This is a great question and topic in general.  I cannot speak for the Army as a whole, but I can give an example from earlier in my career.  As a younger officer, I had a NCO that was very well respected within my organization.  Soldiers and NCOs looked up to him and officers valued his opinion.  This NCO would speak openly with the unit abo…[Read more]

I think there is no one list best for officers or cadets to read.  A lot of it depends on where they are at in their development, their strengths and weaknesses, the area they wish to learn more, etc.  The important thing is to keep learning.  Reading is one way to do that, but there are many others that work well too.  Below are some sugg…[Read more]

Changes in TRICARE could have an impact on junior officers if it starts to effect Soldiers and their families negatively.  As doctrine changes, the trickle down to the lowest levels of leaders could have a much larger overall impact.  The big thing will come down to how these changes are implemented.  That, I believe, will be the deciding fa…[Read more]

Hello Alex!
There is no set standard across the Army with what to do/how to send it.  In my last unit, please included some quick background information in the email and a formal letter attached. I have not seen anyone use a memorandum format.  I would recommend using a formal letter format, also found in AR 25-50.  Below is part of a post I wr…[Read more]

Micah,

Great list with ideas I would not have considered.  Another tip (for any type of move) is to have a set of basic toiletries easily accessible.  This would include toilet paper (most important), soap, shampoo, and other hygiene items you may not take on a normal trip.  You will likely not have these supplied by a landlord or if you own th…[Read more]

When I would run company or battalion meetings, I always focused on the intent for the meeting.  Then I would look at what information I actually needed that would shape the decisions I made.  Too often people add slides and information just because it is “nice to know.”  If that information doesn’t tell me something that will help me make a de…[Read more]

Alex.Pytlar brings up brings up an excellent point with observing your NCO’s personality type.  Finding the complimentary style/type can really help to push a unit/team to greater success.  When I was a PL, my PSG was very extroverted and also presented a very verbally passionate personality.  To balance that, I took a much more reserved pe…[Read more]

@Alex.Pytlar brings up brings up an excellent point with observing your NCO’s personality type.  Finding the complimentary style/type can really help to push a unit/team to greater success.  When I was a PL, my PSG was very extroverted and also presented a very verbally passionate personality.  To balance that, I took a much more reserved pe…[Read more]

@Alex.Pytlar brings up brings up an excellent point with observing your NCO’s personality type.  Finding the complimentary style/type can really help to push a unit/team to greater success.  When I was a PL, my PSG was very extroverted and also presented a very verbally passionate personality.  To balance that, I took a much more reserved pe…[Read more]

You have to be true to who you are.  Both introverts and extroverts can be successful leaders.  I believe there are just as many pitfalls for extroverts as there are for introverts.  An introvert can use his/her introvertism to their advantage.  Some Soldiers will respond better to leaders who are more reserved.  However, leaders need to enga…[Read more]

I read a mix of military and business type books.  One book I recently enjoyed was “Leadership and Self Deception.”  However, some of the most rewarding books are those that challenge my views.  I try to find books on topics that are controversial, relevant, and somewhat opposing to my views.    The books that make me grow the most are the ones…[Read more]

Josh,
Great topic.  It is something that gets officers, especially junior officers, in trouble.  Yes, you can interact with your NCOs and Junior Enlisted.  However, those interactions need to remain professional.  Professional, however, does not mean just related to the military.  Leaders most certainly, and should, get to know their Soldi…[Read more]

Davbro,

I have had no interaction with personnel from the Cyber branch.  However, I believe their role is incredibly important.  Cyber threats are the reality today and will only increase in frequency and complexity as we move forward.  Our continued reliance on greater amounts of technology also makes the potential impact that much greater.  Cyb…[Read more]

Great post choices. I’m biased towards Germany as I spent 4.5 years there. Truly amazing and off duty time is great.