from being a PL and doing this, to observing it in my lieutenants, PLs drink from proverbial firehouse and have challenge between empathizing with PSG and troops and carrying out CO’s vision, and that first rear-end chewing (if you have one of those CDRs) often sends lieutenant running into arms of PSG. The best leaders (IMO) are those who fo…[Read more]

Wade,

If you have the counseling’s to support this OER then I would by all means say that you are duty bound to write this negative OER. When the new NCOER came out while in command I had to give a SSG a qualified NCOER. In the out brief I was honest with him and said, “you are 5 out of 6” SSGs in my company. He started to get emotional and I l…[Read more]

Wade,

I would think there are only two real ethical/moral responsibilities you as a leader have in this situation;

1) You as a leader have the responsibility to the young officer and the tax payer to do everything you can to guide, coach and teach this young 2LT in order to help them fix their shortcomings. The USA spent a lot of tax payer money…[Read more]

TRICARE Changes effect me the most because I am a healthcare administrator. I am running the TRICARE “Take Command” Marketing Campaign for Fort Carson and the Colorado Springs Military Healthcare System beneficiaries- I should craft a post for this forum to highlight those changes for everyone. Rest assured, the TRICARE benefit will NOT change. We…[Read more]

MAIT (old-term already) and OC/Ts accomplish essentially a similar overarching purpose – allow organizations a chance to test their systems and look at themselves. We’re building SFABs for other nations’ – I want to know what systems and methods we’re thinking about to make us better and what we’re discarding specifically for that purpose as well.

Kenny,

This is one of the best questions I have seen on this forum by a cadet. Brock hit it right on the head. Lead them, do not try to befriend them. You will develop personal relationships in time but even still, there always needs to be a layer of professionalism with personal relationships with your troops. If you trust your subordinates and…[Read more]

Kenny,

First, I would recommend you not go in wanting your Soldiers to view you as a role model. Soldiers should view the NCOs as role models; someday for those who might want to go the “O” route, maybe.

If you want them to respect you, lead them. Show them you know what you’re doing, and are technically and technically competent. Show them…[Read more]

Patrick,

“Fire and replace” is absolutely one method I’m trying. I recently reiterated to my company that Soldiers should be hungry for their next promotion, and be doing the things that they need to do in order to be ready for it. Things like volunteering for training and teaching opportunities; going to schools when you’re eligible instead of…[Read more]

Along these lines, I’m dealing with this very situation right now.

I was tasked with a high level security mission (guarding an aircraft for a high level government official that may or may not rhyme with VPOTUS), with 24 hours notice, and needed 15 personnel; 1 officer, 1 SSG or above, and 13 PVT-SGT.

I got 3 volunteers. One of those was AGR…[Read more]