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]

I do not believe there are branch-dependent leadership styles. There is only the individual leader, and those that individual leads. People respond to different leadership styles, differently – and the Army revolves around people. A good leader will adapt their style to motivate those he or she leads to carry out whatever tasks or missions are…[Read more]

Vanezza,

Your first question should be what their rating profile looks like. That is, how many officers of the same grade have they rated, and for how long. If they are honest, they should tell you whether or not they have room in the profile to award a MQ, or if there are those of longer tenure who they are saving them for (this happens – I do…[Read more]

Vanezza,

Your first question should be what their rating profile looks like. That is, how many officers of the same grade have they rated, and for how long. If they are honest, they should tell you whether or not they have room in the profile to award a MQ, or if there are those of longer tenure who they are saving them for (this happens – and I…[Read more]

Vanezza,

Your first question should be what their rating profile looks like. That is, how many officers of the same grade have they rated, and for how long. If they are honest, they should tell you whether or not they have room in the profile to award a MQ, or if there are those of longer tenure who they are saving them for (this happens – and I…[Read more]

Overall, I agree with Brock. I have encountered the Message to Garcia several times, and each time it left a bad taste in my mouth. Of course that may not be as much from the message itself, as much as from the leaders who were using it for an LPD. By itself, the anecdote provides a lot of fodder for conversation, especially as it relates to…[Read more]

There is not much more to add, though I will expound on a few points. Please note that when I say “inventory” I mean the end item, and any COEI or BII.

1) Command Supply Discipline needs to be enshrined in policy (see the attached letter from my command days). Like all other policy letters, this is where the commander lays out their expectations…[Read more]

Wilton,

I commissioned via ROTC, and was assigned to JBLM, WA as a PL in 3/2 (now 1/2) SBCT. JBLM is an absolutely outstanding duty station, for the units that are there, and for the surrounding area. It was luck of the draw, and I think it was inexperience, as much as a sense of selflessness that caused me to trust in the Army to make the…[Read more]

Bulletin boards for posted policy letters, SHARP, EO, MWR, and BOSS information. Also a bookshelf for doctrinal and professional development publications for leaders and Soldiers to sign out.

Organize a filing system for the supply room to keep track of property books and sub-hand receipts, for current and historic products. Also organize a way…[Read more]