HHB XO time was hard work, but definitely rewarding. Outgoing XO gave some simple advice that probably didn’t originate with him. “Each task you have is like another ball you’re juggling. Some of them are glass, others are rubber. No matter how good you are, if you’re juggling enough balls, eventually you’ll drop one. The trick is to not drop the glass balls.” I learned to love my clipboard with legal pad attached. I’d write my tasks as I received them, then put stars next to the “glass balls”. As much as possible you want to arrive to the office early, if nothing else just to plan out your day. Specifically I’d try to plan my locations to knock out as many collocated tasks possible (i.e. supply was also near S-3, etc etc).

Seeing @Joe‘s recommendation to appoint an NCO, I was lucky enough to have a very motivated supply NCO who basically volunteered himself as my deputy, and I definitely relied on him for more than supply. I also relied on my First Sergeant a lot, whether it was not knowing who to address a certain issue with, or a certain shop not being particularly helpful.

On a related noted, I’m approaching 15 months of Company Command and just got word today that we’re getting our first XOs “soon”. I’m rather excited to start identifying which tasks will come off my 1SG and OPS sections, not to mention my own wishlist. Exciting times!