Completely agree about carrying a book around with you, whether digital or analog! I read so much pre and post deployment because of SRP, etc. Just as you said, a few pages at a time.  It’s like the Chipper WOD applied to a book!! I ended up getting a work bag about a year after commissioning, and I always tried to have something in there to…[Read more]

fightingengineer, rbernheim,

You both make excellent points about the positive aspects of GCSS-A in the supply and dispatch realms; what about maintenance? Any experience or thoughts on those aspects of the system?

As a BN S1 my first advice to new commanders is…Do not wait! Reach out for help to the BN Staff, we are here to enable you to do your job!

When I  was first assigned as the BN S1, I was unaware of what UCFR was or how to provide access to my commanders.

Thankfully, I had (still do) an awesome NCO who had access and was able to help some of our…[Read more]

Brock,

I’ll echo Rose’s mention of how GCSS-Army assists in the dispatching process. You can also use it to digitally sign licenses, which is a time investment up front, but helps cut down on Soldiers’ losing theirs and you having to resign them.

A frustration I had was the way computer monitors and televisions are accounted for. For most TVs…[Read more]

Love these resolutions!

I also want to be better about professional reading and maintaining professional relationships. As I prepare to be in a PhD program “away from the flag pole” for 3 years, I am increasingly nervous about feeling alone and losing touch with the military side of healthcare. Maintaining relationships is going to be key to…[Read more]

Brock,

Though I don’t have a wealth of experience with GCSS-A, my initial impressions of the new system are that it has more potential than PBUSE to reduce time wasted on redundant processes.

First and foremost, dispatching procedures show the most promise in terms of minimizing wasted time. We all know that commanders are the final authority…[Read more]

Can’t lie, I’m presently out of the game and not current on AIM.

However, Board Files feed out IPERMS.  If the Soldier has an item in iPERMS but it isn’t showing in their MyBoardFile, I’d call iPERMS desk and pull the “I’m  the (unit) S1 and calling with a question about (Soldier) file” card.  Do your research, know what should and shouldn’t ha…[Read more]

Yup.  Having that top cover can be vital, especially – frankly- when you’re in a new position and don’t have alot of background for people to draw from, they need time to understand your consistency. In time they’ll see your work, the XO will (intentionally or not) make comments how they don’t have to do alot because your shop’s good, and your…[Read more]

Thank you Brock!

it’s been an ongoing issue as our higher HQ has not been able to provide clear guidance. At the BN Level we’ve opted for having our XO as the only reviewing person for all grammatical errors. Unfortunately at the BDE level there is about 4 people checking for grammar so it has become more of a “writing style” then anything else.

There is a way to balance both your universes.  It just takes a deliberate amount of planning and recognition that sometimes you will have to chose one over the other.  AGR is  an option, sometimes though you have to start on ADOS type orders while you work the AGR route.  It isn’t impossible to have both a great reserve career and civilian car…[Read more]

Logisticus,

I’ve tried in the past.  The issue is getting the active to work week-ends….   Recently, requested something similar at Campbell and was told that sure, but you need to come in during the week.

We have worked with Active Units in Europe before especially during Saber Guardian and twice with USF-K with a Yama Sakura and an Ul…[Read more]

I have had several soldiers start positions overseas.  Its a conversation you need have with your commander.  Long term you may need to look at going over into the reserves.  Personally, I would consider ING for a year.  There are several issues that are going to impact you.

1)  You have 2 years to complete a BOLC or face an admin disc…[Read more]

Jake,

My name is Joe Callejas and I am an OC/T out of Fort McCoy. I have done 2 rotations at NTC as a rotational training unit (RTU) (one as a company XO and one as a BN S-4) and one as an OC/T with Team Wagoneer.

Think about the missions that you will have to complete and plan accordingly. Obviously having a ton of batteries for your NVGs is…[Read more]

@cplenge,

It’s something that I see constantly. Whether it’s dealing with promotions, or filling key positions. The organization no longer chooses the “best” to promote or fill much needed jobs… We chose “who’s available.” I literally heard a BDE CDR state, when asked about a certain person filling a certain position, “don’t give me any sh*t,…[Read more]

@vanezzaospina ,

As others have brought up, I would strongly recommend you get your Commander’s guidance on awards, and make that a policy letter and or SOP. With this, you’re doing two things; 1) you are making it clear as to what a commander expects from award write ups he/she’s willing to sign, and 2) holding the commander to that same…[Read more]