Officer Question

[mixitup95]

I have a question to ask. I am entering the Army ROTC program next semester and after two years, I will have my commission. I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice on how to be a good officer?

Thanks

[Justaclerk]

I have a question to ask. I am entering the Army ROTC program next semester and after two years, I will have my commission. I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice on how to be a good officer?

Thanks

...absorb everything, let your platoon sergeant guide you (he really is there to help you) and remember mission first, men always.

[CV]

Thanks for taking the first step to serving your country. Listen to your NCOs and value their experience. Don't ever get your head stuck up your 4th point of contact (your ass) because you have authority over them. Do that and you should be fine.

[Papa Smurf]

I have a question to ask. I am entering the Army ROTC program next semester and after two years, I will have my commission. I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice on how to be a good officer?

Thanks

NEVER question your senior enlisted in front of the troops - it will save you from embarrassment!

NEVER assume anything - fact check everything before making a call.

NEVER beam down wearing red...

[The Corporate Guy]

I have a question to ask. I am entering the Army ROTC program next semester and after two years, I will have my commission. I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice on how to be a good officer?

Thanks

While it may not have been your intention, your post reads as is you have jumped past the whole process of earning your commission. Don't assume you will get anything - including a commission - just by showing up. First focus on being the absolute best cadet/candidate and leader you can.

[Tracy]

If you live by your OER, you will die by it.

[MakoZeroSix]

I have a question to ask. I am entering the Army ROTC program next semester and after two years, I will have my commission. I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice on how to be a good officer?

Thanks
Reply With Quote

How is "try not to be a douchebag" for advice? Welcome.

[Biker B]

As an officer, you're the big picture guy, especially if/when you get a company. Micromanagement leads to resentment at the very least. Leave the details to your NCOs, ensuring you're fostering the right type of environment where they know you will not only back them up but hammer them hard if they do something dumb when you know they know better. Nevertheless, you're the home of the final decision so pay attention to your formal training and later on from your senior people.

During your training, let the people whose turn it is to be in charge do their jobs, but don't be a "lightbulb" on these courses either. Don't be a slave to doctrine once you're done your training either.

[mixitup95]

Thanks for the advice!

[rv808]

If you live by your OER, you will die by it.


I work with a few of them.......worst ones I have ever seen.

[Remington Raider]

NEVER beam down wearing red...

NOBODY ever warned ME.:tongue:

[Whitebean54]

How is "try not to be a douchebag" for advice? Welcome.

While you may think MZ6 is being a tad bit much,this is a commonly overlooked part of being an effective leader, not just an officer. Nobody likes a D-bag.The advice that has been given is golden. I am watching fellow LT's crush their cranks because they think passing college makes the smartest dude in the room. I have a fucking SPC4 working on his second master and 4 squad leaders and a PSG that have all been deployed to the same AO we are headed to. The biggest thing I can tell you to do is STFU and listen....or don't and prepare to look and be treated like the Dbag your acting like. And the OER comment is so damn true...the moment you start with the "when I'm a company commander" shit, the moment you have lost your platoon.

What are you thinking about branching?

[The Fat Guy]

How is "try not to be a douchebag" for advice? Welcome.

Where have I gone wrong?

[JMD69]

mixitup95....I'd say you are tracking in the right direction by seeking sound advice. Good luck!

[The Fat Guy]

Be Firm, be fair, be just as swift with your praise as you are with your punishment

You are not there to be their friends, you are there to lead, that means listen to your NCO's, call upon your training and ultimately make a good decision. All of your decisions will not be good, but a poor decision made in time is better than a good decision made too late. Your decisions will get better with each one you make, good or bad.

Always understand your commander's intent

Always be the best in PT, have the best uniform, the cleanest rifle and the last in the chow line. Everything you do sets an example

Remember you are joining a platoon that already exists, they are not joining you.

