I’ve always liked the idea. The most worthwhile mentorship I ever received was was over a couple of beers with some candid conversation. However I also have seen the steady decline of these things as @adam.szczypka mentioned. “Leaders” these days point to the ever present specter of SHARP when they outlaw these types of gatherings, choosing…[Read more]

As I have been always told…where you go, what ever you do…plant a seed and grow!

Your branch does. It define you, you define you so make the best out of the branch you got and succeed! Things are not always how you planned them because it they were then there wouldn’t be no fun to life!

Sir! Although I been a little MIA (mainly due to a new job and the husband coming back from deployment) I wanted to let you know that I enjoy reading your post! They are super interesting!

I’m currently transitioning to a BN S1 position and observing how they operate and for me I do best with writing things down on my green book and/or writing it on a white board so I can have physical visibility of what I need to do or refer back to.

My XO on the other hand is all about calendar events and WTO so that’s something I’ll be getting used to!

Master Outlook Calendar and Notebook.

Like brock.j.young mentioned,  I first obtain the master outlook calendar from the higher (battalion etc).  In a perfect world, the master outlook calendar is controlled by the S-3 shop and can adequately drive the battle rhythm for “higher events.” I ensure that my major company events are on that calen…[Read more]

There was a great post on this very topic by @X70037,  https://juniorofficer.army.mil/personal-battle-rhythm/.

Personally I use a mix of three primary things that help keep me on track.

First, outlook. It’s great for those reoccurring meetings, things sent from “higher,” things I can link to my cell calendar, etc.

Next, I have my white board f…[Read more]

@chris_s congrats! There are some great HHC posts on the forum. Make sure to check them out and look forward to hearing more about your experience.

The Staff/HHC CDR Relationship

Reply To: How to WIN the first 90 days of command

Unfortunately what I’ve seen teach JOs (to include myself) to plan has been experience; in all its cruel and drinking from a fire hose form. My first drill back from deployment as an BN A-S3, I found myself not only the acting S3, but also the acting BN XO (yes, you read that right) going into an MDMP session that was developing the next year’s…[Read more]

@eric-t-kim2-milmail-mil

Great question.  I think bringing up the qualities of Marine culture is perfect when considering discipline.  These questions remind me of the recent JAM discussion (https://juniorofficer.army.mil/discussion/inspiring-discipline-march-2018-jo-jam/). I agree  with some of the posts that instilling discipline at the ta…[Read more]

SLAP HANDS! SLAP HANDS!!

I tell my young LTs, “if you want to be a step above most of the other people in the Army/Guard/Reserves, do two things; be halfway competent, and give a sh*t.” From my observations, those are the hardest two things to do. Knowing your job, and caring about doing it right seem simple, however look left and then look right; see many accomplishing…[Read more]

I would add this; fine, you’ve gotten your branch and you didn’t want to be a (insert branch here). Well, do your best. Be the best (insert branch here); get great OERs; make a difference to those Soldiers who may not have had good leadership until that point…

And then re-branch.

I don’t know how hard it is in the AC, but in the Reserve Compo…[Read more]