Army Junior Officer Counsel: Drive Tomorrow’s Solutions, Today

The Challenge and Opportunity

Last year, the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Randy George, challenged the force to prioritize its focus and only do what makes the Army more lethal and cohesive. Junior officers (JOs) are implementing this directive. Daunting tasks as these may be, there is a way for the Army’s JOs to make continuous, impactful changes while building cohesive teams across units and branches – Army Junior Officer Counsel (AJOC).  

AJOC empowers JOs to drive solutions and shape tomorrow’s Army by giving them the tools, structure, and professional network to engage, research, develop, and lead initiatives through Army processes. It also provides senior leaders with deliberate, academically grounded feedback rooted in the day-to-day realities only JOs see. Retention and cohesion challenges are rarely solved by incentives alone; they are solved when JOs have agency and a voice in shaping how their teams operate. If you’re a frustrated JO, a JO with an idea, or a JO who simply wants to make things better, AJOC is built for you.

What is AJOC? 

AJOC uses the word COUNSEL instead of COUNCIL for a reason. Counsel means giving advice, guidance, or perspective, which is what AJOC does for senior leaders. AJOC is a place where junior officers can clearly share their ideas, opinions, and concerns. A council, on the other hand, is usually a group that debates, argues, and spends lots of time talking without always getting much done. That’s not AJOC’s approach.

To date, AJOC has established pilot chapters across four brigades, with plans to expand as demand grows. In each location, the brigade commander has signaled commitment by dedicating protected calendar time for junior officers to meet, study problems, and develop recommendations. Participation remains entirely voluntary, but the model consistently delivers meaningful development: officers gain fundamental skills, leadership opportunities, and a platform to influence how their units operate.

Benefits for Junior Officers 

AJOC benefits JOs by developing leader competence, critical thinking, and communication skills. AJOC provides a venue for continuous interaction and increased professional development with senior leaders throughout the JOs’ first decade of service.  

By participating in AJOC, JOs gain opportunities to work with peers, solve problems, and develop solutions in a collaborative environment. This allows them to grow without risking evaluations and provides instant, candid feedback. AJOC also fosters mentorship and networking, helping JOs build relationships across units and branches. 

How AJOC Develops Skills 

To effectively identify friction points and cultural issues and to solve complex problems, the JOs must master the fundamentals. No cohort of officers better understands their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)-specific doctrine, technology, and cultural trends. AJOC builds on this foundation by helping JOs develop critical skills such as: 

• Conflict Management: Navigate disagreements and foster collaboration.
• Project Management: Plan, organize, and execute intrapreneurial initiatives.
• Research and Application: Conduct studies and apply findings to real-world problems.
• Briefing Skills: Communicate ideas and solutions effectively, up, across, and down the formation. 

AJOC enhances JOs’ ability to utilize data, artificial intelligence, and other resources to streamline decision-making processes. By exercising these skills with peers, JOs become more confident and competent as leaders, ultimately enhancing Army processes and improving battlefield decision-making.  

 Real-Life Impact 

The AJOC experience begins early in a JO’s career. For example, a newly commissioned lieutenant may first hear about AJOC during their Basic Officer Leader Course. While initially focused on mastering their MOS, they may later decide to attend an AJOC meeting to further develop their leadership skills. 

As JOs progress in their careers, their involvement in AJOC evolves. Lieutenants may assist with research and testing, while captains take on leadership roles, managing entire projects and mentoring junior officers. Senior AJOC members lead chapters, coordinate multiple projects, and interact regularly with senior leaders to provide updates and receive feedback. 

During AJOC’s pilot stage, the 16th Sustainment Brigade needed a chapter chairperson. One of their first lieutenants volunteered to take on this role. Over the past 10 months, this individual has grown immensely in their professional skills and capabilities while driving change within their unit. Their contributions included developing a JO Guide tailored to Germany and organizing groups of junior officers dedicated to addressing the frustrations they encounter. 

 Call to Action 

If you’re a junior officer sitting in a stew of frustration, wondering why our senior leaders just don’t get it, AJOC is for you. If you’re a junior officer wanting to better yourself and your unit, AJOC is for you. If you’re a junior officer who likes solving complex problems, AJOC is for you. If you’re a junior officer who wants to build connections with other JOs, AJOC is for you. 

 Follow AJOC on Instagram @army_jocounsel or LinkedIn at Army Junior Officer Counsel (AJOC). You can take our JO Experience here – the survey is 100% anonymous and takes 3 minutes. Reach out to Major Chris Slininger for more information or to discuss chapter options.

Major Chris Slininger, U.S. Army, is an active-duty officer purpose-built to help people realize and actualize their potential, then utilize the power of leadership and mentorship to achieve meaningful success. Chris is the founder and director of AJOC and has served the Army for the past 11 years, spanning from platoon-level to Headquarters, Department of the Army, in various capacities, including Field Artillery, Intelligence, and Adjutant General Corps.