Stick to the doctrinal decisions and let your NCO's determine the technique

Let everyman keep his dignity, friend or foe

Read Sun Tzu every day

If you focus on your mission first and take care of your troops, your OER will take care of itself

Bitching and moaning is every soldiers right. But don't do it in front of your troops

Understand ownership of orders. Make sure they are lawful and remember that just because you were given an order, doesnt mean you have to like it, you just have to do it.

Last but by no means least, Don't be a douchebag

[hawkdrver]

Mixitup-

Print the Fat Guy's post, laminate it and put it in your wallet.

[ComputerForensicGuy]

I've no aspirations to be an Officer, however I have printed out TFGs post and it is currently hanging on the wall (next to my "Colin Powells 18 Lessons of Leadership").

My sincere thanks for taking the time to post that Fat Guy.

[6danNick]

Mixitup-

Print the Fat Guy's post, laminate it and put it in your wallet.

Already done. Thanks for the input. I know this isn't my thread, but pertinent nonetheless.

[Johan]

One of your primary duties is to protect your Men from idiocy and interference above them in chain of command so they can focus on doing their duty.

Never be afraid to ask question of expert. Nothing is more terrifying than to be subject to Officer with command authority that does not feel it necessary to have all information possible before making decision that will have very serious consequence for many.

You are going to be scrutinized at all times. Make sure that your behavior, demeanor, and level of proficiency in relevant task/skill promotes confidence, not concern. "Lead by example", not by use of command authority.

I could write much more, but there are many Infantry and Special Operation Officer that will have more specific and applicable answer. Maybe a good idea is to find a Company Sgt., tell him your future, and offer to buy him many drink for a few Friday night and ask him to tell you about his ;) best Officers.

Rank is not privilege. It is authority bound by responsibility.

Good luck to you.

Regards,

[Greenhat]

One of the best things about ROTC in my opinion was that it gives cadets a chance to observe Officers and NCOs interact and to have an opportunity to observe those that they might emulate. Watch carefully, choose wisely.

[mixitup95]

I just want to say thanks to everyone who answered my post. This is some very good advice. I really do appreciate it!

[mixitup95]

I will have to print this out and keep it on me. Awesome advice! Thanks

[LongWire]

Understand your unit, and understand yourself.

Know your Commanders Intent, Task, Purpose and End State.

Know your Capabilities and Your Limitations. If your unit can't accomplish the task due to its limitations thats when you need to step in and let the Old Man know, and be able to support your position.

Take Care of your Men, and they will You. Your career lies on their accomplishments, don't confuse them with stepping stones.

Holding knowledge doesn't make you smarter, it makes you a prick with a superiority complex.

[CDRODA396]

Be humble enough to ensure your Men get credit for your successes...
Be Man enough to take credit for your failures...
Learn everything you can from everyone you can, especially your NCO's
Make decisions based on as much information, from as many sources as possible,
BUT ALWAYS REMEMBER, YOU ARE WHERE THE BUCK STOPS SO MAKE YOUR DECISION, if you let the PSG make all your decisions, then the unit doesnt need you. LEARN but LEAD

[Tracy]

Here's the rules I used to post on our Team Room wall:

1. Always look cool.
2. Always know where you are.
3. If you don't know where are, at least try to look cool.
4. If you're going to be stupid, you better be tough.
5. Example is a language anyone can understand.
6. You don't have to be the best at anything, just above average in everything.
7. Bullsh*t at the speed-of-light is still bullsh*t.
8. The easy way is always fatal.
9. Training priorities: Tactics, Accuracy, Precision, THEN Speed (TAPS).
10. Fighting priorities: Outmaneuver, Outfight, Outlast.
11. No matter how much lightweight gear you have, your ruck will still weigh 100 pounds.

And finally:

12. A flag football championship, AUSA membership, police call, sensing sessions, in-ranks inspection and other 'activities' have NEVER killed the enemy. This has always been the task of accomplished marksmen. Something think about.

[KatLady]

I just wanted to say for this post and the answers. I've passed this info along to my grandson. He listens when I share info for him from you guys.
Deb

[KidA]

LT's crush their cranks because they think passing college makes the smartest dude in the room.

