All the answers are phenomenal and cover everything.

I’ll offer (sorry if already covered), build redundancy and overlapping coverage. Have GTC and GPC (government purchase card) holders (plural) such as yourself, and your NCOIC. Have multiple CORs (contract officer reps) plural.

As FSC CO, I “planned” the logistics I would also execute, but my…[Read more]

In today’s complex environment, a leader can’t afford to only serve in key positions. They NEED those broadening assignments, that’s why they’re called BROADENING. They increase an officer’s perspective, knowledge, experience, and tools that they have at their disposal in order to be better leaders. I heard it said once that “there are no more…[Read more]

My experience as an official Mini-SPO (Forward Support Company CDR in a BCT) was that I grabbed a Ranger Medic handbook and did hospital surveys on PDSS because MED LTs didn’t, and SPO MED didn’t want to. As a logistician, I was trained to plan medical support and had to do it in my unit. I wished they were a bit more aggressive and owned their…[Read more]

Position Cross-Training/Rotation – the tangible building blocks to a career which provide experience.

Personal Relationships – most important. Opportunity for juniors to express, reveal to busy seniors, what they’re doing, ask questions, learn about different paths, opportunities from those that’ve traveled them. Sometimes leads to future job…[Read more]

With the new year, it’s time to refresh and take the time to get to know one another again. So if you haven’t already, please introduce yourself!

Since my introduction above (last year), I’ve taken command of an MP Company (M-Day), and am about to become an assistant BDE S3 Officer (AGR). My unit has been activated twice for law and order…[Read more]

One of the things I was most excited about as a Company Commander was the impact I could make on my Soldiers. How could I best serve them, and help them to achieve the most in their careers during that time? Most of us know as JOs that we want to command. We all have experiences with Commanders that help mold who we do (and do not) want to be as a…[Read more]

@george.l.gurrola

It’s funny you say that; I was given 29 days from notification to taking the flag. What makes this fact a little more pointed, I’m National Guard which automatically limits the time and manpower I have available for inventories, paperwork, etc. So I dove into it. Luckily I’m also AGR (Active National Guard) so I could put my…[Read more]

I was inquiring about the status of KC Harris’ membership, (cassandra.a.harris8.mil@mail.mil), and to see if there any issues with her acceptance. please let me know.

@snusom,
Unfortunately, leader development always takes a back seat when “metric based” requirements take up most of a drill weekend. This is ESPECIALLY the case in the Reserve Components. It’s not an excuse, just a point of discussion.
 
However that tends to be my opinion. Should an SFC be held accountable no matter what? Yes, however there are…[Read more]

@Cale,
Excellent post! Coming into my position as the BN S1, I learned a lot about officer and career management. Not many Guard LTs (or their chains of command) realize that they are eligible for promotion at 18 month’s time in grade (and have completed BOLC). Fewer know that a waiver MUST be submitted to NGB for approval if the officer isn’t…[Read more]

You know it’s rough when the state CSM comes to talk to your company, asks about how much the unit’s been doing, and his eyes get wide when you inform him that the company has done 53 days of emergency activation and annual training that year…

1. How do you communicate the impact of overload to higher? Frank discussion. Quantify your points- why it’s too much, and develop a potential plan to address them. It is important to be transparent with your senior leaders. BUT- you must be truthful in your analysis and prioritization of tasks. You can’t just complain that you’re stressed.…

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1. How do you communicate the impact of overload to higher?

back-briefs, training meetings, QTB, showing thought and analysis on “what’s important”/nested w. intent and prioritization

2. How do you avoid passing a similar burden on to your subordinates? Can you avoid it?

• you provide solutions to conflicts, way-ahead/vision (intent, key…

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Brock, I lack the insight from an ARNG perspective but as an active duty guy, I certainly appreciate the contributions and unique experiences and maturity reservists and guardsmen bring to Europe, whether it is to augment us (and we’re short-handed) or in the country-partnership.

If I was the decision-maker, I’d tell you, yes, send more, probably…[Read more]