I agree with the above. Also get the EST prior to and if possible with the range. Docs, Nurses and allied health specialists don’t range often. They typically are the least comfortable with weapons. The EST is an outstanding marksmanship tool. You can do all the PMI aspects in a safer environment, develop familiarity with the weapon and even…[Read more]

Chris- I thought you presented great best practices and honest assessments on your experiences managing maintenance, supply, the arms room. If not managed properly, these systems can create problems for any commander.

I like how you emphasized communication and established reporting timelines for your subordinates. Like you said, “don’t expect w…[Read more]

Vanezza, I had a very similar experience as a 2LT on Bde staff of a MI BDE . My first formation I watched dumbfounded as all the officers walked away from the formation, some right back into the building for work.  Wasn’t PT a group activity in the Army? The CC came up to me and my peer, and asked us if we had a PT plan.  I pulled an index card o…[Read more]

Adam, a written plan can definitely help Soldiers (and anyone) reflect on what they are currently do versus what they need to do to make a change.  You’re seeing a numerical, objective  change in APFT scores. Are you seeing a cultural shift as well? Was it a deliberate decision to not have a reward system for high APFT scorers to pair with your p…[Read more]

Maybe this is not the case for many units out there but the unit I am currently a part of (active duty component) has a culture where BDE HHC Senior NCO’s, WO and Officers are not required to attend PT. Although many might love this idea (I know I did at the beginning), it – excuse my language – sucks when all we rely on is morning PT as our wor…[Read more]

Oh man, where to start with this, Chad. That was a packed 2 years between deploying straight away, then every single element changing command (including the BN), then field preparation for JRTC, then after JRTC were a handful of missions that required extra focus from me as the S1, not to mention all these family challenges that I had going on…[Read more]

Chris- thank you for sharing you the lessons you’ve experienced early on in your command. I think both are critically important yet, they don’t readily surface as issues.

It’s great that you identified the importance of face-to-face and doing battlefield circulation. This is definitely a consideration for future commanders depending on their…[Read more]

Kelsey, these are GREAT questions and really dive deep into the heart of this dual-military struggle. Thanks for contributing them! I’ll be sure to incorporate your questions into my main posts to go through some more scenarios, but here’s the information to address your questions sooner rather than later.

For PCS: I almost always cc my spouse…[Read more]

I’m really mulling over the second part you posted (resisting the urge to solve problems). It’s really resonating with me as I deployed 2 months after joining my 2nd unit. I was given quite clear guidance that I was a big kid and didn’t need to wait the ’30 day window’ to make changes, but just execute, fix, and repeat time now.

Someone (I don’t…[Read more]

This is awesome, Gregory! Glad the training event was successful and you’ve got a mark on the wall for improvement, as well focus areas for future training. Thanks for the follow-up story!

This is awesome, thanks for sharing your time and efforts!

What a great question! Tools and best practices! Fire for effect! Good news at the bottom.

For straight XO resources, this old post has some awesome products. Follow the instructions to access the digital dropbox.

For time management resources, your commander may have provided you counseling similar to the attached. The important part is the…[Read more]