Paul,

This is the troop to task that I used when I was a PL. It is color coded and is easy to brief.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

Jayleene,

I think Brock and Scott are spot on, and to better help answer your question; what branch are your or do you know what you will most likely be branched based on availability/ranking?

Expectations may differ based on branch.  For example, I arrived to my battalion as an Infantry officer and was immediately assigned to a platoon.…[Read more]

Christian,

Show up with a hunger to lead and be motivated. That is it; that is all I am looking for out of a brand new 2LT.

Also, its much more important how your Soldiers and Leadership think of you on the last day rather than the first day. Authenticity is apparent from day one and should be apparent on the last day.

First impressions are…[Read more]

Josh,

Great question and it is an important one for all leaders to ask.

You are absolutely right no Soldier wants to work for an officer that acts and talks like a robot. In fact most of them want to work for someone who can relate to them on a personal level. However, there is a line that you have to draw because at the end of the day you will…[Read more]

Gabe,

What a great question and thank you for discussing this topic. It is significantly harder to bring change to an organization than most people recognize. As a company commander I have found that subordinates do not want to change when/if they do not understand why they need to change.

As a leader, it is your responsibility to establish…[Read more]

Pat,

Empower your NCOs to create a plan that fits their Squad/Team. You pay them to lead so make them lead their Soldiers, especially at PT. As a PL, your job is to ensure your leaders are challenging their troops and making them better. Also, like any plan, double check it and make sure it makes sense. If a squad is struggling with their run…[Read more]