As a new 2LT, how do I introduce myself to my troops?

2018-05-20T20:05:07-04:00

I haven't really been able to find answers to this question. I have known some people in my platoon for a longer time and I wonder how I should introduce myself to my new platoon. What should I mention? What should I avoid?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2018 8:25 PM

2018-05-20T20:25:20-04:00

Great question LT. If you’re looking for the book answer, less is more. Your ability to maintain a professional standoff with your Soldiers is an important component of that relationship, both now and as your grow your leadership persona. If you’re seen as just another member of the team, you threaten your ability to command effectively in more complex situations (i.e. when bullets are flying). That said, professional distance is created differently from team to team, and you need not be cold or a tyrant to maintain it.

My best recommendation in this situation is to privately introduce yourself to the senior enlisted member of the team (a Platoon Sergeant at your level, presumably). Be open and honest with that person, because you will operate and (in the best scenario) be seen as a team to subordinates and higher-ups alike. Once you’ve established that introductory level of trust, consider asking them to introduce you to the rest of the team in a formal way. They should know how best to communicate with the group, and you may learn a lot by simply watching that interaction. Fill in any gaps as needed, but leave something for future conversations.

Enjoy your first platoon! This should be one of the best times in your Officer career.

Response by Maj John Bell made May 20 at 2018 8:52 PM

2018-05-20T20:52:48-04:00

I think you are overthinking this. Don't force introductions, just meet them in the course of events.

As soon as humanly possible, buy and read Small Unit Leadership by Col Dandridge Malone. It absolutely kills me that this was NOT written by a Marine. Read it once a month for a year. Once a quarter for another year, then once a year until you leave the Army.

I'm going to use USMC alphabet soup terms from 30 years ago, but will try to keep them plain English.

When you take over, there should already be a quarterly or monthly training plan in place, don't go about making a lot of changes, or "re-arranging the furniture" to show it is your platoon now. It is and you don't have to prove it to anyone. Talk to the Company CO and get his assessment of the Platoon, your Platoon Sergeant, Squad Leaders and Team Leaders. It may be tempting to talk to the Company XO or Company HQ SNCO's; don't without the CO's permission. They're his staff not yours. Also find out if there are problems with how the Plt interfaces with the Co HQ for support.

Then talk to your PltSgt get his assessment of the Squad Leaders and Team Leaders ask about superstars. Don't asks about turds, they'll ID themselves or maybe a clean slate will give them a chance to turnaround.

Read the Battalion and Company TEEP (Training and Exercise Plan) plans for as far out as they exist. See if the plt training plan supports the Battalion and Company TEEPs

Spend way more time observing and listening than talking or teaching. In my opinion the best platoon's were the ones where the leaders trained their immediate subordinates. So that no trainer is actually training more than 3-5 trainees. Too many LT's try to put their entire platoon through the advanced MOS course they just completed, with the LT as the primary instructor for everything. If they are sitting in a classroom or on bleachers and you are talking to the entire platoon, no matter what you think you are saying, they are hearing "Go to sleep."

You should be observing your subordinates train their trainees and quality checking, plus making sure it is within doctrine. If it's not get a good explanation why, find out if the variation is uniform to the platoon, company, and battalion. Confer with your plt sgt and your CO.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made May 20 at 2018 10:22 PM

2018-05-20T22:22:17-04:00

What Major Bell and 1LT Forwood said. When formally introducing yourself in a formation for the first time the shorter the speech the better. Trust me you'll only have their attention for a minute or two. I've been to enough change of command ceremonies to realize that. Formalities aside talk to the enlisted leaders; those working directly under you in particular. You can ask about the superstars, but ultimately everyone should be on the same clean slate. Granted I am no commissioned officer but if I was to approach a new unit (and I will be very soon) that's what I'd be doing in addition to what the other two commentators mentioned.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2018 8:48 AM

2018-05-21T08:48:47-04:00

Draco (great name by the way)

Not sure I follow if you're stating that you've known some of the folks in your new platoon from before, and are concerned about giving a "fresh" introduction to them...or if you just mean introductions in general. I'll assume the latter.

If you're prior enlisted, consider how you used to view JOs. What did you respect, find arrogant, or wish you'd heard/seen from a PL? If you've no former experience, remember that everyone pretty much knows you're new, inexperienced, and have a long road ahead of you. No one's looking to see if you're Audie Murphy or Patton re-incarnate...neither should you assume they all think you're a joke.

Get to know your PltSgt; ask him to inform you about the Platoon; Major Bell said it best...focus on the positives.

Three things they need to know from you; First-that you're proud to be there. Want to lose them real fast? Let them think for even one second that you're just "marking time" to earn a bullet point. My first DIVO tour was probably the most rewarding professional experience I've ever had, or am likely to have. Second-your men need to see (rather than hear) that you're a serious person. That doesn't mean severe, emotionless or cruel...but it does mean detail oriented, consistent and disciplined. Their first look at you can make/break a first tour in many ways. Third-They need to know that you've got their backs. Your PltSgt is the expert...he's the one they trust in the field, the one who trains them, and the one they respect (hopefully). You're the one who can choose to get in his way...or make his job easier by how you work with him, and represent the platoon before Higher. A lot has changed (some for the worse), but there are still ways to address things at the "lowest level", and prevent minor infractions from becoming major failures. Crap comes down...some of it, actually most of it, you can't avoid, but you can do a great deal towards standing up for your guys-you may actually surprise yourself; I know I did. NEVER let them endure a crappy detail with you absent.

