Imagine walking up to a stranger and saying, “Hi, my name is Elijah, can you be my mentor?” Sounds simple, right? Yet, this approach is a fatal mistake in the quest for authentic mentorship—a relationship often […]

In an era where the world around us is evolving faster than ever, it’s easy to get swept up in looking forward. But some of the most valuable lessons for today’s junior military leaders come from looking back. Pla […]

Very seldom are Special Operations Forces (SOF) units the main effort in an operation. However, the current complexities of Syria requires the intricacies and expertise that SOF units bring such as supporting […]

Most Cadets commission as Second Lieutenants, expecting to go to their first units leading under the guidance and presence of their Company and Battalion Commanders. The presence of senior leaders often serves as […]

This case study summarizes the breakdown in discipline and moral leadership within a platoon, during their deployment to Yusufiyah, Iraq in 2005 and 2006.

This case study is derived mainly from the book Black […]

This is a true story about suicide. I have tried to depict events and conversations from my memories of them. In order to maintain their anonymity and out of respect for the Family, in some instances, I have […]

One of the central promises of the Army is the opportunity to “Be All You Can Be”, the idea being that service in the Army will reveal to you everything that you are capable of being or achieving. In all ins […]

Organizational norms often elevate leaders to near-mythical entities, as if they exist in a realm entirely separate from the very teams they are tasked to direct. Leaders are often viewed solely as […]

Organizational norms often elevate leaders to near-mythical entities, as if they exist in a realm entirely separate from the very teams they are tasked to direct. Leaders are often viewed solely as organizational […]

Every year, more than 80,000 Soldiers separate from the Army and become veterans. Some are superstars, some are not. Some served three years, while others are well past twenty. Some served in combat, others never […]

In July of 2023, the Center for Junior Officers published a piece titled “500 Days and Counting – what Junior Officers can learn from the Ukraine-Russia Conflict.” Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have suffe […]

Leadership as a company-grade leader continually presents challenges that assess a leader’s character and abilities. While some decisions may be routine, such as managing additional duties, managing supply r […]

     “Complacency (noun): a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like; self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation, cond […]

     You’ve just taken command, issued your first set of orders to the company, signed off on enough memoranda and delegations of authority that your hand is cramping, and your First Sergeant just sent ever […]

The Center for Junior Officers, in partnership with Army University Press and the Harding Project, supports AUSA in publishing the Harding Papers. The Harding Papers series exclusively features the work of the […]

Combat Training Centers (CTCs) are world-class training opportunities for brigades and battalions to focus on tactical training that also serves to test the readiness of companies, platoons, and squads. Although […]