Just a heads up to anyone interested in ACS (Advanced Civil Schooling) as a logistician. That program does not really exist as most of us used to know it. CASCOM is running the show now and they are forcing you to receive a degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in Supply Chain Management. I would ask branch for more information, but they…[Read more]

Jeff,

Thank you for your reply. How is your broadening opportunity going, is there anything else that you can share about your opportunity that might be helpful to those who plan to pursue a similar track in the future?

Mandi,

Thank you for detailed response and congratulations on your track to teach at West Point. That sounds like a great career and leadership opportunity along with the grad school. What will you teach? Would you mind sharing your experiences during grad school and while preparing to make that transition to professor while also continuing…[Read more]

George,

Thank you for your reply and thoughts on broadening opportunities. I would very interested in your insight into your broadening opportunity. What made you pursue this opportunity and how will it tie into your future endeavors?

There is a strong connection between the discipline found in an organization and how the organization establishes productive norms for giving and receiving criticism. Great post!

Establishing a culture of discipline can take different actions at Company Level and Platoon Level or in different types of units. This post discusses discipline at the…[Read more]

Great topic. Great TED podcast.

For hardcopy reading on the topic, I recommend the following three books:

Difficult Conversations, Thanks for the Feedback, and Getting Past “No”

All books that helped me at various stages/positions/assignments to receive and/or give feedback well (or as well as possible in certain circumstances). This is…[Read more]

Discussion questions (discuss one, two, or all!)
1. What are general thoughts about Gen. Thomas’ tip on approaching the first platoon sergeant?

I agree with PSTOFAN. You need to follow the General’s advice plus you need to sit down and counsel your 1SG. Expectation management is key. I do not personally think counseling should be incredibly lo…[Read more]

Okay, Brittany, here goes. Sorry for the delay!

BLUF –
It looks like you might have been denied transfer because commissioned officers need to be “fully qualifed in their branch,” which HRC defines as CPT post-CCC and KD complete. Since you’re going into your CPT board, you’ll need CCC and the key developmental position to be eligible to…[Read more]

Good morning brittany.rodriguez

I just spoke with our BDE Retention NCOIC.

She advice that you apply at your 12 month mark, so 2020. Jokingly but somewhat serious, she mention that you could/should apply every year as their justification will change since the army is currently in a growing stage. Essentially big army is not loosing you as a SM y…[Read more]

@ae_rollinson,

Digging into my upcoming annual training period (my company has been designated SIM Cell and OPFOR… yes, I bought a special uniform) I wanted to throw another point out another thing that would greatly help out commanders and PLs; go to your local Training Support Center (TSC). Walk around, get their catalog, see what they have…[Read more]

1. While it gets to it I think as a young LT just be open about your relationship. Talk to the CO first and maybe get some back story or tidbits of info that may help you. A lot of LT’s are scared of the 1SG but I made a point for my second 1SG during command to really use him to also help mentor my LT’s since we had E6’s as PSG’s and ,my 1SG was…[Read more]

@ae_rollinson I know it might be a little strange for a Reservist to switch to RA. Thank you for your help and I look forward to hearing from you!

@vanezzaospina Thank you for the response and help in my question! Can’t wait to hear back from you!

These are excellent points! I was thinking inside the house (literally)!

Overlaying family goals onto the discussion of finances and transitioning from a student to an officer is really important. I think this can range from married to a civilian, stay-at-home spouse, dual career, dual military, not to mention what goals or plans of children…[Read more]