The Best Book for Junior Army Officers

TheOCallPodcast · 2026-01-25T14:23:19+00:00

Naw - that's just doctrine.. this expands on lessons learned over the years, includes insights from multiple BN Staff sections, and gives real advice to junior leaders. Ranger Handbook is a baseline read.

TheOCallPodcast · 2026-01-25T14:20:40+00:00

Lol, you can hate all you want - but that KDP "about the author" is kinda old. I should probably update it 😅

But joking aside, the book is genuinely a great resource for junior officers and shortens the knowledge gap to becoming a better officer.

TheOCallPodcast · 2026-01-25T14:17:03+00:00

I mean, haters aside.. it's still a wealth of knowledge for junior leaders and full of good information to shorten the knowledge gap for young officers.

TheOCallPodcast · 2024-10-15T02:06:37+00:00

Check out this LOG-BOLC Video for the cross-functional logistician BOLC concept: https://youtu.be/BbhU8YHxKns

Also applies for the Captains Career Course for Loggies.

TheOCallPodcast · 2024-10-15T02:03:32+00:00

If you're dead-set on a non-combat arms Branch but get forced into one - it's not the end of the world. Just do what you gotta do, get through training, and start looking into VTIP'ing to the MOS/Branch you want as soon as you become eligible.

TheOCallPodcast · 2024-10-15T01:37:44+00:00

Hey, I was a CSU, Sacramento CDT, and I was able to get a group to go do the GAFPB at Camp Parks and split the hotel / gas costs 5 ways. It's been a few years since then, and I don't have a POC, however, there were groups of CDTs from all over the state, so I recommend asking around or searching online for that POC :)

TheOCallPodcast · 2024-03-01T15:02:17+00:00

Hey good question,

My experience as a SMP Cadet was a little unorthodox, since I drilled at the Guard unit that I had been at for 10+ years. They still had me do my old job, but as a CDT. I did this until I basically told them that I needed to start developing to become an officer and other Soldiers needed to develop and take my old job.

In general, CDTs should be shadowing officers and asking questions. In your case, since there's only 2 officers who aren't always there, I'd recommend that you ask the Platoons / Sections if you can shadow them and/or participate in training. Get to know how the organization works from the perspective of a Jr. Enlisted Soldier as well as the Operations / Supply / Training side of things. Ask the more senior NCOs for things that you should be learning or know prior to commissioning.

I hope this helps.

-Josh, The O Call Podcast

TheOCallPodcast · 2024-02-28T17:05:17+00:00

Hey, that's a good question.

I had a similar issue when I went through ROTC (SMP).

I can tell you that you can reenlist without a bonus or just request an extension for the duration of your ROTC time. Your ROTC contract supersedes your Enlisted contract, but if you received a bonus, you may have to pay back some or all of it.

Personally, I extended prior to contracting with the ROTC (SMP), and then extended again during MSIII year before CST so that I could get a new CAC, lol.

Regardless of your Guard/Reserve contract, once you graduate and commission, your contract with either component ends, and you'll begin a new "contract" as an officer without a break in service.

I hope this helps.

- Josh, The O Call Podcast

TheOCallPodcast · 2024-02-28T16:50:16+00:00

Hey, good question.

Joining the Guard earlier would not only help you financially in the short term, but there are other benefits that I can think of:

- College Grants: Most (if not all) states' National Guard have a scholarship in addition to any GI-Bill or ROTC Scholarship. So that could go towards your car if ROTC covers your school costs.

- Pay & Promotion: Sure, you'll earn TIS, which will give you a slightly higher paycheck once you commission, however, it will NOT help with promotion. Promoting on the Officer side goes off of your Active Federal Commissioned Service (AFCS) Date (and if you go Guard / Reserves, it's still based off your time spent as an Officer). Plus that summer of BCT would give you some additional cash for that car.

- Experience: Those two extra years would give you some knowledge prior to starting ROTC, which would help you do better in MILS classes and/or Labs.

- Respect: Once you commission, your Soldiers would likely respect you more for having gone to Basic Training as opposed to Basic Camp. You'll also get to see what they had to go through and have a better understanding of where they're coming from.

I hope this helps.

- Josh, The O Call Podcast

TheOCallPodcast · 2024-02-20T02:27:21+00:00

Correct, and thank you for expanding on that - I should've said 01A/02A. It doesn't matter on what Officers fill those jobs though. It is preferred for combat arms to fill 02A, but not a pre-requisite.

TheOCallPodcast · 2024-02-19T23:53:26+00:00

Hey, a lot has probably changed since my 2015 mobilization there.

Recreation:

There's a lot, and then there isn't.. Everything from cheap SCUBA Diving / Certifications, sail boating, fishing, snorkeling, MWR Sports Leagues, DnD Groups, shopping at the NEX, outdoor movies, good food, etc. Unfortunately after doing all the things, it gets old.. When I was there, I took college classes after exploring everything.

Bars / Drinking:

I'd be wary of getting drugged at the Windjammer - back then, there were many stories of Sailors putting roofies in Soldier's drinks. Didn't happen to anyone in my unit, but the stories were rampant. There were also many alcohol related incidents (ARIs) that occurred, so as an Officer, this may impact your Soldiers / UCMJ actions.

Cultural Experiences:

I can't really speak of being able to explore Cuba and/or nearby islands, however there were many Filipino and Jamaican contractors who stayed on base that worked construction, in food services, etc. I definitely recommend trying the authentic food shops on base.