Yep. Had a guy in our platoon and our cherry LT thought because he went to college and we were enlisted he was a genius and we were morons, until he figured out that he had a guy with a Master's and a guy with 3 years of Med School who quit so he could "jump out of airplanes" and who is now practicing at Johns Hopkins...

Actually I think it goes back to your raising. If you were raised right you'll be a good person - whether officer, CEO, enlisted, teacher, etc. If you weren't then you won't be.

[billdawg]

-Never be afraid to be a leader
-Don't be afraid to know what you don't know
-The best boss is the boss, who bosses the least
-Make your team your family, but remember, you are the father
-Make sure your goals for your people are crystal clear, then get out of their way and let them do it
-Let your junior people make theri own mistakes
-Criticize in private, praise in public.
-Insulate your people from the silliness above them.
-NEVER, EVER forget, they are why you are here.
-It's not about you anymore.

[CDRODA396]

Actually I think it goes back to your raising. If you were raised right you'll be a good person - whether officer, CEO, enlisted, teacher, etc. If you weren't then you won't be.

Bingo, and over the past couple decades, the drive to meet society's expectation that you have live in a whatever sqft brick home, with a two car garage, with two cars in the driveway, wear the best clothes, etc. has driven the spouse from the home to the workplace and it has had a drastic effect on the raising of our future....our kids...at least thats how I see it...Oooops, sorry, hijack over, back to your regularily scheduled discussion.

[sixgun]

Read, read - then read some more, then some more.

Watch Band of Brothers, several times, then make a list of what was GOOD about Captain Sobel (sp?). Set down with some NCO's and ask them "What was good about Captain Sobel?" Keep asking yourself, and others, until you find an articulate "take-away" phrase that describes, for you, the difference between a personality that can make men hard and get them bonded like steel for themselves and the mission - vice making men hard and banding together out of hatred for a self-seving attention whore.

Beg your first CO to give you the Class III/V Platoon. You will learn many valuable lessons about how the shaft of the spear makes the pointy end work.

Don't be a douche bag...

[cord]

Not mine, but just finished reading Richard Winter's personal memoirs from World War II. These leadership points were on the last page.

"1. Strive to be a leader of character, competence, and courage.

2. Lead from the front. Say, “Follow me!” and then lead the way.

3. Stay in top physical shape--physical stamina is the root of mental toughness.

4. Develop your team. If you know your people, are fair in setting realistic goals and expectations, and lead by example, you will develop teamwork.

5. Delegate responsibility to your subordinates and let them do their job. You can’t do a good job if you don’t have a chance to use your imagination and creativity.

6. Anticipate problems and prepare to overcome obstacles. Don’t wait until you get to the top of the ridge and then make up your mind.

7. Remain humble. Don’t worry about who receives the credit. Never let power or authority go to your head.

8. Take a moment of self-reflection. Look at yourself in the mirror every night and ask yourself if you did your best.

9. True satisfaction comes from getting the job done. They key to a successful leader is to earn respect--not because of rank or position, but because you are a leader of character.

10. Hang Tough!--Never, ever, give up." - Richard Winters

[KidA]

2. Lead from the front. Say, “Follow me!” and then lead the way.


Except now it's "Say "Maneuver Center of Excellence!" and lead the way. Sigh. :biggrin:

[eyezweat]

-Never be afraid to be a leader
-Don't be afraid to know what you don't know
-The best boss is the boss, who bosses the least
-Make your team your family, but remember, you are the father
-Make sure your goals for your people are crystal clear, then get out of their way and let them do it
-Let your junior people make theri own mistakes
-Criticize in private, praise in public.
-Insulate your people from the silliness above them.
-NEVER, EVER forget, they are why you are here.
-It's not about you anymore.

Absolutely correct. Great rules to lead by.
Earn respect, then you will rarely have to demand it. Show others on your team that you are not only a member of the team, but you are not lacking in any of the small details and skills required to lead them.
Be willing to go to bat for any of them, even when they make a little mistake. Cover their a$$ and they will surely cover yours.

