Episode #3: Lessons for XOs and S3s
Transcript for this episode available here: CALL Podcast EP 3 Transcript (Lessons from XOs and S3s) [TXT - 72.5 KB]
This episode of the Center for Army Lessons Learned Podcast features a discussion with three former battalion XOs and S3s about lessons learned from their time in those positions. The conversation centers on the critical roles of managing personnel, the impact of relationships within the staff and adjacent units, and how to develop staff members to support the commander’s requirements.
Majors Joe Perez, Charlie Foy, and Ronald Rice discuss challenges they encountered during these key development positions. This unique perspective of serving in the same battalion sequentially demonstrates how changing operating conditions and commanders shaped their views on duties. Looking back, they reflect on what they learned and how they would advise future leaders to prepare for and approach a variety of situations. The podcast offers valuable insights for leaders seeking to cultivate a strong staff team capable of solving complex problems.
Key Highlights: Managing staff personnel and processes, conducting operations, supporting the commander’s information requirements, and mentorship. CALL Handbook 25-13 (786): First 100 Days XO and S3 and CALL Handbook 25-12 (761): Home Station Training.
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Host: Mr. Jeremy Stermer is a military analyst at CALL at Fort Leavenworth. He retired as a LTC after 20 years of service as an Infantryman. His deployments include Bosnia, Iraq, and the U.S. Embassy in Egypt. He is a graduate of CGCS (08), Appalachian State University (BS 96) and Central Michigan University (MS 08).
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Guests:
Major (P) Ron Rice
Major Ron Rice was commissioned by the Georgia Institute of Technology Reserve Officer Training Corps program as an Armor Officer in 2009. Following completion of training at Fort Knox, he was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, GA. from 2009-2011 as a scout platoon leader where he deployed to Mosul, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Major Rice then assigned to 1st Battalion, 81st Armored Regiment, Fort Benning, GA. where he served as a company executive officer and Company Commander. After completing the Captain’s Career Course, Major Rice served in the 3d Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood, TX. from 2013-2017, where he served as an assistant operation officer, and troop commander. While in the 3d Cavalry Regiment, he deployed to the Multi-National Forces and Observers mission in the Sinai, Egypt and Operation Enduring Freedom in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. After troop command Major Rice was selected to participate in the Performance Based Graduate School Incentive Program and attended Goizueta Business School at Emory University, Atlanta, GA. from 2017-2019.
Following Command and General Staff College, Major Rice served in the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, KS. from 2020 to 2023. While in the 1st Infantry Division, he served as ready reserve executive officer for 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, battalion operations officer, and battalion executive officer for 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment where he deployed to Germany in support of the Rotationally Aligned Force mission.
After completion of his key development time Major Rice served as an OC/T in Operations Group-A, Mission Command Training Program, Fort Leavenworth, KS from 2023-2024.
Most recently, Major Rice serves as the chief of operations for Operations Group-A, Mission Command Training Program.
Major Rice holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology from Southern Polytechnic State University, and master’s degrees in business administration from Emory University and operational science from the United States Command and General Staff College.
Major Rice and his wife, Kassie, have been married for over 16 years and have two children, Parker and Raegan.
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Major Charles "Charlie" Foy
Major Charles P. Foy Jr. is from Pittsburgh, PA. Upon graduation from West Virginia University in 2010, he was commissioned as an Infantry Officer. He served as a platoon leader, company executive officer, battalion S4 in 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, TX. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 2013-2014.
After completing the Maneuver Captains Career Course at Fort Benning, GA, he served at 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, Fort Benning, GA, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY and 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, CA. He served as a two-time Infantry Company Commander for over 36 months.
He attended Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS. Upon graduation, Major Foy was assigned to 1st Infantry Division where he served as the division chief of plans (G35) during a deployment to Poland. Upon redeployment, Major served as the operations officer and executive officer in 1st Battalion, 63rd Armored Regiment.
Major Foy is currently serving as movement and maneuver observer, coach, trainer, Operations Group Charlie, Mission Command Training Program at Fort Leavenworth, KS.
Major Foy holds a Bachelor of Communication Studies from West Virginia University and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from Army University.
Major Foy’s military education includes Infantry Officer Basic Course, Air Assault School, Airborne School, Maneuver Captain’s Career Course, and Army Command and Staff College.
He is married to Major Jini Foy (AF), and they have two children, Jameson (3 years) and Theodore (8 months).
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Major Joseph "Joe" Perez
Major Joe Perez is from Valencia, California. After graduating from the United States Military Academy in 2010, MAJ Perez was commissioned as an Armor Officer. He served as a platoon leader, troop executive officer, rear-detachment troop commander, and assistant operations officer in 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Armored Brigade Combat Team 1st Armored Division, and deployed in support of Operation New Dawn to Mosul, Iraq.
After completing the Maneuver Captains Career Course, MAJ Perez in various staff positions in 25th Infantry Division at the Squadron, Brigade and Division levels and participated in multi-national exercises in Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. He commanded B Troop, 3rd Squadron 4th Cavalry regiment.
MAJ Perez completed the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in 2022. Upon graduation, MAJ Perez was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas and served as a Battalion Operations Officer and Executive Officer in 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team. While assigned to 1ID, MAJ Perez deployed in support of Operation Assure, Deter, and Reinforce to Grafenwoehr Germany and participated in Operation Trident Ready.
MAJ Perez is assigned as a Military Analyst at the Center for Army Lessons Learned at Fort Leavenworth, KS.
MAJ Perez holds a Bachelor of History from the United States Military Academy and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Columbus State University. His military education includes the Armor Officer Basic Couse, Air Assault School, Maneuver Captains Career Course, Cavalry Leader Course, Joint Fire Power Course, and Army Command and General Staff College.
MAJ Perez and his wife Suzy have been married for six years and have a daughter, Olivia.
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