Getting ready for my 1st drill

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I am a new commissioned officer in the U.S Army reserve and I am getting ready to attend my first Battle Assembly this weekend. I need advice about what to expect and how should I behave in my unit? What makes a great officer?

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Specializes in Field Medical Trauma.

I have no experience in as a commissioned officer but just wanted to say congratulations! Most of us are still trying to get a commission but there are a few here that would know what to expect. Again, congratulations and best of luck with your new commission!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I am a new commissioned officer in the U.S Army reserve and I am getting ready to attend my first Battle Assembly this weekend. I need advice about what to expect and how should I behave in my unit? What makes a great officer?

Have you been in touch with your unit to get squared away regarding uniform, etc.? There was a thread on here in the last six months or so, I'll see if I can find it. The best quality you can bring as a new officer is humility, along with an openness to learning. Best of luck!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Aha, found it ... it was a little longer ago than I thought! Time is weird when every day is like groundhog day out here, lol.

https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/going-through-first-781809.html

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

If you do not have a uniform make sure you dress professionally since you are a professional nurse and officer. Just go in with your eyes wide open, find a battle buddy to help take you around the center. You will feel out of place since you will not know what is happening but the more experience soldiers will understand. If you do not know something ask.

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1. Make sure your uniform is squared away and read up on customs and courtesies

2. Locate S-1 (Admin) and inquire about in-processing and BOLC train up (1-3 month process sometimes)

3. Find what platoon or section you are in via S-1 or other leaders there and get acquainted with your PL/PSG or squad leader

4. Be humble but don't come in with deer in the head lights look. There are plenty of resources out there on wearing the uniform, ranks, saluting, reveille/retreat, traditions, basic unit organization and what it means to be a good officer.

Fair warning though AMEDD is kind of unique, as a 2LT in AMEDD you aren't really fulfilling a traditional officer role in 95% of stuations. The Army and AMEDD are almost separate entities.

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#5) Dont let any of the lower Enlisted get away without rendering a proper salute (and greeting of the day).

Tell them "I want to hear it snap!

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

Tell them "I want to hear it snap!

That makes you not a good officer.

OP you want to be a good officer, take care of your juniors and listen to your senior enlisted. Respect is earned and not given.

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.
That makes you not a good officer.

OP you want to be a good officer, take care of your juniors and listen to your senior enlisted. Respect is earned and not given.

"I want to hear it snap!" will not earn you any respect and you will be worse off doing that kind of crap. Comments like that show lack of leadership and maturity a

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