Ah “When everything is a priority, nothing is…” Both the most obvious thing we battle as leaders, as well as the most prevalent.

I agree. There is MORE that goes into it, however we have an issue within the Reserve Compo, and that issue is the simple lack of time. I have seen instances when a SPC learned something at a course, and because there…[Read more]

Honestly, it’s taken me 19 years in the Guard to understand it, and I’m learning something new everyday.

The additional sticking point with “the Guard,” is that there are also 54 different versions of how to do the same thing. Some smaller states have less red-tape; some states have more JAG involvement then is really needed; some states just do…[Read more]

In today’s complex environment, a leader can’t afford to only serve in key positions. They NEED those broadening assignments, that’s why they’re called BROADENING. They increase an officer’s perspective, knowledge, experience, and tools that they have at their disposal in order to be better leaders. I heard it said once that “there are no more…[Read more]

With the new year, it’s time to refresh and take the time to get to know one another again. So if you haven’t already, please introduce yourself!

Since my introduction above (last year), I’ve taken command of an MP Company (M-Day), and am about to become an assistant BDE S3 Officer (AGR). My unit has been activated twice for law and order…[Read more]

@george.l.gurrola

It’s funny you say that; I was given 29 days from notification to taking the flag. What makes this fact a little more pointed, I’m National Guard which automatically limits the time and manpower I have available for inventories, paperwork, etc. So I dove into it. Luckily I’m also AGR (Active National Guard) so I could put my…[Read more]

I was inquiring about the status of KC Harris’ membership, (cassandra.a.harris8.mil@mail.mil), and to see if there any issues with her acceptance. please let me know.

@snusom,
Unfortunately, leader development always takes a back seat when “metric based” requirements take up most of a drill weekend. This is ESPECIALLY the case in the Reserve Components. It’s not an excuse, just a point of discussion.
 
However that tends to be my opinion. Should an SFC be held accountable no matter what? Yes, however there are…[Read more]

@Cale,
Excellent post! Coming into my position as the BN S1, I learned a lot about officer and career management. Not many Guard LTs (or their chains of command) realize that they are eligible for promotion at 18 month’s time in grade (and have completed BOLC). Fewer know that a waiver MUST be submitted to NGB for approval if the officer isn’t…[Read more]

You know it’s rough when the state CSM comes to talk to your company, asks about how much the unit’s been doing, and his eyes get wide when you inform him that the company has done 53 days of emergency activation and annual training that year…

I was diagnosed with mild PTSD following my deployment to Iraq in 2005. As an NCO, there wasn’t much backlash. Now that I’m an officer, I utilize it when I give MRT training, and talk to Soldiers about the importance of reaching out for help if you need it.

Like everything else though, it’s a matter of degree. Mild PTSD is way different then…[Read more]