[Justaclerk]

I once saw a video of a BTDT (Lt. Col.) who told a story of a lesson he learned from a team sergeant on leadership when the former was a 1LT and a brand new XO of an A Team. If memory serves me it went something like this:

The team sergeant took off his ID tags and laid the long chain out in a straight line on a table. He then positioned his finger on one end of the chain and tried to push it forward. The chain did the expected bunch up and looked like a pile of spaghetti. The team sergeant said, "that's leading from the rear." He then straightened the chain out and placed his finger on the same end and pulled. This time the chain smoothly moved forward. "That's leading from the front," he said. This young LT got the point.

And, obviously, another young officer viewing that video got the lesson too.

[Snake]

Once you get your Commission...it's zero day. Nothing you did or learned in ROTC will assist you (Land Nav, perhaps).

In BOLC, you learn. Learn everything that is offered to you.

As a Platoon Leader (notice all other Officer Leadership positions are called "Commander"? Think on this.), you lead and learn (to be a Company Commander, one day). Leading is done by knowing your job (planning, coordination and management of operations) and making sure your subordinates know their jobs, then trusting them to do their jobs when you say "Follow Me".
You will have NCOs to assist in this. Use them.
Your Platoon Sergeant will have almost a decade (if not more) of time in Service...use that to your advantage by calling on his library of experiences. He's your advisor.
Your superior Officers (the XO and the Company Commander) will mentor you. This includes watching to see if you are failing.

You have Authority and Responsibility. You can delegate the first, but never (ever) the second. If PVT Alphabet screws up....you own it.

Oh, and paperwork will strangle you. That goes with the Commission.

ROTC? Learn the basics. Talk to the cadre (war stories, anecdotes, advice). Maintain a high level of physical fitness (which goes way, way beyond the APFT tasks, btw).

[DrlSgt]

Remember what it took to get you there....and who you meet on the way up..those may be the same you meet on the way down...

Treat everyone from the Commander to the lowest private with respect. It works both ways, you got to give it to get it.

NCOs are human too, they have bad days...just don't let them slide because thats their excuse.

Know the capabilities and limits of yourself. That bar doesn't make YOU superman, remember, sometime you need to sleep. No PL ever got things right when he keeps nodding off during a warning order. Its ok to close your eyes even for a few hours when you've been up all night, that crusty PSG can deal with security and the platoon.

Have fun and remember that the best damn thing ever given to a new officer is a platoon full of infantrymen, even better...a company of infantryman...(am I right or what?)

Have fun...and remember the little guys...they will make you shine.

[TunnelRat]

Always be an example for your officers and men. Never spare yourself, and let your troops see that you don't, in your endurance of fatigue and privation. Always be tactful and well-mannered. Avoid excessive sharpness or harshness of voice which usually indicates a man with shortcomings of his own to hide. - Field Marshal Erwin Rommel

Listen to the guys with boots on the ground. There's been many poor decisions made by leaders who think THEY know whats happening more than the people on scene.

[grahamcracker977]

These are great pearls of wisdom and they are definitely applicable to the civilian side as well.
My ROTC experience definitely reinforced the praise in public/scold in private saying...I vividly recall an MS IV dressing down in MS III in front of a classroom of cadets while he was trying to teach a class. The III was obviously a bit nervous in his presentation (one of the many things ROTC taught me was public speaking). It was uncalled for and embarrassing for all involved. The IV went on to life in aviation...the III quit the program at the end of the year.

[Old_Starlight]

From a Digger's (Enlisted Joe) point of view.

Make Land Nav your friend. More importantly, know and understand all the tools of the trade and do not rely on modern navigation devices. A GPS is an aid, not the first line nav tool many think it is. (Batteries go flat, water and electrical items never mix etc etc etc)

Learn to love a map, a compass and a protractor. Learn and practice alternative nav aids such as stellar navigation.

Do not be the proof of the old joke "Name three things you should never give a new Lt: A Map, A Compass and a Platoon.";)

Most of everything else I would say has already been given by the experienced folk here. Good luck with your career.

[Square]

Thank you gentlemen.

