Which Line of Departure Article Should You Read Based on Your Workweek?
A Quiz!
As we close out another week here at the Harding Project, we ask our readers to reflect on the last workweek. From our front, we shared some exciting news in the form of our Line of Departure promotion winners, culminating in our summary post yesterday. We also shook off the post-Holiday Block Leave rust and are gearing up for a busy couple of months (lots of guest posts and exciting events coming soon!).
Now it's your turn…which option below best describes your last week on the grind?
If you selected option A…
You’ve been hustling this week and are looking for a quick read while you unwind on the couch, additional perk if it has bullet points. We recommend you scroll through BG Chad Chalfont’s article, Ready for Next Fight: Armor Force Training Standards. The Chief of Armor lists several ways the Army needs to reinforce and invest in the Armor branch’s training. He highlights the trifecta that is driving this change: “high operational tempo, the changing character of war, and manning turbulence”.
U.S. Army M1A2 Abrams Tank, with 2nd Squadron, 16th Calvary Regiment, conducts range training during Armor Basic Leaders Course at Fort Moore, GA.
If you selected option B…
The staff grind has got you down. No one can REALLY tell the difference between Arial and Calibri, right? No matter, because it’s Friday! We think it might be time for you to reconnect with your inner soldier. LTC Larry Kay’s Cutting Your Teeth with the Basics: Leadership Opportunities at Infantry OSUT is just what the Doctor ordered! LTC Kay emphasizes the importance of TRADOC, specifically One Station Unit Training (OSUT) out of Fort Moore, GA. He goes one step further and highlights the critical role of Infantry officers within the course. Say goodbye to the 3-shop and hello to FTXs and land nav.
1LT Patrick Compston, an Infantry platoon leader with Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, briefs trainees during an operation order for a mission on 24 March 2023 at Fort Moore, GA. (Photos by CPT Stephanie E. Snyder)
If you selected option C…
A surprise ACFT next week means you have between 3-7 days to get your mind right. Be sure to use your resources like H2F! We also recommend taking a look at the NCO Journal’s article Needs-Based Approach to Holistic Health and Fitness. Singapore WO1 Cheng Qiao Feng discusses the importance of the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being triad. He also dives into a few H2F resources including nutritionists, sports psychologists, and physical therapists. The article places special emphasis on developing good sleep habits and prioritizing rest. If you’re too busy cranking out HRPUs to read the article, it has an audio option!
Paratroopers assigned with the 82nd Airborne Division train on October 18, 2021, at Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
If you selected option D…
You are a loyal Line of Departure fan and we thank you! You also may need to up your productivity at work, but we’re not judging you. Since you’re already a friend of LOD, we recommend you dive a bit deeper and check out Muddy Boots. This week, CSM John Raines III published Don’t Wait: Any day could be the next Sept. 10, 2001. In this short and sobering article, CSM poses questions like, “what does it mean to be a good NCO?” and “Do we really get assessed on being a good NCO?”. The author does self-reflection on his time as an NCO on 9/11, specifically the moments when he allowed complacency and indecision to creep-in. He challenges the reader to conduct a brutal self-assessment because “any day could be your September 10th”. This is a must read for soldiers, NCOs, and officers alike.
Soldiers survey the damage following the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in New York City Sept. 11, 2001. (Photo courtesy Department of Defense)
Thank you for taking the time to reflect on the week behind you and we look forward to seeing you next week! Be on the lookout for our upcoming articles published Tuesday and Thursday; the week ahead will focus on writing concisely and our new Harding Fellows!