What are the top qualities/attributes you want to see in your platoon leader?

Thank you, sir! Humility seems to be a big part of it.

Cadet Nathman, I am happy that they are telling you to utilize your PSG's at West Point. I think they should give you a better understanding of how its done for sure. You are going to find that there are Good and Bad Senior NCOs, Those who truly make a positive impact on young officer, and those who impact negatively. Its up to you to sort that out, and soak up as much good as you can.  Learn as much as you can on your Own, or through those senior Officer about the ERS, and how to write both a good and a bad NCOER. You got a 75% chance to get a good one. My current PL (I am a Squad leader) has been with our platoon for 22 months, and we have went through 2 PSGs. One had a Philosophy that the LT is to be seen and not heard. She went with it, The current PSG (who Also Taught ROTC) is of the philosophy that the LT leads the Platoon and makes the tough decisions, and he has been a positive mentor to her for the last year, and I have seen a dramatic increase in her confidence, and ability. I trust her with my life. As to building strong relationships, you have to be aware of the Army's Fraternization Policy and walk that fine line with Skill. The senior Leaders of the Platoon, Squad Leaders and above, tend to get together with the families on holidays, and special occasions, and I have found that to be a great way to get to know each other on a personal level with out crossing that line.  See your PSG, and your NCOs as people, not just as subordinates and you'll do just fine. If you haven't already completed your summer away with an AD unit, make sure you toe the line while your there. I have seen several cadets get hit for fraternization with Soldiers and get LORs in their files, and in some cases not be allowed to commission.  during that time its best to stick with the Officers, and just watch the NCOs.

SSG Blum, thank you very much for your response. They attempt to teach us about the fraternization policy here, but I believe it is poorly implemented. The freshmen (CDT PVTs) are not allowed to date or really in any way be friends with the upper three classes (sophomores are CDT CPLs, juniors CDT SGTs, and seniors CDT SGMs, LTs, and CPTs). Once you are a sophomore, however, everything goes out the window and you can hang out with, date, or do whatever with whoever you want as long as it isn't a freshman. I understand that "cadet land" is different than the real Army and they can't use the exact same policy, but still, it'd be nice if we got to understand it a little more.

I will keep that in mind about the senior NCOs in the platoon, thank you. It is interesting to hear the dynamics of a real Army example with your LT, as well as how the Squad Leaders and above interact. I want to find the balance between learning from my PSG and allowing him/her to mentor me, while at the same time maintaining a command presence and not having the rest of the Soldiers perceiving that their PSG is just running over their PL and taking control.

Thank you again!

Also, I have not yet but am very excited to spend time with the active duty unit (we call it CTLT or Cadet Troop Leadership Training). I've heard many great CTLT stories from older cadets and apparently it can be an eye-opening experience to the real Army.

Cadet Nathman, No Problem. pretty much everyone In the E Grades fall under the same protocols as your Freshmen as it comes to fraternization. The only real difference is the NCO's you work directly with, 1SG, OPS SGT, CSM, PSG, and Squad Leaders. There are still lines that cannot and should not be crossed, and those NCOs while there to help develop you should still treat you with dignity and respect, That being said I have heard of a CSM or 1SG locking a cherry LT up, and reminding them who  is who.  This Slide Show sums it all up pretty good.http://www.atsc.army.mil/crc/DA%20Frat%20Policy%20grn.pdf and should leave you with no questions as to what is right and wrong interaction.