Jeff,

This is a killer thread because of killer contributions, such as yours and others before you!  My hope is that new commanders read this thread so we can get further feedback.  I like how we are all building on information that has been provided.  Here are my thoughts on building what you mentioned.

1. Leader book. This is definitely ne…[Read more]

I saw many of my peers leave the force after command. In my experience, I found that recruiters were getting better at targeting certain officers. There were fellow officers who had anywhere from 2-6 deployments and at the end of the day were wore out.  You also have to consider the appeal of going back to school with the GI Bill. I was surprised…[Read more]

Logisticus – thank you for the great input. You mentioned some golden nuggets in here that I forgot to mention that I wish I would have done prior to taking the guidon.

1. An organized property book, hand-receipts  etc are definitely critical. Do this to save yourself pain and time in the long run folks! I could have done better.

2. Company S…[Read more]

Philip thank you for comment. You mention “counseling your NCOs and working much harder on CSDP.”

Prior to taking command, what would you recommend future CDRs do in regards to these tasks? Do you believe these take priority over other preparation tasks? Obviously time being the most important factor.

You bring up a great point. I agree with th…[Read more]

@brock.j.young – I think you bring up great points and lessons learned for future commanders to reflect upon!

1. I like how you were a sponge collecting all information prior to assuming command. I think your reflection prior to assuming command was a great way to frame your approach.

2. “My Leadership Philosophy became the foundation of my comm…[Read more]

Team – great post and follow-up comments! I agree that it takes initiative to chart the next step. A former officer I worked with asked me the same question and I mentioned the following:

1. Define the “next step.” Depending on your career timeline, what assignment does the Army recommend?  Does this fit your priorities in regards to your pe…[Read more]