Finally, I'll pass on some advice given to me by an E-8 once; never forget that the rank you wear does in fact mean something. Your men may "like" a JO who defers to everyone with stripes...but they'll respect you more if you respectfully, wisely, and at the appropriate times-take responsibility and accountability.

Good luck and Best Wishes LT!

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made May 21 at 2018 9:40 AM

2018-05-21T09:40:02-04:00

Well, whatever you do...DON'T have them fill out a questionaire with questions like, "What is your favorite color?" "What is your favorite movie?" And my "favorite," "What character from Wizard of Oz do you identify with?" Yes, I had a brand new Ensign do that. None of the senior enlisted knew that he was going to do that and I'm pretty sure our SIO (a senior O-3) didn't either. The whole story is funny, but way too long to tell. As others have said, as an enlisted guy, I don't care where you went to school or what you majored in. Tell me who you are and maybe where you're from. Be sincere. You are not our friend, but you are also not our slavemaster. If you are willing to ask the question here, you're obviously not some know-it-all that's coming in to kick ass and take names. You'll do fine. Good luck.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made May 21 at 2018 9:52 AM

2018-05-21T09:52:14-04:00

Keep it short. Remember that your actions will speak louder than any words you may say to them when they don't know you.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2018 11:25 AM

2018-05-21T11:25:39-04:00

Introduce yourself to your Platoon briefly, and then get to know each individually later. I just told them my name and my overall ethos - Do your job. Look out for each other. Keep me informed. No long speech of your past, just a general overview of your main requirements. Your actions will reinforce your words after that, provided you live up to your own ethos.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made May 22 at 2018 12:54 AM

2018-05-22T00:54:19-04:00

"Hi, I'm 2LT so and so..." Sir, in all reality, as long as you don't act like a condescending prick you will be okay, I promise. There are few things that are going to happen and they happen to ALL leaders (NCOs and Officers). First, you are not going to get everyone to like you. There will always be someone who doesn't. Second, you shouldn't care about having everyone like you because you aren't there o make friends; you are there to do a job. Lastly, you will be treated like a child by NCOs and this is for a good reason, unless you are prior service you don't know anything... Seriously, you know nothing... Learn from the NCOs and you will do just fine. They won't lead you down the wrong path. Good luck and have fun. Oh, and just a little extra advice: Do not call NCOs by their last name. They earned those stripes. If there is one thing that my peers and I hated it was being called by our last names by new LTs. Call them sergeant, respect goes both ways.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 6:30 PM

2018-05-22T18:30:23-04:00

Sir, the best place start is your CO and 1SG. They can give you some insight. They will likely take the reigns of introducing you to the platoon sergeant. Then, I would strongly encourage follow his advice from there.

But remember keep it short and sweet. Those Soldiers don't care if you graduated from Westpoint or earned it online from American Military University and went to OCS.

Keep it under two minutes. Who are you? Do you have a Family? What are their names? Where are you from?

Be relatable and don't talk down to them. Make sure they know you're looking forward to growing as a Soldier with them. This is the first chance you get to earn their respect. Use it well.

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made May 22 at 2018 6:59 PM

2018-05-22T18:59:05-04:00

Attempt to have a platoon gathering in an informal place, but not with beer and pizza. The following is something to think upon: "I have met some of you, but have not taken the opportunity to address the entire platoon. I intend to coordinate closely with our platoon sergeant, Sergeant Smith, in all matters, just as he does with his squad leaders on matters of importance. Above all, remember that respect goes both ways and I will see that I will do my part in the deal. I simply ask to jointly make this platoon a step or two above where we are now. Thank you."

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made May 22 at 2018 7:30 PM

2018-05-22T19:30:18-04:00

I got a big laugh out of this one.
When I was a young Corporal in 73, My new Captain introduced himself AFTER he busted our asses with a brutal PT period, followed by a hard 10 Km run through the hills of Fort Knox KY. We were in fairly good shape so only the profiles didn't finish. This was followed by another, but less-tiring set of exercises. Finishing with us, he sent us off to shower and breakfast.
At work call formation, he was smiling, joking and asking each soldier about his-self as he inspected each platoon. No one messed with him during his command tour - I'm still not sure if it was because he sincerely cared for us soldiers or because no one wanted to piss him off and find out he knew a really evil way to hurt us :D
Good Times and his command though hard has given those that were there in that cavalry troop bragging rights since.
Think about it but, "Choose Wisely." You have to do that type of thing using your strengths.

