Could not agree more. Leaders (all of us) come in with our ideas and our assumptions but sometimes struggle to make that clear in our in-briefs and then issues occur when the first friction points begin to appear and both sides are frustrated over how the other either is not communicating well with them or not doing what they want them to do.…[Read more]

Issues are related: I prepared for command, but still learned along the way. Some IMHO solutions maybe:

1. lengthen time in unit on station between PCS moves

2. do not retain non-deployable Soldiers, unless they served 18 years, multiple deployments and have experience, wisdom to share – move them to TDA slots and jobs fitting skill-set, allow…[Read more]

I think that a lot of what is missing here is a realistic look at how young officers are treated as they come into a unit, especially when they have to deal with toxic leadership and the lack of talent management, and maybe the realistic view of their roll in the unit. You can tell all these young LT’s the nice platitudes of what books to read and…[Read more]

I’ve read a plethora of leadership books over the years.  I’m a big fan of Simon Sinek and John C. Maxwell.  I’ve used “The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader” as OPD.

David Marquet’s “Turn the Ship Around!” taught me invaluable lessons about empowering leadership in others. I tend to be a bit controlling, so this provided some s…[Read more]

Leaders coming into a new organization are counting on their leaders (including Junior Officers) to prepare them for their new job. It is our responsibility to prepare some sort of welcome brief for our new boss. New leaders in a new unit should be briefed on your roles and responsibilities, your capabilities, unit strength, what your mission is,…[Read more]

Brock, it’s a challenge for sure. For me as an M-day commander I led from the front. I have an awesome civilian job with great compensation. I lose money when I come on orders, but I do it. Leadership from the front. I also made sure that volunteers are rewarded somehow. I was incredibly liberal with our state achievement ribbons.

IDGAFs are…[Read more]

B-Rock,

How can you create a climate within your organizations where Soldiers can come forward without fear of reprisal? Reassure them with words -and- action, live what you preach.

What are your battle drills when and if you come face to face with this situation? Ask the magic question: are you thinking about hurting yourself or someone…[Read more]

Brad,

I’m with the Kentucky National Guard and am happy to help out.  While I am not an EN officer, I do have some peers in that field who would be willing to help out and even mentor your NG LTs. Feel free to shoot me an email at carla.a.raisler.mil@mail.mil or contact me through this forum.

Regards,

Carla

Often wondered if real American heroes like Decatur and Redenbacher inspired the creation of Kirk. The reassuring thing is, we’ve had officers like him in our armed forces. I’ll reflect and play devil’s advocate slightly…

1) Never Stop Learning

True but this is not unique to him, you’ll hear it many places, very universal trope

2) Have…[Read more]

1. first sign for property and simultaneously sign all of it, no excuses, down to each NCO and down to the operator. keep a folder with each sub-hand receipt copy and identify right there during lay-outs, the shortages. discuss with your CDR, and S4 which shortages are priority to get filled and which ones you don’t really use (no need to spend…[Read more]