to working almost the entire shift with no sleep. Show them that they are your primary concern, they are infact and will make or break you. Train with them until your shift is the best not for bragging rights but simply because you want everyone going home in the morning. Be true to yourself and don't bend to others standards. Your leading so do it, embrace it. Love your shift little brother. PS my local is L623 . Drop me a PM if you want a impartial sounding board. FF, UMBC Medic, IC, FSI, FOII,
     
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    Being young and a law enforcement agency isn't very uncommon.....but when I made Sgt. at 24 years old through civil service at my decent sized agency(1000 sworn) I got death threats!

    My first few weeks I really had to set the tone hard because the old heads would not take me seriously....I was put in a position I didn't want to be in dropping the hammer on folks like that...but it was short lived..they got on board quick.

    I am an administrative LT. now....Making Lt. at 30 didn't go over too well either...but that's another story lol

    just remember, do NOT lead by threats, be a mentor, be calm, be concrete, and if you want to be influential, you have to allow your self to be influenced by others.

    congrats bro

    just remember, your not going to change the world...just start with the shift
     
    Well congrats on the promotion. Back in the day I used to teach a shit load of the National Fire Academy fire officer development courses. One of the things I used to emphasize is the responsibilities of looking out for your guys and gals. What the NFA doesn't emphasize enough is who looks out for the well being of the fire officers? Take care of yourself. BTW, the wildland fire side of things has a killer course for new leaders called From Followership to Leadership. Some damn fine tips in that little bit of curriculum.