What were your key and reoccurring responsibilities as an executive officer?

CPT Griff Tatum — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 09:36:04 -0500

What were your key and reoccurring responsibilities as an executive officer? What should day to day and even hour by hour logistics, maintenance and supply look like? Bottom line up front: what should I have my head buried into most/ and how much emphasis should be placed on certain tasks? Between managing a HQ platoon as well as logistics for a company, and using both in harmony to support the company, I'm sure there are some grey areas and some things to definitely pay attention to. Thanks!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2019 1:38 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 13:38:31 -0500

I would highly suggest getting yourself a dashboard to track all the key items in the company. I can send you my Excel book from my time as an XO if that will help. My email is [login to see]

Response by COL David Turk made Jan 3 at 2019 2:13 PM

COL David Turk — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 14:13:51 -0500

Aside from learning all the XO “stuff”, be cognizant of what the CO is doing. You never know if/when you have to temporarily fill those shoes.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jan 3 at 2019 8:33 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 20:33:08 -0500

Ask one of the admin's this question is near the same as others in the past year.

Response by CPT Ray Gilmore made Jan 4 at 2019 12:38 AM

CPT Ray Gilmore — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 00:38:16 -0500

Are you on the line or an HHC?
- The line is easy and fun
- The HHC XO, looked like a nightmare
- What type of unit are you in? Mech or Light
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15 years ago +/-
- Mech, your were maintenance heavy and responsible for resource management.
- Light, stay on your PLs, and get the HQ equipment done (lead by example); you are still going to be maintenance heavy and equipment and training resource focused.... but, there is more time to work with the HQ platoon (which is a squad +, at most).

- In both, you are running the meetings for the CO.... you must know the job above and below you.

- Work with your 1SG, as a heat shield to make the CO's life easier.

- Be ready to run the rear....but, be ready to take over for the CO. As needed.

- If you are in HHC.... Good luck. That's a whole nightmare, of own.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2019 1:36 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 01:36:06 -0500

Great responses so far...I spent some time as an HHC XO...here are my suggestions:

- Get along with your 1SG. You should be two peas in a pod (I was with mine)
- CO Maintenance Meetings (know the status of all your equipment)
- Managed the Property Book for the Commander
- Tied to the hip with the CO Supply Sergeant
- Work well with the BN Staff (regardless of Company)
- Did anything the Commander didn't feel like doing (this was actually in my Initial Counseling)