The ALx Bulletin May 2024


Don’t Beat Yourself Up. Use Tips, Tools, and Shared Insight to Strengthen Discipline in Yourself and the Ranks

Discipline is the soul of an army.

George Washington, Commander, Continental Army (1775-81) and President of the United States (1789-97)

 

More than just obeying orders, enforcing standards, and completing routine tasks, discipline encompasses the behaviors and actions that prepare Soldiers for complex, uncertain, and critical situations.

Read on to find a variety of resources to prepare yourself to lead with discipline.

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Execute Today [Content You Can Use Immediately]

Deliberate preparation and discipline are needed to run an effective maintenance program. It becomes crucial when rotational units are displaced from sustainment nodes. Utilize these lessons learned to facilitate high operational readiness while on EUCOM rotation.

Despite a leader’s best efforts, there will be legal issues that arise during command. Refer to the Commander's Legal Handbook to find comprehensive information and guidance on military justice, standards of ethical conduct, personnel actions, and more.

Sticking to a fitness routine during travel can be difficult. Here are some tips you can use to maintain, and even improve, your wellness during TDY.

Sustaining a good Command Supply Discipline Program (CSDP) is a challenge, especially during command transitions. These tips will help implement continuity and promote the importance of adhering to high standards in the CSDP.

 

Prepare For Tomorrow [Content to Improve Your Organization]

It is critical to hold all Soldiers to standard, especially those who are not as easily led. As leaders progress in rank, there will be challenges to their authority. Read one Staff Sergeant’s advice to platoon leaders on navigating power struggles and using the tools at their disposal.

According to ADP 6-22, discipline is tied to character and how leaders practice their profession. This article discusses four virtues that the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course (IBOLC) has deemed important for evaluating an officer’s character and ability to successfully lead.

Memorable leaders create meaningful moments through deliberate actions. These small gestures positively impact others, build morale, and instill motivation. Read on to find out what you can do to be a memorable and inspiring leader.


Learn Always: [Content to Help You Think]

Initiative is a coveted trait in Soldiers and civilian employees, but it only works well in an atmosphere of trust, knowledge, and empowerment. Great leaders cultivate initiative and as result, build future leaders. Read more about enabling your team to find and seize opportunities to take initiative.

Enforcing discipline in the ranks starts with self-discipline and setting the example. This podcast will help you hone skills like focus, observation, and reflection, to serve you well in stressful situations, both personal and professional.

The new ADP 7-0 manual on Training has been released! Access a framework for effective Soldier & unit training and an introduction of the associated processes and procedures.

Leaders must prepare to face inevitable discipline challenges in command. Read one viewpoint on needed discipline instruction for junior officers, as they prepare for this responsibility of command.

Experts on self-awareness link it to better decision making, higher team performance, and authentic and effective leadership. This Army training provides valuable instruction in assessing and cultivating self-awareness in self and others.

Too often overlooked in formations, self-development is vital to fill gaps in knowledge and expand formal education and training. Unit Commanders have the power to incorporate specific measures into their training to promote and teach self-development methods, leading to enhanced unit performance.

Feedback is the foundation of both motivating and correcting those we lead. All leaders have the responsibility to proactively seek out and provide feedback, especially in critical situations, to reach optimal personal and unit performance. Take this training to learn how.

Quitters CAN win! In fact, sometimes it’s necessary. Learn more about kill criteria, which could be just what is needed to determine when it’s time to change course.

 


Get Involved: [Opportunities for YOU to Drive Change]

Senior rank is not a pre-requisite to making a huge impact. We can all contribute to the common good, whether it’s through volunteerism or empowering others. Read this story about a specialist who has become an inspiration to many across the Army. Want to get involved? Learn how at Salute to Life.

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