I am about to become an APG in AIT, which is a small leadship role. What does it take to become a good leader?

- lead by example. Be squared away with the standard, know the standard correctly and completely.
- be where you are supposed to be, 10 minutes prior, in the right uniform, with what ever gear you are supposed to have. Ensure everyone gets the word on this...failure to be uniform will generate pain.
- have a pen and a small notebook. Write stuff down. Someone else likely missed it.
- help others be squared away. Either they are struggling with time, tasks, or standards.
- put others before yourself.
- watch out for those in your charge. At least one will get dear johnned and at least one will lose a loved one along the way.
- don't leave anyone behind. Pick people up that are struggling.
- when in charge, take charge. Take accountability of those in your charge, appoint leaders not in place. Prepare them to move To the next task as soon as the current one is complete. Always continue the mission.
- when not in charge, follow. Back up your leaders. Do your job.
- if someone is at risk: personal, professional, emotional, physical....you need to elevate that through the chain of command.
- give it 110%

Do what you expect out of your leadership. Take all the good and re implement that, throwing the bad techniques in the trash. You can develop your own style of leadership after years and years of learning how not every person learns the same way. One soldiers if you chew his/her ass may learn and the next soldier may need a face to face combined counseling. Me? well I just needed a good smoking back in the day.

Do to your soldiers as you wish to be done to yourself. Be with them, fight for them, get the job done together.

Wake up each morning and do the best that you can possibly do. Take care of your Soldiers and love them as your own brothers and sisters. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't know the answer. No leader has all the answers. Stay humble and don't let authority get to your head. Set the example at all times. Set the standards and enforce the rules and regs; don't pick and choose which ones you think are important in your own mind. Hold yourself to a higher bar than those on your team. Best wishes to you in your journey!