Army Leader’s Book for Small Unit Leaders

In today’s post, my goal is to educate you about the Army Leader’s Book. In most small units, leaders are encouraged, and often required, to maintain a Leader’s Book.

Both NCOs and officers must compile and maintain their Leader’s Book, with updated information on their soldiers and equipment. This becomes a valuable resource that saves time and energy when managing administrative issues, making decisions, and planning upcoming missions.

What is an Army Leader’s Book?

The purpose of a Leader’s Book is to provide a one stop resource with all the pertinent information about your soldiers, your equipment, and your unit. It has current, updated information about the readiness of your soldiers and equipment. Everything you need to make decisions, and provide updates to your boss, is in one place, making it easier to do your job.

I suggest you use a three ring binder with tabs and document protectors. Or you can use a trapper keeper. You can also use a portable carry case with manila folders. At the end of the day, just find something that is easy to use and works for you.

If you are an Active Duty NCO or officer, I suggest you update your Leader’s Book once a week. If you are serving in the USAR or ARNG, I suggest you update it at the end of every drill weekend. Also, make sure you keep it in a secure place so you don’t lose anyone’s personal information.

Suggested Template

Here is a sample template for your Army Leader’s Book.

• Tab 1 – Copy of unit manning roster for your section.
• Tab 2 – List of all equipment assigned to section along with updated 026 Report.
• Tab 3 – Individual Weapons Qualification for all supervised personnel.
• Tab 4 – APFT Scorecards and HT/WT for all assigned personnel.
• Tab 5 – Counseling packets for all supervised personnel.
• Tab 6 – Section for all open issues in your unit.
• Tab 7 – Copy of all Soldiers’ personal information such as phone number, address, email, etc.
• Tab 8 – Promotion status of all Soldiers including their ERB/STAP List.
• Tab 9 – Unit Mission Statement, Company Commander’s Philosophy, and Company METL.
• Tab 10 – Section for all pending UCMJ and disciplinary issues.
• Tab 11 – Most recent evaluation reports for direct reports.
• Tab 12 – Miscellaneous.

Of course, you can modify this list and organize your Army Leader’s Book any way you want to. But this is a good starting point.

Final Thoughts

As a small unit leader, you need a one stop resource with your subordinate’s pertinent information. I suggest you create a functional Army Leader’s Book and always keep it with you, especially during drill weekend.  This will save you time and will give you a single point of reference for any Soldier issues.

If you have your own Army Leader’s Book, I would love to hear from you. What documents do you keep in your yours that I didn’t mention above? Just leave a comment below to share your thoughts. Thanks.

Sincerely,








Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com

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