With the decrease in OPTEMPO and the high level of combat experience among Soldiers/NCOs, what should a new 2LT focus on to prepare to lead?

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 11:01:18 -0500

The average SSG in a Combat Arms unit may have 3+ years deployed and the accompanying experiences and the base of power that comes it. How does a new 2LT (most although not all without combat experience) lead in that environment, especially when there may be a much lower chance of gaining combat experience with the lower expected OPTEMPO of the next few years?

I am interested in responses from all ranks, as I think that the view of a BN CDR as their future senior rater would be very interesting as well as the view of Soldiers and NCOs on what a 2LT could focus on or excel at that would make you want to follow him/her.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2013 2:54 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 02:54:38 -0500

Sir, I think that situation you presented above is both a challenge and an opportunity.  Although the OPTEMPO is decreasing, the general expectations for a new LT should remain the same.  Physical fitness, a willingness to learn from those around him/her, and Integrity will continue to serve a new LT well as is has in the past.  

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 25 at 2013 12:04 AM

SFC James Baber — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 00:04:36 -0500

Sir,

If that new 2LT does what he was taught in BOLC, he would 1st be willing to learn from the SSG so he that he could become that good leader and expected professional that the BC is looking for to lead his troops as a PLT LDR.

If they are unable to ask and learn from the experiences and knowledge of that combat trained and experienced NCO, he is not only setting himself up for failure but also his Soldiers as well.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 7:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 19:31:50 -0500

Maj,

Just a little scenario of how lower enlisted navigate this before we got our first deployment.

Be willing to learn from your NCOs who do have the experience.

As a private I had never been deployed yet when I trained my peers(some who had deployed) I would still equate our training to combat scenarios. No one ever questioned me, why?, because I did my homework, checked with those who had deployed and I made sure I was 100% right so that my lack of combat credentials did not come into question.

While having been there and experienced it is irreplaceable knowledge, just because you were not there does not mean you cant speak on it in an educated manner using facts. The goal of a peace time Army is to prepare for war, if you show your subordinates that you are capable of doing this even without real world experience they will understand. I had much rather see an LT using the resources he has available to learn combat operations than using his lack of deployments as an excuses not to learn/lead! He still may not be the first one off the bird in a combat jump, but at least he will be on the plane instead of Rear D!

Having said that, don't act as if you have deployed by reading a book or hearing a few stories. Be ready to eloquently explain how you are capable of teaching/leading it without ever having experienced it, on the off chance one of your NCOs calls you on it.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Feb 10 at 2014 3:19 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 15:19:21 -0500

Read the new FMs written by the veterans that actually learned something over the last ten years...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 3:22 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 15:22:54 -0500

Sir, when I was a LT not long ago my Commander told me I needed to have a mind like a sponge. Soak up all that knowledge! As everyone else has said, an LT needs to be willing to learn as much as possible first and foremost. If you keep an open mind that is willing to learn and follow your moral compass, an LT can be successful in any OPTEMPO. I think this goes for all ranks with any amount of experience.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 3:25 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 15:25:12 -0500

Sir,<div><br></div><div>I redeployed in Nov 2011 and had an fresh out of EBLOC WP 2LT and we were already back on the patch chart in 13-15 months later. Boy I had a hard time giving him the a chance, I knew we are about to go right back into the hornets nest and he could see it in my eyes it was going to be hard to live up to the standards of the PLT. </div><div><br></div><div>He sat me down for my counseling and it was a good initial counseling but he then asked me what I expected out of him.  So all three SQD LDRs were staying for this next deployment and four out of six team leaders were staying as well. I looked at the LT and told him PT is a must, learning our trade should be his top priority, volunteer for every school that has to do with our MOS and I will teach him the rest. He was a successful LT. </div><div><br></div><div>That being said these new LT's need to be in the mix with their SQD LDRs doing PT with different squads every day building a re pour with them. Soldiers follow Leaders who lead from the front combat experience is not everything. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look on them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.</span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Read more at</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/s/sun_tzu.html#gS20jCkKDqljRYk9.99" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 153);">http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/s/sun_tzu.html#gS20jCkKDqljRYk9.99</a></span><br></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://i.brainyquote.com/photos/s/suntzu382397.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/s/sun_tzu.html">Sun Tzu Quotes at BrainyQuote</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">Enjoy the best Sun Tzu Quotes at BrainyQuote. Quotations by Sun Tzu, Chinese Philosopher, Share with your friends.</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 8:12 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 20:12:49 -0500