[BKK]

Have faith in your men, and they will have faith in you!

[Gpool]

The Fat Guy hits this pretty much on the head in his post.
x2 on don't be a douchebag. You either are or aren't one. So there probably isn't much you can do about that.

Greenhat is right about ROTC giving you lots of good and bad examples to look at. You can learn from both.

A couple of people said to have a good time. They are right, but don't be gay about it.

[mrwill]

As a side note, when you hear "lead from the front", that doesn't mean you are the first guy in the stack, the pointman or the door kicker. It means you need to be in control of the PRIMARY element of your Platoon. If you are a Mech infantry PL, that sometimes means you are in the Bradley, sometimes means you are in the dismount section controlling the action. If you become over-eager and allow yourself to start "leading" recklessly by running into harm's way and endangering yourself unnecessarily, you will also lose respect from your men/women.

Being brave in combat means calmness and control in the face of danger. It's actually easy to be Rambo and throw your own safety aside by doing things like charging out of cover toward the enemy under fire, riding up top of the Bradley with no Interceptor/Flak Vest on and trying to be the first one to enter a room without your platoon mates....but it is FOOLHARDY. If the platoon loses you it benefits no one, and it was all because you wanted to prove how "brave" you were. Trust me, the men will respect you much more when they see you are taking the time to THINK before you commit your forces into danger, and that you aren't just blindly throwing your unit into a nightmare. Even after watching "We Were Soldiers" and seeing the mistakes of overeager LT Herrick and his "lost" platoon, some LT's still make the same mistake he did.

Be a Lieutenant Fick, not a CPT Sobel.

Read "Training for the Fight" for Paul Howe.

[Whitebean54]

Im still waiting to hear what he wants to branch.

[Justaclerk]

As a side note, when you hear "lead from the front", that doesn't mean you are the first guy in the stack, the pointman or the door kicker. It means you need to be in control of the PRIMARY element of your Platoon. If you are a Mech infantry PL, that sometimes means you are in the Bradley, sometimes means you are in the dismount section controlling the action. If you become over-eager and allow yourself to start "leading" recklessly by running into harm's way and endangering yourself unnecessarily, you will also lose respect from your men/women.

Being brave in combat means calmness and control in the face of danger. It's actually easy to be Rambo and throw your own safety aside by doing things like charging out of cover toward the enemy under fire, riding up top of the Bradley with no Interceptor/Flak Vest on and trying to be the first one to enter a room without your platoon mates....but it is FOOLHARDY. If the platoon loses you it benefits no one, and it was all because you wanted to prove how "brave" you were. Trust me, the men will respect you much more when they see you are taking the time to THINK before you commit your forces into danger, and that you aren't just blindly throwing your unit into a nightmare. Even after watching "We Were Soldiers" and seeing the mistakes of overeager LT Herrick and his "lost" platoon, some LT's still make the same mistake he did.

Be a Lieutenant Fick, not a CPT Sobel.

Read "Training for the Fight" for Paul Howe.

...leading from the front is a way of life from the sublime, being able to maneuver a unit to contact, to the mundane, staying on the washrack until the last vehicle is cleared.

[mixitup95]

I will have to print this out and keep it on me. Awesome advice! Thanks

Im still waiting to hear what he wants to branch.

I am looking into CID, MP or Ranger.

[mixitup95]

Once again thanks for the advice everyone.

['MisterWhite']

The best points about being an O' have already been made, but I'll throw in another penny:

Understand that you, as a cherry PL, know Jack about Shit. You HAVE TO read the regs, ask NCOs (graciously), and otherwise get smart on how whatever unit you end up in works. One infantry company does not work like an otherwise identical infantry company, and it is your job to figure all that stuff out. Not knowing you needed to do that or get that to run a range won't be an accepted answer. It's been stated that the platoon was there before you got there, and was probably getting by. Find how things were done before an improve upon them.

Also, the 'always looking cool' and 'being a PT stud' factors cannot be overstated. Do that.

