Overall, I agree that we should get together and discuss concerns among peers while having ‘drinking’ as an option. I agree that we can come up with a better name and have actually been to a couple of The Strategy Bridge events named “Cigars, Scotch and Strategy.”  While I attended these events, I did not partake in the cigars and scotch and…[Read more]

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]

@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

@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]

@eberlesa – I’m glad you brought up some of the issues OBJ-T. For one, I agree with @brock.j.young. You will have to communicate the challenges you are facing early AND often to your higher HQs. As for training, some commanders have mentioned they knock out a long-range training calendar, prioritizing METs (based off commander’s guidance), and…[Read more]

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]

Does one mode make a difference over another?

Yes, I agree that person or in face is always best!  I usually like to have an face-to-face conversation and will follow-up with an email if the situation warrants it.  I caution to junior officers that you do not always want to deliver “bad news.” Remember, leaders are human beings too and they sho…[Read more]

Why Productivity and Time Management are important as a Commander pt3.

Team – we’ve had some great input on what commanders do to stay productive and manage their time. Today, I’d like to focus on a couple of resources and list of readings you should read at some point in command (or before if you have time).  Remember it is never too late to…[Read more]

@DallasKing – it sounds like you have been diligent in communicating your requirements to higher and creating partnerships with key stakeholders (BDE S4).  Awesome!

Reading the article and reading from your comments, it is clear that you are on the initial stages of “trying/ proving a new concept.”  At the end of the day you have to do the bes…[Read more]

@DallasKing – This is a great question that I know other commanders in other branches are having to deal with. I heavily recommend writing and sharing your experiences with the sudden shift under the DFEM (it can definitely serve current and future commanders).

I’ve contacted other folks but in the meantime let me know if this helps. See below a…[Read more]

@jrrooker – You bring up great points about discipline and how hard it is to enforce it. To me discipline is a lot of factors that come down doing the small things right. Discipline involves standards, values, and norms. Here are some questions that I come up when I think about discipline:

1. Does a unit conduct effective counseling?  Coun…[Read more]

This post/thread is fire!

Knowing what you do now as a post-CCC Captain, what preparation would you have done differently before and during the CCC to get what you wanted out of it?

As an MI officer who remained at Benning for the MCCC, I would highlight some of the same points already mentioned:

1. Have a deliberate plan for the family and…

[Read more]