I’d tell the Soldiers that they are getting paid for the NG, it isn’t pro bono.

I would make “Planning” my #1 priority and my Planners ground-zero for success. Recently I took in training management briefs from NG and was able to provide them with some ideas and feedback to help support their training objectives by planning a realistic,…[Read more]

@Cale,

This has been talked about off and on for the last decade. It’s not a horrible idea, if implemented correctly. When I joined the National Guard in ’99, my unit was part of an “enhanced Brigade,” and we were authorized 60 UTA a year, on top of the 15 day Annual Training. Given, that only equated to 45 days a year, but it’s a great deal more…[Read more]

Bottom line, being a leader is hard. It requires a great deal of time and effort on the parts of leaders to enforce the standard, and ensure any remedial actions or training is complete. It’s part of the reason that so many people who fail to meet the standard are never corrected. But when we do it, the organization gets better and your job gets…[Read more]

Great topic!

@vanezzaospina is absolutely correct. Seek out your counseling if you haven’t received it. In my experience it’s rarely been more than a check the block, “here’s where I think you should go next” sit down, and opportunity for the higher CDR to poor upon you some of the highlights of their own careers. With that said, it gets you…[Read more]

@cplenge,

Precisely. All too often we forget that there are two careers and lives at stake in one of these situations. Thankfully I have not had to deal with a sexual assault under my command or when I was a PL (knock on wood…), however being an MP for over a decade I have seen a couple of them. Over the course of my career, there have been 8…[Read more]

I get VERY clinical with things like this and suicidal ideations. Have a process or a battle-drill beforehand, something, and then practice it. When you’re done, put it in a drawer, pull it out every couple of months and practice it some more.  You have to KNOW how to react when it happens, before it happens. Because when it happens a lot of…[Read more]

@cplenge
Well, let’s take a look at your points.
“Is it really a leader’s responsibility to teach others to drink responsibly?” Is it my responsibility as a leader to ensure an SFC knows how to be a platoon sergeant and act in a manner that meets my expectations? SHOULD we have to…? No, probably not. However do we find ourselves in positions w…[Read more]

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?

@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]

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]

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]

I’ve always liked the idea. The most worthwhile mentorship I ever received was was over a couple of beers with some candid conversation. However I also have seen the steady decline of these things as @adam.szczypka mentioned. “Leaders” these days point to the ever present specter of SHARP when they outlaw these types of gatherings, choosing…[Read more]

There was a great post on this very topic by @X70037,  https://juniorofficer.army.mil/personal-battle-rhythm/.

Personally I use a mix of three primary things that help keep me on track.

First, outlook. It’s great for those reoccurring meetings, things sent from “higher,” things I can link to my cell calendar, etc.

Next, I have my white board f…[Read more]

Unfortunately what I’ve seen teach JOs (to include myself) to plan has been experience; in all its cruel and drinking from a fire hose form. My first drill back from deployment as an BN A-S3, I found myself not only the acting S3, but also the acting BN XO (yes, you read that right) going into an MDMP session that was developing the next year’s…[Read more]