Ranger, Sapper, air assault, airborne, and pathfinder schools

Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 11:35 PM

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 23:35:53 -0500

Great answers from everyone, I absolutely agree that the LT needs to be ready to learn and needs to seek out opportunities to better himself. Does anyone consider the moral side of leadership to be something that the LT should focus on as well? That does seem to be the thing that has been tripping up many officers from the ranks of LT to GEN, and from my foxhole its impacts on the PLT can be just as positive or negative as a lack of tactical competence.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Apr 26 at 2014 4:04 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 16:04:09 -0400

To the 2LT...Make all the formations. whether you stand in the back of a platoon or out front when the commander is out front. Your NCOs will help you find your post or prepare it for you if need be, too, when you go to the field. Learn your platoon's language, behavioral norms, and other nuances; develop trust in your NCOs.

Present your platoon with outside activities, counseling for PTSD, and other health and welfare paths. Some of your SMs will become veterans soon. Support their efforts because when they do get out, it reflects on your leadership capacity; preparation and execution.

Train to sustain, but support and provide other paths for your SMs. Retention may not be the optimal choice for both losing and gaining commands. Know your partners and other stakeholders. Collaborate with your peers for networking and lessons learned.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2014 12:48 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 May 2014 12:48:54 -0400

As a 2LT I think it really depends on your MOS. I am an Infantry officer. I would say schools are a must. As an Infantry officer you should aspire to attend Ranger School. I am in the Guard and completed Ranger school. I learned a lot and I am now a better PL. Also, I am in a Armored BCT. I am working my way to attending the Bradleys Leaders Course next and hoping for Army Recon Course at Benning also. These courses will give me the proper understanding to implement all resources when I plan missions.

As much as NCO's like to poke fun at a cherry PL they usually don't understand the roll of the officer. We are not technical experts, as we are not meant to be, but we are tactical experts. My job is not to control a weapons squad or ensure they keep up a cyclic rate of fire. What I can do is plan for how long they can go cyclic and how long they can go to a sustained rate of fire, while conserving even ammo for a counter attack or a follow up mission. Many people don't see that. Without the operations experience being there now going to the school house is he next best thing. The Army has many courses to teach us how to fight they are there for that reason. I am just trying to figure out how to get my unit to send me to jungle school in Hawaii now.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2014 6:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 18:33:48 -0500

Sir,

A new 2LT needs to find the right balance between learning and leading. If they don't find the right balance they will either sit back and fail to lead at all, or they will try to lead without learning how to first. It is important for them to clearly define their expectations to their NCOs when arriving at the unit and to find out what the NCOs and Soldiers expect of them.

Leveraging the experience of their NCOs while taking an active part in leading Soldiers is extremely important. They need to interact with all of the Soldiers under them. Too many 2LTs think the day to day leading of Soldiers is an NCO's job, and they don't get involved with PT, counseling, and many other basic leadership tasks.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Dec 6 at 2014 7:05 PM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 19:05:34 -0500

I will offer the following.

The LT... Actually Every soldier... should focus on being the leader that his platoon and unit deserves. That means those time honored leadership traits that I as a young infantry PFC memorized in preparation to becoming a leader.

1. Know yourself and seek self-improvement
2. Be tactically and technically proficient
3. Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions
4. Set the example
5. Know your people and look out for their welfare
6. Keep your people informed
7. Ensure the task is understood, supervised, and accomplished
8. Develop a sense of responsibility among your people
9. Train your people as a team
10. Make sound and timely decisions
11. Employ your unit in accordance with its capabilities

Really... That's all anyone can do. Please and before any replies about listening to your NCOs... That is indicative 1 and 2 if you'd think about. As for the two way shooting ranges... They'll be along again shortly... Unfortunately they always are... And that is an experience all its own.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2014 1:41 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 01:41:42 -0500

Besides knowing if (or not) to salute a 1LT....

