Happy Easter

Holidays are always a bit strange when you are away on deployment.  Spending Easter on  a National Guard base in Indiana has a melancholy feel to it altogether.  The day started out as just another training day.  A portion of the staff gathered together in our Tactical Operations Center to complete the last day of a three day Command Post Exercise.  This was designed to test the staff's ability to run an operations center, respond to simulated events and coordinate, plan and work together.  Because quite a few members of the team were involved in other training events, we threw together a ragtag team to man the operations center and guide us through the exercise.  I equated it to the movie "The Sandlot" where a diverse group of kids come together on the ball field and continuously find themselves in one kind of trouble or another.  That was our team.  But by the end of the second day we had members of some of the other teams coming over to look at our setup and to observe how we operated.  The Colonels in charge of our training came by with one of them mentioning "I hear this is what right looks like." 

So this morning we closed it the exercise out this morning with a concept of operations brief and an after action brief.  Once again, we had people coming by to look in on what we were doing.  The general consensus was that our team "got it" and that we were ahead of the other eleven PRTs that were going through the same exercise.  It just reaffirms that I am truly blessed to be given such a talented group of professionals that care about what they are doing and take pride in doing it well. 

Although this exercise is a great start it means absolutely nothing if we do not continue to improve and take what we learn here over to Afghanistan.   That is where we need to be at our best.  We have the right team and I have no doubt that we will raise the bar even more as we get closer to deployment.

After we completed the exercise a few of us went to the All Ranks Club to have an impromptu Easter meal.  Since I had given up beef and pork for Lent I had some Easter ham, pie ala mode and great conversation with a few impressive Americans.  Now I am sitting on a borrowed computer while my computer gets torn apart by a couple of the guys trying to figure out why it quit working the other day.  At this point I am afraid to look as the computer is in many pieces and may never come back together. 

So as this "holiday" winds down a feeling of melancholy permeates the mood.  No time to go to church, yet the meaning of the day is not lost.  We are not at home with family, and yet we are surrounded by this new family...this ragtag group that has shown it can come together, care about each other, work as one and get the job done just a little better than everyone else. 

Expectations

Found below is some guidance that I provided to the team's senior leadership today.  It is just some written guidance on what my expectations are of them as leaders.  This is all part of the development of the team and the formation of the tribe.  It is rather lengthy so I understand if you do not get through it.  Since this blog is Lessons on Life and Leadership I figured it was appropriate.  I love this stuff and it is one of the main reasons why I continue to do this after thirty-plus years.  Enjoy...I'm quite sure my leadership team did:

First, let me say that I am very proud of the work that you have all accomplished in the initial month of our existence as Team Kunar.  We have made great strides in building this team into a professional and capable unit and you should all be congratulated for the part you have played.  Team Kunar has had a positive impact at Camp Atterbury through the example we have set in all we do, whether it is on the ranges, in the classroom or at the DFAC.  As we move forward toward this critically important mission, it is important that I provide some further guidance on what the expectations are as a department head and or a senior leader within Team Kunar.  Understand that the expectations are always going to be higher for you because every action you take and every decision you make affects a large number of people in one form or another.  We will never sacrifice the safety and well-being of the troops and you all affect that more than anyone.  I am fully aware that I need to let you spread your wings and find your way in your new positions, and you have all made great strides.  But I would be remiss if I did not provide you more guidance on what the expectations are of a department head/senior leader.  Some of these you have heard before, but it is never a bad thing to review.   Do not read this and think, “Oh, he’s talking to some of these other guys.”  I am talking to each and every one of you.  Each of us can improve and each and every one of us needs to challenge ourselves and challenge each other to take ourselves to the next level of achievement and proficiency.  I understand we are all still in the development phase here and that everyone is pulled many different directions as we accomplish the requirements thrust upon us.  So, although the comments below may at times be a bit harsh, know that I am fully aware that lack of sleep, time and clear guidance often affects (and sometimes degrades) our performance.  This is a baseline of expectations.  Strive to work toward them under all circumstances.  Here we go:

Communication.  As you have heard me say before, communication is everything.  If you have a piece of information the first question you should ask is “who else needs to know.”  Once you figure that out, go tell those individuals.  The preferred method is always face to face, but if not possible, technology is a wonderful thing.  Between texting, voicemail and e-mail, there are various ways to get the word out.  However, once you have sent that text or email, or left that voicemail, always back it up with that face to face to ensure that person received the message. 

