Can you help with Understanding the Adjutant role?

2015-09-17T03:32:56-04:00

As I am learning my role as the S1/Adjutant for my unit, I am trying to decide what responsibilities I should ask for from my Commander. I have discussed with him about being a delegate for his evaluations in order to help expedite that process, but I am wondering what else I should be doing. I want to be a strong S1, but should I have a signature authority for awards with his approval? I just want advice on what I should ask for as the Adjutant without overstepping my bounds. Any advice?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 4:35 AM

2015-09-17T04:35:15-04:00

Hopefully you have a strong experienced NCOIC to assist in making your life less complicated. If your not connected to Milsuite on the S1Net yet do it ASAP. All the tools you need for success are located there.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Sep 17 at 2015 9:38 AM

2015-09-17T09:38:50-04:00

1LT Private RallyPoint Member - Good recommendations from MSG Rader.

If you have not already done so, sit down with your commander and discuss with him/her the expectations and responsibilities. I do not think that signature authority for awards, performance evaluations, or anything of that nature are appropriate. Commander's Business stays Commander's Business. Your function is to ensure the smooth functioning for the administrative/personnel actions, but not necessarily approve them.

There used to be a pretty good document called "The S-1 Handbook", which is out of print now, but may be available on-line. While a little dated, it laid out the duties and functions of an S-1. In addition, there are other Army publications you can use as a resource ( for example, http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/army/battlestaffhandbook.pdf).

I admire your effort to learn your job and responsibilities. My starting pint would be to talk to the commander and, as MSG Rader stated, seek advice and assistance from your NCOs.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 12:38 PM

2015-09-17T12:38:22-04:00

There are lots of details in being a good adjutant, but if I were to narrow it to one piece of advice, TRACKING.
Know where all pending actions (or inactions) are at all times. This is the kind of stuff a commander asks about, because his boss asks about it.
Evaluations, awards, promotions, reenlistments/ retention, gains/ losses, strength reporting, and medical readiness issues suck the life out of commanders. Stay on top of where things are and you are adding significant value to your boss.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, sir. I've been doing S-1 stuff for many years. Chances are I have seen any issue you are likely to face.
Good luck!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 17 at 2015 1:04 PM

2015-09-17T13:04:01-04:00

http://www.part-time-commander.com/battalion-s1-duties-and-responsibilities-and-job-description/

Battalion S1 Duties and Responsibilities and Job Description | Citizen Soldier Resource Center

Battalion S1 Duties and Responsibilities and Job Description. Learn what a S1 Officer does.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 17 at 2015 1:44 PM

2015-09-17T13:44:00-04:00

Your job is simple. Support the troops that your Commander commands. Insure that every administrative function that your Commander is responsible for is executed in a timely and efficient manner. Don't wait for him to delegate anything to you. Your duties and responsibilities were already delegated when you were appointed to the position. Take responsibility for them. Take initiative. Make sure he knows what he needs to know but don't burden him with details that get in the way. He has other responsibilities that are equally important - Intelligence, Logistics, Operations, etc - and other staff officers fulfilling those tasks. Never be afraid to take initiative when you must, but never jump the chain of command unless absolutely necessary and be ready to take the consequences when it goes south.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 1:25 AM

2015-09-18T01:25:17-04:00

Thank you everyone for the advice. I think I am beginning to better understand some of my roles as the Adjutant an I look forward to my future career.