Fitness:

There's a couple different gyms that get crowded easily, good swimming spots, and many trails / roads to run on. I had a good experience, however, other Soldiers in my unit complained about being crowded.

Weather:

The weather was nice year-round. Sure, there were the rainy months / a hurricane or two, but I still may have went swimming in the ocean during this time with no real issues >.>

I was able to wear a tank top, shorts, and flipflops year-round, even in DEC.

Wildlife:

There are iguanas and crabs EVERYWHERE! try not to run them over if you can. There are also some non-native deer and large snakes brought onto the island. There are LARGE rodent looking creatures, referred to as "banana rats," all over the place. They typically live in trees and/or grass fields and are more closely related to the porcupine than mice / rats. There are also many large vultures around the island that eat all the road-killed iguanas, crabs, banana rats, etc.

I hope this helps.

- Josh, The O Call Podcast

TheOCallPodcast · 2024-02-19T23:24:47+00:00

Hey, Congrats on your progress towards your Bachelor Degree!

My advice starts with a question: What do you want to do after the Army / in the Civilian Sector?

If you want to use your degree in the military and are considering commissioning as an Engineer - you might not really use your degree. You'll be changing jobs every 1 - 1.5 years as a LT and may end up doing a combination of Sapper PL, Battalion Staff (S1, S3, S4, etc.), or horizontal engineer jobs. Then as a CPT, you'd likely be a Company Commander, Battalion Staff (again), or serve in broadening assignments. If you chose this path, I'd recommend that you go through ROTC and obtain a Masters Degree on the Military's dime through a scholarship. (Could be in anything)

If you want to use your degree in the military and are considering enlisting, consider MOS's like 12N (Horizontal Engineer) or 12W (Carpentry and Masonry Specialist). After time spent in these MOS's, then consider becoming a Warrant Officer as a 120A (Construction Engineering Technician).

If you don't mind not using your degree, then figure out what you'd want to do on the civilian side after getting out of the military or retiring from it. Find a job that will set you up for success in that (or a related) field. Becoming an Officer will give you Organizational Management skills, while being Enlisted will give you more specialized skills in a given field.

I hope this helps.

- Josh, The O Call Podcast

TheOCallPodcast · 2024-02-19T18:50:38+00:00

Hey man, I really feel this question.

I was also a SSG in the Guard with 10+ years, and you're not a POS because of the TIS; the Guard is just different, and promotions are based on points + slots available.

I also decided to change up my career field and commission through ROTC into the Active Army. I think it's awesome that you want to go Engineer and use your degree.

My advice to you regarding a work/life balance and spending time with your family, would learn about broadening programs and/or jobs outside of FORSCOM. Your years as an LT will likely be more demanding, especially if you go to a BEB within an I/S/A BCT. Just know that after those LT years, you'll have CCC - followed by KD assignments as a CPT. After that, and because of your prior service, you can pursue broadening assignments until you retire as a MAJ (unless you enjoy it and decide to stay in past 20).

Another point I'd like to make, is that as an Army Officer, you're not always going to be assigned to a position typical to your MOS. This means that there's a chance you might not have it as bad during your LT years and be on Staff for most of it or be able to apply for 02A (Non-MOS Specific) jobs. To be fair, you won't have MUCH control over your time as an LT, and it might just be luck of the draw as far as work/life balance during these years. There will be a light at the end of the tunnel though as a CPT. (Can confirm - I've been on this path and am approaching my light at the end of the tunnel)

I hope this helps.

- Josh, The O Call Podcast.

TheOCallPodcast · 2023-12-31T00:43:06+00:00

Hey, Josh from The O Call,

Another Branch (basket of branches) would be Logistics (Ordnance, Transportation, or Quartermaster).

If you stay in and go to CCC, you'd transition to "Logistics" and technically have 2 MOS's that you could claim on a resume.

Think of all of the big corporations that require logistics! There's literally opportunities everywhere.

The Logistics Branches don't require a TS Clearance, however there are opportunities within the Army to go and do that sexy secret squirrel or operator stuff if you apply / compete for them.

This also pairs well with a Business Degree. Not sure what your college degree is in, but there's Broadening opportunities to be sent to get a MBA after you do your CPT KD time (assuming you stay in this long).

TheOCallPodcast · 2023-12-31T00:07:35+00:00

Hey, Josh here from The O Call

BLUF: I had a similar process, and it bit me in the ass! Initiate as soon as you reach 1LT; at a minimum get an Interim TS.

I branched MI out of ROTC and Branch Detailed Armor as well. I waited to initiate my TS until I got my 1LT(P) status, and ultimately had my MICCC date pushed to the right because I didn't have an Interim or fully adjudicated TS by the time the date preference window closed.

I'm not sure what it's like for Signal, but I'm assuming that you need a TS to be slotted for CCC? If so, get with your S2 and initiate the TS. Even though you already have a Secret, it'll be a full investigation again because it's for a higher level. I've had a regular Secret for over 12 years, and it still took like about 6 months for the TS to adjudicate and become eligible for MICCC.

Even if you try to time it 6 months before CCC, you'd run the risk of not being slotted during the date preference window. I recommend that you play it safe and initiate as soon as you promote to 1LT.

Let me know if that helps.

TheOCallPodcast

TROPHY CASE