What an awesome insight! That sounds like some great connections.

Micah

This is great! My rule of thumb is that if I’m going to be gone for more than a long weekend, I’ll put something brief up. I find myself getting caught up in the trap of posting an out of office response and jumping back on my e-mail anyways and responding to messages. It’s definitely something I’ve had to work on and shake the habit.

Micah

I found that I understood the things I needed to do, I just couldn’t figure out an optimal battle rhythm in which to get them all accomplished.  My lack of knowledge on how to manage my time was a huge distractor for me.

Jeff,

Ray noted a lot of key things you need to really put some thought into. Understanding where you want your company to be helps you determine what you need to focus on now to get it there.

As for specific details on your meeting content, a lot of the necessary details will come from your battalion and your sister companies. Your battalion…[Read more]

Jeff,

Ray noted a lot of key things you need to really put some thought into. Understanding where you want your company to be helps you determine what you need to focus on now to get it there.

As for specific details on your meeting content, a lot of the necessary details will come from your battalion and your sister companies. Your battalion…[Read more]

How are things progressing for you? It can be a lot, but have you noticed anything yet that has spurred additional questions?

Shep

I took an HHC (my first command?!) to Afghanistan in 2013. Part of our task while we were there was to close FOB Sharana, so there were a few additional layers to work through.

Regardless, for pre-deployment preparation I would offer a few general pieces of advice:

1) Make contact with the HHC commander you are replacing. This cannot happen…[Read more]

Joe,

XOs across the army have similar responsibilities.  The marginal differences come from your unit type, company HQ structure, and your commander’s needs and preferences.

That said, here’s my advice…

Get with other company XOs to help get yourself up to speed.  When she returns, maximize whatever time you get with the outgoing XO.
Is t…[Read more]

I do not believe there are branch-dependent leadership styles. There is only the individual leader, and those that individual leads. People respond to different leadership styles, differently – and the Army revolves around people. A good leader will adapt their style to motivate those he or she leads to carry out whatever tasks or missions are…[Read more]

Will,

Here’s my advice in no particular order.  This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it is a start.

As Ray said, pick a reading list and read.  Your school house will have one, but don’t constrain yourself just to that.  Always prep for the next job.

Systems–

Command Supply Discipline Program
TAMIS – Total Ammunition Management In…[Read more]

Michael,

Not sure if there’s one in the 173d Commander’s Smartbook but you might find some other useful things in there:  173rd IBCT Smartbook

Tom

Josh,

Typically, you are authorized travel time, mileage, and per-diem from your home of record.  However, because of your TDY, you may not receive the travel time, but, you should still receive at least the mileage and per diem.  It’s best to check with the transportation office where you are to confirm.  In the meantime, here is a link that mi…[Read more]