Sully,

I had to command an HHC as a 1LT for three months when I was an XO (my commander got fired), so I completely understand your worry about people out-ranking you. Do not worry about your rank, you are the commander. If you find staff officers and NCOs that are not being cooperative, let your BN XO know. She/he is your best friend in making…[Read more]

Working in combat arms units in the 82nd ABN DIV and SOF, the best leaders are the most emotionally intelligent. A person who yells or screams at their subordinates is not leading, they are just talking way louder than they need. The best Green Berets or Infantry leaders I have worked with never raised their voice. I do believe there is no such t…[Read more]

Joe,

I know I am little behind in replying but I just noticed this post and thought I would help. The XO is essentially responsible for the equipment and resourcing. The XO ensures that the commander is always prepared and never blindsided. While the Commander gives guidance, the XO turns the commander’s guidance into action.

Very simply s…[Read more]

Vanessa,

I think Brock hit the nail on the head. Ask him what is a MQ officer? The next question you need to ask is , “Am I a MQ officer?” Now, your senior rater will not be able to answer that at your initial counseling, but I would ask that question every time afterwards. It is an incredibly difficult question to ask, but we as leaders get paid…[Read more]

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

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]