[Snake]

As a side note, when you hear "lead from the front", that doesn't mean you are the first guy in the stack, the pointman or the door kicker. It means you need to be in control of the PRIMARY element of your Platoon.

DING! Absolutely correct.

If you get caught up in the action (i.e. suppressed or otherwise occupied with the 25m in front of you), you are not doing your job of developing the situation, directing the main effort, pushing information upward and calling for support. Door kicking and trigger pulling are not your primary jobs.

[AustinPT]

when I was about to graduate from ROTC, I went to our SGM and said "SGM, what's the most important thing I need to remember when I go to my first unit?". He said "You're responsible for those troops 24/7. Make sure nobody f**s with their chow, their sleep, their free time or their mail, and you'll do fine". SGM was a smart man :biggrin:

[Richman]

I'm suprised no one came up with these points (or I didn't see them):

You can be friendly with your troops but do not be "friends" with them.

Don't borrow money from them. Don't directly loan money to them. Don't put them in a situation where they can lose money. You are making bank, they're not.

Keep your dick in your pants, with your female troops and with people familiar with your troops. Do that shit at home and on leave.

IE: The troops don't need to see you get all hog wild and drunk then watch you take home the bar hook. I can't tell you how many LTs & CPTs lost respect (while in Korea) when they hung out in the same bar trap as the enlisted, then took off with a bar hook - Even if we did the same shit. We expected more of our officers and looked to them for a steadier example of what to be and to strive for. Sounds kind of silly but self control puts you up a notch in the respect department.

Don't be a Sobel. Be a Winters.

[Snake]

Don't buy your Blues off the rack.

[McNauty]

From an Infantry point of view:

I had the privilege to work with 3 different PSGs during my time as a PL. The relationships I had with them were some of the most rewarding and educational of my Army experience so far. 99.999% of the PSG's will absolutely set you up for success, answer all the 2LT questions you have, and manage your Soldiers to allow you to focus on the big picture. Be smart enough to know when to shut up and listen, but equally important, have enough balls to speak up when you know something is not right if you are unfortunate enough to have that minority with a backwards moral compass.

Your platoon existed before you arrived, seek out ways to make your platoon better, there is always something you can do to make your platoon better, always, you should never, ever, be sitting in your CP with nothing to do. You and you alone are responsible for everything the platoon does and does not do, bottom line.

Strive to be the best at everything your platoon does. You're going to have the high school track star that runs 10s on the two mile, that E5 that spent his entire childhood hunting and can shoot the wings off a fly, and that human truck that can ruck a 240 to the end of the world and back, but you should be at very least in the top ten at everything. Constantly be questioning your NCO’s, your RTO, your machine gunners, your snipers, medics, your mechanics, your training room guys, it doesn't matter what rank they are, it's their job to be experts in their MOS, respect them, learn from them.

Qualify on every weapons system your platoon will operate. Know how to perform immediate and remedial action, how to break them down and how to perform a proper functions check. Your kit, weapon, and tie downs should be fucking immaculate. Be the walking example of the standard.

GET TO KNOW YOUR SOLDIERS! Being a hardass for no reason will get you no where. If you know your Soldiers strengths, weaknesses, personal lives, and genuinely care about their well being, they will go to the max for you, as long as you do for them.

Your job is to plan, you should be absolutely shit hot at OPORDs and planning, no excuses, your men deserve good planning. Along with that know that no matter how smart you are, six brains are better than one. Sit down with your NCOs and get their input on the plan, chances are they’ve done this before and if you work together to build a plan, everyone will know the plan, and will be motivated to execute it. Shove a stupid plan down their throats with no input from them…good luck. There is an enormous amount of knowledge and expertise in your platoon, an effective PL knows how to tap that and use it to the platoons’ advantage. AAR everything and be your own harshest critic.

Lead from the front, always, give others credit for success and take credit for failures. Be a Soldier first, officer second.

[6danNick]

Now, if by the end of my education I am commissioned, is it considered fraternization if I go out and have a few beers to shoot the shit and get you know the men that I will lead? The Corps really only spoke about romantic relationships and actions that show partiality towards certain members of the platoon in terms of fraternization. My buddies who are now in the fleet complain that their COs and XOs don't take the time of day to learn about their men.

