Listen to us old NCO's. Down the line, you'll be glad you did.
NCOs are indeed, from all my previous experiences, the "Backbone of the Army." I fully intend to be a tag-along annoyance with my PSG so he can show me the ropes. Maybe he'll be flattered by all the attention...?
::sigh:: Okay, so it starts already... ;]
When you arrive in the area, first thing is, do NOTHING. Watch and observe. See how the platoon ticks along. Chances are, the PSG has things running either well, or not so well. Only step in, if things are crashing and burning.
That E-6 or E-7 you suddenly find yourself with, knows the kids a lot better than you do. Lean on him for details; that's OUR job.
YOUR task, as PL, is to set the guidance for the mission. It's OUR job, to get that mission done.
One frightening thing: They did this to me when I was an ROTC grad, I don't know if they still do. And that's, the young officer's MENTOR. They hook you up with an O-3, or senior O-2, and you get to either watch a pro, or you perpetuate the idiot's mistakes. Beware...
Oh, and for the sake of your sanity, three words about alumni of West Point: Avoid, Avoid, Avoid!