Sully,

I had to command an HHC as a 1LT for three months when I was an XO (my commander got fired), so I completely understand your worry about people out-ranking you. Do not worry about your rank, you are the commander. If you find staff officers and NCOs that are not being cooperative, let your BN XO know. She/he is your best friend in making…[Read more]

Me? Because I was once an Aide, I hate coins. I mean like, vehemently, HATE coins. However I understand their value as far as morale. Sometimes there just isn’t time or justification to write up an award or positive counseling. So what I did was come up with my own “ata-boy” type device, a velcro backed patch. Like a coin, it can be given right…[Read more]

Me? Because I was once an Aide, I hate coins. I mean like, vehemently, HATE coins. However I understand their value as far as morale. Sometimes there just isn’t time or justification to write up an award or positive counseling. So what I did was come up with my own “ata-boy” type device, a velcro backed patch. Like a coin, it can be given right…[Read more]

Nate,

To be honest, I try to prepare with everything we do. An important mentor of mine once said “everything is training,” so I look at it just like that. I stress every opportunity to learn to grow and to correlate what we (my unit) are doing to our war time mission. We are currently preparing to move out to Fort Lewis to train and assist…[Read more]

Nate,

To be honest, I try to prepare with everything we do. An important mentor of mine once said “everything is training,” so I look at it just like that. I stress every opportunity to learn to grow and to correlate what we (my unit) are doing to our war time mission. We are currently preparing to move out to Fort Lewis to train and assist…[Read more]

Nate,

To be honest, I try to prepare with everything we do. An important mentor of mine once said “everything is training,” so I look at it just like that. I stress every opportunity to learn to grow and to correlate what we (my unit) are doing to our war time mission. We are currently preparing to move out to Fort Lewis to train and assist…[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]