NCO Business Corporal Academy

Training Objective Task: Understand the roles and responsibilities of a corporal in the context of “NCO Business” Condition: Given a classroom block of instruction Standard: Demonstrate understanding by active participation in class

NCO Business Thirdclass cadets fill the CPL ranks within the South Carolina Corps of Cadets “Corporal” is the first rank in the NCO corps, and as cadet NCOs you will be responsible for most of the functions associated with the day-to-day operation of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets According to the LDP, the outcome for the thirdclass year is “serve” – As CPLs, you will be using your NCO leadership skills to serve others 3

The NCO Corps NCOs are called “the backbone of the Army” – What does that mean and how does it apply to the SCCC? Although NCOs and Officers work together to accomplish the mission, there is an efficient division of labor that designates certain responsibilities as “NCO business” – What responsibilities are traditionally considered “NCO business”? 4

“NCO Business” Taking care of subordinates Individual and small team training (to include physical training) Maintenance and inspection of personnel and equipment Accountability Planning and conducting day-to-day unit operations within prescribed policies and directives Advising the commander on awards and punishments for enlisted soldiers 5

NCO Business and LDP The LDP stage of development for the thirdclass year is “serve” In general terms, how do corporals “serve”?

“NCO Business” and “Serve” What specific ways does a corporal serve when he is “taking care of subordinates”? – Think in terms of their need for information, their health and welfare, and their individual development needs. What specific ways does a corporal serve when she is conducting “individual and small team training”? – Think in terms of CTM and equipping subordinates for success. What specific ways does a corporal serve in the areas of “maintenance and inspection of personnel and equipment”? – Think in terms of knowledge, preparedness, and standards. 7

“NCO Business” and “Serve” What specific ways does a corporal serve while maintaining “accountability”? – Think in terms of “Big A” Accountability. What specific ways does a corporal serve while “conducting day-to-day unit operations within prescribed policies and directives”? – Think in terms of consistency, transparency, and fairness. What specific ways does a corporal serve when “advising the commander on awards and punishments”? – Think in terms of “PRIDE” as a guide to the consequences step of CTM. 8

NCO “Support Channel” The NCO “Support Channel”: – Is the communication and supervision that begins with the command sergeant major, extends through first sergeants and platoon sergeants, and ends with squad sergeants and squad corporals – It parallels, supports, and reinforces the chain of command, but is subordinate to the chain of command – Is used both to pass information and to execute the commander’s orders and get routine jobs done

Corporals and the NCO Support Channel Corporals are on the end of the NCO Support Channel that is closest to the individual cadet How can a corporal use that unique position to contribute in terms of: – Information flow – Rumor control – Compliance – Perspective

Corporals and the NCO Support Channel Corporals are on the end of the NCO Support Channel that is closest to the individual cadet What challenges does that unique position present the corporal in terms of: – Peer pressure – Authority and credibility – Skill and experience – Big picture awareness

What Have You Seen? What is a positive anecdote of a corporal in action that you witnessed or heard about? What is a negative one? What are some characteristics of corporals you admire? Of those who you don’t want to imitate?

Next Session Today we talked about corporals in general and the roles and responsibilities associated with that rank Next time we will talk about the roles and responsibilities associated with the specific corporal duty positions within the SCCC As preparation, review the duty descriptions in the White Book, Chapter 1