I will be branching Infantry and Commissioning Active Duty this Spring, what can I do to prepare for success as an Infantry Officer?

1LT Saul S. — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 15:32:05 -0500

I was enlisted as an 11B in the Guard, now I'll be a 2LT 11A on Active Duty. What can I expect when arriving at my first Regular Army unit? Also what do you expect of a platoon leader? What makes the best officers in the Infantry?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2020 3:45 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 15:45:58 -0500

Every unit is different, as are those who are in those units, from the newest Soldier to the Brigade Commander. As for what I expect from a PL, s/he has to have their base of knowledge, but be open to be taught things that are not taught in BOLC. S/he must be FOR the troops, not just a leader of the troops. By that I mean being the best advocate for their troops in front of the Company Commander or anyone else. In short, willing to take an ass-chewing when you know it will shield your troops from something unfair or when things just aren't right. Don't be a "yes man/woman" social climber whose only goal is the next rank. You are a Leader of Soldiers, not a corporate manager.

As for what makes the best Officers? Read up on successful Officers throughout history. Read up on what made them great, and what was not so great about them. A book I liked was "The Mission, The Men, and Me" by Pete Blaber, a former Delta Force commander. Another is "The Killing Zone" by Frederick Downs Jr. This one was actually assigned during my ROTC years. The more you read up on other leaders, the more exposure you will get to good and not so good leadership traits. Real life experience is the same way; I learned the most by watching bad leaders and vowing never to be like them. This is a question of the ages, since men commanded other men in battle. I doubt it will ever be definitively or finally answered. Good Luck!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2020 3:47 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 15:47:03 -0500

I recommend reading books on leadership and not just Military but look at Civilan. There are plenty of books by CEO’s that have built companies from the ground up. There’s much more to leading Soldiers then just tactics and kicking in doors.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2020 5:55 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 17:55:42 -0500

Never forget what you went through when you were an 11B, when you'd get some weird task or have to do stuff that seemed like a waste of time or that "LT was just trying to pad his OER".
Your Soldiers will do amazing things for you if you take care of em, train in the mud WITH them, fight for them when it's needed (schools, etc), and above all Listen To The PSG and SSGs!! They're there to help you!
SSGs run the platoon, PSG advises the PL (and maintenance/medevac/supply), PL provides direction. Those above you may try to hinder Mission Command, but you need to live it and let your subordinate leaders do what they do best!

Response by SGT Russell Wickham made Dec 9 at 2020 7:20 PM

SGT Russell Wickham — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 19:20:31 -0500

It's the NCO's job to take care of soldiers, but you can go a long way toward aiding that mission. Take an interest in the folks you lead. Fight to get them what they need, plan tough, realistic training, and lead them in it. Be the toughest son of a gun in the unit, carry the biggest load on ruck, outrun them on runs, never let them see you quit, be an excellent shot. I don't know how much you got to experience grunt life in the guard, but Infantry(people) respect strength, and they respect a qualified leader. Get that EIB. Be proud of your accomplishments but never be arrogant.

I saw plenty of things to not do, so I'm going to list a few in hopes they help you not be the dirt-bag officer. First, don't fraternize with the Joes. Nothing kills respect like hanging out like you're buddies with lower enlisted. Use the chain of command. Second, don't get up in front of the men and tell them how they will make you look good and advance your career, and get you a great OER. Third, don't be lazy. You set the example, and when one of your soldiers calls out a potential threat in the battle space and you blow him off, he is much less likely to call out other potential threats, which just might cost you lives. Fourth, let the NCOs do their jobs. The last thing they need is an LT saying, "In my experience..." Finally, start your first command off right by NOT giving a big speech as the incoming officer.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2020 11:11 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 23:11:53 -0500

Asked many times and answered many times here on RP. Basically, take the advice of your NCOs. Don't ignore it. Take care of your troops and they will take care of you. Ultimately, you are responsible for them.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2020 1:15 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 01:15:45 -0500

