Posted on Sep 22, 2015
Any advice for a new Lieutenant, leaving BOLC and heading for their first PL role?
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I will be graduating BOLC here in the next few weeks, and will be heading to my unit as a new Platoon Leader. Any advice out there from some of the more experienced NCOs/Officers? Anything is welcomed.
Posted in these groups: 
Career Advice
Platoon Leader
Leadership Development
Professional Development
2LT
Career Advice Platoon Leader Leadership Development Professional Development 2LT
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 29
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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!
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CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret)
Glad to be of service. I once served as a company commander of about 100 Soldiers. I'll just say I have a whole new respect for any company commander and I can't believe how much they have to do. Interesting period in my life but I don't believe I'd choose to repeat it. Get ready…
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CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret)
Lastly, know this: If you clearly take care of your Soldiers, they will take care of you. This sounds pretty basic and cliché, however, it is the truth. I’ve seen enlisted Soldiers save the asses of officers they respect many, many times. They will know if you’re taking care of them – don’t ever try to tell them you are. And “being a shitshield” is worth its weight in gold! A lot of it.
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1LT Ryan Millican
I have heard the joys of being a commander, Chief and it will be exciting, even better when you add another full time job on top of that (since I am Guard), in a way I'll be looking forward to it. But I really do appreciate everything, Chief. People like you have far better knowledge than me, and I hope to learn as much as I can before I get to the command time.
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CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret)
1LT Ryan Millican - Please feel free to ask me anything else you might think of, anytime. If I think of anything else I believe is important, I’ll send it. You’ve received a lot of great advice here, try to implement it. One more thing: If the company or battalion has just fed you a giant shit sandwich that you’ll need to share with your Soldiers, do your best to keep a positive attitude about it. Your Soldiers eventually will feed off your “mood”, so if you are down, they will be down. Try to keep a happy face on as appropriate. And remember: Soldiers will always be watching you for your demeanor, timeliness, appearance and APFT performance. They will also be watching you at functions such as an informal platoon dinner/drinks event or a dining in/out. Make sure you are watching them as well.
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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.
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1LT Ryan Millican
Roger, ma'am. Looking for some foresight mainly, on what not to do and what to do, and I think you hit a lot on the head there. I've never been the type to walk in somewhere and pretend like I know everything, because I was always brought up that no matter how much you know, there's always something else you can learn. But either way thank you for the pointers.
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MAJ (Join to see)
Roger that, seems you are a step ahead. By the way, save all your sources you get from BOLC, we always end up going back to the basics. Experience will come with time and your receptiveness will make you that much better of an officer. Enjoy!
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