Mark Gerecht | AskTOP.net – Leader Development for Army Professionals

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What goes in the Plan of Action block when a Soldier Fails to Report?

I have a Soldier who I counseled for being late but I always have problem with the plan of action and the leaders responsibility block. Do you have any ideas?.. Read the Answer»

Is my corrective training too harsh?

I am an NCO. I showed up to work 8 minutes late. This is the first time I have been late. My corrective training is to show up at the company from 1830-2300 and "do what I am told." Isn't this too harsh for a first offense? They put it on a 4856. If it is corrective training, why is it on a 4856? To top if off, the length of my corrective training is undetermined. Is this right?.. Read the Answer»

Are waivers for Time In Service/Grade still authorized under the new promotion system?

Under the new promotion system are waivers authorized for time in grade and time in service to sergeant and staff sergeant? .. Read the Answer»

The Board Master - Army Promotion Board Study Guide
The Board Master - Army Promotion Board Study Guide

Can I join the Army with an expunged record and bad credit?

I am 32 and wanting to join the military. I have an expunged record and my credit is not too good. Should I even bother trying?.. Read the Answer»

What can I do with a Soldier who refuses to finish her medication?

I have a Soldier who was prescribed antibiotics but quit taking them prior to finishing. Can I order her not to consume alcoholic beverages for the remainder of our AT?.. Read the Answer»

Mark speaks to DENCOM Soldiers

Last week author and retired Command Sergeant Major Mark Gerecht conducted a professional development session with a group of Soldiers at the United States Dental Command on Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The presentation focused on counseling and proper use of …Read More

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Get Tabbed - How to Graduated Army Ranger School
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Can a Soldier perform PCMS on a vehicle without a license?

To conduct PMCS and fill out a DA Form 2404, must a soldier be licensed on that piece of equipment/vehicle? I've scanned DA PAM 750-8 and TM XX-10's and have been unable to find a clear answer. I'm unsure if maybe I overlooked it, or if I am looking in the wrong place. I have been tasked with ensuring our 5 assigned vehicles get PMCS done, but none of my Soldiers are licensed on any of the 4 different vehicles... Read the Answer»

My Soldier lied to me and then failed to complete corrective training. What now?

My Soldier lied to me and I wrote him up for it. The corrective training was for that Soldier to write a 1,000 word essay. He didn't complete the essay. What do i do next? Where do I go from here?.. Read the Answer»

Our squad leader lied and forged our signatures. What do we do?

We were given equipment when our unit was prepared to deploy. No one signed for it. Months later we were brought in to sign for equipment and found hand receipts with our forged signatures on it. Our squad leader (who was in charge of the equipment and who had originally given it to us) held up the hand receipts and said, "this is your name and you signed for it." Later, he tried to force some of us to make false sworn statements about the matter. Now our platoon sergeant is ticked at all of us and wants to "fry" us for lying but we are telling the truth! What should we do?.. Read the Answer»

Can I be punished under the UCMJ for dating a girl who is engaged to another Soldier?

I met a girl who turned out to be engaged to a Marine. We fell in love and she left him for me. However, I know he has access to proof that we were having a relationship prior to them breaking up. Should I be worried about the UCMJ or any repercussions?.. Read the Answer»

Powell on Leadership

Leadership is solving problems. The day Soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure …Read More

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Unexpected Downtime

We experienced a service outage this morning thanks to a technical issue at our ISP. Things are back up and running now. Sorry for any inconvenience!

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