What are useful ideas to put on a Leaders Reference Card?

2018-09-24T10:34:44-04:00

So I take command of an MP company next month and will be giving each soldier a laminated card with the phone numbers of key leaders. The back of the card will be blank and I'd like to put something on it but can't figure out what. I've thought about some weapons data that could be found on some leader reference cards (but this one will be pretty small) or maybe just something about integrity or something else relating to my command philosophy. Or maybe just a military quote that sort of sums up how soldiers should conduct themselves or something motivating. Just wondering if anyone had done anything like that before and had any ideas.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Sep 24 at 2018 10:48 AM

2018-09-24T10:48:20-04:00

Crisis line or Red Cross Hero information. I used to have the Command Post phone numbers on the back of ours.

Response by SSG Jessica Bautista made Sep 24 at 2018 10:51 AM

2018-09-24T10:51:40-04:00

Depending on the unit, I suggest a 9-line medevac, but I'm biased.

Response by LTC Tom Jones made Sep 24 at 2018 11:00 AM

2018-09-24T11:00:29-04:00

Had a couple of "touchstones" for our Junior ROTC cadets: (1) KYASSI -- Know Yourself And Seek Self-Improvement; and, (2) C-3 -- Communication, Common Sense and Courtesy. Seems to me that C-3 might be especially helpful in your--what can often be a very delicate--line of work as an MP. Good luck and thanks for doing what you do.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2018 11:02 AM

2018-09-24T11:02:16-04:00

The types of leadership - coercive, expert, etc..
Hip pocket training topics - CBRN, counseling, tactical
NCO Creed
Explanation of your unit DUI / RDI
Story of your Unit awards
Quick tips for mission-essential equipment - comms, CBRN, etc.
Let me know if I should continue.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Sep 24 at 2018 11:04 AM

2018-09-24T11:04:28-04:00

We had the Security Forces General Orders.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2018 11:09 AM

2018-09-24T11:09:36-04:00

You just need to smash the good idea fairy on your shoulder sir. This may seem like a good idea to you now... but just wait. Just wait.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2018 11:11 AM

2018-09-24T11:11:43-04:00

Oh, I don’t know if anyone told you this either, but there’s already a name for what pure talking about. It’s called the duty roster. So if redundancy is your plan, go for it.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Sep 24 at 2018 11:12 AM

2018-09-24T11:12:18-04:00

I put a quote from my initial speech to my unit. It was something like: "We are but an iteration in a long line of historic service. Treat the line well. Treat each other well. Do the job that is expected to the absolute best of your ability, since the line deserves it to remain whole. If in doubt, ask your leadership." I can't remember where I got it. But feel free to use, abuse if you like! MAJ Private RallyPoint Member

Response by CSM David Hopkins made Sep 24 at 2018 11:23 AM

2018-09-24T11:23:56-04:00

Sir, ask yourself what the purpose of the card is. When I was a 1SG, we had cards like that and the purpose was to give a number of different leaders the Soldiers could contact in the event they found themselves in a bad spot, such as, went drinking and no longer have a DD. With that being said, we had the numbers for local taxi cab businesses and the staff duty and CQ desk. I think the idea that Lt Col Brown has is good as well, crisis hotlines.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 24 at 2018 12:30 PM

2018-09-24T12:30:43-04:00

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member Couple Ideas:
- Key on post emergency numbers like the servicing ER, emergency mental health/suicide hot line, poison control, SHARP duty and emergency numbers, Staff Duty and CQ, MP Desk (not 911), Motorpool Dispatch, On Call Chaplain, if there is a local taxi service or volunteer service that transports soldiers in emergencies (there are both at Ft Carson, McDivitt law Firm pays for taxis to avoid DUIs and there is a volunteer organization run by a Mother who lost her son to a drunk driver. Soldiers also volunteer one night a week to pick up drunk stranded people)
- If you have a bulletized/key word version of your command philosophy. My first troop commander had his seven steps to heaven that was how he expected people to approach missions he even put it on a watch dial of watches he got key leaders when he changed command. Unless your snazzy military quote relates to your philosophy or your boss's, I'd not waste the time and effort.
-If they forget everything else, what words to you want ringing in their ears at 2am when they are scared and confused?

