I’ll take a stab at this. Some context, I did not command an HHC. I commanded an AIT company that based on what I know had some HHC characteristics. I had an instructor population (~40-50 SSGs and SFCs) whom I had under my command, but were outside of my rating influence, effectively (I was their supplementary reviewer).

-Use your command…[Read more]

@jared.kobylski, this requires a few steps. The Engineer Qualification Tables (EQTs) have jumped around in different publications in the eight years I’ve been in.

If you look at the Engineer School Knowledge Network (ESKN @ https://www.ako1.us.army.mil/suite/grouppage/17137), in the Frequently Asked Questions, the EQTs are now located in the…[Read more]

Justin,

I do not have a written SOP.  Instead, I place them into a PL slot.  For example my current TO&E has the XO leading my headquarters platoon.  I will place an SMP cadet into a “PL” slot there and treat them the same as a new PL.  The challenge with SMP cadets is that they frequently have other commitments to the ROTC program with FTXs and…[Read more]

I would say that Game of Thrones has many valuable lessons to be learned. Very often, the show juxtaposes very different Leaders and the consequences of their choices.

Specifically, The Battle of the Bastards shows a good juxtaposition between Ramsay Bolton and Davos Seaworth while they make decisions on whether to fire arrows (ah yes, an i…[Read more]

This is an interesting change. I apologize, I will probably get off-topic, but it is what it is.

I think the SFRG will still likely be inspected during OIP inspections, as there is a lot of risk involved when you talk about money.

About two years ago, the installation I was stationed at took a major look at (then) FRGs and fundraising. The issue…[Read more]

I’m not an avid reader, but here are some options (these are not all strictly books):

– Engineer – The Professional Bulletin of Army Engineers (https://home.army.mil/wood/index.php/contact/publications/engr_mag). This is an important one. When you go to EBOLC, you will see this magazine in the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE)…[Read more]

What a great post! My thoughts are:

How did you prepare for company command? I trusted my training and had an open mind. Yes, PME has gaps, and CCC is not really structured to teach you how to be a commander. But think of all the development you’ve received over the years. All the counselings (hopefully), all the training, these are the things…[Read more]

Santi,

Welcome to post command. I learned more in post command thinking about what I had done, why I did it and how to be better.  What I love about your post is the honesty and self reflection. Thanks for for the contribution

George,

I love this topic because it is so timeless.

The number one thing I wish I knew was how powerful organizational culture is. Culture trumps every strategy I’ve ever developed.

CDSP plan, do you have a culture that values accountability?  If not it’s going to be hard to sustain that plan.

Want empowerment? Does your culture support…[Read more]

Ray,  for me it started with OPD, then an NCODP.  I needed to create the space for NCOs and Officers to agree to allow I intend to…..  I saw this as a key first step.

During my final OPD on Leader-Leader model we conducted a pre-mortem.  In a pre-mortem you assume whatever you tried failed.  You then list the reasons why it failed.  Its a great…[Read more]

Ness,

Great question and the eternal bane of being an M-day leader in the reserves.  My solution has been this:

1)  Create an understanding and expectation that as officers and leaders we are expected to do “homework” in order to be successful.  Leadership doesn’t end with final formation.  Therefore, as a staff officer we expect you to com…[Read more]

The organization I am in is an interesting one. My current position has no supervisory requirements, that said, it allows me to look around the organization and understand why things are happening.

-Who is the next person who’s going to leave your organization because they’re underappreciated? My current organization is experiencing an exodus of…[Read more]

My first platoon had elements of the “just do” attitude.  My first command was rife with it.

Approaching the end of my first year as a PL and the end of our deployment to Iraq, I was doing the left seat right seat with my replacement.  I was proud of the work we had done and the changes we had made and then I heard it from one of my lower p…[Read more]

@charles.hood I’ll echo your comments on “whatever they tell me to do”. There is a difference between disciplined initiative (also disciplined disobedience, see GEN Milley’s comments on that matter) and insubordination. For this argument, I think you need to neglect orders that are illegal or immoral, for a moment.

There have been more than a…[Read more]

Great question and way to think ahead!

First every MEDO has to answer the 10 questions.  How does your plan ensure that you can accomplish the 10 functional areas?  Running a BAS means knowing where to evacuate and when to evacuate.

Next the combat arm guys will (rightfully so) your plan to nest into their larger maneuver plans.  How are you go…[Read more]

Great question!  In my experience as a Guard PL and Commander 30 days is too long.  You have maybe 24 drills as a PL.  It will fly.

You should be having weekly conversations with your PSG at a minimum.  There is a ton that will happen in the space between drills and if you show up expecting to get a quick download you’re setting yourself up for…[Read more]