With the new year, it’s time to refresh and take the time to get to know one another again. So if you haven’t already, please introduce yourself!

Since my introduction above (last year), I’ve taken command of an MP Company (M-Day), and am about to become an assistant BDE S3 Officer (AGR). My unit has been activated twice for law and order…[Read more]

One of the things I was most excited about as a Company Commander was the impact I could make on my Soldiers. How could I best serve them, and help them to achieve the most in their careers during that time? Most of us know as JOs that we want to command. We all have experiences with Commanders that help mold who we do (and do not) want to be as a…[Read more]

@george.l.gurrola

It’s funny you say that; I was given 29 days from notification to taking the flag. What makes this fact a little more pointed, I’m National Guard which automatically limits the time and manpower I have available for inventories, paperwork, etc. So I dove into it. Luckily I’m also AGR (Active National Guard) so I could put my…[Read more]

I was inquiring about the status of KC Harris’ membership, (cassandra.a.harris8.mil@mail.mil), and to see if there any issues with her acceptance. please let me know.

@snusom,
Unfortunately, leader development always takes a back seat when “metric based” requirements take up most of a drill weekend. This is ESPECIALLY the case in the Reserve Components. It’s not an excuse, just a point of discussion.
 
However that tends to be my opinion. Should an SFC be held accountable no matter what? Yes, however there are…[Read more]

@Cale,
Excellent post! Coming into my position as the BN S1, I learned a lot about officer and career management. Not many Guard LTs (or their chains of command) realize that they are eligible for promotion at 18 month’s time in grade (and have completed BOLC). Fewer know that a waiver MUST be submitted to NGB for approval if the officer isn’t…[Read more]

Dallas,

As a former special forces maintenance company commander I am very aware of managing expectations especially when it comes to readiness and training. Although a MTOE change would help tremendously, honestly, its not a realistic option. Instead focus on the things you can affect as a commander. Here are some good starting points.

1) What…[Read more]

You know it’s rough when the state CSM comes to talk to your company, asks about how much the unit’s been doing, and his eyes get wide when you inform him that the company has done 53 days of emergency activation and annual training that year…

1. How do you communicate the impact of overload to higher? Frank discussion. Quantify your points- why it’s too much, and develop a potential plan to address them. It is important to be transparent with your senior leaders. BUT- you must be truthful in your analysis and prioritization of tasks. You can’t just complain that you’re stressed.…

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I was diagnosed with mild PTSD following my deployment to Iraq in 2005. As an NCO, there wasn’t much backlash. Now that I’m an officer, I utilize it when I give MRT training, and talk to Soldiers about the importance of reaching out for help if you need it.

Like everything else though, it’s a matter of degree. Mild PTSD is way different then…[Read more]