If I am granted the privilege to lead, I want to put my men first. I understand the concept of leading by example and the advice given when dealing with junior enlisted and platoon NCOs formally, but I want to learn what consists of leaving my lane when dealing with Soldiers outside the realm of the platoon's day to day.

[Greenhat]

I am looking into CID, MP or Ranger.

I don't believe CID is a branch choice. I know Ranger isn't.

Do some research.

6danNick - there are lots of ways to get to know your men without drinking with them. Having a beer or two with your NCOs to discuss work issues isn't a problem. But know when to shut it down and go elsewhere.

[mixitup95]

[QUOTE=Greenhat;1255855]I don't believe CID is a branch choice. I know Ranger isn't.

Do some research.


I will do some research.

[Whitebean54]

Sounds like you want to either be an MP or you want Infantry.:biggrin:

Wise words have been said here. Read and heed, this shit is not stuff these men and women pulled out of then air.

My pm box is open if you have questions dude.

[Brianj]

Be a PT stud. This is one of the first and simplest ways to begin establishing your credibility...or the quickest way to lose it if you can't hack. You don't need to finish first . Second is acceptable.

If you have a beer with your guys, have a beer. If things start getting fun, you've stayed too long.

[The Fat Guy]

Read, read - then read some more, then some more.

Watch Band of Brothers, several times, then make a list of what was GOOD about Captain Sobel (sp?). Set down with some NCO's and ask them "What was good about Captain Sobel?" Keep asking yourself, and others, until you find an articulate "take-away" phrase that describes, for you, the difference between a personality that can make men hard and get them bonded like steel for themselves and the mission - vice making men hard and banding together out of hatred for a self-serving attention whore.

Beg your first CO to give you the Class III/V Platoon. You will learn many valuable lessons about how the shaft of the spear makes the pointy end work.

Don't be a douche bag...

Sixgun,

Right on Brother.

After 9/11 I had a batch of reserve officers that couldn't lead their shadows out of the sun. I used the movie "We Were Soldiers" about Hal Moore in Viet Nam. There are classic, text book examples of good leadership. I am glad you reminded of that technique...

What was I saying?

Oh yea, using movies as training aids is a good tactic. The best class I ever received from a lawyer was the law of land warfare using the movie Breaker Morant. (Sorry, not intended to be a lawyer joke CB).

[Divot]

Sixgun,

Right on Brother.

After 9/11 I had a batch of reserve officers that couldn't lead their shadows out of the sun. I used the movie "We Were Soldiers" about Hal Moore in Viet Nam. There are classic, text book examples of good leadership. I am glad you reminded of that technique...

What was I saying?

Oh yea, using movies as training aids is a good tactic. The best class I ever received from a lawyer was the law of land warfare using the movie Breaker Morant. (Sorry, not intended to be a lawyer joke CB).

Random fact...

There is a class at Harvard Law that watches/uses My Cousin Bunny each year...

[MDH]

All good comments, I’ve been on both sides ( E & O) I’ll just add my 2cents, for what it’s worth.
1. When in charge take charge…. Your people are looking to you for leadership, not indecision.
2. Lead by example, you show up looking like a rag bag, they will too. Be the first to work in the morning, last to leave, score 285 or better on PT.
3. Shitty details/jobs, Ok they suck, tell your folks why it needs to be done, then work side by side with them to get it done.
4. Bad news never gets better with time, if you or one of your folks screw up… fix it early, if you can’t, ask for help. Keep your boss informed, if one of your folks gets a DUI your CO better find out from you 2 minutes after you know.
5. Ask for advice…both from your senior NCO’s and your superiors. Remember both your Company Co and BN Cdr have had successful PL time, talk with them. Remember the success of the Bn rests with the Success of the Companies, the success of the companies rests with the success of the Platoons, and the success of the platoons rests with the success of the soldiers.
6. Be open to critique from your senior NCO’s, Have a BS session one a month, ask them what’s good /bad and needs to change.
7. Get to know your people, visit your people in the guard shack, OP, SDNCO detail etc, middle of the night, BS with them, ask about where they are from, family etc.
8. Never ever make promises you can’t keep. Never lie to them.
9. Never sleep with or make advances towards your soldiers.

