Reflections on Aligning Incentives and How to Develop and Run a Unit Writing Program
A callback to a Special “How-To” Edition of Military Review
It’s been eight months since MAJ Ryan Van Wie and I wrote about our Mustang Writing Initiative. And I mean OUR writing initiative. I take credit for nothing. All I did in true commander’s fashion was give an incredible Field Grade the half-baked task to generate options to capture lessons learned from our deployment. I knew I made a mistake when I saw Ryan’s eyes light up like a LT finding a Zyn pouch at the bottom of their rucksack.
The actual guidance I gave Ryan was in context of my leader development strategy. I proposed we write a series of white papers to help foster a climate of reflection—maybe we could even get the papers spiral bound with photos like a yearbook of sorts. In typical Ryan fashion, he said “sounds great, sir”, and proceeded to focus on my intent rather than my initial design and came back with the foundations for a yearlong program: brown bag lunches, guest speakers, and workshops designed to produce professional articles.
I found in command, time and time again, that we could accomplish anything if I issued clear guidance and gave my people the resources they required. And in a way that often blew my mediocre ideas out of the water. In essence, I saw that it was my job to inspire my team with purpose, give them what they needed, and get the hell out of their way.
Since publication of Aligning Incentives: Professional Writing in the Army’s Operational Domain, I’ve had friends ask me how we managed to balance the millions of demands put on a Battalion/Company command and still found time to write professionally. The truth is that I don’t have an easy answer to that question.
Did it help that Ryan and I both enjoyed writing and had academic backgrounds suited towards helping others write? Probably. Did we signal to the leaders of the Battalion that writing was cool by our own publishing efforts? Most assuredly.
I don’t know how many of our authors wrote articles because they wanted to look good for the boss, had a desire to enhance their resume, or if they had passion burning in their chests demanding to be set free. Whatever the reason, I feel we did have success with our writing program, and I believe strongly that it was not lightning in a bottle – others can have similar results if they provide commander emphasis and work together as a team.
Oh...and have a Ryan. Everyone should probably have a Ryan.
There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss being with the Mustangs of 1-8 CAV. Nothing fills my heart more than a text from a Mustang telling me about their families, professional successes, or sharing a funny meme. Reading this article brought those memories flooding back and for that, I’m so happy to have written some of what we did down.
1LT Brandon Akuszewksi receives a coin from the CSA for his and CPT Larry Tran’s Article “Tanks Need Infantry to Lead the Way”.
LTC Jay Ireland is the former 1-8CAV Commander. He is currently the Assistant Chief of Staff for the Operations section at 1st CAV DIV G3.
Thank you for finding the time. As a CSM, it is very easy to find something else to do than read or write. We have to find time and find those aspiring to write as well. Motivating and incentivizing play a huge part. I appreciate your team's contribution and know that other command teams are trying to follow in your footsteps.
I wanted to add that anyone who doesn't feel compelled to write themselves or needs to work themselves up to it can also participate by encouraging those who are picking up the pen - encourage them talk about the ideas they're trying to convey, read what they've written and talk about it with the author and others. The audience shouldn't be passive in this.