Kenny, I’ve learned its important to be yourself.  One of the most important leadership traits is authenticity.  If you try to be something you aren’t you won’t be happy, you won’t lead effectively and your soldiers won’t trust you.

The first thing I would do if I could be a new PL again, is to meet with my NCOs.  Your success as a PL is tied to…[Read more]

Dallas,

As a former special forces maintenance company commander I am very aware of managing expectations especially when it comes to readiness and training. Although a MTOE change would help tremendously, honestly, its not a realistic option. Instead focus on the things you can affect as a commander. Here are some good starting points.

1) What…[Read more]

I attached about two dozen documents in this Content thread. Hope they help get you started.

https://juniorofficer.army.mil/continuity-documents-for-a-battalion-ball-dining-out/?doing_wp_cron=1516880119.9320669174194335937500

Hi Dallas- congrats on your selection to command. I know some of your struggles of being asked to do more with less, or in your case, do more without proper equipment.

I agree with the previous post. There are two lines of effort (short and long) that you must pursue concurrently. I would add that you must also educate others about the unique c…[Read more]

@pstofan – you bring up a great point, and one that was a big point of discussion at my last ball. Knowing the difference between a Dining In, Dining Out, and Ball will help @pauljwilkerson get off on the right foot while you concurrently get guidance from your BN leadership. It’s interesting you mention BN XO, I’ve always seen BN CDR give very…[Read more]

This is a great question to ask and to get smart on because it’s been a bit of a hot topic for a while now! I’ve yet to be in a Brigade where the BN or BDE commander didn’t want to change the MTOE of a subordinate unit.

The short answer: Talk to a Force Manager. Expect a lot of paperwork, justification, and time to do the request. It’s an…[Read more]

Do you have access to S1Net? Please below link. (Sign in with your CAC)

Just a couple of tools and ideas that you can tailored to your MilBall

The link below is a Dinning out Script.

https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-396343

The link below can give you an idea for an invitation.

https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-356164

The link…[Read more]

Spending lots of time as an S1 means that if been to lots of balls in handful of units. Sit tight, let me contact some people. What’s your first task?

That’s a really creative idea with the ambient! I’ve never seen anyone do that before. *fist bump*

Your question phrases transitioning , but I argue that it’s not so much a transition to having the skill at the ready. You don’t transition to a time where you’re great at PT or rifle range, you just have the skills and apply them when needed. The skill I think you’re best looking to pinpoint, define, and practice is Empathy.

It’s not…[Read more]

As a young PL I was told some great advice.  Never say no.  Instead say We can do that but……  For example a new tasking is beyond your capability.  I would say Sir, we can do that but, I have these other taskers and would need relief from one of them to execute this new mission.  This lets the superior decide which tasks you are acco…[Read more]

Kenny,

This is a great question and I will say IT DEPENDS. The previous posts touch on the principles and basics. However, I would argue that timing and implementing the discussed principles depends on your situation. Like Brock said, “you’ll have to find out what works for you and your PLT.” I’ll expand by mentioning the following:

Ask…[Read more]