What are the top qualities/attributes you want to see in your platoon leader?

2013-11-22T19:43:37-05:00

If you had to choose the top one or two things that you want to see in your platoon leader, what would they be? This could be from a subordinate's perspective or from the chain of command's perspective.

Response by SFC Rocky Gannon made Nov 23 at 2013 6:17 AM

2013-11-23T06:17:06-05:00

Cadet I will say that it is hard to answer your question because it will depend on the situation. I would say the some would be listen and learn, be a leader stand behind what you say and do, if its wrong say so just remember that there is a right and wrong way to do it, and learn you will still have a lot to learn so don't think your too good to learn or listen to a Private or General. This list could go on hopefully this helps.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 11:03 PM

2013-11-23T23:03:25-05:00

1. Keep your mouth closed and your ears open (For the first few weeks that is). What ever branch you choose, BOLC will only teach you doctrine and the basics. When you get to your unit listen to everyone from the senior NCOs to the SPC that have been in a while, even some of the PFCs. I can tell you I've seen PLs fail because they come in hard, don't listen to any advice, and fall right on their face.

2. Have thick skin. You will mess up, a lot, you should expect that. Don't be afraid to get your ass chewed. Bounce back, learn from the mistake and carry on.

Response by Cadet CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 11:04 PM

2013-11-23T23:04:42-05:00

SFC, we are told constantly to utilize our PSGs and learn from them, but they don't really explain how the relationship should really look like. I understand that there should always be a professional relationship, but how close should the PL and PSG be? Rather, what is appropriate? I have heard of PLs doing simple things even like taking a bucket of KFC to their soldiers' houses (both NCO and below) just to meet their families, build relationships, etc. How were your relationships with your officers? Thank you again for your time!

PS We do get to interact with NCOs, it isn't like there aren't any for me to talk to - it's just that I know about four E-7s personally while I would say I know about twenty O-1s, three O-3s, ten O-4s, five O-5s, and three O-6s personally. I visit the houses of the O-6s regularly for dinner or just to hang out, or hang out with their kids that are my age or a couple years younger than me. So you can understand how top-heavy we are! I do think it strengthens our ability to talk to senior officers without being too scared to get a word out, which I have seen happen to some before.

Response by SFC Christopher Walker, MAOM, DSL made Nov 26 at 2013 9:57 AM

2013-11-26T09:57:01-05:00

For me, a good platoon leader is all about learning and
taking care of Soldiers. They are willing to stand up for the platoon sergeant
in his/her absence and defend the Soldiers as the Platoon Sergeant would. My
Platoon Leader is amazing. We went to battle for one of my soldiers who was
being mistreated. This issue went up to the Brigade Commander. In the end, we
won because we were right. Yes, we do have disagreements. As professionals, we
talk it out until we find the right solution to the problem. Teamwork is always
the key. Right is right and wrong is wrong.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 8:04 AM

2015-07-01T08:04:01-04:00

1) Confidence and not arrogance
2) A good relationship with the Platoon Sergeant