@cplenge,

It’s something that I see constantly. Whether it’s dealing with promotions, or filling key positions. The organization no longer chooses the “best” to promote or fill much needed jobs… We chose “who’s available.” I literally heard a BDE CDR state, when asked about a certain person filling a certain position, “don’t give me any sh*t,…[Read more]

@cplenge,

This is one of those situations where both are right.

From my own experience and observation, leaders at all levels FAIL to develop subordinates. BN/BDE level ODP/LDP/NCODP are worthless, often dry, detail free PP or briefs with briefers who were chosen last minute (opposed to being chosen for their strength) and given no guidance on…[Read more]

Thanks for the link, @rakimball, I’ll dig up the data off MilSuite and will post here.

In the meantime FWIW, I agree with @cplenge that distinguishing between 1 of at least 3 distinct problems that could be all happening at once is very important … and challenging.  Initial help, I’d say make sure to communicate the specific issue to…[Read more]

@cplenge,

Precisely. All too often we forget that there are two careers and lives at stake in one of these situations. Thankfully I have not had to deal with a sexual assault under my command or when I was a PL (knock on wood…), however being an MP for over a decade I have seen a couple of them. Over the course of my career, there have been 8…[Read more]

@cplenge
Well, let’s take a look at your points.
“Is it really a leader’s responsibility to teach others to drink responsibly?” Is it my responsibility as a leader to ensure an SFC knows how to be a platoon sergeant and act in a manner that meets my expectations? SHOULD we have to…? No, probably not. However do we find ourselves in positions w…[Read more]

Teammates,

Thank you for the questions and answers. Every leader is different. Those with personal experience can definitely break down barriers as you(@cplenge) mentioned. Can an officer lead? My belief is absolutely, but truly every leader is different. Every Soldier is different. If a leader has personal concerns they must care enough…[Read more]

BLUF on briefing in general; “Be seen, be brief, be gone.”

I’m a staff guy currently, so when I put a meeting together the first thing I do is sit down and consider “is this meeting needed,” or can I deal with this one-on-one or via email? I’m a firm believer that 50-75% of the meetings we have aren’t required and are in fact a symptom of…[Read more]

BLUF on briefing in general; “Be seen, be brief, be gone.”

I’m a staff guy currently, so when I put a meeting together the first thing and sit down and consider “is this meeting needed,” or can I deal with this one on one or via email? I’m a firm believer that 50-75% of the meetings we have aren’t required and are in fact a symptom of something…[Read more]

Up front, I’m definitely one of those extroverts that @cplenge is talking about when it comes to having to check myself to ensure I’m actually getting work done as opposed to always running around trying to stay “engaged.” With that being said, I agree that  you have to know yourself and how your personality type/leadership style affects your…[Read more]

@cplenge The aerobic fitness schedule at my old unit was very similar to the one you described.  The only difference I believe was that our long slow run was a “Monday fun run” where we could all get out and call our favorite cadence for the Co.   It was remarkable how you could see the new soldiers to the Co and start in B or C ability group a…[Read more]

@cplenge The aerobic fitness schedule at my old unit was very similar to the one you described.  The only difference I believe was that our long slow run was a “Monday fun run” where we could all get out and call our favorite cadence for the Co.   It was remarkable how you could see the new soldiers to the Co and start in B or C ability group a…[Read more]

@Cplenge, these are all excellent points that really are the next steps beyond just picking the post.  I agree with all of them, most especially the ones about financial planning and clothes.

Something I see a lot of people worrying about that I never really have  is housing.  I  have a theory that most people in the Army try to reserve their fut…[Read more]