What is the ONE thing EVERY young Officer must know?

This may have already been said but you definitely need to listen to your NCOs. Granted we're not perfect but, we've been to a few dances so we have a good idea of what could be in store.

1) Try to be brief by the person you are replacing
2) Have a meeting with your NCO's for input and support
3) Know what is working in your Platoon, and what isn't working
4) Learn your unit mission and your soldiers background
5) When you have meetings with the Senior Leadership in your Platoon get them to understand when he/she presents problems to you have a solution for the problem just don't dump it in your lap

You don't matter in the grand scheme of things. It is about the men and the mission.

Three things: your young enlisted may be your age peers, but not your professional peers. It is ok to be friendly (no need to be an Ahole until it is time to be) but you cannot be their friend. Your are good to be friends with those trusted SNCOs, they will guide and mentor you, but a solid rapport and friendship helps (they know when it is ok to relax and when it is time to be serious). You will go through issues as all young people do, they can help (been there). I still have some good officers I am still good friends with. They also ensured I was well marinated at my retirement party.

Second, know your folks. Don't need to get knee deep in their personal lives, but know who has spouses and kids, hobbies, etc. You may be able to let them off to get to a birthday party or anniversary. Kindness is not weakness, but don't get walked on.

Lastly, take time for yourself. Always set time aside to tend to your own needs.

Never break the back of those under you. Remember that the best leaders are followers first!

God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason, listen to and learn from your Sr. NCO's, they have a lot to share, if you are wise enough to absorb what they have to share.

Trust in his senior enlisted personnel who have been around the block a few times. If he/she is smart and listens, they will help make him/her a better leader. In my humble opinion.

Know there is valuable leadership, experience, and wisdom in the SNCO and Warrant Officer ranks, but don't blindly follow their advice simply because they are SNCOs or WOs/CWOs. Rank doesn't always come from competence; it can also come from longevity. Find the *good* ones (either by observation or recommendation from peers) and seek out their advice.

Give your Marines/Sailors/Soldiers/Airmen a detailed billet description detailing your expectations for them, counsel them often on whether or not they are meeting your expectations, give them honest evals, and review those evals with them. One of your jobs is to make those individuals better military members, citizens, leaders, and people!

I didn't take away a whole lot of valuable info from The Basic School, but I dug the "Horizontal Themes" (I'll share for the benefit of the non-Marines):

An officer is:
- Man or woman of exemplary character
- Dedicating to leading Marines 24/7
- Able to decide, communicate, and react
- A warfighter
- Mentally and physically tough

Follow those and you'll go far!

Every Soldier has an NCO except for one, The Command Sergeant Major of the Army. From the Private to the General we all have an NCO. Lieutenants get Platoon Sergeants, Commanders get First Sergeants, Battalion Commanders and above get Command Sergeants Major. WE are members of the time honored corps which is known as "The Backbone of the Army." Find your Sergeant Lieutenant. More than likely, your commander will have your Sergeant standing there when you report in. Remember, you are in "Command", but that Sergeant is in control and runs the organization. Listen to the Sergeant, learn, ask questions and seek their counsel. We are duty bound to follow your orders, but you would be a damn fool if you think that that Platoon Sergeant doesn't know how to do the job...they just got done training the last lieutenant that you replaced who just made Captain and is taking command of a company...

Respect and trust your NCOs. They have been doing your job without you and can continue to do it without you if they need to. They are a wealth of knowledge and experience and are there to ensure you succeed.