The first time you displayed leadership in the military, what did you do?

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 19:35:33 -0400

PT was mandatory after a day in AIT classrooms. One afternoon, I decided to bug out of PT. As I was skulking toward my quarters, I noticed other young Soldiers evading PT and heading home. I hollered at a bunch of them and said, "Fall In, Right Face, Forward March". Appearing to be on a detail, we successfully marched to the quarters area without being being accosted by cadre.

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Jun 18 at 2015 7:40 PM

Maj Mike Sciales — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 19:40:51 -0400

I was in "casual" status for two weeks after Basic, waiting for my tech school class to begin. Because I could type I made up the daily duty roster and assignments -- always in bunches of four: some guys to mess check, some to waxing floors at the Officer Barracks, bunches to the range to police brass and clean weapons and then "752" detail for me and three buddies. It was the building number for the bowling alley. I learned if you act with enough authority and conviction anything is possible.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 18 at 2015 7:59 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 19:59:52 -0400

That is some smart thinking.

Response by Cpl John M Dutrow made Jun 18 at 2015 9:08 PM

Cpl John M Dutrow — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 21:08:56 -0400

A fire fight June 1965

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2015 12:55 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 00:55:46 -0400

As a PFCIC... (Hehehe) I lead the entire company formation in PT on a run day. Gave the command of right, FACE, forward, MARCH, and dooooouuuble time, MARCH! I called cadence for 2 miles. I knew then that I could do the 1SG's job. Boy was I wrong!!!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2015 1:27 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 01:27:28 -0400

Basic Training 1996. I had attended a "pre-basic" 3 day course at FT Carson thanks to my reserve unit so I had an idea of what we would be experiencing. Once we got got off the bus and into reception at Leonardwood we were left alone in the reception area full of benches. I looked around and told the guyss/gals around me, "when the Drill sergeants come in jump to your feet with your arms behind your backs!" When the Drill Sergeants came in we all jumped to our feet (minus a few that wouldn't listen).

Apparently the Drills had been watching and saw me... Made me the Platoon guide. Of course I was fired in 3 days so there is that

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2015 8:57 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 08:57:18 -0400

There were a lot of "leadership moments" in OSUT. However, I don't think any of those really count.

The first time I really displayed leadership when I got to my unit was when my platoon sergeant tapped me to be the LT's RTO. They'd moved me around to a few different positions (rifleman, assistant gunner) before they finally decided to try me out as the RTO. And, I think I still had the new "deer in the headlights" look.

However, when they put me into that position and had me start doing a lot of the paperwork and accountability spreadsheets while we were in garrison, I really started learning a lot. The PL and the PSG gave me a lot of responsibility. They took care of me. They'd answer my questions without giving me the "just shut up and do it" answer a lot of new guys get. I'd give instructions to the squad leaders on their behalf when we needed to start doing mission prep. And, I really started to get an idea of the "big picture" -- as far as military operations go.

People learn differently. And, I don't think I really picked up on things through the traditional "focus on your lane" (single task and purpose) form of training that you typically receive in the military. It wasn't until I saw how everything fit together and was responsible for the unit's commo during exercises that it all sunk in. I think I needed the larger mental framework to be able to put things into place.