squad leader

[Zach]

This is my first year in Army jrotc and my C/CSM said i might be shortly promoted to squad leader, so any advice?

[devin0116]

Well first please read the CPP- http://www.gruntsmilitary.com/board/showthread.php?t=420

and the ROE- http://www.gruntsmilitary.com/board/showthread.php?t=218

We here at Grunt's pride ourselves on grammar and spelling so please fix that as well. Not trying to be a pain just some friendly advice. Now to your original question.

Personally Squad Leader was my favorite position. Make sure you know your Military customs and courtesies, as well as drill, fitness, and personal appearance. Seeing that he trusts you with the position, you should do well. Have confidence, and if you don't know something or are unsure, ask someone who does. Oh, almost forgot, LISTEN TO THE CADETS UNDER YOUR COMMAND, I believe as well as others, that a good leader always listens.

Best Regards,
-devin0116

[armysc_25b]

Take heed of the advice you've been given here, both about the forum etiquette and leadership notes. As a first year cadet, it'd be unwise to not listen to those who have some experience and those who are senior to you.

[Redleg]

Well first please read the CPP- http://www.gruntsmilitary.com/board/showthread.php?t=420

and the ROE- http://www.gruntsmilitary.com/board/showthread.php?t=218

We here at Grunt's pride ourselves on grammar and spelling so please fix that as well. Not trying to be a pain just some friendly advice. Now to your original question.

Personally Squad Leader was my favorite position. Make sure you know your Military customs and courtesies, as well as drill, fitness, and personal appearance. Seeing that he trusts you with the position, you should do well. Have confidence, and if you don't know something or are unsure, ask someone who does. Oh, almost forgot, LISTEN TO THE CADETS UNDER YOUR COMMAND, I believe as well as others, that a good leader always listens.

Best Regards,
-devin0116


May I add that you learn to take immediate action on all issues concerning your people and yourself.

[ArmyJrotc Raider]

Being a squad leader in JROTC, for me at least, was the best "leadership" position that I was able to connect closest to members of the program. Not alot of stuff under my belt yet but for the past TWO days, I must say lol, of being a Platoon Leader that I am a lot less "one on one" with new the members of each squad. Having said that, this means that you must know your D+C for a squad but also must know the executions for D+C in a platoon, because it is the squad leaders that ultimately teach these to cadets directly. As said above you also need to know your Military courtesy such as walking to the left of an officer or any other higher ranking person, saluting, etc. Know the members of your squad and set the example when it comes to appearance, JROTC knowledge (but don't be a smart alek), and overall academics. Listen to "superiors" and ask questions for things you do not know.

[C/SSGT Seifer]

As stated above, you must master D+C (marching.) Listen to your subordinates, (those under your command,) as issues go up in the chain of command and it shouldn't skip a link. If they have an issue than you try to solve it, if not that inform your Platoon Sargent. Practice public speaking, although there are only about 9 people in your command, I have still seen people choke up. Pay attention during class, if your subordinates have a JROTC related question, they are very likely to ask you. You should be able to answer. Pry yourself on good etiquette and wear of uniform. That's all I've got. I didn't really spend much time as a Squad Leader.

[armysc_25b]

I didn't really spend much time as a Squad Leader.

Doesn't matter. Leadership techniques apply to all positions. The difference primarily is the scope of responsibility you have, such as the number of subordinates. A First Sergeant in JROTC easily has 30 cadets to look after while a Squad Leader has 5 or 6. See where I'm going?

I never was a Squad Leader in JROTC, but that doesn't mean I can't give advice on how to be successful.

[Drill for life]

I have 127 cadets under me (only three officer for right now, our C/BNCO, C/BNXO and myself) and as C/BNSGM I pride myself on knowing all my cadets and helping them with anything they need. Just remember you have to follow before you can lead and to take risk. If if you screw up just think, Good initiative but bad execution (just don't make a habit of it).

[Cadet_Coffeeman812]

Being a Squad Leader in JROTC was a great position, but I can't say I was the best at it. Regardless, here is my advice: Do not lose your temper. You may end up with some jokers in your squad, don't let them get to you. Deal with your problems as best you can, but use your judgement. Don't promise things you cannot fufill. Listen to all your squad members problems and think BEFORE you respond. Learn your job and do it well, but know the jobs of the people above and below you; you never know if you will be doing their job next. Don't forget: you are still a first year and you probably have alot to learn. Pay attention and learn all that you can. Last but not least, the best piece of advice was given to me by my Army Instructor, a MSG that served in the Vietnam War: Do not hesitate. Take action. Even if you make a mistake, it looks better than if you don't do anything.
Now this doesn't mean act without thinking, of course you need to take a few seconds to think about what you need to do, but don't ignore a problem. Any problem you will ignore will grow out of control. So deal with them as soon as you are able.

[Buffa1oso1di3r]

My advice -

Do your job, if you need help, don't hesitate to ask. The Chain of Command is there for a reason.

[C/SSGT Seifer]

My advice -

Do your job, if you need help, don't hesitate to ask. The Chain of Command is there for a reason.

Very sound advice, there's nothing that upsets me more than an LET1 coming up to me (an LET3) even though they haven't even talked to to their squad or platoon Sergeants.

[c/cpt. elser]

Do everything your SAI and AI says along with the Cadet Reference Guides. Get familiar with FM 22.5 [Drill and Ceremonies]

[armysc_25b]

Get familiar with FM 22.5 [Drill and Ceremonies]

Just in case some are still using outdated info, FM 3-21.5 superceded FM 22-5 in 2003. The link is available in the Regulations thread in this area.