I have a CD with 3 separate sound clips that I can throw into a small boombox or larger sounds system and hit repeat for multiple hours of ambient noise that automatically increases training difficulty to any scenario.

The first is the crowd noise from a World Cup. A crazy loud thrum of hundreds of thousands of people screaming at the tops of…[Read more]

Like Patrick, I’ve seen the dark side of loyalty first hand. Officers who should be drummed out of the service, instead being promoted because they have the right friends (above 1 star…). The transgressions of a squad of SGMs overlooked simply because the CG didn’t want the organization as a whole to look bad. The SPC who falsified a report when…[Read more]

Well, @logisticus, @celineoh, @adam.szczpka, @captaink2008, and all of the others who’ve taken the time to respond and or read this post, I’ve had the opportunity to try out my own personal actions on contact yet again.

Last night I received a cryptic message from one of my new Soldiers (I just inherited a detachment of 80, located 100+ miles…[Read more]

Maybe a little too heavy of a topic?

Wade,

I would think there are only two real ethical/moral responsibilities you as a leader have in this situation;

1) You as a leader have the responsibility to the young officer and the tax payer to do everything you can to guide, coach and teach this young 2LT in order to help them fix their shortcomings. The USA spent a lot of tax payer money…[Read more]

Kenny,

First, I would recommend you not go in wanting your Soldiers to view you as a role model. Soldiers should view the NCOs as role models; someday for those who might want to go the “O” route, maybe.

If you want them to respect you, lead them. Show them you know what you’re doing, and are technically and technically competent. Show them…[Read more]

Patrick,

“Fire and replace” is absolutely one method I’m trying. I recently reiterated to my company that Soldiers should be hungry for their next promotion, and be doing the things that they need to do in order to be ready for it. Things like volunteering for training and teaching opportunities; going to schools when you’re eligible instead of…[Read more]

Along these lines, I’m dealing with this very situation right now.

I was tasked with a high level security mission (guarding an aircraft for a high level government official that may or may not rhyme with VPOTUS), with 24 hours notice, and needed 15 personnel; 1 officer, 1 SSG or above, and 13 PVT-SGT.

I got 3 volunteers. One of those was AGR…[Read more]