Vanezza, I had a very similar experience as a 2LT on Bde staff of a MI BDE . My first formation I watched dumbfounded as all the officers walked away from the formation, some right back into the building for work.  Wasn’t PT a group activity in the Army? The CC came up to me and my peer, and asked us if we had a PT plan.  I pulled an index card o…[Read more]

Adam, a written plan can definitely help Soldiers (and anyone) reflect on what they are currently do versus what they need to do to make a change.  You’re seeing a numerical, objective  change in APFT scores. Are you seeing a cultural shift as well? Was it a deliberate decision to not have a reward system for high APFT scorers to pair with your p…[Read more]

Maybe this is not the case for many units out there but the unit I am currently a part of (active duty component) has a culture where BDE HHC Senior NCO’s, WO and Officers are not required to attend PT. Although many might love this idea (I know I did at the beginning), it – excuse my language – sucks when all we rely on is morning PT as our wor…[Read more]

Oh man, where to start with this, Chad. That was a packed 2 years between deploying straight away, then every single element changing command (including the BN), then field preparation for JRTC, then after JRTC were a handful of missions that required extra focus from me as the S1, not to mention all these family challenges that I had going on…[Read more]

Kelsey, these are GREAT questions and really dive deep into the heart of this dual-military struggle. Thanks for contributing them! I’ll be sure to incorporate your questions into my main posts to go through some more scenarios, but here’s the information to address your questions sooner rather than later.

For PCS: I almost always cc my spouse…[Read more]

I wish I would have done a full PMCS in a motor pool on a vehicle using the TM and using same equipment, do a T&I layout and do a sub-hand receipt for that equipment. Also, where I would check the vehicle’s specifications – capability.

I arrived at my platoon and my PSG proud with his NCOs for their push-back ability would say, “LT, that vehicle…[Read more]

you are lucky. I enjoyed my XO time.

Have a good tracker/board or spreadsheet w/ 5Ws, most importantly when something is due, and where you check progress (IPRs). Importantly, who does what, and ensuring they understand up-front and will cash that check.

Do not let people not meet their obligations. Do not micromanage as in, if it takes them…[Read more]

I’m really mulling over the second part you posted (resisting the urge to solve problems). It’s really resonating with me as I deployed 2 months after joining my 2nd unit. I was given quite clear guidance that I was a big kid and didn’t need to wait the ’30 day window’ to make changes, but just execute, fix, and repeat time now.

Someone (I don’t…[Read more]

This is awesome, Gregory! Glad the training event was successful and you’ve got a mark on the wall for improvement, as well focus areas for future training. Thanks for the follow-up story!

Thanks very much, certainly appreciate.
CPT Gregory

This is awesome, thanks for sharing your time and efforts!

What a great question! Tools and best practices! Fire for effect! Good news at the bottom.

For straight XO resources, this old post has some awesome products. Follow the instructions to access the digital dropbox.

For time management resources, your commander may have provided you counseling similar to the attached. The important part is the…[Read more]

Kristen,

This is a great questions and one that is near and dear to my heart.

I was an HHC XO when I was a LT in the 82nd. I wish I could say that I had it all figured it out, but I worked crazy hours. I would come in early, before PT, and get as much “desk” work done as I could. When you are an XO, I always felt there was 1 to 2 meetings I had…[Read more]

@cale – I just rediscovered this post from last year about my comment as well. Thought others might find it interesting just as I did! https://juniorofficer.army.mil/discussion/relationships-with-enlisted-personnel/

Ray, I had a fascinating discussion with another officer today about this memo from CSA & SECARMY.  This other officer proffered that TRiPS is better due to its standardization – no room for interpretation, a Soldier did the review of their route and was told risk mitigation or they weren’t.  I countered that, while TRiPS is standardized, a f…[Read more]