What's the best lesson you learned as an Army 2LT?

CPT Chris Loomis — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 12:07:43 -0500

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 12:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 12:11:40 -0500

CPT Chris Loomis the best person to ask, definitely is CPT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Nov 5 at 2014 12:30 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 12:30:36 -0500

CPT Chris Loomis - The most important lessons I learned as an LT were to keep my mouth shut unless it needed to be opened, and listen to my NCOs, especially my PSG.

I also learned that LTCs can be complete dirtbags, and on my deployment I lost my fear of Field grade officers.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 12:54 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 12:54:59 -0500

I would say that you must realize that you don't know much. You know the very basics. You have to prove yourself. I am a PS and it was hard for me to learn that. My enlisted time taught be how to be a good NCO, not a good Officer. You can draw from it but don't use it in place of experience as an officer. They are two different worlds that don't line up.

Never accept the "Dumb LT" stigma. You are a Leader and you need to ACT LIKE IT. I see LT's get treated like new kid. You are the new kid but you are in CHARGE. You shouldn't abuse it but don't like soldiers push you around as they may perceive you are weak.

Learn your ass off. What we as officers excel in is knowledge. You may be the least experienced but that doesn't mean you have to be the least knowledgeable. I have been in 14 years and still read a lot to learn. I learn new things daily. My soldiers know that my plans are rooted in knowledge and not from some crazy idea. We are educated. We are supposed to use that.

Use your NCOs. They are your enablers. You have to smart about it. I have seen some bad NCOs out there. If one tell you to shut up and let him take of it you need to address that. A good NCO develops and trains an LT. Bad NCOs push LTs to the side and treat them like a problem. You may have to even question some of your NCOs. If they are professional they will understand what you are doing. If they are not you will see what a bad NCO looks like. I have had my bad NCOs that I dealt with. I have had to address them accordingly. It is not easy to do and no NCO want a LT, prior service or not, questioning them. But it is not about them as it is about the soldiers in the platoon.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Nov 5 at 2014 2:13 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 14:13:16 -0500

I won't comment as I am not a LT! Not that there was not a lack of desire, but I knew I wanted to fly and not a desk.......I will enjoy reading the responses!

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Nov 5 at 2014 2:18 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 14:18:43 -0500

Recognize that you are inexperienced and seek guidance from those who have been there before you. Watch and listen to your Platoon Sergeant and the other NCOs in the unit. Seek counsel from your Company Commander and peers. Don't be afraid of criticism ... learn from it ... and don't be afraid to take risks, as appropriate. If you err, and you will, always err on the side of the soldier.

Enjoy the ride... You will look back on it as one of the best times of your life.