Advice for a new BN XO?

2020-07-12T14:16:43-04:00

All,

I'm about to move to a new position as a BN XO in our sister Battalion. For context, I'm an ARNG AGR Officer. The other half of my job will be as the BN administrative officer. The only staff position I've held previous to this is my current one (AS3/TO), so my experience is heavily operations based. I'm also starting with a completely new staff. Every staff primary, plus the CSM and CDR are coming in new. Several of my key NCOs are also new or retiring soon. While this will definitely be a challenge, it's also an opportunity to build something. We have a JRTC rotation scheduled next year, so I have a fairly short window to get the staff ready. Does anyone have any advice, TTPs, products, etc. they're willing to share from their time as a BN XO?

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2020-07-12T14:30:20-04:00

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Response by LTC Mark Ensign made Jul 12 at 2020 6:47 PM

2020-07-12T18:47:56-04:00

Just a few thoughts:
1. Seek guidance from your Commander. At the same time, come to your Commander with a clear vision of your own as to how a Bn staff should work.
2. Ensure you and the S3 are in Synch. In most Bn’s, the S3 is your only peer within the unit. While you don’t have to be buddies ( although that helps), a solid professional working relationship is a must.
3. The staff works for you. The Company Commanders do not. The staff’s job is to support them, not be an impediment to them. You work for the Bn Cdr, but having the support of the Company Commanders will pay great dividends.
4. Establish a positive relationship with the CSM. Both of you are there to support the Commander’s intent. It is best to synch a mutual understanding of that intent.
Best of luck!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2020 7:06 PM

2020-07-12T19:06:00-04:00

I spent most of my time in operations and the became the S3. This was an easy transition because I had spent a lot of time with planning and orders. When I took over as the XO it was a real eye opener. Managing the rest of the staff and running interference for the commander was vital. As others have said you need to know your commander, what he/she wants and the trust should be built as I had to speak my commander's intent in his stead, and then knowing all the staff functions and staying ahead of their issues. Best of luck.

Response by LTC Megan Bogley made Jul 12 at 2020 11:35 PM

2020-07-12T23:35:19-04:00

I would make sure you get on the S1net distro. This was useful for me to keep ahead / on par with my higher HQ for HQDA personnel actions and taskers. Also, I would get with your PBO and obtain electronic access to the MTOE website (used to be webtaads...not sure what it is called now). Get to know your personnel authorizations, as well as ERC A and ERC P (pacing items). That will affect your unit readiness capabilities. Lastly, trust in your senior NCOs, and warrant officers to help train your young staff officers.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2020 11:27 PM

2020-09-08T23:27:09-04:00

When I was XO I took time with the company XOs BC would meet with his COs I took care of the XOs focused on Maint. Logistics and admin issues etc... it seemed like it worked well.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2021 10:52 PM

2021-08-04T22:52:52-04:00

Keep a sharp eye on the motor pool and OR for your vehicles and equipment. Hopefully you have good Bn Cdrs like I did and they give you free reign to support their vision. Don’t forget the bn XO is also the 2IC so keep always know the big picture and keep it in mind.