What advice do you have for someone moving to be an S3 NCOIC at the BN or BDE level?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 12:30:42 -0400

I've never had the privilege of working in an S3 and will be taking over a shop in about a month. Looking for any advise or reading materials outside of military doctrine to help me prepare.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 18 at 2019 12:58 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 12:58:45 -0400

1. Make sure you are on the same page as the S3 & CDR. 2, Be on good terms with HHC Cdr, 3. Keep the shop working ahead on all projects and keep the CSM in the loop. Make sure all records are up to date and up to snuff. Pick on the cream of the crop to work for you- need no slugs or cripples because your shop is the Brain of the BN/BDE- and needs to be sharp. Could be the difference between mission success and dead kids.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2019 1:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 13:29:53 -0400

Foster a good relationship with the S2 NCOIC. If the 2 and 3 aren’t really on the same page and aligned with what the BDE commander wants and have wildly different goals/agendas, there’s a good chance your unit is going to be herding cats. However, if everyone is on the same page, working towards the same goals, overall operations will be much smoother.

Best of luck