Finding the balance between taking care of your Soldiers and taking care of yourself

2014-09-25T18:26:29-04:00

Most, if not all, of you heard this before "take care of your Soldiers and your evaluation will write itself". Well most of us also know that this is not true, that we must also look out for ourselves at times to ensure that we are meeting the educational requirements and other taskers, etc. to make ourselves promotable or be selected for positions. So when and how do you draw the line between balancing of taking care of yourself or your Soldiers? Do you take that school slot that is rare to get or do you give it to your Soldier? Do you.....

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2014 6:43 PM

2014-09-25T18:43:24-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member I think the key is whether you have done the appropriate training to ensure your COC is capable of handling things while you're gone. Additionally, when I was in the reserves there was a point in the senior officers - usually Commander (O-4), in which the reserves forced most promoted to that rank to go IRR. Some few were kept on drilling status to maintain skills and man required positions. So, there may be a point in which it will do you little good to take that rare course and do the other (assumed junior) member more good than you. Of course, that was several years ago and things most likely have changed to some degree - to say nothing of the fact that it was the Navy Reserves.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 19 at 2015 7:39 PM

2015-07-19T19:39:54-04:00

Very important, CPT Brian Maurelli.