DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMYILLINOIS ARMY NATIONAL GUARDHeadquarters, 404TH Chemical Brigade

1910 S Calumet AveChicago, IL 60606-1424

HQ404CB-CSM 3 May 2008

MEMORANDUM FOR See Distribution

SUBJECT: CSM Command Philosophy

It is with the greatest and most sincere duty honor and soldierly respect that I accept this opportunity to serve one of the finest Brigades in the State of Illinois. The 404th Chemical Brigade is my home and I am privileged to be part of the rich history that has produced so many fine soldiers, leaders and warriors before me. It is with confidence I affirm that we have a Brigade Commander and Command Team that will support our efforts as we manage and supervise our soldiers.

As I take responsibility as Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the Brigade I would like to share my Command Philosophy and expectations with each of you. It is my intent through the Senior Leadership NCO Corp to ensure discipline and accountability within the Brigade. The NCOs’ within this Brigade will through the authority vested ensure that subordinates are kept informed at all times. As your Sergeant Major I will support you as you support those subordinate to you. As professional Soldiers we have a responsibility both on and off duty to take care of our Soldiers. Thus we are reminded that we represent the Brigade and the United States Army twenty four hours a day seven days a week nothing less.

As Leaders we all have a shared responsibility to our Soldiers to set standards and encourage them to exceed those standards. We must ensure that our principles are instilled and that we support the Seven (7) Army Values within each Organization.

Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.

I will support each of you in your efforts and will expect nothing less than the respect that you will give your Soldiers in return. I believe that when you take care of your Soldiers they will take care of you; this is the “Army way”. My challenge to you is simple:

Take care of your soldiers Take care of your familiesLead by exampleNever compromise safety

A good NCO cares for his soldiers and will take care of them. You must be willing to listen and be willing to lead by example. As Non Commissioned Officers you are responsible and accountable by virtue of your rank and experience to serve as mentors to your Soldiers. Remember NCOs’ lead by example from the front never the rear. Therefore, it is my expectation that each of you will lead from the front.

As a Non Commissioned Officer you are the Backbone of the Army and must promote yourself as such. I am proud to be part of this Brigade and will support each of you in your professional development. Share this philosophy with your soldiers and remember communications is the Key to success within any organization.

Communications: To remain effective as leaders. Communications is a valuable asset within any organization. It is my expectation that you keep your Soldiers informed in a timely and consistent manner at all times. Always keep me informed of Soldier issues and concerns I do not want to hear from anyone concerning NCO business other than my NCO Chain this includes my full-time NCOs’ as well.

Leadership: As leaders you are empowered to ensure Esprit De Corp within your organizations. You must instill discipline within your chain of command. The conduct of your Soldiers is a reflection of your leadership. I will not accept second best from any soldier only the best that they can give. We all will have an opportunity to learn and grow as a Team. We will always behave in a professional manner and ensure that our soldiers perform in a manner that exemplifies the pride we share in the performance of our duties for God and Country. We all know mistakes will be made however we all must learn from them.

Honesty: Honesty is an important part of our relationship I expect each of you to be honest with yourselves, which in turn will allow you to be honest with your soldiers and peers. Always remember in combat honesty saves lives.

Military Courtesy: As Leaders it is customary that we instill within our subordinates military customs and courtesies. Officers, NCOs’ and Soldiers will be addressed by their rank when on duty. Due respect will be given to all. In addition the chain of command will be adhered to and followed at all times. When a Commander or Command Sergeant Major walks into the room the group will be called to attention.

Professional Development/Organizations: Education for both military and civilian is the key to producing quality leadership and mission accomplishment. All soldiers will stay on a career path that will enable them to fulfill the requirements of their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). NCOES and DMOSQ will take precedence over Annual training periods and other secondary requirements. First line leaders will ensure that their soldiers are mentally and physically prepared prior to entry into these schools for successful completion. We must continue to encourage our Soldiers to pursue advancement .As professional soldiers I expect each of you to belong to some type of professional organization.

Uniform Wear and Appearance: Proper wear and appearance is an attribute that is essential within any organization and helps promote Pride. I will accept no excuse for any soldier that is not in proper uniform or any leader that doesn’t enforce the standard. All uniforms will be worn in accordance with Army Regulation 670-1.

Know your Soldiers: In accordance with AR 350-1 Each NCO and Officer shall maintain a leader’s book on their Soldiers at the Squad/ Team level. This book will contain pertinent information such as administrative, personal information, soldier proficiency, specific MOS tasks and Common tasks that support METL. This will assist you the leader in the management of your soldier’s career. During my command visits I will periodically ask to see Leadership books be prepared.

Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking: Together we must ensure a strong anti drug and alcohol program. Soldiers are our biggest investment and are an asset to this Brigade. The possession and handling of drugs is a criminal offense and will be dealt with as such. Any soldier caught or in possession of drugs will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law according to the United States Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Possession and consumption of alcohol within any armory is prohibited Each Armory will have a copy of the Policy letter posted and will apply to all soldiers exceptions to this policy will only be approved through the Brigade Commander.

Smoking is prohibited in any Armory building in essence all Armories are now smoke free environments. Smoking will only be permitted in designated locations outside the armory buildings.

Family: Family is an important part of our lives daily and we must include them in our daily lives both civilian and militarily. With the ongoing deployments Family stability becomes very important. Take care of your families and ensure their happiness. As we continue to move forward I will continue to stress and encourage family involvement as it relates to family support.

Evaluations (NCOERS): Evaluations are prepared annually or when a soldier’s performance warrants. It is important that we ensure timely and accurate NCOERs. It is important that you evaluate your soldier’s performance everyday and let them know their successes and where they need to improve. I expect each CSM/SGM/1SG to review all NCOERS prior to submission. Quarterly counseling’s must also be completed on your soldiers .This process helps ensure quality leadership within your Units.

HOWARD O ROBINSONCSM, CM, IL ARNGBrigade Command Sergeant Major

DISTRIBUTION:CSM, 33rd MP BnCSM, 2-123rd FACSM, 44th CM BnCdr, HHD 404th CM BdeCdr, C 341st MI CoSGM, A/2-20th SFG

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