What was your biggest challenge in the first 90 days? What did /did you not do to overcome it?

My biggest challenge was taking over the week before gunnery. I was learning about the BFV, Troop, Squadron etc in the field .

I know plenty of leaders taking over in unique high optempo environments.  The key is dividing up your efforts to cover what you can.  I had my counselings for 1SG, XO, and PLs prepped and executed the same day as the CoC.  Normally I would have waited, but I wanted set the standards early for gunnery. I used the field time to learn from my gunner. He taught me everything he knew about the BFV and luckily he had a lot of experience. I sat down with key leaders even in the field.

What I am really saying is you really need to understand the training calendar and fit your key tasks into that calendar.  Do not sacrifice counselings, leader PT, etc because of the field.

What “quick wins” did you develop or wish you would have developed?

The good thing about gunnery was I had the opportunity to perform early and earn a quick win with my guys. I would say the best quick win is enable your NCOs to lead. I kept  getting asked if it was ok to do this or that.

I reiterated my intent for gunnery and what I viewed as Troop Commander level decisions. I told my PLs and PSGs that if they were not sure if I should be asked then ask me, but do not hesitate to make a decision. I will back them up if they stay within my intent.  This was a great win.

What was one issue that your predecessor left out of the changeover?

I do not like pointing out issues with a peer, but I would say do not hide anything during the change. There is nothing worse then being blindsided the week after your take over because you forgot to ask and your predecessor didn’t want to highlight an issue.

Best at advice I ever got was simply put as do not be a dick.

Second best was do inventories the the right way it will pay dividends.