Like any new soldier, a new LT needs to learn how to be a soldier first and foremost. This can be hard for some coming right off LDAC, and going out there wide-eyed and ready to lead the charge.

I feel many junior officers lose respect of enlisted/NCOs when they try to lead soldiers without knowing how to soldier my self. If I recall correctly, the NCO Creed is the only one that includes a statement about competence. This in itself, indicates how much we value that aspect of leadership.

In my opinion, a new LT, during the first few months, needs to observe with mouth shut* and ears and eyes open. Lean on the senior NCOs for soldiering, and watch more senior officers for leadership lessons. (I am not saying that NCO's can't provide leadership lessons and that officers are not good soldiers, but that officers usually have a wider focus).

*mouth shut means backing off and letting the platoon sergeant take the reigns, but please ask lots of questions and give your input without expecting that your input will be necessarily heeded just because you are an officer.

Response by SPC James Hoffman made Dec 7 at 2014 4:02 PM

SPC James Hoffman — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 16:02:00 -0500

I would be opened minded to the solders needs and take into consideration the years experience of your followers. To be respected is to respect.

Response by SPC David S. made Dec 7 at 2014 4:38 PM

SPC David S. — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 16:38:11 -0500

Sir I feel this best thing for a 2 LT to do is foster an environment within the unit of self emprovement. Be open minded about those with compat experience and learn from it. And be consistent when it comes to enforcing standards. While combat experience is great mental capital it is not the same a leadership experience. All officers should be focused on this skill set.

Response by SSG Jim Foreman made Dec 8 at 2014 12:42 AM

SSG Jim Foreman — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 00:42:19 -0500

Find his true leaders in the NCO ranks. Use them as his/her teachers.

Response by 1LT Ryan Millican made Dec 9 at 2014 11:01 PM

1LT Ryan Millican — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 23:01:23 -0500

Sir,

I am a newly commissioned 2LT, commissioned in May of this year, and haven't been to BOLC, yet (go this coming July). I'm not necessarily brand new either, as I have had 10 years in already, was commissioned through the SMP program with ROTC. As my time as a cadet, I was an acting PL, and luckily my Platoon Sergeant was a man that I had deployed with and already respect very much. I learned from him that as a new LT your NCOs are your greatest resources, and allowing them to do their job would in turn allow the LT to do their job. My current Platoon Sergeant has also taught me that the PL and PSG should work as a team, and make decisions together on the mission of the Platoon and welfare of Soldiers. My first salute was an R&R 1SG that I had known my entire life and the words he told me during that salute are always right there in my mind, "you take care of your Soldiers and I promise I will always take care of you. Another, and final example I'll give was another 1SG from one of our firing batteries, when I first signed my contract as a cadet, he would always ask me, "why the hell do you want to become an officer?" and all the way till the day he retired, no answer I gave him was ever good enough until finally the day before he retired, he asked me again, and before I could even answer, he said, "Your answer should be, 1SG I want to be an officer because I want to take care of Soldiers."

Sir with all this being said, PT, doctrine, and knowledge base should be very important on a brand new LTs agenda, the top priority should be Soldier care. It doesn't matter how good that LTs PT score is, BRM score is, or even if he/she was an honor graduate through their commissioning program; none of that honestly means jack if your Soldiers are not willing to follow you through the gates of hell and back.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Dec 10 at 2014 7:20 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 07:20:46 -0500

It may seem like a long time ago but we went almost 15 years between the end of Vietnam and the Gulf War and 10 years from the Gulf War to 9/11 with no large scale military deployments. Grenada, Panama and Somalia were limited in scope and duration. I'd say a majority of SMs managed to get through this 25 year period w/o a combat deployment and obviously, good leaders were turned out just the same. A combat deployment, IMHO, culminates and tests the training of all ranks, not just 2LTs. Its the training pre-deployment that will define leadership styles and mettle. NTC rotations, major exercises like REFORGER, Yama Sakura, Foal Eagle, etc., need to be revived and expanded to get everyone some realistic training.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2015 9:39 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 09:39:13 -0500

Decrease in OPSTEMPO? When can we expect that to start?