Page 13 - FCA Diamond Point Mar 24_Edited

FROM THE FIELD

The Crucial Role of Finance NCOs in ROTC Programs
by SFC Lina Godoy

SFC Lina Godoy, is currently assigned to Campbell University (North Carolina) as a Senior
Enlisted Instructor in the ROTC Program, where the Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) play a
significant role by providing valuable skills and capabilities. NCOs dedication and commitment to

the mission can inspire our Cadets to follow suit. This can include taking on additional
responsibilities, volunteering for challenging assignments, and setting ambitious personal and

professional development goals. They have extensive expertise in various fields, which they share

with Cadets. This helps the future officers understand the practical aspects of military operations.
As a Finance NCO, I emphasize the importance of Cadets grasping the vital connection between

financial awareness and effective military leadership. It is our responsibility to acknowledge and
address the financial challenges that our Soldiers often face during times of transition, this

includes moving from Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to their first duty station, during
Permanent Change of Station (PCS), and during deployments. These financial issues can be

time-consuming to resolve and, in some cases, may never be fully addressed. NCOs typically
take on the responsibility of supporting their soldiers through these challenges; however, it is
crucial that future leaders are knowledgeable abou t financial management and are equipped to
provide the necessary support and approval to reconcile Soldiers' financial difficulties. By doing
on their duties effectively and that our
so, we can ensure that our troops are able to focus
formations are postured for success.

By understanding the basic financial systems and processes, the intricacies of budgeting, cost
analysis, and financial planning, future officers can optimize resource allocation, enhance mission

readiness, and foster a culture of fiscal responsibility within their units. Another beneficial outcome
of expanded financial understanding is to build trust, boost morale, promote retention, and

encourage personal and professional growth amongst their junior Soldiers, increasing mission
effectiveness and unit cohesion. Finance NCOs should stress that future officers incorporate
financial literacy training into their training schedu les alongside existing programs and battle
rhythm events. Financial literacy will help them make informed decisions that align with their units'
goals and objectives and ensure appropriate allocation of personnel resources when junior
The Making of a Non-Commissioned Officer by SSG
Soldiers have personal financial/pay issues. To enhance the financial literacy and responsibility
Alisha A. Gonzalez, 36B SLC, 003-21
of all Cadets, she has incorporated a dedicated Army Finance training session into their class
schedule. This training covers various scenarios and essential topics, including understanding
Introduction
their Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), retirement system, entitlements, and budgeting skills.
Great leaders are students of leadership and are constantly evolving and adapting to those whom
Additionally, they will learn how to identify and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse of government
they lead. The important qualities of an outstanding leader are constant growth and personal
funds. By providing this comprehensive training, my Cadets will gain a solid foundation in financial
development, being a servant leader, and giving trust and respect. They emulate the ability to
management, enabling them to make informed decisions and uphold fiscal responsibility
adopt change and are stewards of being a servant leader. From person to person, leadership
throughout their military careers.
looks differently. No two styles are the same, so while someone is developing their leadership
style, they take from the people who have been a mentor to them in the past. Not every person
who has authority over others exhibits good behaviors. Through negative behavior, Soldiers and
In conclusion, Finance NCOs support the overall mission of the ROTC program by serving as a
Leaders learn lessons. Leaders earn trust and respect, and building on that foundation with peers
bridge between the Cadets and the wider military community. They help to ensure that Cadets
and subordinates requires consistency. It takes more than a day to develop great leaders.
are prepared for the challenges of military life, both in terms of their technical skills and their
Although some people have natural leadership, it does not exempt them from continuing to grow.
leadership abilities, by emphasizing financial decision-making skills. I enthusiastically look
Growth and Development
forward to witnessing the evolution of my Cadets into the next generation of Army leaders. A new
wave of officers whose enhanced understanding of Army financial systems will positively impact
Growth as a leader comes with self-reflection, willingness to receive constructive criticism, and
the Organization as a whole.
taking experiences from others to incorporate and build on. Self-reflection requires a person to
have introspection when situations arise. Internally those persons may seek to understand how
to address situations from various perspectives. This applies to all ends of the spectrum
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throughout your leadership career; not every encounter will be a walk in the park. When faced
with adversity, it gives a person an opportunity to cultivate a chance to evaluate the
circumstances of each instance. Individuals trying to better themselves value constructive