What does the sub-competency of decision-making involve for NCOs?

The sub-competency of decision-making for NCOs involves the critical skill of identifying and filling information gaps. This is crucial in a military environment where decisions must be made based on incomplete or rapidly changing information. Effective decision-making requires a comprehensive understanding of the situation at hand, which often means recognizing what information is missing that could affect the outcome of a decision.

By identifying these gaps, NCOs can seek out the necessary intelligence, consult with others, and gather perspectives that help create a more informed decision-making process. This approach leads to more effective and well-rounded decisions that consider various aspects of a situation, ultimately enhancing mission success and team cohesion.

In contrast, focusing solely on outcomes or understanding only one's own perspective may overlook important inputs or context that could lead to better decisions. Emphasizing rapid decision-making without adequate information can lead to hasty conclusions and potentially negative consequences for operations. Thus, the ability to identify and fill information gaps is a foundational skill for effective decision-making in leadership roles.