Posted on May 19, 2021
SSG 12 B Instructor
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I have been a team leader for a long time now, but due to a medical situation with one of our squad leaders, have just been upgraded to a squad leader to fill a spot for an upcoming JRTC rotation. I know the basic leadership stuff, but as for being a 12B what can I focus my time on in the next few weeks to be mentally prepared for JRTC? We are attached to a light infantry unit and will be light ourselves. I am assuming all the normal demo and what not, but what else?? Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
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Edited >1 y ago
TACSOP for tactics.
TLP for communicating with the squad and leadership tasks.
OPORD to see the big picture and the requisite methodology for planning.

I would definitely put priority on the TACSOP. Study it over and over again until you know it like the back of your hand. The key to military operations is being keenly understanding of tactics. There is not much time to think. Thinking slows down the unit. Slow units get killed.
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SSG 12 B Instructor
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MAJ Ken Landgren - Thank you, Sir!
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MAJ Ken Landgren
MAJ Ken Landgren
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SSG (Join to see) - My goal is for you to kickass at JRTC! I have always had the philosophy that I wanted the NCOs and soldiers to succeed. It was my job to provide overhead cover and set the conditions for success if I saw risks to mission accomplishments.

When my Finance Company was tagged to do funeral detail I volunteered as the OIC to ensure they succeeded at the tasks because I had done several funerals as OIC when I was in Armor. They had no experience. I also wanted them to know the old man was willing to roll up the sleeves and work with them. I also did spring cleanup and gate gaurd with them. I think I built a stronger bond with them by rolling up my sleeves. The beautiful thing about that strong bond is sometimes they rallied around me and carried me. Being with the soldiers was the best time of my career. Staff work sucks ass.

I am not done dispensing advice. Create cheat sheets like sector sketches, maybe a format to capture key tasks, anything that can help you and your operations. Maybe an OPORD format so you can write things down as you hear an OPORD issued. Laminate them and buy alcohol pens. Buy a can off OFF because you can use OFF to wipe off the laminated cheat sheets. Use those cheat sheets over and over again.

Think about supplies that you might need i.e. 5050 cord, duct tape, laminates, alohol pens, batteries.

When your squad occupies a new location conduct a hands on sensitive items check. When you leave conduct a hands on sensitive items check. Continue that cycle. It is just good business practice.

The training cycle is crawl, walk, run. You can take the TACSOP and use it as a training tool. You can create classes based on the TACSOP. Take them outside and designate teams and walk though key tasks and tactics. That would be the walk phase. If you go to the field then it could be the run phase. At this moment I have nothing else to add.

I lied. Make a sensitive items list and tell the soldiers to take baby wipes, and OFF.
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
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Man. Landgren has great points. Get the Tacsop and ask your PLT. Sgt. and LT. To go over it with you and the other Sqad leaders to discuss scenarios that will an may occur. You then bring that down a notch and do the same with your squad. Repeat again and again during down time. As for the leadership piece, you have it or they would not have elevated you. Listen to your squad, hear what they say. Never be afraid to ask your peers questions, and always speak with the PLT. Sgt.
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SSG 12 B Instructor
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CSM Darieus ZaGara Thanks, CSM! I am pumped to go and at this compacity and absolutely MAJ Ken Landgren provided a ton of solid advice. I was already blowing up my PL SGT phone last night asking him to send me things! Thank you again!
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MAJ Ken Landgren
MAJ Ken Landgren
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SSG (Join to see) - Be aggressive!
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SGT Ed Walden
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As a former OPFOR ar JRTC.

Understand that the OPFOR knows your TTP's. They know what youre going to do and how youre likely to do it. Do the best job you can and the best tou can for your people. Also understand that your attitude will be refoected by your troops.
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SSG 12 B Instructor
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SGT Ed Walden I fully expect to fail, after all it is a training event, but I just don't want to look like I'm lost in the sauce the entire time!! Lol... I am super pumped about JRTC and I am focused on trying to keep my guys up and morale high! Thanks for the response, Sgt!
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