At OCS I learned landnav, how to write a squad-level OPORD and think back fondly on the experience.

At TBOLC I learned basics on being a UMO – it was an easy, enjoyable time, much spent in classroom. I wish more had been practical hands-on (go to an actual motor pool, participate in services and motor stables), learn practically about property,…[Read more]

It’s a little more than CYA, it also helps you keep grounded as a leader as to what the decision was. What was decided? What was agreed upon? I look at my own command guidance as an azimuth check for myself. Am I (underline) adhering to the contract? Am I (underline) keeping my side of the contract?
But you’re correct, the counseling, the…[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]

NCO Corps especially our model is a recent thing and one other armies want to emulate because it is working within framework of mission command. Normandy (D-Day) is a fine example of mission command: everyone knew the mission, intent, end-state and executed once they became separated. Back then, there was one radio per company – so how did they…[Read more]

A good NCO worth his/her weight in gold. One of the most satisfying parts about being an officer is getting to work with/partner with NCOs.

After absorbing doctrine, I shrug and say- communication is the bedrock for all outcomes. I am not smarter, more talented, maybe just wiser for the scars I bear, and have prioritized communication vs. mission…[Read more]

As an Officer, I have always strived to lead from the front in terms of physical fitness. I believe that the discipline to stay physically fit can be modeled in other facets of our lives as well. Physical fitness is extremely important in the military, and I don’t believe you can preach that unless you are modeling it. I was always out at PT with…[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.

@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.

Yes, it is absolutely worth attending. It’s important to have relationships with your installation entities so that they’re at your service to help out, and vice versa. Having good relationships with ACS, Family Advocacy, and Legal during my Command time was incredibly valuable to my success. Even if you can’t pay attention 100% to the death by…[Read more]

We have 2 MPFs. Prepo stocks are protected by, same thing that guarantees logistics: California, Texas, and New York all have a higher GDP than Russia, basically we have a country which far out-produces all enemies combined. We own all 10 super-carriers, which have 7 times the capacity and capability of the 10 non-US jump-carriers on Earth. U.K.…[Read more]

I am lucky enough to know Pete Kilner, then Ray Kimball, Jon Silk, Tom Morel for a few years now. I was interviewed as a PL in Afghanistan back in ’12. I say lucky, because its a real pleasure to serve alongside Americans passionate about helping others.

I benefitted from the forum as a PL and have tried to give back.