More on communication.  How we communicate is a direct reflection on the command and the leadership of the command.  Whether it is over the radio, in an email or on a document, the communication has to be clear, concise and correct.  If we constantly provide a substandard product that is incorrect or is rife with spelling and/or grammatical errors it shows a lack of attention to detail and sends a message that we are not willing to take the time to do it right the first time.  It is especially egregious when it is something we are putting out to the team.  Our communication with the team has to be on point and we have to always show the troops that we care enough about them to provide them the proper tools to get the job done.  Those tools include knowledge, guidance and clear communication.  If we always communicate with our people in a professional manner and we always provide them the information and knowledge that allows them to effectively complete their jobs, it sets the example for them and establishes a high standard for them to follow as they communicate with the chain of command and each other.

Yes, even more on communication.  Delving more into communication outside the command, we do not strive for effective communication because we are sucking up to the chain of command or because we are trying to make the CO look good.  We are doing it because it is the right thing to do.  Think back to when you had a group of guys working for you (or look at the present if you are in that situation).  There will always be the guys that talk too much, provide misinformation or play “I have a secret.”  You end up spending most of your time unraveling the tangled mess these individuals create by their misinformation or their inability to effectively communicate.  Then you may also have one or two guys that you know you can rely on.  If it comes out of their mouths then you can treat it as gospel.  Those are the guys who enhance the mission and make your life easier.  We need to be that second guy.  Whether it is the training brigade or Task Force Bronco (our boss when we arrive in Kunar) we need to be the command that the boss does not always have to worry about.  We need to be that guy whose word is gospel.  The second and third order effects of this are 1) we are off the radar screen and have more latitude to accomplish our mission without outside interference, 2) when a good deal comes along and the boss is looking to reward someone, they will think about that command that always takes care of business, communicates effectively and is not a pain in the backside, 3) when we do have a bad day the boss will know that this is just an anomaly and is not indicative of the way we do business and 4) when we want to ask for that special favor from the boss he will be more inclined to grant it because we have been the command that does things the right way.  These are all positives for our troops because it enhances their ability to get the job done and increases opportunities for us, as leadership, to reward them for a job well done.

Briefs.  I am never going to ask you to brief something just as a “check in the box,” and it should never be prepared or presented in that fashion.  When you are preparing slides for a brief, look at each slide critically and ask the question “So what?”  What is the point of the slide?  What critical piece of information is conveyed?  Practice the brief while sitting at your computer and figure out what you are going to say.  I can read just as well as the next person so I do not need to be read to.  Summarize, pick out the salient points and if appropriate, provide your analysis of the information you are presenting.  It is also important to step back, look at the slide and visualize how it will look to the audience (even better, put it up on the screen).  Ensure words that overlay on photos are readable, make sure the background colors do not wash out the words and do not try and fit War and Peace on one slide.  Although I said I can read, the point of a brief is not to cram full paragraphs or eye charts on each slide.  Be brief, use bullets and amplify on the information provided on the slide.  This all may seem in the weeds but since we are a powerpoint intensive world it is important we get it right.  Bottom line, put yourself in the position of your audience, ask “so what” and ensure you always present a quality product. 

If you present a problem, present a solution.  This is Leadership 101 and one of the general orders.  This forces you to think about the problem and formulate in your mind what the proper course of action should be.  Passing off the problem and not providing well thought out counsel does not make you any better and does not provide me with the various perspectives I may need to make a decision.  Never sell yourself short and never, never say “this is above my paygrade.”  I will always provide my boss with my recommendation and I expect the same from you.               

What questions will he ask?     When presenting me with an issue, a request chit, a brief, anything, always ask yourself, what questions is he going to ask.  Then go out and get the answers before coming to me.  A caveat with that is if it is something that is emergent and I need an initial brief, giving me what you have along with the statement that you will immediately work on providing amplifying information.  For most things though, you have to know that I am not going to take what you are presenting at face value.  I am going to dig to ensure we are doing the right thing, taking care of the troops and completing the mission.  This forces you to be more than just a messenger.  It makes you part of the process, it makes you think analytically and enhances your ability to take care of your people and complete the mission. 

Sir, I do not know but will find out.  This was going to be part of the preceding paragraph, but I think it is worthwhile to separate into its very own section.  Too often when I ask a question of someone, I get the simple answer “I don’t know.”  Then the person will stand there silently or will simply walk away as though the issue is closed.  It is okay if you do not have the answer, and of course I would rather you tell me you do not know something than try to spin a tale to get me off your back.  But if you tell me you do not know, the next thing out of your mouth should be that you will get an answer to that question.  Just because you do not know the answer does not mean the question does not deserve an answer.  Find out and let me know you are going to find out.  If I am asking a question that is not in the field of your expertise or not in your job description, go to the person who does know and work with them to get resolution to the issue.  Resolution being coming back to me with an answer.  

