JHS OPREP-00: Foundations for Success

THE

COMMISSIONED

OFFICER’S

GUIDE

presents

OPREP-00

Foundations for Success

TLDR? Your Missing Out. That’s Your Fault.

∞ JARROD H. SMITH ∞

From the desk of: July 4, 2020
Jarrod H. Smith Independence Day

Washington, D.C. Liberty...&Freedom

Greetings, Colleague!

Like many of you reading this, a nautical journey with the U.S. Armed Services has taken me far and wide. Might not have been nautical for you Air Force and Army types out there, but perhaps it was. Doesn’t matter. It’s been a hell-of-a-voyage, ride, and/or flight, as you so choose.

Some of you reading this are only a few months into a long journey, and unable to see over the horizon yet. Others are in the thick of their military excursion, and also on a mission they don’t yet recognize, and can’t even see. The fog of work is thick, the mountains treacherous, and the seas unforgiving.

There’s a group of leaders who want to help you. But the forum hasn’t existed to provide highly adaptive, informal networks...a place where you’ll find people you can trust with secrets, doubts, and vulnerabilities, and do so anonymously if you so choose.

What’s this all about?

It dawned on me almost two years ago that my ship will return to port, and that my cruise in uniform WILL end. But for now, let’s settle back into the Voardroom, dim the sconce lighting, grab a drink, and talk.

You see, before getting selected to the US NAVY field grade (mid-grade) ranks, I really didn’t think I had a shot against the in-zone competition, because of a “stumble” I had the year prior, and my extreme juniority within the pack.

And then selection on the first look happened, below-the-zone for all practical purposes. I’d been pulled into the zone to make the numbers work out at the Office of Personnel Management (USN). Regardless, my selection to Commander for promotion in 2019 sure was sweet, and offered a reveille call.

But close friends of mine, and very good officers from what I gather personally and directly from others who’ve worked with them, did not get selected a year later. It was beyond me as to why. Then I asked what their situations were.

And then I knew exactly why their records would be assessed above-zone.

They didn’t learn or understand “the system” early on. Not well enough, anyways. And in the years leading up to that statutory board, I assumed they had. It’s as simple as that. And assumptions kill. They weren’t “in the circle,” either, and I let them down. Neither was, nor am, I, in THE circle. But I learned the system by combining astute observation with a little...

...no...a LOT...of luck.

So sitting here at home in quarantine during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic disaster, I thought to myself, “There must be a better way to make ‘this’ more fair.” “This” being officer preparation for the environment and bureaucracy they’re competing in, from the very beginning when taking the first oath, and then continuously during the career, whether it’s an honorable 4 years, or a grueling, and somehow satisfying, 35+ YOS. Additionally, we’ll lay out far more important topics about transition preps.

So I’m aiming to build something great via an online community and port of call named The Commissioned Officer’s Guide Virtual Wardrooms.

And the first discussion topic follows now, in the section labeled Lima Charlie (Loud & Clear) based on very junior military officer (JMO) input I received from those I’m already mentoring. Both gave a similar request, so it’s legit:

Lima Charlie

JMO Question: What is the relationship and type of interaction we should expect with our command CO, XO, and higher-ranking officers at our first assignment?

This question originated from two different ROTC graduates. Now that’s a hell-of-a-question, isn’t it? So I’m going to lay my answer out, and mine alone, for the community to respond to, and for these young officers to have some idea of what it is they should expect.

Being an OCS graduate, of no previous family career military service , I had little idea of what that relationship should be like. I’m guessing Academy Grads have the best idea, and ROTC grads better than OCS grads (without prior enlisted experience) and on down the ladder, as many perceive it.

So, here is a straight-up answer from a senior officer who wishes he’d heard this when walking in your loafers, Ensign:

The primary duty for whatever combat unit you’re assigned to is for your CO, XO, and Department Heads to have the unit completely ready to execute whatever mission it’s assigned, regardless of the unit’s readiness phase.

With that clear, your relationship with the officers in your chain-of-command is all military business (being able and capable of breaking things and killing people), in order to have your division completely and fully ready to execute the orders given to meet the mission objectives.

