Just a side-note to this discussion:
In regards to replicating scenarios and consequently getting more buy-in from the XO/S3 to conduct what essentially would become a mini-STAFFEX, I’d recommend using the exercise design and support tools on the G2 OEC website (link: https://tbr.army.mil/index.html). Both of the exercise design tools on TBR…[Read more]

I’m trying to get time with my SR in order to force some conversations. I’m sure other functional area officers may see some parallels to my predicament:

I’m an FA57 in a USAR ECAB. They haven’t traditionally filled this role, but here I am. I switched components from NG to USAR AGR, and in doing so lost some progression time so my first look for…[Read more]

Hi George!

I can only give a small input on regards to this from my experience (although not in command)…while working at the BDE, I made it a point to get into my DCOs (SR) calendar for my initial, after receiving a “verbal counseling, the DCO PCSed  within 3 months. When I tried getting a new SR counseling with the new DCO, my boss said not…[Read more]

As Company Commander, I received appropriate initial counseling and OER counseling from my Brigade Commander. I don’t remember receiving much of either in previous jobs from my senior rater, but my Brigade Commander gave me nothing to complain about for my tenure in command.

How about commanders of ARNG HRF, CASE, or QRF units? Are there any tips you have for those commanders of those specialized stateside missions? @cpth, you’re a commander of a CASE element, any thoughts?

Having seen some officers come to our unit from the Reserves it was a change. Most were not ready mentally and physically for the everyday challenge of doing “it” everyday. We had one officer that basically showed up and couldn’t hack it and ended up working at BDE in some BS position. Also had another officer that did not know what an FSC was in…[Read more]

@rakimball,

Plan on things being slightly easier, while expecting more to do. As a Reserve compo officer, you could have what amounts to 2 full time jobs; your civilian career and Guard/USAR position.  In the AC you only have one. Yes, you might have a couple of additional duties, but from the experience of several deployments, life is MUCH…[Read more]

The term “Drink and Think” is a bit abrasive, but it draws direct attention to the fact that drinking and thinking are not mutually exclusive, and focuses us directly on removing that stigma. Similarly, just because one event is called “Drink and Think” doesn’t mean every informal discussion that promotes those two things has to be called that.…[Read more]

Jeff,

Those are the ones that always get me too. I’ve never been haunted by the hard calls. It’s the ones where I took it “easy” on someone who could have gotten slammed. I had to relieve a PL – the reason’s not really important – however it was one of those things that people said, “you relieved him for THAT?” It could have gone either way I…[Read more]

I recommend two books on this topic:

Douglas Stone – Difficult Conversations

William Ury – Getting Past “No”

The first book speaks generally about how and why to give candid feedback. The second book is the second of Ury’s more famous book “Getting to ‘Yes'” but I think the more valuable of the two for how to set up and have particularly…[Read more]

I think these days we can come up with a better name than “Drink and Think.” That would go a long way to eliminate some of the concerns about whether we’re getting together socially or professionally and why there does or does not need to be alcohol involved.

Maybe we could  just call it, “peer to peer informal discussion and…[Read more]

Good topic. Tasking FRAGOs.

I have seen organizations that issue Weekly (WTF/O) and Daily (DTF/O) tasking FRAGOs or Orders. As with most things, the decisive point of success was implementation not the mere existence of the document. So, what are some of the keys tips for successful implementation?

In no particular order [ha! see what I did…[Read more]

Chad,

I don’t know why it has to “center” around booze, however as adults, supposed professionals and leaders, shouldn’t we be allowed the option? Like I said, it’s all training. How can you expect someone to pick you a rifle and qualify unless they’re trained? Same with professional, social interactions. If all a young leader’s experience when…[Read more]

@vanezzaospina,  @adam.szczypka

We (my BDE) are trying the who weekly FRAGORD thing, and it’s a nightmare. From my observations it’s been completely reactive and inefficient. BNs to BDE “So you’re telling me to do something TODAY, that will be in a FRAGORD Friday?” BDE response, “Exactly.”

It might be a little different since we’re a Guard…[Read more]

Generally speaking I’ve seen Weekly Tasking ORDERSs (WTO) or Daily Tasking FRAGOs (DTF). For some reason no one wants to publish a Weekly Tasking FRAGO (WTF).

I am new to WTO and waiting on more guidance from S3 to understand how it works but…a WTO is a weekly tasking order and has the same information as an OPORD just in a more condense manner.

I will get back with more specific info on WTO and end result of them as I am getting ready to write one for the new BN S1 hours of operation 🙂 .

I’ll also…[Read more]