Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy (AFSNCOA)’s Post

I very much enjoyed being back at the UK Defence Academy last week, this time presenting on an aspect of personal development to an audience of 200 senior military officers. The military has always taken education and training seriously, but it’s encouraging to see that leadership education now includes skills and considerations which may not have made the curriculum in the past. My focus on this occasion was how reflective practice, or more specifically, ‘reflective journalling’, along with humility and empathy, can be used to develop self awareness, improve performance, and to promote individual wellbeing and group cohesion. I am often asked which one habit can make the biggest difference to wellbeing and performance, and obviously this depends very much on the individual and their context, but all things being equal, regular reflective journalling would be right up there. “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest”. (Confucius)

#2020 A late award for a Marine who stepped up to the plate, even when he didn't have to. I tried to live by and continue to try and lead by these principles. 1. Know yourself and seek self improvement. 2. Be technically and tactically proficient. 3. Develop a sense of responsibility among your subordinates. 4. Make sound and timely decisions. 5. Set the example. 6. Know your Marines (your people) and look our for their welfare. 7. Keep your Marines (your people) informed. 8. Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions. 9. Ensure assigned tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished. 10. Train your Marines (your people) as a team. 11. Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities. #marines know them and may find this cringe worthy. It is what it is. Whether we want to believe it or not, the Marine Corps has developed some of the greatest leaders our Nation has ever seen. We are the few and the proud for a reason. This isn't to say that great leaders haven't been developed elsewhere, or that the Corps hasn't had its fair share of "bad" ones. *I have to note this for some people* These traits alone will not make you a "great" leader. Mainly because, leadership is all about being trustworthy and having a strong character. When people face tough times, they turn to those whom they trust. Trust comes from having a solid character, which is based on our values. Marine Corps leaders are expected to maintain the highest level of ethical behavior and decision-making. And as a general populace, it is what we expect of our leaders. *snipped from the Commanders Leadership Handbook/USMC

Commander, Naval Service Training Command, Rear Adm. Craig Mattingly presents the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal to ensigns who recently completed their temporary duty as Future Sailor Prep Course Academic instructors, Sept. 4. Adm. Mattingly emphasized the importance and impact of their roles as instructors and facilitated an open discussion to learn about their experiences. Here is a glimpse of what these instructors had to say: 🌟 Perspective Shift: The experience provided a valuable shift in perspective, offering a clearer understanding of the enlisted pipeline that will be advantageous for future leadership roles. 🛠️ Creative Problem-Solving: It helped in honing creative problem-solving skills and deepening appreciation for instructors and facilitators. 🌱 Inspiration & Growth: Observing the future Sailors' development was truly inspiring and highlighted opportunities for personal growth. 🎤 Public Speaking: It increased confidence in public speaking. 🤝 Mutual Benefit: The experience was beneficial for both recruits and Ensigns, promoting mutual growth and development. 👏 Gratitude & Impact: There is gratitude for the impact made on the recruits' lives and the opportunity to collaborate with exceptional officer and enlisted leaders. 🌍 Leadership Lessons: The program emphasized the importance of leading with humility, remaining open to feedback, and learning from every experience. #NSTC #NavyLeaders #FutureSailorPrepCourse

To my fellow Marine veterans still charging ahead in your professional careers: Don’t underestimate the incredible value of our time in the Corps. We didn’t just survive boot camp or serve a tour—we led teams, managed resources, and thrived in the most efficient, well-oiled organization in the world: the United States Marine Corps. 🦅🌎⚓ In the civilian workforce, it’s easy to get caught up in new titles, roles, or the latest business trends. But the truth is, many of the "best practices" we see today are simply echoes of what we perfected in the Marines: adaptability, decisive leadership, and rigorous attention to detail. 🎯💪 From Corporals Course and Sergeants Course to Career School, Advanced School, and the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy, our leadership training at every rank was second to none. We were taught to lead teams, manage resources, and execute with precision—skills that are highly sought after in any industry. Don’t be afraid to leverage your Marine Corps experience when leading projects, building teams, or setting strategic goals. You’ve been trained by the best, with a mindset of excellence that is rare and powerful in the business world. 🚀🔥 Remember: the Marine Corps wasn’t just a job—it was a masterclass in leadership and efficiency. Let’s continue to carry that legacy forward in our civilian careers, using it as our competitive edge. 💼🏆 If anyone wants to connect or needs advice, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help. 👊🤝 #MarineVeteran #Leadership #ProjectManagement #VeteranNetwork #SemperFi #CareerAdvice #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteransInBusiness #USMC #SNCOLeadership #NCODevelopment #LeadingFromTheFront

