Congratulations on your promotion to the field grade ranks in the U.S. Army. The Army values your demonstrated ability and your observed potential to continue the mission of fighting and winning our nation’s wars. More so, your promotion to major is a testament to the soldiers, NCOs, and fellow officers with whom you’ve served. It’s recognition of their endless dedication and your leadership. But there are some things you need to remember as you move forward. This letter serves as a reminder to stay grounded – as much as things change, some lessons are timeless.
Dear Captain Leydet,
It’s time to get to work. Your role within the organization is changing. You must adjust to meet the demands of that role. However, just because your role is changing doesn’t mean you should abandon the fundamental principles of company-level leadership. In the last few years since I was you, I have had several opportunities to work alongside with some phenomenal leaders. Here is some experiential advice I would like to pass on to you as you enter the field grade breach:
It’s all about the people
The strength of our Army is our people. We must invest in our people to develop soldiers and leaders of character. Be the leader who is devoted to developing members of your team. Help them live up to their potential and be the best version of themselves. Be a mentor. Be a mentee. Mentorship is an important aspect of professional development and is an extremely rewarding experience when done right. This also applies to your civilian, interagency, and international teammates. We can all become better if we invest in each other. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Set your organization up for success
It may seem obvious, but remember there are echelons to your organization. Your actions, or inactions, set the conditions for subordinate and higher units to be successful. Think down, across, and up your organization. Make the companies, battalions, brigades, divisions, corps, and Army successful. At times, this may come at the expense of a great training event you have planned for your organization. Set the conditions for your organization to be successful over the long-term, even after you are long gone.
Solve problems for your boss and your boss’s boss
Learn the ins and outs of your bosses’ vision and priorities for the organization. Understand their intent and ensure you operate within that. Don’t become emotionally attached to any plan or recommendation you develop. It is ok to disagree with a particular decision or course of action, but execute with as much vigor as if it was your plan. Excel in providing the boss with the pieces of information they need in a timely manner. Remember you are there to enable the boss to make decisions.
Be yourself
Field grade time is a tough experience. That is ok. Embrace the fact that it will be the most challenging, and equally rewarding, time in your career. Don’t compromise on your character, demeanor, or personality to achieve what you think is “success.” You may need to adopt certain techniques to motivate your team, but don’t depart from who you are as a person. Strive for excellence and continue to develop yourself personally and professionally. Remember to cherish the time you have with your family and friends. Keep in mind that they will be there long after you’re done with the Army, whenever that may be.
You are not in this alone
Delegate tasks appropriately. This builds trust and confidence with your subordinates and adjacent staff members. It is also an opportunity to develop your team. Let your boss take care of the “deep fight”, focus on the “near fight”, and let your subordinates worry about the “knife fight”. Seek help and advice from your team, NCOs, and fellow field grades. Leverage your network of mentors to help guide you in the right direction.
Traits of an excellent field grade leader
The following is a list of traits, in no particular order, I have observed from those who I consider truly excellent. Strive to inculcate these traits as you enter the field grade ranks.
- Service to others
- Humility
- Diligent
- Emotionally intelligent
- Competent
- Incorporates feedback from all sources, regardless of rank/status
- Gifted communicator
- Genuine
- Intelligent
- Genial
- Dedicated
- Physically fit
- An expert with systems
- Social
- Honest
- Selfless
- Confident
- Trustworthy
These are just six points I have truly taken to heart over my time in the Army. Use this as a baseline as you continue to develop into a field grade officer. Enjoy the ride!
Sincerely,
You
Major David Leydet is a signal corps officer who was branch detailed armor as a lieutenant. He is a graduate of Norwich University and holds a master’s degree in Geography from Oregon State University. Dave has served in a variety of positions in the 2nd Infantry Division and the 10th Mountain Division. He is currently a student at the Command and General Staff College.
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