Everyone knows that the Battalion CSM is the senior NCO within the Battalion. Basically speaking, they keep the Battalion Commander advised of all potential situations, procedures and practices that affect the welfare, morale, job satisfaction and utilization of the Battalion’s enlisted Soldiers. The CSM typically does this through his most valuable asset…the Company level 1SGs. However, the role of the Battalion CSM is much broader than just “dealing with NCO business”. Here is a brief synopsis of the Role of the Battalion CSM.
Professional Development: The Battalion CSM provides education and training resources to the enlisted Soldiers of the Battalion as the leader and adviser of the NCO Development Program. He stays abreast of all new developments and changes to the NCOER procedures and coaches, mentors and assists his subordinate NCOs with respect to professional development. He also focuses on training NCOs on the training management process and how to create effective, performance oriented training.
Policy Development: Everyone is pretty familiar with the “silly” policies that the CSM puts out. Everything from not rolling your sleeves and having to wear your ACH while driving a HMMWV around post is a direct result of the CSM and his policy influence. The CSM constantly makes recommendations to the Battalion Commander regarding assignments, discipline, training, awards and uniform regulations pertaining to the Soldiers within the Battalion. Not only does he help influence the policies of the battalion, but he is also the main enforcer of these standards and policies.
Tactical Functions: The CSM works directly with all staff members in all phases of every mission to ensure that the Commander’s intent is being met. He ensures that SOPs are followed, common sense is applied and provides feedback to the Commander during the planning phase. He also provides expert advice and insight to the staff during planning. During operations, the CSM performs liaison functions, lead advance and quartering parties and supervises actions at breach and fording sites. Lastly, the main function of the Battalion CSM is to identify potential combat technical and tactical deficiencies within the battalion and suggestions for improvement.
Leadership Responsibilities: The main aspect of what the CSM does is receiving tasks from the Battalion Commander and acting to trouble shoot problems. Primarily as a leader, he assists the Commander in maintaining high standards of discipline and conduct. He does so by being the example, insisting that all Soldiers in the Battalion conform to the standards of discipline, dress and knowledge at all times. Lastly, he is concerned with Soldier welfare. He ensures this by being knowledgeable in all aspects such as social welfare, functions and activities and takes part in all social events.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Battalion CSM is essentially the Commander’s eyes and ears. He is dedicated, as the senior NCO in the Battalion, to assisting the Commander in directing the battalion towards the successful accomplishment of the mission through various means. He serves in a multitude of capacities ranging from NCO development, enforcing standards and discipline to mission planning, providing expertise and being a liaison between staff and the Commander.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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Always remember this, there is an “open door policy” everywhere you go. The policy is not for the Soldiers to come and see you, but for you to go out that door and get to know your Soldiers.
CSM Juan Esquivel
Very good advice. Thank you.
I agree, Dan. Our BTN CSM is one of those guys who loves to just be around Soldiers. He hands out coins, asks Soldiers about what they do and takes a general, honest interest in what the “pulse” of the BTN is. I like how you phrased that…
Generally speaking, the CSM is the longest-serving and most experienced Solider in the battalion. (You’ll find occasional exceptions in some of the low-density MOSs, where there may be some E6s or E7s with 20+ years, but not many.) The importance of the advice the CSM provides to the battalion commander cannot be underestimated. Personally I think the CSM should keep a finger on the pulse of the battalion by getting out among the Soldiers as much as possible, and if I’m privileged enough to ever attain that rank, that will be my goal.