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The First 90 days in Company Command are critical. In fact, the first 90 days of Company Command will ultimately determine your ultimate level of success. There's a saying that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. When it comes to Company Command, that statement is definitely correct.
When you first take assume command, it's important to start off strong. You need to set the tone for the organization from day one. You must appear confident, assertive, decisive, fair and firm. Simply put, you must act like a leader.
Furthermore, you must look and act professional. During your first IDT weekend, you should meet with your entire company to introduce yourself and define your expectations. During this time, make sure your uniform, grooming and hygiene is squared away.
During the first IDT weekend, you should give every Soldier a copy of your command philosophy. Your command philosophy should outline your goals and expectations of the unit. It should also include your vision statement, which describes what you ultimately want the company to be like.
In order to accomplish success in your first 90 days of Company Command, you must have a game-plan. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. You must know exactly what you will do in your first 90-days of Company Command, BEFORE you actually take command. It's extremely important.
You should also remember that your first 30-days in Company Command is the same as your first drill weekend. Since you only train one-weekend-a-month, you must be efficient. Also, plan on visiting the armory minimum once per week; especially in the first 90 days of command.
Listed below is a proposed first 90 days of Company Command for new Company Commanders. I hope you find it helpful.
First 30 Days
Finish inventory if not already complete
Publish Command Philosophy
Meet with entire unit
Conduct Command Climate Survey
Conduct Initial Counseling with XO, 1SG and PLs
Sub-hand-receipt all property on property book
First 60 Days
Review Company Policies
Review Company SOPs
Assess Unit Maintenance and Supply Procedures
Visit different armories (if unit is in more than one location)
Request unit inspection by Battalion Commander
First 90 Days
Publish new unit policy letters
Update and Publish Unit SOPs
Conduct 100% company wide Army Physical Fitness Test
Spend Time in Each Platoon
As you progress through your first 90 days in Company Command, make sure you monitor your progress. More importantly, please know that you don't have to do everything by yourself. After all, you probably have an eager First Sergeant and Company XO who want to help you succeed. So feel free to delegate some of these tasks to them.
Additionally, once your 90 days is complete, I think it is very important to develop another 90 day game-plan. In my opinion, you should do this throughout your entire time in Company Command. That way, you always have goals and a game-plan. By following this technique, you will quickly seperate yourself from your peers.
After all, most Company Commanders simply go with the flow. Rather than being a leader and determining their flow, they simply follow their Battalion Commander's game-plan or don't follow any game-plan at all. Never forget, you are the leader. You are personally responsible for the success of your unit. And your Soldiers, NCOs and subordinate Officers are counting on you.
If you don't develop a plan, you are planning to fail. And remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. If you start strong, you will finish strong. And, it's always easy to start strong, but loosen up a little bit later on down the road, than to start weak and try to raise standards later on. I hope that helps.
Learn more about the First 90 Days of Company Command in my eBook
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