What are some tasks that I should be focused on in my first 100 days at my new unit, and how can I better prepare myself?

Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 12:34:58 -0400

From your experience and opinions, what are some tasks (general or position specific) that I should be focused on in my first 100 days at the unit and how can I better prepare myself for this upcoming assignment?

I still do not know my position yet, but if you have any advice for a certain position it will be greatly appreciated. I am going to an ESB.

Thank you!

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 21 at 2017 2:45 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 14:45:29 -0400

Know yourself, what are your strong points, what are your weak points. WOrk on improving weak points. Build a relationship with your Command, your NCO's and troops, equipment, and mission. Don't be afraid to stay late, stay on paperwork, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Response by CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. made Oct 21 at 2017 5:12 PM

CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 17:12:43 -0400

Listen, listen, listen!!!!! You will learn 100 times more listening than talking. Listen quietly without judgement or criticism. You are NEW to the game. Don't destroy relationships before you've built them. Never stop LEARNING!!!!

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Oct 21 at 2017 5:48 PM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 17:48:10 -0400

Learn from your MOS and Warrants. Do not act like you know it all.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 21 at 2017 6:21 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 18:21:50 -0400

A few things you might try:
-Listen. Listen during training. Listen to your NCOs. Listen to your superiors.
-Ask questions. Ask about anything you don't understand. It's okay to be new. We all get to be new somewhere.
-Get to know the people who work on shifts or at locations other than the one to which you are assigned.
-Don't change anything unless it's a safety or security hazard.
-Learn the technical stuff. Begin immediately to develop a reputation for understanding the details of your MOS. (This goes with listening and asking.)
-Take the time to look sharp every day. It's the best first example you can set.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2017 11:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 23:22:25 -0400

A lot of good advice I would also know your property book know what you have, what it does, where it is and who is responsible for it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2017 10:24 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 10:24:00 -0400

As a new Platoon leader, specific tasks to immediately take action on is property accountability. Ensure all property that you assume from the CDR is signed down to the lowest level and all 2062s are up to date with attached shortage annex. establish a good tracking mechanism to be able to quantify filled shortages from start to finish. Also, take the time to assess your PSG and teams to see what training needs to be recommended to the CDR. let you NCOs execute and don't micro manage them. If they fail to accomplish a task, counsel and move on. Learn the capabilities of your assets and what each system supports. This will help you as you go into a BN S6 role when you are advising the CDR. Mostly, have fun, get to know your soldiers, and be a leader through good example.