As an Active duty Infantry Officer first and foremost you need to come to terms with things being completely different than they were In the guard. Secondly, your number one goal needs be putting a Ranger tab on your left arm. It’s expected of Infantry Officers. If your BN Commander is tabbed and you show up without one, there’s a good chance youll be doing something other than leading a platoon. Understand that as a PL you are eyes and ears for about the first 6 months to a year. Allow your PSG and fellow PL’s to show you the ropes and be receptive. If you’re the type who thinks you have a gold bar and you run the show, your ship will sink fast. Be a leader and set the example at all times, physically, tactically and technically. Lastly have a personality. If your NCOs and Joes can’t joke with you or have a good conversation with you they won’t care to be around you or give 100% for you. GL

Response by SGT Nickolas Ortiz made Dec 10 at 2020 1:47 AM

SGT Nickolas Ortiz — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 01:47:54 -0500

The main piece of advice would be to listen to your NCO's and don't go in believing you already know everything... because you don't. The greatest leaders are the one's that understand that sometimes as a leader you must learn how to follow. Your NCO's have the knowledge you can learn from... do it.

Response by SSG Ronald Limbaugh made Dec 10 at 2020 7:34 AM

SSG Ronald Limbaugh — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 07:34:18 -0500

Well, you've got a good base upon which to build. LISTEN to your NCOs. You dont have to always take their advice, but be sure that you listen and take their experience and knowledge into account.
Take care of your troops. That's more of the PSGs job, but take their welfare into account when making decisions that will affect them.
You're a step above most other LTs, you know what the enlisted side is like. Keep your experience in mind, and remember to use some of the good leadership styles that you saw as a Soldier, while staying away from toxic leadership traits.
Respect your NCOs, but don't let them try to bully you (it will happen, at some point)
Good luck, sir.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Dec 10 at 2020 8:08 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 08:08:22 -0500

Since I am also a Mustang, my advice. Listen to your PSG, he has been around a lot longer and has the stripes to show it. However, remember that decisions are ultimately up to you, if you were enlisted 11B you have some inkling of how things should work. Work with your Squad Leaders, they are your contact with the squads and work directly for you in any tactical situation. Be tactically and technically proficient, you need to know the basics of every job and weapon system in your platoon. Remember that if it isn't inspected, it didn't get done. Make sure that ALL you troops know that they can come to you for any unresolved problems with promotion, pay, etc. The quickest way to turn a good soldier into a bad one is to not take care of problems for him.
On your side, do the best you can possibly do at IBOLC. That is how your first command will judge you. If at all possible, pick up Airborne and Ranger School as follow on schools to IBOLC. You will be in far better condition coming out of IBOLC, but remember that class standings and how you do in the prep has a lot to do with slots. After that, pick up Air Assault and Pathfinder if you can get a slot. You are going to be riding in Helicopters more than you will ever jump, even in the 82nd.
Good luck. With luck, you will get a Commander who will mentor you through the bad stuff. Be aware that it may require some rather personal discussions of you education, intelligence and morals, but if you want to lead, you need to be able to take an ass chewing, correct the problem and move on.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Dec 10 at 2020 8:53 AM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 08:53:28 -0500

I've said it before and will say it again....
God gave you 2 ears and 1 mouth. Listen twice as much as you speak.
Listen to your NCOs, but develop a good BS meter.
Don't try to change anything until you understand why it being done that way.
Get familiar with all local command procedures and know the intent of them.
Ensure you get a clear, complete understanding of your Company Commander's expectations.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2020 1:39 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 13:39:06 -0500

Besides all of the advice here I would start reading. You need to master maneuver. How to employ your Soldiers effectively. This will help you throughout your career. There are a lot of books on wars and battles. You should be able to look at a situation and understand how the Soldiers are going to employed. You should also be able to look at a battle and see the faults.

Response by CPT Craig Bohn made Dec 11 at 2020 1:12 AM

CPT Craig Bohn — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 01:12:21 -0500

Almost any job you get or task you are assigned has been done by someone previously. Find the Army manual and learn how to do it. If you can learn how to find the repository of past knowledge, you will always start with a solid plan for success.

