Agreed. Also, sometimes the expertise, while good in some cases, doesn’t necessarily translate.
I knew an NCM who said that they would be good at being an officer because they would really know lots about their specific part of the training. I didn’t have the heart to tell them that while their part was technically/academically the hardest, the point of being that officer trade wasn’t to know all the details of their specialty, but to understand enough to know what it affects.
100 percent correct.
There's a fine line to walk as a CFR and some do it seamlessly; others fall off the edge into old habits. The main draw you have for a CFR is a leader that can see the Inverted Pyramid of Comd's Intent overlapped on the Pyramid of Technical Knowledge/Mission relatively easily compared to someone fresh out of RMC or DEO.
For Example:
In the Sigs World, a Bn Sig O needs to ensure the Bn is able to talk to the Bde (as well as its own Bn hierarchy) and in a way that enables the Bn Comd to meet the Bde Comd's intent. The Bn Sig O is not the one I would want hammering away on the confuguration of eqpt, Det placement, or personnel management; thats the job of the Section/Det Comds to advise, guide, and execute as part of their mission.
Conversely, those Section/Det Comds are given their clear tasks and duties and are experts in their craft. They are able to anticipate the need because of experience. They still look up and out, but for far shorter glances. The focus is on kit, personnel, and achieving the intent of the Bn Sig O.
Now, the Overlap. As a CFR, I know how the kit works because I worked on it myself (or something similar). I know how long it takes for IOC/FOC. I know who goes where, with what, and why to make a Bn Comms Plan work.
That said, some CFRs get sucked in looking for solitary acorns in the forest. Technicians (former one myself) are bad for this. You are no longer responsible for Widget C3D49 working correctly. You need to make sure the capability is there for the Comd, but Cpl Bloggins is the Keeper of Widget C3D49 now; get out of his pantry.
As always, there are exception. The main thing I see is, with more rank and time in, it becomes harder to shift mentalities. Its also been why I feel CFRP should have a Max at WO/PO1 or 15 years, and that anything past should be SRCP. If there are MWO/CPO2s at 28 Years that are looking for "Freedom Best 5" because they're out of the CWO/CPO1 race; they can sit in one spot and open the CFRP competition to the younger leaders who have some legs to run in a second career as officers.
Don't be so sure... it actually gets you some sweet nicknames.
Throw an armbar or triangle choke in for extra PER points.
"Adjt, why is the G6 Ops choking out the G5?"
"Because the G5 didn't guard the neck, Sir."
