What are some ways I can improve my command presence?

Many good leaders, even great leaders are reserved. Just as you are planning, find a given situation where you have that aha moment knowing you can help guide the group and simply speak out professionally and controlled providing your input. They follow it and you are right-winner, hey follow it and you are wrong-it happens. The point is to always choose your words wisely, try not to get exited (outwardly) and be humble with the result. Of course what you do need to do is find your Hoooah, when you and your Team overcome obstacles, either mental or physical. Thank you for your future service.

Some of the best commanders I ever had were “Quiet Professionals”. In fact. A study held at Fort Leavenworth back on the 80’s labeled most successful leaders as introverts. It’s not that they were holding back but rather they were deep thinkers that weighed their decisions before stepping forward. Knee jerk command action is often poorly thought out. Be yourself. Your opportunity will come. Trying to force a “Command Presence” is only seen as arrogant. Special operations do not call themselves the quiet professionals lightly. They mean it. Think, analyze, study, then “Act” with solid performance.

You're a cadet, you have no command, just a bunch of other cadets just like you (some looking to get ahead of you). Just listen, learn and never put yourself ahead of your soldiers. The rest will come, don't try to be someone you're not, the troops will spot it in a second.

Most cadets and young officers face the same question you are facing. The best advice I can give you is: BE YOURSELF. Your troops will see through any charade you put on. Who you are got you into school, and got you through the program. Your troops won't care if you are a quiet guy or the 2nd coming of Patton, they care that you explain the mission to them, make sure they have the tools to get the mission done, and are consistent in your attitude and leadership. Best of luck, it is one of the greatest rides you will ever take. Enjoy it for all it is worth because, in all honesty, there are a lot of us here that would love to take that journey again!

Openly show support to your NCO's. Don't be afraid to stand up for those you command. Remember,, you can't please everyone and respect is earned. Do right by your people, keep them safe and they will follow you anywhere. I Respect the fact thet you asked the question.

At Advanced Camp and really all the time keep your plans simple and if your platoon is like mine was you will likely have some experienced former enlisted soldiers In my case we had a Ranger E 5 and in my company we had an SF E6 as well as several former infantrymen. I watched them like a hawk especially during their briefings since they had done it for real. When you take over your first platoon get to know your soldiers and take care of and fight for them. Watch and read Band of Brothers and look at how Maj Winters led E Company as opposed to Cot Sobel If you read the book all the men say Winters was harder on them than Sobel but he was hard to make sure the came out alive and accomplished the mission. He also trained right alongside them and led by example. He also was quite and a thinker and because he didn’t drink some weren’t sure about him till Normandy and they found out that his plans worked. Learn your job and your knowledge and experience will translate into authority and command presence

So the Command Presence is something that is taught to Drills at DSS that are in the same boat as you. I have never had the problem with this but I have encountered others. Work on pushing through your diaphragm and be confident on what you are saying those are the 2 biggest things. In front of formations is usually when you see junior leaders get nervous and speak soft, but remember that person in the back wont hear your directions if you are leading a platoon or greater.

Robert-Most of the "inspirational" leaders I've experienced were made so more by circumstances than any intentional effort on their part. God willing, you'll serve out your future career having no more harrowing challenges than retention, logistics, and politics. However, if, as for so many, your skills are tested in more applicable circumstances...always remember that what your Soldiers are looking for is cohesion between your decisions, and the NCOs leadership. If you're the "Quiet Man", but they see that things get done, get done well, and with as little SNAFU as possible... the presumption is that all is as it should be. I used to meet with my Chief as soon as he and I had both left our perspective morning briefings. I'd lay out what the CO wanted, and he'd let me know what was needed to make it happen. We'd agree on a course of action... and that was what we passed down to the guys. Big speeches and bravado don't accomplish anything but putting the focus on yourself...and that's not where you want to be.

James Mattis espoused the value of reading everything you can get your hands on. Look to the ones you want to mold yourself after and read everything you can about them.
You will be in charge by the authority of your commission. Don't tell your men who you are, show them. Be humble but firm. Be patient while demanding results. Uphold the standards.
You have 2 ears and 1 mouth. Listen twice as much as speaking.
The fact that you are willing to admit your areas needing improvement is impressive. You seem like you are going to be okay.
Good luck.

Oh, and the fact that you are asking this question is indeed a commanding presence! Blessings in all your future endeavors, Fine Sir