Response by SGT Aric Lier made May 22 at 2018 7:39 PM

2018-05-22T19:39:10-04:00

depends on the unit , but irregardless of MOS they have been doing their job and have functioned without you. you are not the supreme savior . come in and observe. learn strengths and weaknesses and then offer advice..... chances are they tried whatever you think is high speed 3 LT's before. your PLT. Sgt can be your best friend

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 10:01 PM

2018-05-22T22:01:04-04:00

I model my command style on Capt Zapp Brannigan and CPT Herbert Sobel.

Seriously though, first impressions are important but don't overthink it. Your actions during your time as a PL will speak louder than words. Unless it is super memorable, with pyrotechnics and cheerleaders, they won't remember it anyway. What they will remember is how you lead.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made May 24 at 2018 12:10 PM

2018-05-24T12:10:29-04:00

Hello, I'm your new PL, LT Miller. Looking forward to meeting you all.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 26 at 2018 7:17 AM

2018-06-26T07:17:06-04:00

Make everything short, and to the point sir, let them know that your there to work with them, not against them, and have a private talk with your senior NCO's first.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 24 at 2018 9:51 AM

2018-09-24T09:51:19-04:00

As for the initial introduction, "I am LT Miller, your new Platoon leader. It's great to meet you all. I look forward to serving with you. I am from xxxxx. I am married and have xxxxx children."

You may als want to look at this. https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/new-officers-listen-up

New Officers, Listen Up. | RallyPoint

As a newly Commissioned Officer, or as a Cadet aspiring to become an Officer, you may be asking yourself many questions as you get closer to leading your first Platoon. How will I rise to the challenge? How should I “come in”? The first thing you need to adjust is your mindset. Unless you have prior enlisted experience, you have to adjust to the fact that you will not be leading peer Cadets. Cadets are great and wonderful people. They are...

Response by SFC Harry H. made Sep 24 at 2018 12:40 PM

2018-09-24T12:40:54-04:00

Hello I'm 2LT Miller, I will be your new PL... HUGE pause while eyeballing everyone individually. Then say something cool as shit like, " and if any of you woke up thinking you wanna start shit with me, think twice, because I woke up wishing a motherfucker would." Then just slowly walk away.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2019 2:39 PM

2019-01-21T14:39:08-05:00

So how did it go, LT? Did you make it?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2019 4:48 PM

2019-01-23T16:48:10-05:00

Sir,

The fact that your asking this question shows that you care.
Introduce yourself in a couple of sentences.
Don't air any dirty laundry. What is in your past can stay in your past.
Don't over-sell yourself on the first day. The only promise you should be making is to lead with 100% effort.

Always think of what the soldiers are motivated by!
Mutual respect will encourage respect and open door policy.
Quick, simple, "right to the point" speeches show that you care that they are a captured audience.
Strength displayed demonstrates that your are striving to lead by example.

Your speech is less important than your actions and command presence. Your words should always reflect policy, your mission statement, and your concern for the welfare of your soldier.

Very Respectfully,
SGT Whitaker

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2019 6:46 PM

2019-01-23T18:46:57-05:00

If you are a PL, get with you PSG and SLs, have a meeting or pow wow with them first, let them know what you expect and ask what they expect from you... then let them know you want to do the same with the troops, have a circle jerk and ask the same question on what they expect from you and what you expect from them... just a pointer, dont be the PL that disappears when training needs to be conducted, learn from your NCOs, ask questions, and just lead from the front, even if you dont know the answer it is best to ask, and if you are confident in a task you want done, don't second guess.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Dec 19 at 2019 7:24 AM

2019-12-19T07:24:37-05:00

I'm not sure that I feel the initial introduction is very important, I just kept it brief and to the point. I think your initial operational interactions with your platoon dictates how they will respond down the road. So this is how I approached both platoon leader and company commander.
Trust your senior NCO's and listen to their advice, but remember that you are in Command. At your level, I would caution that you need to be right if you ignore the advice of your PS, but PS's come in all kinds too, weak and strong.
Lead by example. If your platoon is training in the rain, you should be training in the rain. You need to be up front during PT sessions and they need to see you passing the APFT and it should be way above the minimum. Know your job and strive to improve on it.
Learn your soldiers jobs. Have them show you how to do it. I was prior enlisted and could do most of the jobs in an Infantry Platoon, or a Combat Engineer Platoon, but having that troop show you means you respect his knowledge. It's a good way to understand where your focus needs to be on inspections. Want to know if PCMS is being done? Next time you pull a vehicle, do it with the driver, it will show quickly if it's something he knows what he is doing.
If it isn't inspected, it isn't done. If that soldier knows that you could inspect and that you know enough to catch things that are wrong, they will be more likely to make sure things are inspection ready.
Don't be afraid to bet your Bar's if you are right. I've did it twice and had a reasonable outcome both times, but don't assume that is always the case.
Last is one of the Big Ones, take care of your troops. You and your Platoon Sgt. should be the contact point between that platoon and the Big Bad Army. If one of your people has promotion, pay, family issues, etc, you should be his point man with the Company Co, Battalion and above. Don't push it up the chain and forget it.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2020 11:32 AM

2020-06-16T11:32:41-04:00

Read this