@spatelis – definitely agree we don’t want to diminish the enlisted and warrant contribution, but almost any argument we make is going to imply such a diminishment. Playing devil’s advocate on your proposed line of argument, I can see an audience asking how our enlisted population are not unique, risk takers, or young. If we make an argument for…[Read more]

@ae_rollinson @spatelis : I’m not just trying to answer why an officer billet exists in different MTOEs or TDAs, but why we commission lieutenants straight out of college, often with no prior real world experience. Of the nations that have ever had officers, I’m sure not all of them created an officer corps exactly like ours. One of my Soldiers…[Read more]

I’ll second that about iPERMS! Brock, I’d say it’s a great Army practice, regardless of COMPO. Between boards and continuty of service and, eventually, records compilaiton for future generations, I’d suggest records of the like are very important to file as soon as you can. It’s always easier to do a little bit of work at a time instead of doing…[Read more]

This is a fascinating idea, good question! In short, I would say that officers have the role of “planners” and enlisted have the role of “doers”. Now disclaimer – that is a gross oversimplification (even if stereotypes are mental shortcuts) and very watered down. It’s kind of a rephrasing of @spatelis – if you’re constantly trying to plan into the…[Read more]

@bmcgarry,
Very good point about the 1059s. As a former BN S1, I always told the unit’s to PERM the doc as soon as the SM gets back, but then that is also an ARNG thing.

What was your biggest challenge in the first 90 days? What did /did you not do to overcome it?

My biggest challenge was taking over the week before gunnery. I was learning about the BFV, Troop, Squadron etc in the field .

I know plenty of leaders taking over in unique high optempo environments.  The key is dividing up your efforts to cover what…[Read more]

Late to the fight, here. #lostRanger

For those who can’t attend (I went twice… long story… always worth it), find the person who organizes the course, or a battle buddy who previously attended and get a DVD or the shareportal link with the resources provided at your installation’s CFSPCC. Dump all that golden wisdom in a folder on your…[Read more]

AHRGH! This post is TOO awesome. I don’t know where to start!

#dat1st90days

Nailed it with question #2. Quick wins, quick wins, quick wins. Ask your predecessor, “if you stayed the Commander/Platoon Leader for another 3-months what would you make your top-5 priorities?” “What are the things you had hoped to accomplish while you were in-charge…[Read more]

Mac,

You’ve come to the right place for resources! Can you add a comment to your original post with (generally) what your formation contains as organic assets? From there, the community can help you either find or develop some effective TTPs/SOPs.

“The strength of the wolf is the pack.”

@murphys_law – I’ve never seen it, what resonates with you about it?

@Joe,
However, I think I went off on a tangent. To your original point, what kind of relationship do you have with your NCOIC? I honestly think it depends on your level (CO, BN, BDE, etc), Branch/MOS, and duty positions (e.g. PL/PSG, Command/1SG, S1/NCOIC, etc.). It also depends on the confidence and trust you have in your NCOIC, their knowledge…[Read more]

For the group, can this mean training more than just the ATN, T&EO training tasks?

What about intangibles like professionalism, discipline, respect? Can, how and should these be “trained” as any other skill?

@cpttimswanton,
Excellent tie-in to the COS’ number one priority.

@George.l.gurrola I actually heard of the JO forum from Facebook, if I remember right. I’ve pushed the link to fellow company commanders here, but have not seen the JO forum promoted anywhere else.

1. Was your CCFSCC  / PCC worth attending?

Yes, the real value was meeting current Commanders and 1SGs. I learned more from just talking to others who had been in the seat longer than I had. You do not know what you do not know until you start talking to your peers. It is also a great way to meet people outside of your MOS. Everyone faces…[Read more]