Initiative.  As we work our way through training, many of you are unable to work in the position you will be filling once we get in country.  Others, however, are working long hours while also participating in the same training you are.  This is an excellent opportunity to come together as a team and help each other out.   If you find yourself with plenty of time on your hands, extend one of those hands to a teammate that is over tasked.  If you are not sure how you can help the team, go to the Deputy Commander and ask.  We have plenty of requirements that we have to accomplish prior to leaving and everyone plays a part in ensuring we are ready.  In fact, since I have been here there have been a plethora of good ideas that have been floating around but have never been acted on.  Perhaps it is because we are relying on a very small group of individuals to take the brunt of the effort and not challenging ourselves to make the team better. Be a part of the process.

Work Together.  Hopefully you are hearing this theme throughout this document.  If the leadership is not working together it starts to permeate throughout the entire command.  Talk to each other, discuss how you can help each other out and how together you can make the command better.  Working together also means respecting the chain of command and understanding who works for whom.  Do not abuse your rank or position by arbitrarily grabbing a Soldier, Sailor or Airman and having them do your bidding without checking with their chain of command.  If it is an emergency (meaning life or death or severe damage to equipment) than do what you have to do and backfill the person’s chain of command.  Getting a group of guys standing around to help load or unload laundry or a similar task is fine.  Arbitrarily tasking someone without getting confirmation from their chain of command is disrespectful to the warrior and your peers.  If the senior leadership shows solidarity and teamwork and the troops see the positive results of that it will set an outstanding example and serve to make the team better.

Core Values. The Navy has honor, courage and commitment.  The Army has loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.  The Air Force has integrity first, service before self, excellence in all we do.  Show the troops that these words mean something and that they are not just buzz words for a poster.  We absolutely have to trust each other and be committed to this team.  If we do not build the trust and commitment in training, how will we be able to trust each other in war? We do not have the luxury to cut corners or make up the rules as we go along because that is how we will get each other killed.  Live the core values, be the core values. 

Do not be afraid of meetings.  Meetings serve a critical purpose in that whole communication piece we have been talking about.  It brings everyone together in the same room to determine the path that we are going toward mission accomplishment.   If you are invited to a meeting there should be a sense of pride in the fact that you are now a part of the process and that your opinion and expertise are needed to make this a stronger command.  As Commodore Joe Natale used to say, “If you don’t like meetings, than bring something to the table and be an active participant.”  Every meeting should have a purpose and objective.  It also provides a forum for you to communicate with everyone if you have information that is pertinent to the group.  Meetings are also a great forum for formalizing some of those great ideas that are out there. The knowledge you have, combined with the knowledge of others in the room may be critical to achieving our stated objective.  If you enter the meeting thinking “another stupid meeting” you have already lost and you are going to be ineffective and detrimental to the success of the team.  Your positive participation in the process just may enhance the lives of the troops and the success of the mission.

Challenge yourself.  When I spoke to the team the other night I told you all to challenge yourself and figure out how you can make this team better.  Although I was speaking to the entire room, those comments were directed especially at the leadership.  Introspection is difficult because it is sometimes painful to look within ourselves to evaluate our faults and shortcomings.  But this is not so much about faults and shortcomings but more about taking your game to the next level.  Our goal is to bring everyone back home.  Because we are going to war, we cannot guarantee that will happen.  What we can do is ensure that we do not lose anyone because we were stupid.  We cannot lose someone because we cut corners, ignored basic safety, or did not properly train our people.  So, what are you doing to ensure the team is fully prepared, trained and motivated to accomplish this critical mission? 

Alright, that is enough for now.  I know that I was all over the map while also harping on some common themes.  There is a method to the madness.  Comments and questions are welcome if any of this is too vague or fuzzy.  As always, everyone has a voice on this team.  If you see us going down the wrong road, speak up.  It is difficult sometimes to approach leadership with an issue, and sometimes it is easier to sit around and grouse about the leadership and the chain of command.  Use that middle C in the Navy Core Values and have the courage to speak up.  We have a great team and I look forward to our continued growth as  we move forward.  Thanks for serving your country and for making Team Kunar better.  It is an honor to serve with you.

Never workout with guys half your age

It has been about twelve days since my last post.  The days blend together in a blur as training continues at Camp Atterbury.  Today was Palm Sunday yet it was just another training day for us.  Easter will be the same, although we are going to try and get people to Easter services if they want to go.  When it is all said and done, the time I spend training for this mission will be longer than the actual mission...strange.  The guys from the Security Force normally get up at five in the morning to PT.  A few times I have joined them to assist in my physical conditioning and to show some esprit d'corps with the group of guys who will be responsible for keeping us safe while we are in Afghanistan.  Big mistake...huge.  Oh I made it through all the PT, barely.  The first day I went out with them they had a quick run to the gym.  As we left the barracks we were in two columns with about 24 guys per column.  We did an indian run where the two guys in back sprint to the front and once they reach the front then the next two sprint to the front.  The pace was already pretty good, so since I was practically at my sprint speed, my run to the front was painful. Amazing how long a line of 24 guys can be when you are trying to run by everyone.   Once I was in front I had to continue the fast pace of the formation. No relief.  Now, the gym is not that far from the barracks, so after just a couple of minutes it was in sight.  I was hoping and praying that we would reach it before I found myself in the back again being expected to sprint forward.  I kept looking back, relieved that there was still someone behind me.  Alas, my luck run out right before we reached the gym and I found myself at the back at the column.  My partner in the other column yelled "Go" and I was off to the races...the turtle races.  The snail races, the sloth races.  It was like a horror movie as the column just kept getting longer and longer with the front always seeming far, far away.  I finally reached the front as we reached the gym and right behind me came the next guy in line.  Show off.

