What are some creative ways to do Leader/Soldier development in an extremely busy work environment?

I’ve built a program called “Building the Bench” which is a 40 hour leadership development course aimed at certifying first-line leaders on the core operational tasks to include: Duties of the NCO, Developmental Counseling, Barracks Inspections, Radio Communications, Unit and NCO history, etc.

This requires - at a minimum - an investment for protected time on the training schedule from the Company Level leadership.

I can send you the entire Program of Instruction — let me know if interested.

A designated day for "Sergeant's Time Training"..... put your training & leadership events on the calendar, get approval from your S3. Brief your calendar "well" during training meetings. Require backbriefs.... Enable your NCOs to execute.

Lots of great advice, I think the premise is during hi op tempo, where there is no break in mission. There are a couple of simple approaches. Put a Soldier in charge of a task, even allowing subordinate NCOs to participate as part of the Team following the Soldiers guidance. You step back and observe/coach. Continue this periodically. If you have enough Soldiers pull the NCOs out on occasion, allowing them to observe how the Soldiers, guide and problem solve, allowing them to coach/mentor. Another idea is for NCOs to identify information that should be part of all Soldiers base line knowledge. Have the Soldiers study on off duty time, during these mundane tasks, cleaning the motor pool, tuck March etc., have the NCOs ask questions randomly on random topics, with the Soldiers answering.

It sounds rudimentary, but it works. As time progresses you will find more innovative approaches. Lastly, while the train is running your CSM and 1SG should be developing higher level more focused training for groups of Soldiers that will add to the foundation you have provided. They have the power to impact the training schedule. Team work is the foundation of how you will accomplish everything Soldiers endeavor.