[Conrad Y]

I was the SIGDET Daddy for two years and one year playing two hats also as the SIGO (SIGDET Commander) too during another stint in staff.

I think it is clear that the SIGDET NCO handles the kids and the tasks at hand along with the upcomming events on the training schedule and the SIGO will ensure that he (the SIGDET NCO) has everything at his disposal to do this and then just relax. Your SIGDET daddy can make you look pretty good by just simply having a good relationship with him during your stay.

Avoid confrontations, avoid contradicting him unless you are 100% sure you are keeping the system from a meltdown and stay out of his (and the other NCO's way) while keeping the O-chain from bumping into your territory.

I got along just fine with my SIGOs and we helped each other out. Remember that the SIGDET NCO is SF qualified and has been around awhile.

If you are worried about what to know about the systems I would say that you probably have a good amount of technical knowledge already and the rest you can learn from the boys. Just don't come with too much ego. No one in the SIGDET expects you to know everything, so don't sweat it.

If you get there and after awhile you think you got the worst NCO in the world for some reason, go talk to the First Sergeant (or SGM depending on the unit)and have him figure out how to fix it. Easy as that.

Another thing is that you are going to be taxed-out to do every trashy detail the Chain wants of you like preparing for the annual ball, DFAC inspector and crap like that to occupy your time away from your boys while they train. Try to get as much time during the training as you can because you may not get second chances.

You will have a lot of stress placed on you during deployments by circumstances and the Chain of command. I would suggest you try to play firewall between the SIGDET NCO (and his Junior NCOs) and the stress of the deployment so they can work efficiently and make you look good. If I were you I would learn all I can during deployments while not standing over peoples shoulders making them nervous. Some of the kids are very young and can be intimidated by their impatient SIGO watching them splice wires for the Group Commander's STU in his tent.

As a matter of fact that is how I can best advise you on your role in one word "Firewall".

I hope this helps.