Not to totally agree with everyone here, however agreed! Your initial counseling is just that; the INITIAL counseling. It will show your subordinates what your expectations are going forward, as well as what they can expect from you. Course corrections and head-space-and-timing checks can take place at that 3-6 drill mark. Like you, I had some…[Read more]

@vanezzaospina,

I think that’s where people get jammed up needlessly as well; grammar. How I articulate something is different than how the next person does, and I’m sure it’s the same across the force. I would offer that grammar is less important than content when it comes to the achievements specifically  (which is why the SOP/policy is so…[Read more]

@cale,

Excellent point (so much so I added a #4 to my original post). Some of the old salts have seen and maybe experienced those times that UCMJ action could have been leveraged but wasn’t, and how much better the outcome was because of it. The situation becomes a teaching point that has long lasting positive effects, opposed to something that…[Read more]

Completely agree about carrying a book around with you, whether digital or analog! I read so much pre and post deployment because of SRP, etc. Just as you said, a few pages at a time.  It’s like the Chipper WOD applied to a book!! I ended up getting a work bag about a year after commissioning, and I always tried to have something in there to…[Read more]

fightingengineer, rbernheim,

You both make excellent points about the positive aspects of GCSS-A in the supply and dispatch realms; what about maintenance? Any experience or thoughts on those aspects of the system?

Can’t lie, I’m presently out of the game and not current on AIM.

However, Board Files feed out IPERMS.  If the Soldier has an item in iPERMS but it isn’t showing in their MyBoardFile, I’d call iPERMS desk and pull the “I’m  the (unit) S1 and calling with a question about (Soldier) file” card.  Do your research, know what should and shouldn’t ha…[Read more]

Yup.  Having that top cover can be vital, especially – frankly- when you’re in a new position and don’t have alot of background for people to draw from, they need time to understand your consistency. In time they’ll see your work, the XO will (intentionally or not) make comments how they don’t have to do alot because your shop’s good, and your…[Read more]

@cplenge,

It’s something that I see constantly. Whether it’s dealing with promotions, or filling key positions. The organization no longer chooses the “best” to promote or fill much needed jobs… We chose “who’s available.” I literally heard a BDE CDR state, when asked about a certain person filling a certain position, “don’t give me any sh*t,…[Read more]

@vanezzaospina ,

As others have brought up, I would strongly recommend you get your Commander’s guidance on awards, and make that a policy letter and or SOP. With this, you’re doing two things; 1) you are making it clear as to what a commander expects from award write ups he/she’s willing to sign, and 2) holding the commander to that same…[Read more]

I would recommend reaching out to USAR units that might be near to where you’re going to be, and see if you can SUTA (that’s a National Guard term for drilling with another unit/at an alternate location). The USAR is lucky in the fact there are USAR units in Europe, the Pacific, etc., so it should be doable. That’s not to say it might also include…[Read more]

I’ll have to think about some of those things (being I’m still a CPT), however there is one thing that I have seen time and time again in officers who are in similar circumstances to myself; that being AGR (active) in the Guard. Full time officers in the National Guard (and I’m sure it’s the same in the USAR) quickly forget that the bulk of the…[Read more]

A point on the pay; yes, Soldiers do get paid, however it becomes a cost-benefit decision. SSG X/CPT G, a mid level civilian or law enforcement professional makes $80-$90k a year before overtime. Normal drill already eats into Soldiers’ civilian careers. Now add MUTA 6-8s (3 and 4 day drills), emergency activations, mil schools, etc. Now you have…[Read more]

This is how bad it’s gotten in many Guard units. I’ve told LTs that if they want to set themselves apart from their peers they have to one thing, give a “sh*t,” just a little. Now this may seem like a simple thing, but look around you. How many officers (and NCOs), actually CARE. Care about their subordinates, care about the profession, care about…[Read more]

@cplenge,

This is one of those situations where both are right.

From my own experience and observation, leaders at all levels FAIL to develop subordinates. BN/BDE level ODP/LDP/NCODP are worthless, often dry, detail free PP or briefs with briefers who were chosen last minute (opposed to being chosen for their strength) and given no guidance on…[Read more]