Can’t top Shep’s list but will provide little context and some early experiences as a brand new PL.

– DTS you will use a lot, so be familiar.

– UMO is branch immaterial, something LTs are asked to do (pack-out). Operational Contract Support, fight to get this course, it provides an ASI, and essential to your time as S4 (a good staff position, don’t run from it), you’ll understand “funding” which is key to training, and all missions/operations. Many IN guys run from it, opt for 3; see if you can do PL, XO, S4 primary as an LT, and S3 as a CPT, maybe post-command (like BDE 3-shop).

– Be there for maintenance (unless you go to light company that has two trucks total), with your Soldiers, and track parts, understand the requisition process, fight to get your stuff and be able to brief shortages in equipment to your commander, where its at, why its not coming, when it arrives, etc. That means, have your infantry guys there when the mechanics are hanging parts on your Stryker/Bradley, some units still practice platoon-block services (be there for that). If you care about maintenance and your present, your Soldiers will care too, and you’ll be able to roll when others are unable to.

Now, the KEY, setting the tone in your first PL job. Some new LTs like to get close to their Soldiers, self-deprecate, and may be swayed by a less than professional PSG sometimes, to push back on the commander’s intent. Its a fine line, deciding where to stand, with your men/women, your PSG, or your CO (sometimes can be three separate entities). We study, discuss leadership A LOT, in the Army and corporate America. I think its simple ultimately – take care of the mission, and your Soldiers. I don’t recommend self-deprecating too much, siding with your PSG over your CO, or choosing loyalty of Soldiers vs. the unit’s mission/nation. Early on, some lieutenants may feel busy, overwhelmed, that things are moving fast and its easy to empathize with Soldiers’ gripes. If you can reassure, encourage, keep others calm, on task, leading by example, and be your own leader, you’ll be okay.