Posted on Jul 15, 2020
2LT Platoon Leader
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As a Battalion Commander, what would you like to see in a Lieutenant's introduction letter? As an LT, what did you put in yours?

Disclaimer: I'm asking what categories should be touched on, not what one should specifically write to try to "get ahead" or some such thing.
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Responses: 19
CPT Aaron Kletzing
13
13
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As a new 2LT when I reached my first unit -- the Battalion Commander's letter that I received clearly laid out what he saw as the top 3 expectations that he had for all LTs in his battalion. Laid it out clear and simple -- "This is what I expect of you -- these are the high standards that I expect you to meet in my battalion." I liked this approach a lot.
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CPT Aaron Kletzing
CPT Aaron Kletzing
4 y
Oh jeez, I think I mis-read your question, ha. -- my updated answer would be to lay out the expectations and high standards that you have for yourself, introduce yourself (quick bio, avoid cliches), and convey how motivated you are to exceed goals.
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MAJ John Adams
12
12
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Is this a thing now? What an unmitigated waste of effort! It's not like the BN CO is deciding whether or not to hire the 2LT. He doesn't need a resume -- he already knows your qualifications, and knows what he expects. He'll tell you what he expects if you're lucky, and if you're not lucky, you'll find out if you fall sort of expectations. Work with your company CO. He'll have far more influence over your career, and will spot problem areas in sufficient time to fix them.
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CPT John Kane
CPT John Kane
4 y
As a 2LT it was always my platoon sergeant that made the difference in my life! Troop Commander was also a good mentor and if I really wanted some hard core advice it was the 1st Sergeant ("Top") that I go have a beer with.
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MAJ John Adams
MAJ John Adams
>1 y
And as a battalion staff officer, your man with the inside dope is the CSM. The XO is a good source, but the CSM knows all of your people far better than you do when you first take your place among the warlords.
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MAJ Byron Oyler
MAJ Byron Oyler
>1 y
My first few assignments in the nurse corps I would send these letters and then I realized they did not matter and stopped sending them. I also believe in showing up, shutting up, and doing your job.
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SSG Bill Moore
9
9
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How about, Sir, I'm a new lieutenant and I don't know shit and therefore I must be trained accordingly by my platoon sergeant. If prior service or prior enlisted, then a bio would suffice. Just throwing that out there
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SSG Bill Moore
SSG Bill Moore
>1 y
1LT (Join to see)
Will do! She said hi! Oh and she loves you too
Aww so sweet! I love playing match maker❤
Good day Sir! Always WY6
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SSG Bill Moore
SSG Bill Moore
>1 y
1LT (Join to see)
No offense. I had to f*ck with you, like the numerous other lieutenants who wanted to kill me. My apologies if I took it too far
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1LT Infantry Officer
1LT (Join to see)
>1 y
SSG Bill Moore haha no worries there! Some (some) of us can take it
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SSG Bill Moore
SSG Bill Moore
>1 y
1LT (Join to see)
God damn right!!
Follow Me! (now it's to the fridge)
Stay frosty and do them 11A's good and those 11Z too!
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