The key is to re-read your existing regulations and skip a paragraph or two down.  There is usually a NG paragraph there.  Key to learning is to dive in and talk to a SME ask for the AR they’re quoting and read it for yourself.

As an M-day commander I rely on my full time support staff to help.

Brock, more years than I am willing to admit to ago, there was a saying painted on my DFAC’s wall at basic: training is everything and everything is training. As a leader I invest time in understanding what training requirements are and how can I incorporate it into the daily routine. For example many of the medic tables can serve as AWT task…[Read more]

I am experiencing this as an outsider.  I just received a new LT fresh from ROTC.  As I mentor the LT on being an officer I think the key opportunity is in preparing your attitude.  As a Candidate or Cadet you spent all your time learning and being graded.  That’s not as true for being an officer.  Yes, eyes are on you and yes you are compe…[Read more]

I have to say that as a brand new LT I wanted to do nothing more than just be an MS officer doing MSy officery things.  However a deployment where I was forced to work another staff role made me a much better officer.  Cross training is crucial to helping a young officer learn valuable skills and develop their talent.  I still love being MS and Do…[Read more]

Paul,

I’ve just taken command of my second company and I would love to help share ideas and experiences.  I had some staff time between commands which helped me to really focus on what I did well and what I must improve this time around.

Kenny, I’ve learned its important to be yourself.  One of the most important leadership traits is authenticity.  If you try to be something you aren’t you won’t be happy, you won’t lead effectively and your soldiers won’t trust you.

The first thing I would do if I could be a new PL again, is to meet with my NCOs.  Your success as a PL is tied to…[Read more]

As a young PL I was told some great advice.  Never say no.  Instead say We can do that but……  For example a new tasking is beyond your capability.  I would say Sir, we can do that but, I have these other taskers and would need relief from one of them to execute this new mission.  This lets the superior decide which tasks you are acco…[Read more]

Brock, it’s a challenge for sure. For me as an M-day commander I led from the front. I have an awesome civilian job with great compensation. I lose money when I come on orders, but I do it. Leadership from the front. I also made sure that volunteers are rewarded somehow. I was incredibly liberal with our state achievement ribbons.

IDGAFs are…[Read more]

Yes, this is the story I remember reading. I believe this articulates what it means to be a leader. If I may take it a step further I don’t pretend to be a great third generation leader. I do know that everything I did as a commander became a role model for my soldiers. If I didn’t make it a priority then my troops wouldn’t. I can’t expect them…[Read more]

This is what I view as some of the problem we as a profession have allowed to develop. NCOs are always leaders, if we are just allowing them to turn wrenches I have to ask if we as officers are not doing our jobs.

OPTEMPO is never an excuse to move move from the fundamentals of leadership at the NCO ranks. Without the time and expectation of…[Read more]

Training is everything and everything is training…  This was written on a wall in my basic training DFAC.  I’ve taken it on as a bit of a mantra in the years since.  So how did I as a commander handle it?

1.  Look at every training requirement you have deliberately.  What are the tasks, conditions and standards?  There are a lot of train…[Read more]

Training is everything and everything is training…  This was written on a wall in my basic training DFAC.  I’ve taken it on as a bit of a mantra in the years since.  So how did I as a commander handle it?

1.  Look at every training requirement you have deliberately.  What are the tasks, conditions and standards?  There are a lot of train…[Read more]

I took command of a brigade HHC that had similar issues.  The answer is surprisingly yet complicated to execute.  I brought every NCO in my formation into the room and had regular mentoring discussions.  First focus on the NCO identity, I began by having an NCO read the creed.  We then focused on what it meant to them.  While lavertym is righ…[Read more]

Command in the Guard: its  a second full time job and if you aren’t willing to commit to that don’t do it.  You’re full timers are gold, use them. If you can’t trust them work on replacing them. Get to know your battalion’s AO.

1) Your best tool is your m-days. There is nothing to say your full time staff should run your APFT, ranges, UPL ect. I…[Read more]

I’m Cale. I was with the forums back in ’04 when they were a message board. I have experience as a PL, CDR and staff.