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

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How to prevent a Soldier from going around the Chain of Command

The response is provided based on the information you shared. It is not legal advice nor should this information be used to make a decision. It is highly recommended you speak with your chain of command, IG, and/or JAG before …Read More

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What Army Manual Covers How to Write A TACSOP?

To my knowledge there is no Army Manual or Regulation that governs how to write a TACSOP. You can find information on how to write a TACSOPs in our Arms Room at: Guide to Writing a Platoon Tactical SOP The …Read More

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How do I prepare a letter to the president of a promotion board?

Where can I find information on writing the president of the board?.. Read the Answer»

Wear it Right! Army Uniform Guide
Battlefield Deception Guide - From Alexander the Great to Norman Schwarzkopf

Myth or Fact: Should I receive 3 Counseling Statements Before I get an Article 15?

A young member recently asked this question. Unfortunately this is most likely the result of a barracks lawyer. There is no requirement to counsel a Soldier as it relates to receiving an Article 15. Therefore you can receive an Article …Read More

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U.S. Army Inspections: Barracks Inspection

The third article in the inspection series covers techniques and guidelines for conducting barracks inspections. Frequent barracks inspections provide leaders the ability to monitor the health and welfare of their Soldiers. Many Soldiers feel this inspection is unfair as they are …Read More

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U.S. Army Inspections: Planning & Preparation

The second in the inspection series, this article focuses on the importance of planning your inspection and provides tips to help you achieve positive results. Have you ever stood an inspection and wondered why you were doing it? Or why …Read More

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Get Tabbed - How to Graduated Army Ranger School
Get Tabbed - How to Graduated Army Ranger School

U.S. Army Inspections: The Basics

This article is the first in a series about inspections. As I travel, Soldiers share with me the challenges they are facing. A leader recently told me that they were inundated with inspections. This began a discussion about why inspections …Read More

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Can I inspect a Soldier’s quarters or off post housing for health and welfare?

I do weekly (at least) barracks inspections. While I was out doing my run, i decided to pop in and see one of my Soldiers who lives on post. He's a young E4 with a wife and two kids. He allowed me in his home and we talked for a few minutes. While I was there, I noticed that his house was filthy. I politely mentioned this to him. I brought it to the attention of my E6. He came with me to visit the Soldier the following week. The house was still a mess. We sat him down and spoke to him about it. We then paid another visit today. He had notice and time to prepare for us. Conditions were better, but still bad. Now my question is this: Do we have the right to counsel and punish (if deemed necessary) for this? Or is a Soldier's house off-limits to the reach of their leaders? I've been searching and having a hard time finding any solid information on this. I don't want to see this situation blow up and have him go to JAG and sink everyone involved because we were trying to help him... Read the Answer»

Can the Chain of Command Conduct Barracks Inspections without Soldiers being Present?

Is there a regulation that allows senior leadership to go through a single Soldier's room anytime they wish, without probable cause of anything suspicious and without notifying the single Soldier.. Read the Answer»

Can I be demoted without Paperwork or an explanation?

Myself and two others were demoted prior to a mission without being told why and we were told we didn’t have the right to see the paperwork. Two weeks later we were given our rank back. Nothing was said about …Read More

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Am I drunk on duty if I had no reasonable expectation that I would be required to work?

The response is provided based on the information you shared. It is not legal advice nor should this information be used to make a decision. It is highly recommended you speak with your chain of command, IG, and/or JAG before …Read More

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Are you a Mentor and Tor-mentor?

Have you ever had an individual come up to you and state they were going to Mentor you? What did you think when they said that to you. Typically in my mind I would say “How can you mentor me, …Read More

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