Kenny, I’ve learned its important to be yourself.  One of the most important leadership traits is authenticity.  If you try to be something you aren’t you won’t be happy, you won’t lead effectively and your soldiers won’t trust you.

The first thing I would do if I could be a new PL again, is to meet with my NCOs.  Your success as a PL is tied to…[Read more]

Dallas,

As a former special forces maintenance company commander I am very aware of managing expectations especially when it comes to readiness and training. Although a MTOE change would help tremendously, honestly, its not a realistic option. Instead focus on the things you can affect as a commander. Here are some good starting points.

1) What…[Read more]

I attached about two dozen documents in this Content thread. Hope they help get you started.

https://juniorofficer.army.mil/continuity-documents-for-a-battalion-ball-dining-out/?doing_wp_cron=1516880119.9320669174194335937500

I hope any of this helps!

Scott – the Benning finance office is referencing their own internal protocol (not regs) when they request that additional information. I know you don’t want to have by-name recognition with your chain of command at IBOLC, but these issues usually benefit from 1SG support. Explain the issue to your company 1SG (make sure your cadre PSG knows about…[Read more]

@pstofan – you bring up a great point, and one that was a big point of discussion at my last ball. Knowing the difference between a Dining In, Dining Out, and Ball will help @pauljwilkerson get off on the right foot while you concurrently get guidance from your BN leadership. It’s interesting you mention BN XO, I’ve always seen BN CDR give very…[Read more]

This is a great question to ask and to get smart on because it’s been a bit of a hot topic for a while now! I’ve yet to be in a Brigade where the BN or BDE commander didn’t want to change the MTOE of a subordinate unit.

The short answer: Talk to a Force Manager. Expect a lot of paperwork, justification, and time to do the request. It’s an…[Read more]

You know it’s rough when the state CSM comes to talk to your company, asks about how much the unit’s been doing, and his eyes get wide when you inform him that the company has done 53 days of emergency activation and annual training that year…