How did you make your S3 successful?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Aug 2021 08:35:54 -0400

From wisdom gleaned, it's really simple. A staff has two priorities:

1) Facilitate the decision making process of the commander
2) Support the success of it's subordinate units

To that end I am working. The nuances from there vary infinitely. I would love to hear from others and pass on lessons learned.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Aug 14 at 2021 10:55 AM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Sat, 14 Aug 2021 10:55:13 -0400

Way back when I was a 1LT and was assigned as the assistant S3 Air, I really didn't have much of an idea about how a battalion was run, so I cheerfully complied with everything he told me to do.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 14 at 2021 11:32 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 14 Aug 2021 11:32:44 -0400

1. S3 is powerful, but you DO NOT Command shit. 2. You display ALL options top the CO, not just what You like. 3. When the CO picks a course, you support 110% to make it happen. 4. Feel free to quietly pull a company Cdr aside and ask WTF are you doing, before running to the Cdr. 5. Ensure your TOC is sustainable, hidden and the best damn camaflouged place on the planet. 6. Encourage our staff sections to speak up before laying things out to the Cmd group. 7. Never kill the messenger, but always Kill the SOB that hid info from the group.