Response by CPT Brock Young made Sep 24 at 2018 1:03 PM

2018-09-24T13:03:06-04:00

If this is a leader card, maybe have a suicidal-ideation battle drill/flow chart with actions, contact numbers, etc. I have a paper one hanging on my cubicle wall (at my full time loc) and laminated to my desk at my unit (I command an MP Company). I have had to use this on more than one occasion.

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Sep 24 at 2018 1:12 PM

2018-09-24T13:12:50-04:00

Scott, personally, define what a leadership card is to you... You are now the Commander - right? For six or so years, you may or may not have wanted certain types of information at your disposal, right? Ask yourself as a Commander, what are the first two things every soldier should have available to them at all times - I would begin with 24/7 access to both you and your 1SG so put both your numbers on that card at the top, and remind your troops that they are yours and that any time they need you, you and your 1SG are available and re-enforce without repercussion. Obviously there is a chain of Command, but knowing you have that caring side, shows them that you also give a shit for their career and want them to succeed before they screw-up if they are having a bad time and not knowing how to deal any issues they might be having!
Beyond that, be different... The big Army, MACOMs and every other organization has developed little neck charms, Badge devices and key chain B.S. to remind soldiers whom they are and what they should be every day. So why do you want to re-create the wheel?
Give your troops some information that they can use such as a rolodex of main useful/key numbers every leader should have for their troops! Get away from the traditional crap and trying to be fancy and into something more useful! Here are a few examples in no particular order I would use, and some of this might take a little effort on your part, but will be useful - some of the terminology is different from my era, so bear with me... Now mind you, these are just a few things folks could use and it’s not all inclusive, but make it “yours”!

-Base Chapel
-Base Day Care
-Commissary
-PX
-Branch Manager’s Number
-PLDC, BNOC, ANOC school house numbers
-BN/BDE S1-6 numbers
-DIV/CORP G1
-Finance
-Housing
-DFAC
-Hospital Main
-CIF
-MOPO
-JAG
-DFAS
-DEERS/ID Card
-VA (for those transitioning)

Consider providing a list of your Do’s/Dont’s, Expectations, etc., as every leader is different!

And finally, something motivational from you personally, e.g., mistakes are going to happen - we’re human, let’s not make them twice, always lead by example even if it means going against the grain... Something from you to your troops showing you care, want them to strive to be the best, do be afraid to make a mistake while learning to improve to be the best, whatever you can think...

Truly wish you all the best in your Command!!!

V/R, Jim

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Sep 24 at 2018 1:14 PM

2018-09-24T13:14:08-04:00

CPT,
A reminder of use of force. Including deadly force.
We had it clipped on with our ID. As part of security for special weapons, most individuals turned around and went away. But, there is always someone who wants to test the limits.
Break a leg CPT.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 24 at 2018 1:28 PM

2018-09-24T13:28:55-04:00

Try your unit motto and command philosophy, provided it is brief as guidance prevails. Thank you for your service.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 24 at 2018 1:29 PM

2018-09-24T13:29:43-04:00

Jam numbers - JAG, crisis and other resources that could be leaned on to get one out of a jam.

Response by CSM Eric Olsen made Sep 24 at 2018 1:40 PM

2018-09-24T13:40:33-04:00

Although my first choice would be something that would always bring them back to your command philosophy, I would figure out a way to put their first line supervisors phone number on the back of the card (under the laminate). As a senior NCO, I am always going to push toward the first lines being the first to engage issues, as well as being the first to take their Soldiers to ACS, etc for help in different situations. Our team leaders of the Army have gotten away from that because the platoon sergeants or higher tend to take on the drama. I hope that came out right, the fact that you are thinking ahead on this shows big signs that you are going to be the right Commander. Good luck and your future 1SG may have some valuable input because he or she probably knows the organization well.

As a cheater on the cmd philosophy, the leader priorities "Do your best, Do the right thing, and Learn and get better every day" or applicable to all in my battalion and became a way of life for the soldiers who were bought into our units vision.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Sep 24 at 2018 2:32 PM

2018-09-24T14:32:58-04:00

Civilian Creed (NOT)

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2018 3:27 PM

2018-09-24T15:27:22-04:00

Am I correct in assuming this is a card for use in an 'Oh $hit!, what do I do now?' moment while in garrison?

