I’ll have to think about some of those things (being I’m still a CPT), however there is one thing that I have seen time and time again in officers who are in similar circumstances to myself; that being AGR (active) in the Guard. Full time officers in the National Guard (and I’m sure it’s the same in the USAR) quickly forget that the bulk of the…[Read more]

A point on the pay; yes, Soldiers do get paid, however it becomes a cost-benefit decision. SSG X/CPT G, a mid level civilian or law enforcement professional makes $80-$90k a year before overtime. Normal drill already eats into Soldiers’ civilian careers. Now add MUTA 6-8s (3 and 4 day drills), emergency activations, mil schools, etc. Now you have…[Read more]

This is how bad it’s gotten in many Guard units. I’ve told LTs that if they want to set themselves apart from their peers they have to one thing, give a “sh*t,” just a little. Now this may seem like a simple thing, but look around you. How many officers (and NCOs), actually CARE. Care about their subordinates, care about the profession, care about…[Read more]

@cplenge,

This is one of those situations where both are right.

From my own experience and observation, leaders at all levels FAIL to develop subordinates. BN/BDE level ODP/LDP/NCODP are worthless, often dry, detail free PP or briefs with briefers who were chosen last minute (opposed to being chosen for their strength) and given no guidance on…[Read more]

@jeremyboeh

I feel your pain. AGR, since 2012. Aide, PL, BN A-S3, full time BN 3, S1, Company Commander, BDE A-S3… It never seems to stop.

I recommend attacking it just like any other M-day commander does. Work out a daily battle rhythm of when and what you need to do, and then pen in some time for your Company Command role. We’re lucky that…[Read more]

@george-l-gurrola

I try to teach the biggies; SHARP, suicide prevention, and resilience at a minimum. Having served 22 years, I have a perspective not many CPT’s have. It’s fun watching the faces of new troops when we discuss how “life changing” or “bad” getting an article 15 can be, and I point out that it doesn’t have to destroy your life……[Read more]

Incomplete list… Missing WTF; IDGAF; FUBAR; and JAFO to name a few.

Hah!

Thanks for the share.

Brock

george.l.gurrola

The first thing I want to say for the young officers reading this, be VERY careful with the anonymous comment boxes. I have seen those things destroy units, especially when you have commanders who act and react on every complaint, rumor and innuendo, even when the note is anonymous. The idea board has merit, but just be…[Read more]

In my experience, civilians working within the military organization can be a challenge, or an asset. In CA, we have both dual-status and Title 5 (non-dual status) Federal Technicians, and while I don’t currently lead any, I have in the past, and have also been one. Like @fightingengineer said, you have to tread lightly when leading civilians.
One…[Read more]

@Cale,

This has been talked about off and on for the last decade. It’s not a horrible idea, if implemented correctly. When I joined the National Guard in ’99, my unit was part of an “enhanced Brigade,” and we were authorized 60 UTA a year, on top of the 15 day Annual Training. Given, that only equated to 45 days a year, but it’s a great deal more…[Read more]

Bottom line, being a leader is hard. It requires a great deal of time and effort on the parts of leaders to enforce the standard, and ensure any remedial actions or training is complete. It’s part of the reason that so many people who fail to meet the standard are never corrected. But when we do it, the organization gets better and your job gets…[Read more]

Great topic!

@vanezzaospina is absolutely correct. Seek out your counseling if you haven’t received it. In my experience it’s rarely been more than a check the block, “here’s where I think you should go next” sit down, and opportunity for the higher CDR to poor upon you some of the highlights of their own careers. With that said, it gets you…[Read more]

@cplenge,

Precisely. All too often we forget that there are two careers and lives at stake in one of these situations. Thankfully I have not had to deal with a sexual assault under my command or when I was a PL (knock on wood…), however being an MP for over a decade I have seen a couple of them. Over the course of my career, there have been 8…[Read more]

I get VERY clinical with things like this and suicidal ideations. Have a process or a battle-drill beforehand, something, and then practice it. When you’re done, put it in a drawer, pull it out every couple of months and practice it some more.  You have to KNOW how to react when it happens, before it happens. Because when it happens a lot of…[Read more]

@cplenge
Well, let’s take a look at your points.
“Is it really a leader’s responsibility to teach others to drink responsibly?” Is it my responsibility as a leader to ensure an SFC knows how to be a platoon sergeant and act in a manner that meets my expectations? SHOULD we have to…? No, probably not. However do we find ourselves in positions w…[Read more]