[KidA]

9. Never sleep with or make advances towards your soldiers.

Unless you are an SGM. In Korea. And you just want to "see it" :biggrin:

[UGAfan]

Gentlemen, I'm currently an MSIV a little over 3 months outside of comissioning (ADA branch detailed IN).

What was a simple question asked by a guy has turned into a 4 page thread worth of oustanding nuggets for guys like me who are about to step into the role of "leader."

I just wanted to thank you all.

[mixitup95]

Once again I would like to say thanks for the excellent advice. I really do appreciate it.

Thanks

[mixitup95]

Sounds like you want to either be an MP or you want Infantry.:biggrin:

Wise words have been said here. Read and heed, this shit is not stuff these men and women pulled out of then air.

My pm box is open if you have questions dude.

I appreciate it.

[mixitup95]

Gentlemen, I'm currently an MSIV a little over 3 months outside of comissioning (ADA branch detailed IN).

What was a simple question asked by a guy has turned into a 4 page thread worth of oustanding nuggets for guys like me who are about to step into the role of "leader."

I just wanted to thank you all.

I agree!

[Longrifle]

Gentlemen, I'm currently an MSIV a little over 3 months outside of comissioning (ADA branch detailed IN).

What was a simple question asked by a guy has turned into a 4 page thread worth of oustanding nuggets for guys like me who are about to step into the role of "leader."

I just wanted to thank you all.

You're welcome. Now learn how to spell "commissioning."

Attention to detail . . .

Roll Tide, bulldog! :biggrin:

[Snake]

These books:

http://www.marineshop.net/browse.cfm/professional-books/reference/the-last-hundred-yards:-ncos-contribution--(pb)/4,5600.html

http://www.amazon.com/Maximum-Fitness-Complete-Guide-Training/dp/1578260604/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264557184&sr=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/Command-Legacy-Tactical-Leaders-Revised/dp/159797207X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264557232&sr=1-1

..are the three books I suggest you aquire and read immediately.

The first is written by a man who was both a Battalion Commander and a Platoon Sergeant. In that order. His writing style is extremely idiosyncratic, but he breaks down how to lead and train small units for war...unlike any author I've seen. He illustrates how to take the doctrine in the FMs and turn it into real-world application, rather than just slavish copying from the template.

The second is by Stew Smith, former NSW Officer and CO of the USNA PT program. He is the God of high-end PT programs and his book provides a program that will take you from zero to hardcore. Being a 300 APFTer is great, both in ROTC (when the OML is being formulated...) and at your first unit (first impressions are important)....never mind over your entire career.

The third is exactly what it says on the tin...a tactical primer for junior leaders (i.e. YOU).

Get them now. Read them soon.

[molonlabedoc]

I have been on this board for a while and now that my BCT (Sand hill baby) and OCS Experience has come and gone I have to say that this is some very solid advice.

I was very lucky to teach college with two Army and Marine NCO’s from the Vietnam era and thier constant mentoring mirrored the advice herein.

Spad (BDQ Ranger Advisor and SOG) said “Keep in mind these guys may be 18now, but their legacy and yours will combine into something beyond the here and now”



http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s157/docjoyce_2007/spad.jpg

Spad in 66.

[Justaclerk]

Geez, four pages of entries and nobody has mentioned Clausewitz or Guderian yet. Oh, wait this isn't an armor forum. :biggrin:

[The Fat Guy]

Geez, four pages of entries and nobody has mentioned Clausewitz or Guderian yet. Oh, wait this isn't an armor forum. :biggrin:

I think they let girls drive tanks now don't they?

[Justaclerk]

I think they let girls drive tanks now don't they?

....bet they're just fine until they have to dislodge a fucking broken torsion bar.