I was at Ft. Bliss as a cadet for a month, it was by far the best “short assignment” I’ve experienced. The post is really big, the have an awesome outdoor mall with lots of restaurants to enjoy and also different stores (dollar store, under armor etc.). It is very warm at least from what I remember but the view from some offices is phenomenal and…[Read more]

The computer approach…

I hear “this millennials don’t know how hard it was…” comment all the time around the office.

As leaders we forget that “this millennials” grew up in a technological savvy world and, regardless of what component we are, their expertise comes handy if you need something done. It seems to me as if they are also more cre…[Read more]

JUST WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR!!!

I’ve been a little MIA this past few days and was wondering this specific topic after a small conversation with my husband. I’ll ensure to read through before we have the “serious conversation”.

Thank you so much!

ae_rollinson  – I am sincerely excited about this change. I’ve actually taken the test in multiple occasions and believe it is a better assessment of overall fitness compared to what we have now. That being said, there will be issues (as with everything).  My largest concern centers around the training the trainer.  Yes, the current PT is si…[Read more]

@gagirlkeish Whether from pregnancy or an injury, its tough to be away. So, I sincerely hope you recover as quick as possible! I think there are a couple of things to keep in mind. As dayna.e.sanders mentioned, I think staying active is the right attitude.  Have a conversation with your chain of command and discuss expectations in both the near an…[Read more]

@adam.szczypka – For those not familiar with CY (or MI) OPCON / ADCON relatinoships, would you do into more detail so more folks can understand what means on a day-to-day and a mission basis?

@x70037 – Jeff, I do agree with you! I’m game for talking about re-aligning with standards and a PT test that doesn’t reward slamming backs into the ground…but the primary “eyebrow raiser” for me is the execution across the Army, just as @brock.j.young was saying. I think this new test will slam ARNG & USAR components. Exactly as Brock said,…[Read more]

I submit a “reflection” instead of “an experience” for this JO Jam.

In my present job, I work with many retired NCOs, one in particular who was in the parade in Berlin when the Berlin Wall came down. I was only a few months old when the Berlin Wall came down, so it’s only something that I have experienced through books, movies, and re-watching…[Read more]

I’m not holding my breath!

I have heard/read about a change to the physical testing for a little over a decade, and in that time, I have continued to lace up my sneakers for push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run every six months.

It’s a change I would welcome with genuine enthusiasm (even though I might feel entitled to exactly 30-seconds of…[Read more]

@katehowa – Post #3 in the “Student to Lieutenant” series specifically covers reporting to BOLC. You can read that post here. Or, you can read the entire series just for funsies!

If you have the opportunity, I recommend arriving (not necessarily reporting) one or two business days early. It will give you an opportunity to informally familiarize…[Read more]

Also, I want to expand on your self-reflection about understanding how birth control works. It’s definitely important for a couple to understand how that factors into their plans for a pregnancy!

Birth control that works via hormones (daily pills; some IUDs; shots, patches, other implants) require time for adjustment and, also as you said,…[Read more]

Ray, I keep re-reading your comment because I can’t decide where to start, it’s so helpful!

To continue your thoughts on communicating, here’s a piece of advice / thought experiment from my pre-wedding marriage counseling. Mileage may vary, but it really helped me get my head around wedding vows. If someone in a relationship is withholding…[Read more]

Hi, Kate! Great question.  I can’t answer for Benning, but I think this will still give you a good general idea.

While not nearly as aggressive as Basic, yes, you will jump right in.  For AG school house, the first week is a urinalysis and APFT, along with ~1 day of intro briefs with chain of command, and the rest is baseline informal testing f…[Read more]

Loving the different take here, Steve! I agree, reflection on something like a deployment can feel like pressure to use buzzwords and.give a cookie cutter answer, or be brutally honest and judged for a different perspective.

Great question, George! Can’t wait to hear how others adapted to one of these first but ongoing challenges of command.