I read Pete’s article and have had some time to think about it. I have seen the loyalty to the boss get in the way of what loyalty is supposed to be here in the National Guard for years, and thought it a function of the close ties we have and the closed loop system of promotions and assignments that exist in a small state, but now that I am assigned to an Active Duty Brigade (one of only 3 NG personnel assigned here) I see that the same problem exists here on the AD side as well…

I have had this conversation with subordinates while I was a commander. I used it as part of separate ODP/NCODP, as part of a combined LDP, and as a separate conversation between my AGR (active guard and reserve) force and my TDG (traditional drilling Guardsmen) Officers to work them through the issues that arise out of dual command structures and how to maintain a healthy climate when in a leadership position where the AGRs have to worry about their full time jobs and supervision while still working for the commander.

I think overall the discussion was well received. My AGRs worked hard for me and felt empowered to stand up to the AGR supervision force (or at least wait them out and delay…), and my TDG Officers had no issue coming to me with their problems and perceptions. I believe they felt empowered to question their surroundings, and that to me meant they were more loyal to the good of the mission and the unit than they were to me as a leader, and that was the result I wanted.