@Joe,
However, I think I went off on a tangent. To your original point, what kind of relationship do you have with your NCOIC? I honestly think it depends on your level (CO, BN, BDE, etc), Branch/MOS, and duty positions (e.g. PL/PSG, Command/1SG, S1/NCOIC, etc.). It also depends on the confidence and trust you have in your NCOIC, their knowledge…[Read more]

For the group, can this mean training more than just the ATN, T&EO training tasks?

What about intangibles like professionalism, discipline, respect? Can, how and should these be “trained” as any other skill?

@cpttimswanton,
Excellent tie-in to the COS’ number one priority.

Yes, it is absolutely worth attending. It’s important to have relationships with your installation entities so that they’re at your service to help out, and vice versa. Having good relationships with ACS, Family Advocacy, and Legal during my Command time was incredibly valuable to my success. Even if you can’t pay attention 100% to the death by…[Read more]

Ah, politics… Both a pro (if you’re in the in) and a con (if you’re in the out). Personally, I learned a long time ago that you have to learn to play the politics game; one way or another. You learn to play, or it will crush you. However, as you said, in order to be successful and still maintain your professionalism, learn to play the game but…[Read more]

On of the best I’ve seen, and actually blew Soldiers away when I show them is an old one called The Devil’s Brigade, 1968, staring William Holden, Cliff Robertson, and Vince Edwards. It’s an excellent example of planning, preparation, and execution, as well as a character driven, opposed to special effects driven story.

Dallas,

As an OC/T I can tell you the biggest issue I witness with LOG units is how we effectively secure ourselves. It warms my heart to see you training this important Collective Task. Task and Evaluation Outline (TEO) 63-CO-0727, Conduct Unit Defense, is what we use to evaluate units at all CTC rotations. If you go through the TEO, it will l…[Read more]

To echo @ae_rollinson, check the JTR or even check out MilSuite/book.

Ah “When everything is a priority, nothing is…” Both the most obvious thing we battle as leaders, as well as the most prevalent.

I agree. There is MORE that goes into it, however we have an issue within the Reserve Compo, and that issue is the simple lack of time. I have seen instances when a SPC learned something at a course, and because there…[Read more]

Honestly, it’s taken me 19 years in the Guard to understand it, and I’m learning something new everyday.

The additional sticking point with “the Guard,” is that there are also 54 different versions of how to do the same thing. Some smaller states have less red-tape; some states have more JAG involvement then is really needed; some states just do…[Read more]

In today’s complex environment, a leader can’t afford to only serve in key positions. They NEED those broadening assignments, that’s why they’re called BROADENING. They increase an officer’s perspective, knowledge, experience, and tools that they have at their disposal in order to be better leaders. I heard it said once that “there are no more…[Read more]