Ray,
Honestly, if it affects unit readiness then leaders have to at least acknowledge it. Joes who can’t feed their kids, or pay their rents, or owe predatory loan companies, take time, energy, and man-hours from maintaining unit readiness and training levels.

The AC is lucky in that they “own” their Soldiers and can take direct action, direct…[Read more]

@Joe, excellent points and post!

You’re spot on with the fact that the NCO-Officer relationship must be built on a foundation of trust. Nothing else happens without it.  A new officer needs to make an analysis of their NCOs and determine the level of trust he/she has with them (this says nothing with all the ways the officer needs to be earning…[Read more]

@Joe, excellent points and post!

You’re spot on with the fact that the NCO-Officer relationship must be built on a foundation of trust. Nothing else happens without it.  A new officer needs to make an analysis of their NCOs and determine the level of trust he/she has with them (this says nothing with all the ways the officer needs to be earning…[Read more]

I cranked through most of the MCoE reading list over the last couple of years, with my favorites being “Once an Eagle,” We Were Soldiers, Once and Young,” “Platoon Leader,” “Gates of Fire,” and of course, “Starship Troopers.” However right now, I’m slogging through “Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.” It’s not necessarily on any reading list,…[Read more]

@bmcgarry, very valid point, however I think mine remains valid; at least to a point. Can expressing your expectations be a key?

@bmcgarry , 5 hours for a commander/PL doesn’t seem all that much, but then I’m like you and full time.

You were spot on with your comment “On the flip side I see many Soldiers in/around my organization are unwilling to do anything outside of BA weekend.” Yes, yes and YES!

Maybe it’s a matter of counseling expectations. Could initial counseling…[Read more]

@jayleen27, Scott is absolutely correct.  There is only one place units and positions look like they do in the book, and that’s in the book. Don’t just expect differences and changes to what you think, embrace them! Find what works and incorporate it; find what doesn’t and lose it. If it doesn’t have an SOP, design it. It’s a good time no matter…[Read more]

Okay, we (the Reserve Components) have busted our butts to finally be considered equals with the AC, however the amount of requirements that are required in order to remain “ready” are oppressive, even for AC units. Now try meeting the same requirements with 39 training days a year. I’m not making excuses, just pointing out the difficulties…[Read more]