@vanezzaospina,

I think that’s where people get jammed up needlessly as well; grammar. How I articulate something is different than how the next person does, and I’m sure it’s the same across the force. I would offer that grammar is less important than content when it comes to the achievements specifically  (which is why the SOP/policy is so…[Read more]

@vanezzaospina ,

As others have brought up, I would strongly recommend you get your Commander’s guidance on awards, and make that a policy letter and or SOP. With this, you’re doing two things; 1) you are making it clear as to what a commander expects from award write ups he/she’s willing to sign, and 2) holding the commander to that same…[Read more]

@vanezzaospina / Hmm, you asked for writing tools. Maybe providing Attachments to the BN Memo of the specific award templates could help? Also, have you talked to your BC and/or CSM? Depending how closely you work with them, getting one (or both) of them to put this out to Command Teams (likely during Command and Staff) could be helpful to both…[Read more]

@vanezzaospina / Here’s the resources that @rakimball mentioned. Maybe you’ll get some ideas from this!

Thanks for the link, @rakimball, I’ll dig up the data off MilSuite and will post here.

In the meantime FWIW, I agree with @cplenge that distinguishing between 1 of at least 3 distinct problems that could be all happening at once is very important … and challenging.  Initial help, I’d say make sure to communicate the specific issue to…[Read more]

@Vanezzaospina By “pretty bad conditions” do you mean in terms of basic writing skills (spelling, grammar, etc), just not being able to justify their position (i.e. not being able to make a logical argument), or not following some of those more military specific things (military format, using the right military words, etc)?

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]

@vanezzaospina,  @adam.szczypka

We (my BDE) are trying the who weekly FRAGORD thing, and it’s a nightmare. From my observations it’s been completely reactive and inefficient. BNs to BDE “So you’re telling me to do something TODAY, that will be in a FRAGORD Friday?” BDE response, “Exactly.”

It might be a little different since we’re a Guard…[Read more]

@vanezzaospina Thank you for the response and help in my question! Can’t wait to hear back from you!

@vanezzaospina – Great work on filling in systems gaps in your shop. This work will go a LONG WAY towards stabilizing processes and creating predicability for folks. Keep in mind that with systems creation, it is a steep learning curve, but the outcome is worth it, every single time. So keep at (with this or other projects)!

BLUF: TCS orders…[Read more]

@vanezzaospina,

Absolutely great question. In addition to Ray’s advice, I would ask your SR what, in their eyes, is the difference between a Most Qualified versus a Highly Qualified officer.  What does that officer look like? Is it more additional duties? Is it taking part in MWR/community events? Is it mentoring peers and others?  Is it no…[Read more]