I took an HHC (my first command?!) to Afghanistan in 2013. Part of our task while we were there was to close FOB Sharana, so there were a few additional layers to work through.

Regardless, for pre-deployment preparation I would offer a few general pieces of advice:

1) Make contact with the HHC commander you are replacing. This cannot happen…[Read more]

When you use the search function (ie I used it to look for code words to make sure I wasn’t duplicating a topic discussion), it pulls up topics and says they don’t have any “likes” or “comments”. I thought none of those topics by JOs had been answered by anyway. Turns out, they DO have replies- those numbers just aren’t showing under the search…[Read more]

When you use the search function (ie I used it to look for code words to make sure I wasn’t duplicating a topic discussion), it pulls up topics and says they don’t have any “likes” or “comments”. I thought none of those topics by JOs had been answered by anyway. Turns out, they DO have replies- those numbers just aren’t showing under the search…[Read more]

Haha. This is helpful because I just created a topic for discussion. Thank you for that, Ray! *Subscribe, subscribe, subscribe*

Working in combat arms units in the 82nd ABN DIV and SOF, the best leaders are the most emotionally intelligent. A person who yells or screams at their subordinates is not leading, they are just talking way louder than they need. The best Green Berets or Infantry leaders I have worked with never raised their voice. I do believe there is no such t…[Read more]

Joe,

I know I am little behind in replying but I just noticed this post and thought I would help. The XO is essentially responsible for the equipment and resourcing. The XO ensures that the commander is always prepared and never blindsided. While the Commander gives guidance, the XO turns the commander’s guidance into action.

Very simply s…[Read more]

This isn’t really a bug but a question- do we get emails when someone replies to our thread/comments? I haven’t seen an email but maybe they’re not commenting directly at my comment and that’s why? Also, is there a way to “like” posts?

Can’t top Shep’s list but will provide little context and some early experiences as a brand new PL.

– DTS you will use a lot, so be familiar.

– UMO is branch immaterial, something LTs are asked to do (pack-out). Operational Contract Support, fight to get this course, it provides an ASI, and essential to your time as S4 (a good staff position,…[Read more]

I totally agree with you both. Military justice is based on the “total Soldier” concept. A Soldier who is habitually messing up, has demonstrated a lack of care or concern for the unit, and is overall a drain on the organization will probably be dealt with a little more harshly than a good Soldier who just messed up. I learned this (the hard way)…[Read more]

You can make it more specific – “If you fail to do -this- then you are not released to go home until (such tasks specify them) are complete.