Squad Leader

J

Jeepman

5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2017
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My son is going to be a squad leader as a first class next year at USNA. What does this person do and is it a good position? I ask him, but he always makes everything sound like it is not a big deal, so I am asking here, lol.
 
The billet of squad leader is often referred to as the most important billet in the brigade. A question they often ask potential brigade commander is whether they think the billet of brigade commander is more important than squad leader.
 
Jeepman said:
My son is going to be a squad leader as a first class next year at USNA. What does this person do and is it a good position? I ask him, but he always makes everything sound like it is not a big deal, so I am asking here, lol.
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Anytime you have direct leadership accountability and responsibility for a group of people, it’s good job and one of the best for practical experience for early JO roles. His plebes will drive him crazy. His youngsters will do stupid stuff, and his 2/c will be a royal cynical pain. His peer 1/c may be the hardest to lead!

No, it’s not a fancy, high-striper staff position, but in everyday leadership practice, priceless. It’s where the rubber meets the road.

My DH remembers his squad leaders’ names, firstie year company commanders and XOs, but not one shred of memory about who was Brigade Commander and staff, Regimental or Battalion staffers.
 
It’s important. Bc he is in charge of his people. And this is a more intimate position. Down with ‘your people’.
 
My DH remembers his squad leaders’ names, firstie year company commanders and XOs, but not one shred of memory about who was Brigade Commander and staff, Regimental or Battalion staffers.
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I echo this. I remember some for being outstanding and others for being terrible. My opinions haven't changed with the passage of time.

It's funny . . . years ago, our class PW for some social media account was the first name of our 1/C, first semester Brigade Commander combined with the person who put us in "hack" (PW has since changed). I bet everyone other than those on brigade staff had to look up the brigade commander -- myself included. Even when I saw the name, I had no memory of him. We all knew who'd put us in hack!!!

I think squad leader is the best job. Maybe not always considered the most "prestigious," but the one that will most prepare 1/C to be division officers.
 
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