To: CTLT Cadets
From: CDT Scott Quigley
Re: Cadet Troop Leading Training (CTLT) Memorandum
1. Go into CTLT expecting to learn a lot. Be a sponge
for knowledge and experience. Ask questions when you do not know something!
Make it clear to your LT/CO that you want to LEAD, not just shadow.
Sometimes your LT/CO will give you some leadership responsibility or even full
PL duties, but in some cases, you will have to shadow and observe. Either way,
you will learn.
2. Listen to the advice and stories of the NCOs and
enlisted guys who have been in the Army for a while. They have the most
experience and can provide you with a tremendous amount of knowledge, especially
the guys who have been in combat.
3. Observe how the LT relates to all of the other
leaders in the CoC and to his soldiers. A good way to do this is to request to
shadow each leader at the company level for a day, if possible. For example,
follow the PSG one day, the XO on another day, the CO on another day, etc. This
will give you some perspective on how each position functions in order to make
the company function. It will provide much insight into the role of a platoon
leader within this context.
4. Do not go into CTLT expecting to receive the same
level of respect that officers do. Most of the officers and NCOs will treat you
like a LT, but most of the junior enlisted soldiers will not know what a cadet
is and what the "pip"/disc rank is. So don't get offended if a soldier does not
extend you a salute. Keep in mind that even LTs, like any new guy, get tricks
and jokes played on them; as a cadet, expect this to happen. Just watch your 6
and don't take things personally. Soldiers like to have fun sometimes.
5. Always remain professional
with your soldiers and your superiors. The LTs in your company/battalion will
most likely treat you like LTs (“3rd LT” is how my LT referred to me
sometimes). They will be a tremendous resource and they will give you the
skinny on what life is like as a LT. They may even take you out to the bars
(use common sense and do not be remembered only for your ability to pound beer
after beer or as “the cadet who got plastered that one night.”) Make sure to go
out with the other CTLT cadets and have some fun. You will see these guys again
I guarantee you. Truth in advertising: I will go through IOBC, Airborne
School, and Ranger School, AND onto Fort Campbell with three guys who were in my
battalion during my CTLT in Korea.
6. Most importantly, enjoy your experience. It was the
best leadership training I have had as a cadet, hands down. Go in with a
positive attitude and get ready to get eyes on the best damn Army in the world.
CTLT showed me that leading American Soldiers is the best damn job in the world
and you'll see why when you get on the ground.
Good luck to you. Go do good things.
Cheers,
Scott Quigley