United States Marine CorpsPlatoon Sergeant
Feb. 2010 - Feb. 2018As the highest ranking noncommissioned officers, sergeants are the backbone of the Marine Corps. They are the main link between each marine and the organization's leadership, and they are responsible for implementing the policies and orders given by officers. This requires sergeants to manage the day-to-day activities of marines within the boundaries of the policies set by their superior officers. While officers are in charge of deciding what needs to be done, it is usually up to sergeants to determine how it must be done. Sergeants respond directly to their commanding officer for the performance of their marines, and must therefore ensure the members of their unit are properly motivated to perform their tasks to the best of their ability. This requires them to fulfill a dual role as disciplinarian and motivator, much like a coach in an athletic team. They do this by encouraging and correcting wayward marines, while commending those who fulfill their work satisfactorily.