Any advice for a new Lieutenant, leaving BOLC and heading for their first PL role?

Listen to your platoon sergeant!

Be a sponge. Talk to your platoon sergeant frequently and ask questions. Same with your senior NCO’s. Know drill & ceremonies. If you have WO’s in your unit ask to sit down with them (have specific questions prepared). Learn how to delegate. Get to know your commanders and their intent, command style and likes/dislikes. Obtain copies of their OER support forms. Learn everything about NCOPD. Get to know your peers and ask questions. Be careful not to become a “good idea fairy.” If you have something to say in an official capacity be prepared for naysayers and rebuttals. Lead by example. Make sure you can do whatever you ask your Soldiers to do. Start learning something about the MOS’s of your Soldiers and interact with them – don’t be that officer who is above associating with enlisted Soldiers. Take care of your Soldiers. Learn about writing awards, what the status is of pending awards and who is deserving of an award. Know your job and what is expected of you. Learn how to write NCOERs and what a good one looks like – same for counseling statements. When it’s time for PMCS, go out and help - you need to know how to do this. I could add more but that should be a good start. Good luck!

First and foremost, know your job and know your lane. This is all that training you have been gaining through your officer schools. That should be a good base to start off. Leading by example is huge when it comes to gaining respect. When you get to your unit immediately get your commanders guidance on his goals and vision for the unit, then have a sit down with your PSG to ensure everyone is on the same page. Take some time to sit back and observe how things run, please do not just go in there and pretend you know everything, this just causes loss of respect and eventually low morale when you are perceived as a arrogant yet clueless. Know the TLPs, OPORDs and the your Commanders METL, this is what you bring to the fight, planning operations to meet the overall end state, your NCOs will have a lot of input so ensure they are being considered; however, at no time should they be doing your job. You will do great, just continue learning and growing, self development will also be key. Enjoy it. My PL days were the best I can recall.