In my experience, there’s not much else to discuss in the command environment, for the challenges of YOUR family and personal health, status, and wealth topics are of little interest to your chain-of-command. There simply exists no capacity for your senior officers in these very challenging assignments to worry with, or be bothered by, your personal business. If your personal business does weave itself into the military business, there’s a good chance of that reflecting negatively in your FITREPs, and yes that is unfortunate. But that’s the way it’s perceived, and perception is reality.

And then the “Fog of Work” crowds out important topics that you should become familiar with and remain current on throughout your career...from the earliest days in your first operational assignment up until and through the very end; whether that’s an unexpected departure from Active Duty 5 to 8 years in, or a carefully planned and masterfully orchestrated pension collection initiation at the conclusion of a successful 20+ year career.

End of Answer. Head to the ROC, next page.

ROC (Reconnaissance Operations Center)

So, that’s the purpose of Your Voardrooms - to link field/mid-grade officers with junior-to-mid-grade officers not in the immediate chain of command and who have capacity, and knowledge, of the land-and-sea mines that exist along your journey through the system. This program highlights these for all.

Your Voardrooms will become THE grog tub from which all naval officers drink, and eventually the base from which all motivated, aspiring, and daring U.S. Armed Services Commissioned Officers congregate to share system insights, in a no-threat communication web full of expertise...and trust.

Oscar Mike (On the Move)

The strength lies in our ability to work jointly in a very competitive, and misunderstood aspect of military service...Our Transition Mission...that leads into Your Transition Battle. We owe it to one another to build our squadrons, battle groups, and brigades early during our transition mission...we’re all on it from the day we swear the oath. But, it can’t collectively be “our battle.”

Each individual must own her battle, and he must see it through to slay the Transition Monster that’s waiting over the horizon, and atop the mountain. Own your plans early...and work your plans continuously. “No plan survives contact with the enemy,” said Dwight D. Eisenhower. That is so very true concerning the Transition into a life of Liberty...and Freedom that we’re all defending at great personal and professional sacrifice. But Sergeant Murphy, of Murphy’s Law, is on your mission, too. Don’t let that derail you.

Providing an opportunity for JMO’s to engage with senior o’gangers completely outside of their chain-of-command will spread the knowledge, and break down the barriers holding our officer’s back from achieving ultimate Liberty...and Freedom beyond the uniform...and the rank that anchors many down outside of the “kill people and break things” mission.

Using a telescope, not binoculars, and looking upward, my dream is for similar platforms to reach all military officers, and then all military enlisted members so-as-to ensure we all are fully aware, fully informed, and fully engaged in our own business - professionally and, much more importantly, personally.

This way we may better advise and guide our people, peers, and senior leaders in their personal business as it relates to service in the Armed Forces, service to this great nation, and most importantly, service to our families, and ultimately service to ourselves. We’re obligated to these causes.

There is no greater obligation you owe to yourself than being your very best.

I expect it. And I expect you to hold me accountable. It takes a village, my first XO said. And it sure does. Engage here, and let’s win together. Always bear in mind advice given to Generals George Marshall and Dwight D. Eisenhower, who were taught three maxims of war: Never fight unless you have to, never fight alone, and never fight for long. It applies to your Transition Battle.

What does “it” take?

So, you’re asking, “What’s ‘it’?” That’s a good, no great, question! What is it? No time like present to begin at the start. But fear not! I won’t bore you with the vague and trivial. And we’ll keep the scuttlebutt to a minimum, to boot! And don’t worry...there’s no Alpha Charlie’s or Charlie Foxtrots here.

What do you want? That’s what “it” is. In the context of what I’m building here, “it” is your success in life. In HEALTH. In STATUS. In WEALTH. Not just success as an officer in the U.S. Armed Forces, but in your life; a life unique to you. The life you’re meant to live for those you’re meant to serve.

Okay...so we know we’re looking for something and we think we know what that is. That’s all fine and dandy, and I’ve made it to the rank of commander so it was easy for me and that’s not the case for you.

