Jake,

My name is Joe Callejas and I am an OC/T out of Fort McCoy. I have done 2 rotations at NTC as a rotational training unit (RTU) (one as a company XO and one as a BN S-4) and one as an OC/T with Team Wagoneer.

Think about the missions that you will have to complete and plan accordingly. Obviously having a ton of batteries for your NVGs is…[Read more]

Ron,

Here is a CONOP my MED TM Detachment did for a M9 range. Also, listen to Steve… he kind of hits everything I would say.

I hope this helps.

~ Joe

Kristen,

This is a great questions and one that is near and dear to my heart.

I was an HHC XO when I was a LT in the 82nd. I wish I could say that I had it all figured it out, but I worked crazy hours. I would come in early, before PT, and get as much “desk” work done as I could. When you are an XO, I always felt there was 1 to 2 meetings I had…[Read more]

You may or may not be aware, but the Army has published TC 4-11.46 Sustainment Unit Gunnery and Live Fire Exercise Strategy. This a relatively new TC (DEC 2016). Chapter 7 goes through crew evaluations. I hope this helps.

Dallas,

As an OC/T I can tell you the biggest issue I witness with LOG units is how we effectively secure ourselves. It warms my heart to see you training this important Collective Task. Task and Evaluation Outline (TEO) 63-CO-0727, Conduct Unit Defense, is what we use to evaluate units at all CTC rotations. If you go through the TEO, it will l…[Read more]

Dallas,

As a former special forces maintenance company commander I am very aware of managing expectations especially when it comes to readiness and training. Although a MTOE change would help tremendously, honestly, its not a realistic option. Instead focus on the things you can affect as a commander. Here are some good starting points.

1) What…[Read more]

Armel,

The above posts hit all the right points. Know you equipment, know your soldiers, and know how it fits into the overall mission. As a commander, I would love it when staff sections would ask me to get in on their training. For example, if you as an S-6 go to the training briefing and see Company X is out doing a range maybe you can ask the…[Read more]

Wade,

If you have the counseling’s to support this OER then I would by all means say that you are duty bound to write this negative OER. When the new NCOER came out while in command I had to give a SSG a qualified NCOER. In the out brief I was honest with him and said, “you are 5 out of 6” SSGs in my company. He started to get emotional and I l…[Read more]

Kenny,

This is one of the best questions I have seen on this forum by a cadet. Brock hit it right on the head. Lead them, do not try to befriend them. You will develop personal relationships in time but even still, there always needs to be a layer of professionalism with personal relationships with your troops. If you trust your subordinates and…[Read more]

What type of award and what the circumstances regarding that award? For example, an ARCOM for an E-7 for PCS would be an example. There are many different awards and requirements for each.

The more information I have the more I can help you with what you need.

~ Joe

Sully,

I had to command an HHC as a 1LT for three months when I was an XO (my commander got fired), so I completely understand your worry about people out-ranking you. Do not worry about your rank, you are the commander. If you find staff officers and NCOs that are not being cooperative, let your BN XO know. She/he is your best friend in making…[Read more]