Posted on Oct 21, 2017
What are some tasks that I should be focused on in my first 100 days at my new unit, and how can I better prepare myself?
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From your experience and opinions, what are some tasks (general or position specific) that I should be focused on in my first 100 days at the unit and how can I better prepare myself for this upcoming assignment?
I still do not know my position yet, but if you have any advice for a certain position it will be greatly appreciated. I am going to an ESB.
Thank you!
I still do not know my position yet, but if you have any advice for a certain position it will be greatly appreciated. I am going to an ESB.
Thank you!
Signal
25A: Signal Officer
Signal Corps
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 6
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As a new Platoon leader, specific tasks to immediately take action on is property accountability. Ensure all property that you assume from the CDR is signed down to the lowest level and all 2062s are up to date with attached shortage annex. establish a good tracking mechanism to be able to quantify filled shortages from start to finish. Also, take the time to assess your PSG and teams to see what training needs to be recommended to the CDR. let you NCOs execute and don't micro manage them. If they fail to accomplish a task, counsel and move on. Learn the capabilities of your assets and what each system supports. This will help you as you go into a BN S6 role when you are advising the CDR. Mostly, have fun, get to know your soldiers, and be a leader through good example.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
I would add that your first actions should be property and personnel accountability. Grab the files and first sit down the PSG and get an assessment on who's weak or strong, who is ready for a school, who is waiting promotion, and are there any pay/promotion/award etc issues that can fester sometimes, and who is getting our or coming up on the re-enlistment decision time. Then talk to the squad leaders about the same issues. Hopefully, the training NCO, First Sergeant and Commander briefed you on your arrival of their assessments, but if they didn't set down with you, make appointments to do so. Get the training schedule and talk to the commander about any additional duties that may send your way, then check out the actually training material. Remember, your primary training tasks should be aimed at the squad leaders and team leaders, don't micromanage training inside the squad or teams. If you have skill weaknesses inside of your platoons responsibilities, correct that at the first possible moment. Make sure you have all the certifications needed for your position. I always liked to have a grasp on every MOS in the platoon or company, even though many no one may expect you to learn. As a Company Commander of a Divisional Combat Engineer Company, I went out of the way to license on every vehicle I had, taught to me by the primary operator and I made sure I met all the requirements (Most Enlisted are thrilled and highly professional about showing the boss how to do their jobs). I guess you could roll that all up in being technically proficient. Set the example, even in little things.
Listen to your NCO's, especially your Senior NCO's. They will have decades of experience between them and you will generally find their advice to be solid. Let the do their jobs.
And finally, remember that if it isn't inspected, it isn't done.
Have fun. Speaking for myself, the company level officer positions are real soldiering and the best experience you will have in the Army.
Listen to your NCO's, especially your Senior NCO's. They will have decades of experience between them and you will generally find their advice to be solid. Let the do their jobs.
And finally, remember that if it isn't inspected, it isn't done.
Have fun. Speaking for myself, the company level officer positions are real soldiering and the best experience you will have in the Army.
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A few things you might try:
-Listen. Listen during training. Listen to your NCOs. Listen to your superiors.
-Ask questions. Ask about anything you don't understand. It's okay to be new. We all get to be new somewhere.
-Get to know the people who work on shifts or at locations other than the one to which you are assigned.
-Don't change anything unless it's a safety or security hazard.
-Learn the technical stuff. Begin immediately to develop a reputation for understanding the details of your MOS. (This goes with listening and asking.)
-Take the time to look sharp every day. It's the best first example you can set.
-Listen. Listen during training. Listen to your NCOs. Listen to your superiors.
-Ask questions. Ask about anything you don't understand. It's okay to be new. We all get to be new somewhere.
-Get to know the people who work on shifts or at locations other than the one to which you are assigned.
-Don't change anything unless it's a safety or security hazard.
-Learn the technical stuff. Begin immediately to develop a reputation for understanding the details of your MOS. (This goes with listening and asking.)
-Take the time to look sharp every day. It's the best first example you can set.
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