What are some of your expectations for new Junior Officers?

Stand Tall, Look Straight Ahead, and welcome to the world of Leadership, your men will depend on your directions. Salute!

Don't sweat the small stuff; don't let it steer you off-course from the identified objectives. NCO's are a goldmine if you can identify the best veins to "mine". Always keep it a priority to make your boss look good; it will reflect back to you. Strive to do the right thing whether anybody is watching or not - whether you ever receive recognition or not. Encourage subordinates, and acknowledge their efforts. They will work harder for you and make you look better.

Really know how to do your job inside-out and curtail any narcissistic tendencies (bachelors degrees are a dime a dozen these days - even if you went to the academy and came from "old wealth"). Do not be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty; step up to help train or clarify confusion (some officers like to use an excessive amount of flowery jargon, but do not clearly relay what needs be done or they don't set realistic tasks/goals given current resources). Don't be a pushover or show favoritism; be genuinely fair in your deliberations.

Get to know your junior personnel....you have to trust them in order for them to trust you. Maybe hit up one of those corny family bbq's here and there.

Lastly, don't shit where you eat, as in don't fraternize (e.g. boinkin') with your subordinates or their kin, cause you'll likely get caught (worked as a brig escort years ago TEMDU - it is horrible to see a senior NCO lose anchors and his career just so he could take a junior NCO's wife for a test drive - again...after getting caught a first time....you don't want to be humiliated like that, trust me.

1LT (Join to see) as horrible as it may sound: nothing. Go to BOLC and learn your craft and then I expect you to know the basics of your craft. Come to the unit and be open to learn and do a LOT of OJT (on the job training) and that is where you hone your craft and learn the difference between schoolhouse and the real implementation of the craft. Be a people person who can work with anyone and everyone. Most importantly come willing to learn from everyone you meet regardless of their rank as we can all learn something from everyone, even if it is what not to do.

Show up with an open mind and a good attitude. https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/new-officers-listen-up

Oh and another thing, there were two Fresh LTs out of ROTC and send to my camp in Iraq. I was in the chow lines and something convinced the two of them that they were entitled to skip me in line at chow. I saw there rank and said " sorry sir, it doesn't work like that here". They started giggling and said it was an 'order' and when I still refused one of them shoved me. I was an E3 so basically, my entire chain of command who saw it happen while they were at the table got up and asked the three of us to step outside. It was spring so it rained and left think mud outside. My officers (2 O-4s and an O-5) gave the two men an option: be ordered into the mud and do hazing or face court martial for battery on an junior enlisted soldier. They chose the hazing and my commanders told them that I was to decide when they stopped. My command went back in to finish eating. Learn from this: every army private has a LTC that won't hesitate to defend their soldier.

Don't try to re-invent the wheel on your first week, but don't take the "status quo" for granted either. Your prior-enlisted experience is invaluable, but don't forget this is a new ball-game. Continue to respect and learn from your NCOs/SNCOs, but be accountable for the platoon. Don't play favorites, but don't forget to be a human being and lead like you'd like to be led. Be an example professionally and personally. Form connections with your peers...whether former-enlisted, non-prior, OCS, ROTC or West Point, these are the folks you'll "come up" with. Use your prior experience to strengthen the weaker links in that chain to improve the whole of the officer corps. Be patient, consistent, and honest.

Congratulations 1LT (Join to see). Recognise your place your in the chain of command and act with the utmost honour. Make us proud!

So as a junior enlisted Soldier, you were expected to take care of yourself and your battles. But only a few eyes were on you. As an officer, as an LT all eyes will be on you at all times. Remember that you must set the example in both your professional and personal life. Don’t tell your Soldiers that they won’t eat until the work is done and then head off to eat yourself. You must hold yourself to the highest standards or conduct and remember that your word must be trusted. Accept responsibility when you have made an honest mistake. Learn each and everyday and earn the trust of your Soldiers. Good luck young man.

Mission first, Troop welfare second, there is no third.