Leadership Qualities in the Merchant Navy: The Hallmarks of a True Captain 🌊⚓ In the Merchant Navy, a captain’s role goes beyond technical navigation—it’s about embodying the officer-like qualities that set a true leader apart. A great captain must be decisive in critical moments, making swift, sound judgments that ensure the safety of both the crew and cargo. Equally important is clear and effective communication, fostering understanding and cooperation across a diverse team on board. Adaptability is another cornerstone quality, enabling captains to manage varying cultural dynamics and unpredictable sea conditions with grace. And, at the heart of it all lies integrity—leading by example, taking responsibility, and setting a standard of accountability and respect. Whether on deck or in the captain’s quarters, these qualities define leadership at sea and inspire everyone on board to rise to the occasion. #Leadership #MerchantNavy #Maritime #OfficerQualities #Integrity #Responsibility

New article "Agon—Are Military Officers Educated for Modern Society?" from Leif Inge Magnussen Ole Boe and Glenn-Egil Torgersen. This article explores the impact of a competitive environment on the personal leadership development of officer cadets and their relationships with teams and future civilian roles. It specifically investigates the potential learning outcomes of the 'hidden' curriculum. https://lnkd.in/dnkaGvih #military #competitiveenvironment #leadership

During an early morning "outer" run at USNA heading into Navy game day, I couldn't help but think about the ideals of the grounds on which I ran. Afterwards, I checked some of my thoughts with published words and the alignment was powerful. Leadership isn’t just about authority or command—it’s about service, integrity, and resilience. At the U.S. Naval Academy, future leaders are shaped through a rigorous blend of education, discipline, and responsibility. The Academy instills the core values of honor, courage, and commitment, teaching that leadership is about putting others before oneself, adapting in the face of adversity, and making tough decisions with conviction. True leadership means leading by example, fostering teamwork, and empowering others to succeed. It’s a reminder that strong leaders are first and foremost dedicated servants to their mission and their people. Oh, and Go Navy! ⚓ #Commitment #Integrity #ServantLeadership #Resilience #USNavalAcademy

Post-NCLS Thoughts - Culture and Character: This past week I had the distinct privilege of attending the National Leadership and Character Symposium (NCLS) at the United States Air Force Academy. The opportunity to engage with and learn from guest speakers was quite profound, and allowed each of us to walk away with a greater grasp on #leadership. As I prepare to commission as a United States Army Officer in three short months, I am eager to apply the lessons learned this week surrounding the #NCLS theme of “Valuing Human Conditions, Cultures, and Societies.” The one of the greatest lessons I took away from this trip was from guest speaker Dr. Alison Fragale. She shared with us the Psychology of Power, and how various human conditions can lead to poor leadership and corrosive behaviors. She explained how a human condition, such as a “large stepchange in power”, can increase the risk of that leader engaging in harmful behaviors. Dr. Fragale eloquently recommended that we combat these situations through accountability, candid feedback, and intentional praise. The Cadet Honor Committee had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Fragale afterwards to discuss implementation of her studies as I tackle my final three months left as West Point’s Cadet Honor Education Officer. Our committee is determined to continue developing and inspiring a culture of living and leading honorably at our academy. That is a responsibility that our team does not take lightly, and I am eager to combine our dedication with newfound knowledge from NCLS to make the Corps even greater! #military #character #leadership #USAFA #westpoint

A slight change can bring a great impact