What are some meaningful forms of white space training that as a platoon leader I can make sure my unit experiences?

2017-06-27T11:26:50-04:00

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 27 at 2017 12:00 PM

2017-06-27T12:00:39-04:00

Naps. Now before you laugh, consider this: Physiologically speaking, siestas (as practiced in Latin nations) have been shown to match the human body's rhythms. Sadly, I didn't discover the value of napping until I retired. I always knew I did my best work in the morning and that my work time after lunch was never as productive. Now, I find that a nap recharges the batteries better than anything else. I find it humorous that someone discovered this simple fact and gave it a fancy name - "white space" - and is probably making a fortune off of it. But white space without sleep is a poor substitute for napping.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2017 12:06 PM

2017-06-27T12:06:16-04:00

how about some PT , do some pushups and situps , our troops are getting heave and lazy.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2017 12:42 PM

2017-06-27T12:42:20-04:00

Fill your white space with the things that have to happen but never get dedicated time (i.e. Counselings, 350-1 training, LPDs, etc.).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2017 1:49 PM

2017-06-27T13:49:19-04:00

So as an NCO, if I wanted to fill in some "white space" training, and we're not napping, you have the choice of technical training (MOS based) or tactical training (soldier skills). Since the Army often beats us to death on the mandatory stuff, and we often hear we don't get enough relating to our MOS, I often lean towards technical training but then, I'm a Signal Corps IT geek.

I'd have a list of topics of new developing tech in my field for my soldiers to review, or some short 10 minute video book marked to watch and discuss, or one of my favorites is a "best practices" session where we discuss the best way or shortcut that we do something. If on the technical side, I'd have my soldiers work on writing a counseling on each other and deliver it to each other, and provide feedback. Or tell them to counsel me.

While at a field exercise and we're either waiting for something to happen, or experiencing this trapped down time, one thing our OIC would have us do is have the soldiers do comic books with screen caps and such of what they know how to do (radio checks, how to use X system, etc), and then pass that comic book off to someone else as they rotate stations and see if they can learn from the comic book.

Sometimes, that white space is good for rapport building chats. Finding out about your soldiers, learning about what makes them who they are, why they joined, what might help you figure out what is going on with them when an issue arises with them. I'd often see what they planned for after the military. Whether they know what they want to do for work or school. How much are they worth as a civilian. Are they taking classes or working towards certifications that can help them in the outside world.

Have them teach you something they know so you can learn from them. I once spent an hour during boring guard duty watching over connexs that were waiting to ship out showing a young PFC how to drive.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2017 2:46 PM

2017-06-27T14:46:32-04:00

Depends on your unit and mission. I'd pick 5 essential training tasks that my unit must complete. Of those 5 tasks you will have some tasks that overlap. Tackle those and be an expert in those areas. It could be filling a radio in the blind, reducing a trench line, BDAR on a weapon. Rehearse those tasks and make them your units main battle drill. White space is a premium so when the Gods allow it have your plan written, follow the 8 Step Planning Process and Troop Leading Procedures, execute, and conduct an AAR after every task.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 27 at 2017 8:31 PM

2017-06-27T20:31:25-04:00

Look at the METL Cross walk and see what are the reoccurring supporting individual tasks , those are your high pay off tasks. Start there. sRehearsing unit SOPs, especially Platoon SOPs is time well spent. Do all those things in MOPP IV. You also have to look at your uNit mission, what is important to a Support Unit may be different to Infantry units. Quartering parties and occupying a patrol base is always time well spent. Range cards and sector sketches.

Look at the unit training schedule and see what tasks are coming up that your Platoon is unfamiliar with. I would also say that white space is a great time to catch up cyclic inventories and hitting the MP to get the parts received not installed report. Hang parts and inspect vehicles. Fix load plans. Make sure you don't have random shit in your containers.

Cross train everyone on Platoon equipment including radios, TACSATs, and battle command systems.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2017 9:29 PM

2017-06-27T21:29:42-04:00

Do not throw hip pocket training at them. Use the time to get your stuff done, work with your PSG and get ahead of things if possible so that the next time your boys are in the motor pool or out in the shit you can be there with them 100%. White space really isn't a thing. It's working hard and taking care of life. It's about finding that balance

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2017 1:29 PM

2017-06-28T13:29:49-04:00

Some factors to consider: Where is your unit in the training cycle, what's recent past training occurred, platoon turnover (you're new, who else is?) After you get an idea of the environment, do a platoon self assessment with all your leaders. Get them together to get a collective assessment to see what are the perceived strengths and weaknesses "See Yourself" (use the latest Co. METL Assessment to help objectively measure). Ask the CDR and 1SG what they think are your strengths and weaknesses, compare the two lists to help give an idea of what tasks to focus on.

Teambuilding events are also a good fit for any whitespace that pops up, again, depending on where you are in the cycle. We often talk about the 8-Step Training Model, but I rarely see it enforced or put into "full" practice. If you don't schedule (on the training calendar) the time for the recons, briefs, AARs, and re-training you will be overcome by events.

Lastly, don't be afraid to give back some time for your NCO's to accomplish the myriad of tasks they have on a daily basis. Hope this helps and good luck.