These are great resolutions and comments.

Resolution #1 Read a book a month. This can be done by reading at night (instead of #netflix), keeping track of pages read (reading habits), and having an accountability partner.

Resolution #2 Write more often. Look for opportunities to reflect while seeking opportunities to write in journals etc.

As a BN S1 my first advice to new commanders is…Do not wait! Reach out for help to the BN Staff, we are here to enable you to do your job!

When I  was first assigned as the BN S1, I was unaware of what UCFR was or how to provide access to my commanders.

Thankfully, I had (still do) an awesome NCO who had access and was able to help some of our…[Read more]

Can’t lie, I’m presently out of the game and not current on AIM.

However, Board Files feed out IPERMS.  If the Soldier has an item in iPERMS but it isn’t showing in their MyBoardFile, I’d call iPERMS desk and pull the “I’m  the (unit) S1 and calling with a question about (Soldier) file” card.  Do your research, know what should and shouldn’t ha…[Read more]

Yup.  Having that top cover can be vital, especially – frankly- when you’re in a new position and don’t have alot of background for people to draw from, they need time to understand your consistency. In time they’ll see your work, the XO will (intentionally or not) make comments how they don’t have to do alot because your shop’s good, and your…[Read more]

Thank you Brock!

it’s been an ongoing issue as our higher HQ has not been able to provide clear guidance. At the BN Level we’ve opted for having our XO as the only reviewing person for all grammatical errors. Unfortunately at the BDE level there is about 4 people checking for grammar so it has become more of a “writing style” then anything else.

There is a way to balance both your universes.  It just takes a deliberate amount of planning and recognition that sometimes you will have to chose one over the other.  AGR is  an option, sometimes though you have to start on ADOS type orders while you work the AGR route.  It isn’t impossible to have both a great reserve career and civilian car…[Read more]

Logisticus,

I’ve tried in the past.  The issue is getting the active to work week-ends….   Recently, requested something similar at Campbell and was told that sure, but you need to come in during the week.

We have worked with Active Units in Europe before especially during Saber Guardian and twice with USF-K with a Yama Sakura and an Ul…[Read more]

I have had several soldiers start positions overseas.  Its a conversation you need have with your commander.  Long term you may need to look at going over into the reserves.  Personally, I would consider ING for a year.  There are several issues that are going to impact you.

1)  You have 2 years to complete a BOLC or face an admin disc…[Read more]

@cplenge,

It’s something that I see constantly. Whether it’s dealing with promotions, or filling key positions. The organization no longer chooses the “best” to promote or fill much needed jobs… We chose “who’s available.” I literally heard a BDE CDR state, when asked about a certain person filling a certain position, “don’t give me any sh*t,…[Read more]

@vanezzaospina ,

As others have brought up, I would strongly recommend you get your Commander’s guidance on awards, and make that a policy letter and or SOP. With this, you’re doing two things; 1) you are making it clear as to what a commander expects from award write ups he/she’s willing to sign, and 2) holding the commander to that same…[Read more]

Writing from on the road, so short post. My supply sergeant passed the attached on from his last NTC rotation.

I would recommend reaching out to USAR units that might be near to where you’re going to be, and see if you can SUTA (that’s a National Guard term for drilling with another unit/at an alternate location). The USAR is lucky in the fact there are USAR units in Europe, the Pacific, etc., so it should be doable. That’s not to say it might also include…[Read more]

Having a “civilian sector background” I can honestly say that “building long lasting relationships” is everything. At a very young age I was taught that when you leave a job, it is best to leave on good terms and living an open door behind you so that if you ever need to go back or need assistance, that door still open and people will take the…[Read more]

Thank you ae_rollinson!

Awards are getting just a bit better, unfortunately our higher, higher HQ has been pretty nit picky and BDE has been unable to provide us with a standard.

What we’ve opted to do is have our BN XO be the last reviewer and he is technically our standard so far.

I will ensure to use this tool to help Co & 1SG get a better…[Read more]

Good afternoon @jake-bouley; spoke to my husband who is a 92A and has been to a JRTC rotation before their deployment. This was his input, hope this helps or at least provide some guidance
Okay. So looking at JRTC /NTC rotations you will most likely need about 30 days of unit supplies to sustain your day to day operations in while you are…[Read more]