As an MP, I was able to command with CID. This gave me a tremendous amount of exposure to WOs. I found that the WOs were experts at their tasks (criminal investigations and/or protection). However, they were not as proficient at various officer functions (staff work, knowing Army programs, dealing with junior enlisted challenges, etc). Many of our WOs did not have the typical TL/SL/PSG leadership path that NCOs get and they also do not have the PL/Staff/CO training that the officers received. However, I saw this as a fantastic opportunity. I was able to help them with the areas they were not as strong and they taught me all about CID and technical aspects of investigations. The CID WOs (and NCOs) were amazing professionals and I am very thankful for having served with them. I was lucky enough to be a part of an organization that encouraged building off of each other’s strengths rather than siloing them. WOs in the BN, but outside of my Company assisted me and I assisted all of the WOs throughout the BN whenever I could. It worked out to be a fantastic relationship.

The other aspect that worked well was that I asked a lot of questions. I was genuinely interested in what they did and they enjoyed teaching me. WOs seem to have many stories and I found them to be beneficial to my development. Being successful sometimes was as simple as listening.