Howdy!  I’m Michael Shepard, YG08.

My background as a commissioned officer in Active Duty began with the Chemical Corps.  While there, I was assigned to the 22nd Chemical Battalion (Technical Escort), where I served as a company XO, CRT Team Leader (Platoon Leader equivalent), Battalion Assistant S3, and HHC Commander.  After the 22nd CM BN (TE), I served in the 20th CBRNE Command as a CBRN Officer in the G3.  After VTIP into FA59, Strategist, I now work in U.S. Army North as a Plans Officer in G5.

My time as a Company XO, Battalion AS3, HHC Commander, and Plans Officer in G5 all have contributed to a broad swath of experience in working on a staff.  Beyond regularly having the chance to work with and navigate through complex staff processes, my assignments have given me plenty of opportunities to lead teams of peers and superiors, both uniformed and civilian, in trying to meet the commander’s intent and accomplish the mission.

Staff assignments are often something we all want to avoid, but not everyone can escape its iron grip.  Let’s face it – however difficult command is, it’s still pretty sexy being the leader and decision-maker of an organization.  Beyond a company, though, a good, functional staff can make or break a commander.  Because of the inherent significance of staffs and staff work in the Army, if you’re one of the few, the proud, (the staff officer), I’m here to help.

Some key focus areas I can assist with or would be happy to have discussions on:

MDMP/JOPP
Staff Processes and Procedures – “System of Systems”
Low-density Officers on staff
Organizational systems
Task management
Writing/Effective Communication
Leading a staff section (BN-level)
Leading a cross-functional group
Working on a staff of peers/superiors
Working with the HHC/HHBN