@cale,

Excellent point (so much so I added a #4 to my original post). Some of the old salts have seen and maybe experienced those times that UCMJ action could have been leveraged but wasn’t, and how much better the outcome was because of it. The situation becomes a teaching point that has long lasting positive effects, opposed to something that…[Read more]

fightingengineer, rbernheim,

You both make excellent points about the positive aspects of GCSS-A in the supply and dispatch realms; what about maintenance? Any experience or thoughts on those aspects of the system?

These are great resolutions and comments.

Resolution #1 Read a book a month. This can be done by reading at night (instead of #netflix), keeping track of pages read (reading habits), and having an accountability partner.

Resolution #2 Write more often. Look for opportunities to reflect while seeking opportunities to write in journals etc.

@cplenge,

It’s something that I see constantly. Whether it’s dealing with promotions, or filling key positions. The organization no longer chooses the “best” to promote or fill much needed jobs… We chose “who’s available.” I literally heard a BDE CDR state, when asked about a certain person filling a certain position, “don’t give me any sh*t,…[Read more]

@vanezzaospina ,

As others have brought up, I would strongly recommend you get your Commander’s guidance on awards, and make that a policy letter and or SOP. With this, you’re doing two things; 1) you are making it clear as to what a commander expects from award write ups he/she’s willing to sign, and 2) holding the commander to that same…[Read more]

I would recommend reaching out to USAR units that might be near to where you’re going to be, and see if you can SUTA (that’s a National Guard term for drilling with another unit/at an alternate location). The USAR is lucky in the fact there are USAR units in Europe, the Pacific, etc., so it should be doable. That’s not to say it might also include…[Read more]

I’ll have to think about some of those things (being I’m still a CPT), however there is one thing that I have seen time and time again in officers who are in similar circumstances to myself; that being AGR (active) in the Guard. Full time officers in the National Guard (and I’m sure it’s the same in the USAR) quickly forget that the bulk of the…[Read more]

A point on the pay; yes, Soldiers do get paid, however it becomes a cost-benefit decision. SSG X/CPT G, a mid level civilian or law enforcement professional makes $80-$90k a year before overtime. Normal drill already eats into Soldiers’ civilian careers. Now add MUTA 6-8s (3 and 4 day drills), emergency activations, mil schools, etc. Now you have…[Read more]

This is how bad it’s gotten in many Guard units. I’ve told LTs that if they want to set themselves apart from their peers they have to one thing, give a “sh*t,” just a little. Now this may seem like a simple thing, but look around you. How many officers (and NCOs), actually CARE. Care about their subordinates, care about the profession, care about…[Read more]

@cplenge,

This is one of those situations where both are right.

From my own experience and observation, leaders at all levels FAIL to develop subordinates. BN/BDE level ODP/LDP/NCODP are worthless, often dry, detail free PP or briefs with briefers who were chosen last minute (opposed to being chosen for their strength) and given no guidance on…[Read more]

@smehr – thank you for the feedback and the positive comment!

I recommend you also take a look at some of the interviews as well as the leader’s log to delve into some of the challenges and opportunities Commanders are facing.

Here is the latest command interview.

LINK or address at:…[Read more]

@jeremyboeh

I feel your pain. AGR, since 2012. Aide, PL, BN A-S3, full time BN 3, S1, Company Commander, BDE A-S3… It never seems to stop.

I recommend attacking it just like any other M-day commander does. Work out a daily battle rhythm of when and what you need to do, and then pen in some time for your Company Command role. We’re lucky that…[Read more]

Wow, that sounds amazing! Do you have a conop or more info on the planning/execution of the event? For example, hw long did you have for the “healthy discussion.” I feel oftentimes there are misunderstandings that can easily be solved by having honest conversations and feedback. Your method, when done properly, seems to be very effective.