What are your first steps toward leader-leader?:

I read this book about six months before I took command of a Patriot Missile Battery in the INDO-PACOM AOR.  I was convinced that I was going to change the branch by implementing these great ideas… but within the first couple months I realized that Leader-Leader doesn’t apply to everyone.  F…[Read more]

Great point, we spend a ton of time checking boxes on online training…  but preparing Soldiers for the mental aspects of deploying is huge.  We do a lot on the back end in terms of Marriage retreat etc, but maybe we need stronger efforts on resiliency training prior to stepping off.

It’s echoed throughout here, but you can never be over-trained or over-prepared in terms of readiness.  During those waves of Train/Ready cycle, get folks to schools that help the unit.  Multiple Air Load Masters, Unit Movement Officers, HAZMAT certified troops.  All of these additional duty personnel help get you out the door when the flag go…[Read more]

I totally agree – I spent 19 months Commanding a Patriot missile battery that was activated three times for deployments in the INDO-PACOM AOR in response to DPRK and PRC aggression.  You’re gonna get on the bird no matter what… but it’s the little ankle-biters like Family Care Plans and finance plans that slowed the progress.  Owning this kind o…[Read more]

You know or They know

I’m with ya on this.  This has been my favorite way to get to know Soldiers (and now Cadets).  You can quickly identify the SME’s in some important areas.. and identify the folks that might need some extra attention.  I ask why they’re doing something the way they are, and when I get the response “because we always do / th…[Read more]

Culture and Team. I’ve seen a serious improvement in the overall discipline of my battery based on establishing a culture of responsibility and team mentality. Our Soldiers understand that their actions reflect across the formation and that they carry the reputation of the unit and the Army with them everywhere they go and in everything they do.…[Read more]

1. Talent Management needs to go beyond the OPD/NCOPD:

The basic format we’ve been beating to death (how to write awards…. how to write NCOERs….) is overused, ineffective and BORING! Instead I’ve had a great deal of success with inviting coaches from college sports teams, business and marketing professionals, and leaders from sister services int…[Read more]