If so, some sort of reminder that a soldier is never alone, nor abandoned.

When finding yourself in a bad circumstance, either of your own doing or not, the crushing feeling of loneliness can be much worse than the actual event. Also, how many times have you seen the response to a problem much worse than the initial problem?

Sure, we will have to face the consequences of our actions and choices, but consequences are best endured with friends than imposed by enemies.

Good luck with your new command.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Sep 24 at 2018 3:35 PM

2018-09-24T15:35:15-04:00

If your unit has a pretty cool history you could put some of the historical info about it on the back. Places they served, battles they might have been engaged in/supported, leaders from the past etc. You can build esprit de corps with stories like that while educating some of the more junior troops.

Response by MSgt Terry Garnett made Sep 24 at 2018 3:48 PM

2018-09-24T15:48:44-04:00

Put BOHICA on the back of the card.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 24 at 2018 4:02 PM

2018-09-24T16:02:31-04:00

Maybe the Army Values? If I had to do it again, I would tell the soldiers that they must carry it at all times, and it would be an inspectable item.

Response by MSG Robert Conrad made Sep 24 at 2018 4:21 PM

2018-09-24T16:21:11-04:00

All the suggestions are great, I would also add url for benefits sites you would want your Soldiers to use, ACS, local contacts for financial advice (a greatly needed resource for young Soldiers), basically anything most Soldiers learn about late in their career, that would have been useful as a young Soldier.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Sep 24 at 2018 4:57 PM

2018-09-24T16:57:45-04:00

The phone numbers of local divorce attorneys.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2018 5:25 PM

2018-09-24T17:25:24-04:00

"Plan your Work, and Work your Plan"

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2018 9:35 PM

2018-09-24T21:35:55-04:00

Command Post number and maybe the list of the 7 Army Values

Response by SN Greg Wright made Sep 25 at 2018 3:17 AM

2018-09-25T03:17:48-04:00

This seems easy to me. Put your phone number. And, 'if you fucking call me before you do something fucking stupid, I will show up and help you out. If you're a moron and don't....fuck you.'

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2018 11:26 PM

2018-09-27T23:26:22-04:00

Cab company phone numbers for when they are out and get drunk? Especially if your installation has agreements with certain companies to provide free rides for such an occurrence? Your card has contact numbers on the front, presumably for when the Soldier needs to contact a leader. Why would you take up the space with a quote when there are plenty of things you could fill that space with that Soldiers could actually use.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2018 7:48 PM

2018-10-01T19:48:26-04:00

When I was a Company commander, my XO, 1SG, and I put a nominal fund at the CQ and the back of the card explained to a cab driver that there were funds at the CQ to cover getting an incapacitated Soldier back to the post. Each card was serial numbered, and corresponded to a matching serial number on the Soldiers initial counseling so we would know who needed to repay the fund. It also stated a no-retribution policy for using the card. We would check before releasing before the weekend and would re-issue if Soldiers had misplaced theirs. To my knowledge it was only used once, but it was worth it to prevent what could have been an otherwise bad situation. As a bonus, when one Soldier didn’t use it and was stopped and charged with a DUI, the BN chain of command couldn’t say we hadn’t given the Soldier every means reasonable to prevent the incident. (AMD me a butt-chewing as well!). Add that to the crisis lines already mentioned and I think you have a home-run.

Response by Capt Karlos Nordinsifeller made Oct 25 at 2018 9:44 AM

2018-10-25T09:44:27-04:00

I put out cards with continuing actions on them: those few things that I felt it was critical to do, and information I must have on a continuos based from professional warriors. I didn’t need to tell people to clean weapons or tell me if a vehicle was down. I had a timeline for notification on there- health and welfare reported within 24, unsolved mission critical 6 hours, threat to life and limb - immediately.

Response by SSG Everett Wilson made Nov 3 at 2018 2:47 AM

2018-11-03T02:47:25-04:00

9 line, and classes of supply