Are there any unwritten leadership rules at the Army Platoon Level?

Question

Generally, I'm seeking personal advice, especially those who are active duty or retired military personnel. Especially in the realm of enlisted and commissioned soldier interactions and interaction limitations.

I do not want advice from military wannabes or hippies.

Michael

US ARMY COMMISSIONED OFFICER CANDIDATE

Answer 1

Drink your coffee black.

When your NCOs suggest you might like to have some coffee--leave the area.

If you are a 2LT--avoid at all costs the phrase "In my experience..."

Never ask your NCOs how they got something done--if they haven't told you there's probably a reason.

You've probably heard that as a Platoon Leader you are responsible for two things--Everythign they do and everything they fail to do. Take that seriously.

No matter how seriously you take the above, don't let it drag you out of your lane--As an officer, you're only *supposed* to be concerened with two questions--Where shoud we be and when should we be there. All other questions are the responsibility of your NCOs. If you are getting further into a situation than that then one of two thing are true--your good NCOs are going to end up hacked off because you are getting into their business.--your poor NCOs aren't doing theri job and you have to get involved like that. In both cases someone needs to be replaced.

Answer 2

Each unit has their respective SOP's, as well as each platoon has their SOP's. Whenever someone enters a new section/platoon/squad they are received with an initial counseling form which describes the opportunities they can take advantage of, goals they must reach for and of course rules they must abide by. It's against army regulation to violate any of the already set standards that the platoon has already established. In reality it all depends on the higher command.. brigade level and/or company.

Answer 3

Well, believe in your NCO's. They have seen a lot of Officers that are still shi##ing OCS chow. The squad leader can keep you and the grunts alive. Don't get creative. don't allow the "local, in country" military units behind yours, When you say "charge that hill", don't do it by radio! If you do it by radio, don't go out after dark!!! Eat chow with YOUR troops. USMC 60-68

Answer 4

I had some unwritten laws in my platoons. I always told any new platoon leader, and I told them only once.

That we would never disagree if there was anyone else present.

That they would never hear me nor my sergeants use the term "Because the LT said so".

Answer 5

Although it has already been mentioned a couple times, I think its rather important... Do not make the mistake of distancing yourself too far from enlisted personnel we will ultimately respect you more for it. Even that first salute when your finally awarded your commission is a sign of a little leadership BUT that certainly doesn't mean that you hold more weight as an O-1 as say a E-5. I think by this point I would be speaking with your superiors about what you should prepare for actually in training.

Answer 6

Follow Me I: The Human Element in Leadership
http://www.amazon.com/Follow-Me-Human-Element-Leadership/dp/0891416129/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199045266&sr=1-2

Follow Me II: More on the Human Element in Leadership
http://www.amazon.com/Follow-Me-II-Element-Leadership/dp/0891416137/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199045295&sr=1-3

Follow Me III: Lessons on the Art and Science of High Command
http://www.amazon.com/Follow-Me-III-Lessons-Science/dp/0891416145/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199045295&sr=1-4

The above 3 books (written by Major General Aubrey “Red” Newman, USA (ret.)) offer the kind of advice you seek and more. They are set many years ago, but many of the basic principles they discuss are timeless. I recommend you read them (at the very least, read the first two).

Answer 7

There are set rules on whatever job you decide to take in life. I guess it will all depend on what your supervisors decide as the set standards you are to abide by.