Career
There are so many opportunities within the Army. But managing one’s military career can be complex and, at times, confusing. Many officers learn about branches, functional areas, and career opportunities from other officers. This series aims to share advice and tips on helping junior officers think about and manage their career.
As you come out of a leadership position either as a CDR or platoon leader, inevitably a staff position is in your future......
Institutional, Operational, and Self-Development," are the three domains of leader development. Institutional development is the foundation of officer development; it starts at the commissioning source...........
It is tempting for a junior officer to view their commissioning day as a graduation or an end point. The learning is over. On the contrary, however, commissioning day is …
It’s that time of year again! The AIM Marketplace is complete, the algorithm has run its course, and Requests for Orders (RFOs) are rolling into mailboxes!
It was a conversation I had several times as an assistant professor at the United States Military Academy (USMA). First-class cadets, mere months or even weeks from graduating, would approach …
The 3rd US Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard,” is the Army’s elite ceremonial unit stationed at Fort Myer, VA, just south of the nation’s Capital. …
It is over, just like that. You spent four years at your commissioning source, dreaming of being the next Dick Winters as a Platoon Leader and it was over in …
The inevitable tasking comes down -- your unit is required to send Observer/Coach/Trainer (OCT) augmentees to support the rotation of the sister unit. However, OCT …
Golf can be a valuable leader development tool – and we are NOT talking metaphorically. Playing golf can help you develop actual knowledge, skills, and …
The AIM 2.0 Marketplace can be daunting even for those who have navigated its changing structure over several movement cycles. We look at the Marketplace from three perspectives: the mover, …
The Captain’s Career Course is an amazing experience, and you can learn so much from it. To be successful you need to start preparing before you enter the door. Take …
Have you ever wondered how the officer promotion process works? This article pulls back the curtain and demystifies that process.
How do I read more this year?" Many people you know have probably set a goal that encompasses this; maybe you even set a goal like this yourself. However, have …
The purpose of this article is to provide insight into three U.S. Army Functional Areas from three separate officers who recently assessed into them. The respondents answer some very basic …
How do you, as a junior officer, ensure you get an MQ, not an HQ? The reality is there is no way to guarantee a particular block -- but there …
‘If the Army wanted you to have a spouse, they would have issued you one.' But is that actually true?
Every year throughout the Army, junior leaders from The United States Military Academy at West Point, The Reserve Officer Training Corps, and Officer Candidate School …
What follows is a collection of interview questions answered by lieutenants across the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). The aim of the article …
One thing that you will learn quickly (if you haven't already) is that the path to navigate the ranks from Second Lieutenant to Captain can vary greatly.......
When my branch manager told me she had some Platoon Leader requisitions opening at Fort Jackson, I initially though she misspoke and meant Executive Officer. I mean why on earth …
While the Army won’t change overnight because of a few wise words from a new officer, you can still be part of the intellectual process, sharing experiences and knowledge, developing …
So, you’re considering Civil Affairs as a career path in the Army. You’ve perhaps talked to peers about the branch or have heard of others that attended selection before. Also, …
The Army has a strange relationship with words. On the one hand, precision means everything: the term “seize” means something very different to a ground forces commander than the term …