But the trip to the gym was only the beginning.  As the team filed into the gym, the four squad leaders pulled me aside and explained how each squad would be working through different workout stations.  They all recommended I go with Staff Sergeant Drew's squad and then they each described the workouts their squads would go through.  I became suspicious as they described the workouts because the workout they were recommending for me seemed to be the worst of them all. So I asked, "Why do you guys recommend Staff Sergeant Drew's workout?"  Sergeant Drew answered "Because it sucks the most."  Of course I could not shy away from the challenge.  And yes, it sucked.  By the time I was done, I was done.

I deserve an F for headwork for that day anyway, because the day that I chose to go workout with the Secfor was also the day the whole team was going on a three mile walk with body armor, helmet and weapon.  So just a couple of hours after the workout I was back out there trudging through the grass with forty or fifty pounds of gear hanging on my shoulders.  The point of the walk is to work up to an eight mile hike and complete it in two hours (fifteen minute per mile pace).  So, it was not a leisurely stroll.

Alright, I am not complaining.  Actually I am enjoying the experience.  I love going toe to toe with the guys and I believe they appreciate the effort even if I cannot always keep up.  The last few days we have been out at the firing ranges qualifying on the shotgun, M4 rifle and the M9 pistol.  It was great to get out of the classroom and do something fun.  I have never been a big gun guy.  This is the first time I have shot any sort of weapon in about twelve years.  That lack of experience showed a bit in my accuracy, although I did alright in the shotgun and M4.  I qualified in the pistol after a couple of tries.  It can be tough to face the troops after scoring a lousy score only if you let it be tough.  I laughed at myself and told them I just wanted more opportunities to shoot.

This week I am back in the classroom while some of the others continue to qualify on the larger weapons such as the 50 cal machine gun and the 240 machine gun.  I am in class learning about the different radios we will use to communicate when we are out on a mission.  Important stuff as well.  More later...must rest up so that I can get back to the gym with the Secfor.

Fifty Years Old...are you kidding me?

Not that I necessarily dwell on these things much, but until about eight months ago I never imagined that on my 50th birthday I would wake up in a barracks with eighty Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen in Indiana.  You just can't make this stuff up.  But, there I was, on the 1st of April, just another day of training.  Actually the 1st and 2nd I attended a leadership conference with the other PRT COs on another part of the base, so I spent most of my birthday in a conference room.  There were some wonderful surprises along the way, including the team singing a terribly out of tune but very touching rendition of Happy Birthday at 6:45 in the morning.  I also received some great packages and cards from my wonderful family.   The next day was rather interesting as my second day at fifty started with me having to participate in a game of frisbee football first thing in the morning.  Although there is not suppose to be any tackling in this game, when you play with the Army it just sort of happens.  In fact, the first time I caught the frisbee, just inches from the goal line, I was tackled...by my own teammate.  It was actually a fun game and many were surprised that the old man could still get around.  When we returned to the conference room to continue the conference they presented some "awards" for the game.  I won "The Best Oldest Guy."  Not the best old guy...the best oldest guy which cut the category down to a whopping one.  It was pretty funny.  The best thing about the game was that our team dominated and I didn't get hurt (despite being tackled). 

Later in the day, as I was sitting in the conference room listening to a brief, I felt something on the back my head.  It almost felt like someone in the back of the room had thrown something at me as a joke.  I swiped at the back of my head and next thing I knew a yellowjacket was sinking his stinger into the front of my neck.  The first bee of the year and he went right after me.  Having two siblings with allergies to bees I was a little worried.  My neck had a nice red dot for a couple of hours and then it subsided so I was in the clear.  I cannot remember the last time I was stung.  Hopefully it is a long time before it happens again. 

So, I never really thought about fifty until I had to say I was fifty.  Now when I say I am fifty it sounds very, very old.  Yeah, yeah, I know.  You are only as old as you feel, blah, blah, blah.  It still sounds old.  Despite the age I am still here training alongside my teammates.  Some are younger than my two oldest children.  Today I was lying in a field with my weapon in hand training on patrol techniques.  I wouldn't have it any other way.