Hold on there, hard charger. Let’s slow down and assess the geography.

What’s the answer?

You define your “it.” You can have it all. But I point to the above question: What is YOUR “it?” That’s crucially important before casting away lines and getting underway, or lacing the boots and carrying the pack into the battle ahead. Your “it” is found only through you’re journey. But you must look for it. And it’s hard to see. It took me nearly two years to find “it.” But I did.

I’ve spent my precious time to craft an exercise to help you, yes you, before The Commissioned Officer’s Guide OPREP-01 is sent down-range. It’s going to clear your mind and highlight what’s holding you back from having it all.

Here’s what I want you to do now as we get ready to search for your answer.

This month, as applicable, you will spend time and begin compiling a list of all the things you struggle with. As a human, a woman, a man, a person. Then as a husband, wife, mother, son, sibling and friend, as applicable.

And you’ll also do so as a military officer, mentor, leader, and follower.

Lastly, do it for your professional area of expertise as a Naval Officer (aviator warrior, submariner, staff corps weenie, SEAL, etc…), Army Officer, USAF Officer, or USMC officer. Print the last page. Complete the exercise. Win.

So we’ll meet again next month (yeah...I like the name quarterly for this publication, but it’s coming out monthly) and see what you’ve got. For now, I’ve listed a fractional few of mine below as I participate in this exercise with you, laying it all out there:

Flaws, Fears & Failures (F3) List

Failures Flaws Fears

Calculus/Linear Algebra Anxiety/destructive habits Building this Voardroom

Naval Nuclear Power Training Introvert Failing as a family man

Parents divorced Going against the grain

Operations Research M.S. Balding, severely :-( Post-service life

Dad/uncle relationship Oftenly serious our Country’s course

Few close friends Likes fedoras/cuff links Fedoras out of style

No “assets” at 40 years old EC/EI (actively improving) employment, forever

Self-learner (really a strength) Cuff links out of style

And the list goes on. Spend time crafting your personal F3 list. Don’t worry, I won’t ask for it. It’s for you, but it crucially important that you pause and complete this exercise. It’ll clear your mind for the greatness ahead! It’s your career….and it’s your life. And it’s your fault, good or bad. So which is it?

Heck Yeah!

Jarrod

https://jarrodhsmith.com/thecommissionedofficersguide

Flaws, Fears & Failures (F3) List

Failures Flaws Fears

__________ _____________ ____________

Bonus Material, for the curious who noticed an extra page:

A person's HEALTH&STATUS&WEALTH is directly tied to their ability to communicate ideas and messages. Their ability to create there ideal environment anywhere is directly tied to their ability to influence. Must be able to relay ideas, information, and principles to everyone they come into contact with. Doing so leads to influence. Once influence is had, control follows pretty easily. Keep those interested and entertained by being likeable and trustworthy. They'll grow to know by putting themselves out there to become known.

Then create content that attracts people who "get it" or who are predisposed to "get it." The ability to communicate affects directly the ability and level of influence over others, which then results in control, or lack thereof.

Total autonomy only comes once someone has complete control over their life. Total autonomy is being able to do what you want, when you want, with whom you want, where you want, on the terms you want, without a concern for what it costs.

Lead people to an understanding. They’ll come to an understanding on their own time. Don’t tell them it’s true, show them truth through the explanation that the amount of influence one has is directly tied to the amount of wealth accumulated.

They come to their own conclusion because it was showed to them. That influence is really just an ability to communicate. So, in that pitch what you got was valuable information, a new way of thinking about influence and a new way of thinking about selling. And then I told you. Now you understand and you believe as you should that your ability to communicate is going to affect how much money you can make, and how much wealth you can accumulate. You really should come and attend the influential communication workshop. That's, that's how you put it together. The last thing I want to do is be calling you up on the phone or having Matt like banging the phones after we get away. Hey, just wanted to take your money. You want to buy some stuff from us. Or worse yet, have Matt just calling random business owners, out of the directory. Hey, what's up, Jim from slippy weasel carwash. Hey, you know what are you marketing and advertising online. I don't want to be one of those schmoes on