21-07 - Hard Lessons

By Center for Army Lessons LearnedMarch 12, 2021

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

This handbook was inspired by the book, 66 Stories of Battle Command, written by Adela A. Frame and James W. Lussier. The book includes stories written by commanders about their experiences during rotations at the National Training Center (NTC). The book features stories with titles such as Pressure to Decide, Rock Drills for a Common Picture, and Leadership in a Composite Brigade Combat Team (BCT) .”Each story provides“ a way” to other commanders before they have to make a decision for a specific situation.

The sergeants major (SGMs) of Operations Group at NTC have the same intentions with the publication of this handbook. We acknowledge from our experiences that we are often judged as an SGM or command sergeant major (CSM) during stressful situations. These situations are not exclusive to combat operations. Other applicable situations may include mentoring subordinates, managing organizational systems, or just maturing as an SGM.

We understand some of the stories provided will create differing opinions, but are only intended to share our experiences with those that may experience the same or similar situations. The stories include experiences as an operations SGM and CSM at the battalion and brigade levels. In each rotation, we observe SGMs who, once exposed to a situation, produce extraordinary results. These stories are not meant to expose any unit; they are meant to unearth possible solutions. As always, we are here to help leaders mentor the most important assets in your formation, American Soldiers. For anything you may need, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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