Cadet S-3 Operations Officer

[C./Fields]

What exactly are the roles and responsibilities of this position in a JROTC context?

[PhilK]

What exactly are the roles and responsibilities of this position in a JROTC context?

Did you bother doing a Google search first? I found several links just by doing a quick search.

Remember research first, then ask if you don't find an answer.

[Drill for life]

http://www.soldieronpoint.com/S3-Training_Section.htm
Here is a whole list of descriptions. The S-3 is the Training officer. They right a training schedule for each month, pick out the spots for training and work very closely with the Battalion Sergeant Major and XO. The S-3 has a very relaxed job. They make a training schedule, in my Battalion the S-3 is combined with the S-2(makes it S-2/3)he has a very easy job. Our S-2/3 is a Pencil Pusher, I don't see why he is making C/Maj.

[PhilK]

I don't see why he is making C/MAJ.

Maybe because in the real Army, BN S-3s are Majors. Call it a hunch.

[Drill for life]

Well the whole (in my unit)has always been C/CPT and now they are makin gonly one person on staff a C/MAJ. I really don't agree with it. I don't like his style of Leadership(he doesn't lead, he doesn't even march or call command he makesour XO or me do it)

[pingjocky]

he doesn't even march or call command he makesour XO or me do it)

Isn't delegation wonderful? RHIP. There's a saying in the AD world..."you don't have to like it, you just have to do it."

R/
Pingjocky

[Drill for life]

Isn't delegation wonderful? RHIP. There's a saying in the AD world..."you don't have to like it, you just have to do it."

R/
Pingjocky

Your right. God appoints our Leaders, just follow them and hope you'll attain that position on day:satisfied:.

[armysc_25b]

You ever stopped for a minute, ego and personal opinions to the side, and thought about why the S-3 is a MAJ?

[-BuLL-]

The S-3 is the Training officer. They right a training schedule for each month, pick out the spots for training and work very closely with the Battalion Sergeant Major and XO. Our S-2/3 is a Pencil Pusher, I don't see why he is making C/Maj.

Doesnt say anything about marching or calling commands. He (generic) is a STAFF officer. He/She is supposed to be a 'pencil pusher'.

[Armed Drill Addict]

Regardless of your thoughts, your SAI and AI probably have their own reasons for having that person in that position, maybe they see something you don't.

[C/Major]

What I was told that the reason the S-3 becomes a C/Major, because the S-3 has one of the hardest jobs on the staff.

[armysc_25b]

What I was told that the reason the S-3 becomes a C/Major, because the S-3 has one of the hardest jobs on the staff.
Show me a regulation or command guidance from any level commander that shows that the S3 is ranked higher because "the job is harder". It's the same way at all levels that I've seen (i.e. a Brigade S3 is a LTC while the rest of staff is MAJ's, Division G3 is a COL while the rest are LTC's, etc.). I posed the same question earlier, have you ever stopped to think WHY an S3 is higher ranked?

[Drill for life]

Well I think it requires a whole lot more responsibilty than any other Staff job in a Battalion.

[armysc_25b]

Well I think it requires a whole lot more responsibilty than any other Staff job in a Battalion.
It does. The S3 is responsible for coordinating everything (in terms of broad generalizations, they won't make sure there's 3 water coolers for example, S4 will handle that). My old SAI feels that the S3 is more important than the BC, because of how much that shop handles.

[Drill for life]

Exactly that is why most S-3's in JROTC hold the rank of C/Major it does more work than anybody ele in the Battalion. Mods can we lock this thread it has been answered.

[armysc_25b]

That is NOT why S3's hold the rank of MAJ at the battalion level. Here's an interesting research project for anyone that's interested (especially since I'm uncertain if what I'm asking for exists in public domain). Find REGULATORY GUIDANCE (in the form of Regulation, Field Manual, Pamphlet, etc.) that describes the structure of a battalion level staff and see if that explains why the S3 is a more senior officer (by rank) than the rest of staff.

[scribe87]

It all comes down to aptitude.

Depending on how your program is set up by your Instructors, will determine how functional your cadet operations are. For some programs there will be extensive involvement and input from the cadets in determining activities other programs are "Instructor-centered" meaning the cadets do nothing and are essentially figureheads.

What is the function of an S-3? to determine training needs for the unit, and schedule them according with the school schedule. This includes YPFT, Rifle Qualifications, Personnel Inspections, Orientation Trips, Drill Team practices, and sometimes Academics/Evaluations that will be taught by Senior Cadets in the Program.

If the world is a perfect place, you will have competent cadets in your program to fill these billets and carry them out with assistance from the Instructional staff. In most cases, it will come down to maybe one or two cadets that you can depend on to "make things happen" as your 4th year cadets start to develop "senioritis" and you have to start firing them.

S-1 Deals with any administrative matters for the program, I.E. Cadet Records, tracking promotions and documenting them, creating newsletters (Public Affairs).

S-2 Work hand in hand with the S-3 to do any information briefings for the cadets, Instructional Staff, and other outside agencies.

S-4 Deal primarily with any unit supply and logisitcs issues (Uniforms, Weapons Maintenance) accountability of equipment. Assist the Instructional Staff in the coordination of transportation and lodging for overnight cadet field trips.

Once again if the world was a perfect place.

[Buffa1oso1di3r]

The S-3 is also 3rd in Command of the Battalion; if the BC and the XO aren't there, S-3 takes over. At least that's how it is in my battalion.