@ae_rollinson, thanks for the additions and AG perspective.

For those interested, check out the post/tools for Letters of Introduction. These should absolutely be sent before every new assignment. Templates are provided in this discussion thread. Definitely a best practice!

Letter of Introduction to CO

Dallas,

As an OC/T I can tell you the biggest issue I witness with LOG units is how we effectively secure ourselves. It warms my heart to see you training this important Collective Task. Task and Evaluation Outline (TEO) 63-CO-0727, Conduct Unit Defense, is what we use to evaluate units at all CTC rotations. If you go through the TEO, it will l…[Read more]

To echo @ae_rollinson, check the JTR or even check out MilSuite/book.

I’m curious on other’s thoughts on their in-processing experiences with other BOLCs. I also wonder how much of this is specific to the post you experienced BOLC at versus other posts.

So! I’ll start off about Fort Jackson for AG BOLC. I don’t remember too much about my in processing at BOLC (being a few years ago), except that my leave form…[Read more]

Love this post, Brock! Thanks for clarifying a confusing and/or complicated process in simplest terms.

Can you clarify more on the policy you’re looking for, what’s the specific question you’re trying to answer? Also, have you reviewed Joint Travel Regulation (edition FY15)?

Dallas, I will compile some products – I have a few PPT slides from JMRC but its a process to sanitize units, disclosure etc.

You’re touching on a key topic. I’ve observed first-hand brigades struggle w/ rear-area security which includes sustainment units of course. Think also of weapons systems. What do you have in the BSB that can destroy enemy…[Read more]

George, I think we’re onto something here- making sausage for next generation, or rather sharing recipe?

2. As you know, we want to buy time, limit distractions, take care of Soldiers. I’ve been out of command for 2 years now, but will search for checklist. Essentially, I sat down w/ 1SG, XO, training NCO, orderly room, Supply NCO and PLs/PSGs…[Read more]

The key is to re-read your existing regulations and skip a paragraph or two down.  There is usually a NG paragraph there.  Key to learning is to dive in and talk to a SME ask for the AR they’re quoting and read it for yourself.

As an M-day commander I rely on my full time support staff to help.

To learn more about “talent management,” feel free to check out ARCIC’s recent weekly professional reading on the topic here: http://www.arcic.army.mil/LPD/FullArchives/ If you access the link after they release a new reading, just look for Series 159 “From Talent Management to Talent Optimization” from 21Feb2018.

BLUF: Talent optimization…[Read more]

I concur. They can be dangerous because of a perception of favoritism.

However, to continue the discussion on the value of personal relationships, I want to point out two benefits:

1. Having a personal relationship builds trust, which is a pivotal aspect of mission command.

2. Personal relationships are required to understand intangibles that…[Read more]

I always chuckled when Officers complained about staff positions.  Uh, you do realize that Officers only command Soldiers at three levels, right? Company, Battalion, and Brigade…? Two of those really aren’t guaranteed and in the case of a Brigade Commander, you’re essentially managing the battalion commanders and their staffs.  The rest of yo…[Read more]

As a commander, we had actions piling up, Soldiers leaving without awards and packets misplaced. Often we had to re-start, resubmit, change over to new template. It forced companies to do better job, keep proof of submittals. Commanders had to help a young, ‘understaffed’ staff.

Key to staff is to understand commander’s intent.

S1 affects entire…[Read more]

Avoid snow-birding or black-birding. If you must snow-bird, then use that time to get as many courses done as possible. That buys you time later on.

For a logistics-branch officer (and certain of these apply to other branches as well), try to get Support Operations Phase 2, Petroleum Water Officer Course, Mortuary Affairs, Operational Contract Su…[Read more]