Response by CPT Craig Bohn made Dec 11 at 2020 1:16 AM

CPT Craig Bohn — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 01:16:06 -0500

Your soldiers all have the potential to be Superman -- the "man of steel". But you must determine if they are carbon steel, and are best a hammer, or surgical stainless steel, and can be a scalpel. Get it wrong and they will fail. Get it right and magic happens.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 12 at 2020 5:41 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 17:41:36 -0500

No acknowledgement no text.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2020 5:47 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 17:47:14 -0500

First, congratulations. Just lead and listen to your NCOs. It's universal to all disciplines. I share that as a POG. You'll have to take my word for it. It's time tested and battle-proven. Form a bond starting with your first PSG and carry it forward. Lead by example and if you set the standard, most will follow. You NCOs will bring any laggards aboard and support the effort overall. Then you will have your first team. It only gets more challenging and more fun from there.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Dec 12 at 2020 6:06 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 18:06:51 -0500

Although I am not infantry, here is some good general advice for a new 2LT regardless of whatever your branch is

1. Be aware of who are good and bad NCOs. Good ones will have wise advice and support you along with the mission. Bad ones will have poor advice and lack of support that could hinder you along with the mission
2. Be aware of additional requirements outside of combat leadership. Property accountability, equipment maintenance management, UCMJ procedures and safety regulations among other topics are also important as a commissioned officer
3. Ensure you maintain proper self-care. Along with PT and combat task proficiency, nutrition, sleep and stress management are important so you can be in peak condition as a platoon leader for your unit.
4. Attend an official pre-Ranger course within your unit's command and watch reputable preparatory videos on YouTube before you go to Ranger School itself. Going unprepared is a setup for failure

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Dec 14 at 2020 6:34 AM

MSG Danny Mathers — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 06:34:53 -0500

All is good advise but the thing you need to master is to navigate. Once you ever get lost or mis-oriented, you have lost respect. The other skills are the ability to call for fire, both ARTY and Air Suppost. Listen to your NCO's, not just lip service. Your platoon leader time is critical to your career. A good start is to get your expert infantry badge. The training for it will prepare you for Ranger School. All you have to you is stay fit. EIB, Airborne and Ranger get you company commander. No badges and TAB will get you a Motor Officer Job.

Response by 1LT George Aggott made Dec 14 at 2020 4:16 PM

1LT George Aggott — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 16:16:27 -0500

I went from 12B to 11A via OCS. As an Infantry officer and with orders for Vietnam, I listened and asked questions of the NCOs that had been there. Even as a brand new 2LT, I respected them and learned to use their experience to learn what I needed to know. I did not have a heavy butter bar and be the fountain of all knowledge due to my rank. You still have the responsibility as an Officer to accomplish whatever the task or mission is. The NCOs run the Army whether one wants to admit it or not. Use their knowledge to your advantage to lead, Trust and Verify and you should have their respect as well.

Response by PO2 Brian Hoadley made Dec 21 at 2020 4:00 PM

PO2 Brian Hoadley — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 16:00:10 -0500

Listen, Learn, Loyalty

Response by SFC Doc Moran made Dec 25 at 2020 7:40 AM

SFC Doc Moran — Fri, 25 Dec 2020 07:40:15 -0500

Let your NCOs earn or loose your trust in them, do not assume you cannot trust them or even trust them.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2021 7:16 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 19:16:24 -0500

Well not to sound rude but the first step is just to shut up and listen.. the best majority of ppl you will be dealing with.. already know.. And odds are they know more.. rank isn't everything

Response by MAJ Ward Odom made Jan 20 at 2021 10:47 AM

MAJ Ward Odom — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 10:47:04 -0500

Lead from the front.

Response by CPL David Rasch made Jan 21 at 2021 6:29 AM

CPL David Rasch — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 06:29:54 -0500

Just an anecdote. I was in an arty battery-'71-'74. Because I could read and write(LoL) I got to be battery clerk. When we got our first new lieutenant I said to him, sir, an E.M. six months in has more experience than you have. Don't order, use respect. Its O.K. to be wrong.

Response by 1LT James Rosebrough made Mar 21 at 2021 6:14 PM

1LT James Rosebrough — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 18:14:40 -0400

I found the best INF officers had risen from NCO ranks. They just knew more than us ROTC grads.