What online Army Systems/databases should I learn relatively soon so that I can effectively be a good PL? DTMS, etc?

2019-03-03T20:34:59-05:00

I am a new PL in an Engineer Company. Multi-Role Bridge Company to be specific. I was originally in the National Guard as a PL. My question is what online or army systems should I try to learn relatively quickly as a new PL? I am just starting to tamper around on DTMS. Is there anything more I could start to tinker and mess around on so I at least get a better understanding of what to do before my boss asks me to schedule training, or plan a range, etc? I know a lot of them I can YouTube to get a better understanding. My biggest problem is simply knowing where to look for information? If anyone has any tips or suggestions that would be awesome.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2019 8:43 PM

2019-03-03T20:43:04-05:00

FMSWEB to know what your platoon has in MTOE

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Mar 3 at 2019 8:55 PM

2019-03-03T20:55:02-05:00

If the old platoon leader was good, he/she should have a continuity book (physical, digital or online) to provide knowledge of old SOPs and responsibilities for reference

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2019 10:45 PM

2019-03-03T22:45:27-05:00

DTMS is a good start. I’d recommend you start with SOPs. Does your platoon have any? Start with your PSG. See what skill sets you have within your platoon, and where your may have shortfalls. I.e. if your platoon is tasked to run a range, do you have the necessary Safety NCOs , post qualifications etc to execute?

As already mentioned, know your MTOE and keep good supply accountability. My personal recommendation is once you sign the PLT hand receipt, don’t just sign the whole thing over to your PSG. That’s what your squad leaders are there for amongst other things. Do shirk all of your responsibilities to him or her.

PL time is when you should get a solid foundation on the basics. Training, personnel actions, supply discipline, etc. These will have a direct impact on success as a company commander in your future.

Final bit, talk to your 1SG, CO, and BN XO. Ask them what their assessment is of your platoon and where they see you need to focus your efforts. Check with the S1 to ensure your Soldiers are ready from a personnel perspective. I’ve probably rambled plenty at this point, but if you feel overwhelmed or have any additional questions, this is a great resource or you can message me direct if you prefer.

Best of luck and enjoy the assignment. Green Tab time is the highlight of a career!

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2019 11:02 PM

2019-03-03T23:02:51-05:00

As a reservist I would suggest requesting access to CSMM inside RCMS. The system is widely versatile and collects and presents a lot of data.
Learning this system, how to build reports and presentations, will give you an edge and help to maintain your unit's readiness.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 4 at 2019 12:44 AM

2019-03-04T00:44:10-05:00

- DTMS yes. FMSWeb, sure. You need to know the standard Maintenance reports like parts received and not installed, service schedule, deadline report 026. You likely can't get on GcSS-A to pull them but you can ask for them. Not sure if Co XOs have access in GCSS-A for Supply am deathly Maintenance.

LTC Eugene Chu mentions the continuity book. Any of the SOPs like the TACsOP, range SOPs etc.

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New Officers, Listen Up. | RallyPoint

As a newly Commissioned Officer, or as a Cadet aspiring to become an Officer, you may be asking yourself many questions as you get closer to leading your first Platoon. How will I rise to the challenge? How should I “come in”? The first thing you need to adjust is your mindset. Unless you have prior enlisted experience, you have to adjust to the fact that you will not be leading peer Cadets. Cadets are great and wonderful people. They are...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2019 3:38 AM

2019-03-04T03:38:41-05:00

If you’re still in the guard get access to DPRO as soon as you can. It allows you access to see anyone in your units careers, including ATRRS records, Awards, DTMS stats, etc.

Either way I’d also get familiar with DTS, and try to get into as many functional troop schools as you can like UMO. A lot of people hate the job, but you can really square your unit away if you take it seriously and actually do the job.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Mar 4 at 2019 6:31 AM

2019-03-04T06:31:58-05:00

God to see someone not afraid of DTMS! You have no idea of how many folks o encountered rejecting it since it’s very 1st day of fielding and keeping up with stupids home made charts to track individual and collective training!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2019 9:40 AM

2019-03-04T09:40:47-05:00

Start with signing up for S1net. Tons of resources.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2019 8:49 PM

2019-03-10T20:49:19-04:00

Just understanding DTMS will get you ahead of your peers. FMSWEB is great for understanding what you’re supposed to have, and LIW will get you the TMs to ensure you’re maintaining your equipment appropriately. I’d also recommend CATS if you want to really understand your role in the company’s Mission Essentials Task List. Also, bookmark the Army pubs website when you need to reference regulations - always remember those are the standards we have to follow, not what “someone once told me” or “this is the way we’ve always done it.”

Response by COL Brad Welch made Mar 12 at 2019 2:39 PM

2019-03-12T14:39:26-04:00

I would add to all the ones listed, whatever database gives you information on the training, deployability, etc of your soldiers. Don't be the PL that leaves all the admin to your PL SGT or Sqd Ldrs. And stay on top of counseling them. Don't get behind.