1.) One of the most important keys to getting an E as a Squad leader or Platoon leader is using time effectively. It is your most precious resource. Almost every day, you will have some type of "down-time" whether it be on a bus for 20 minutes or during company training rotations. As a leader, use this time to give hip-pocket instruction on your current or next camp training objective (land navigation, basic rifle marksmanship, etc). I would recommend getting about 10 pages of butcher block paper (poster size) and write out some diagrams for hip pocket instruction, fold them up, and bring them to camp with you.

For example, say your next day at camp is hand grenades, and you are currently squad leader. If, at the platoon meeting before light's out you can pull out a well-drawn sheet with diagrams of hand grenades that you have prepared and give a 5 minute class, you are going to look really good. Also, this preparation is easy! Sometime before you leave for camp, get a camp schedule, get the FM's you will need, draw the poster, and write up a 3X5 card with the important information. You could make up 10 in one afternoon, cover all the important blocks at camp, and have them available to whip out at the appropriate time this summer. Also, not only will you look totally squared away, you will be helping many cadets who go to camp with little preparation. Ideas for classes: Land Navigation, Basic Rifle Marksmanship, NBC, Artillery, Camouflage, M60 machine gun, Rappelling, and One-Rope Bridge.

2. Barracks maintenance is critical!! Immediately when you arrive, the platoon leadership should divide the barracks into squad duties. This will not be enough. Take the initiative to write up a schedule (use butcher paper) for fire guard duties and post it on the inside of the latrine door. For example, 2200-2300: sweep downstairs bay and wipe down tops of lockers. With approximately 7 fire guard hours per night, imagine how much work can get done!

Also meals and maintenance are super difficult. Here is a suggestion: In the morning, let's say your platoon is third for chow, send a runner to the chow hall so he can come back and tell the PL when the platoon before you has one squad left to eat. Then send three squads to eat. Leave one squad behind to continue cleaning. When your first platoon member is done eating, he comes back to your barracks and relieves one of the guys who is still cleaning. The next guy does the same, and so on. By using this method you always have one full squad cleaning every morning! Then, do the same for dinner. It really works well. But it takes trust and coordination within the platoon.

3. Set up a fire escape plan. ( This may seem unnecessary but it's important, works well, and if you're the first in your company to do it you will look really good!) Don't forget to note on the fire escape plan where your platoon should meet and get accountability outside. Note: When you are PL you could have a fire drill for the morning formation. Instead of simply falling out of the barracks, practice the fire plan. Inform everyone the night before and use a whistle. It will show initiative, sensitivity, and makes a lot of noise.

4. Every squad has a personality. Every squad has someone who becomes the backbone. The one people turn to for advice. Be it!! One way to do this is to become the resident Land Nav expert. Get really good and get your questions answered now. Assume duties as the "permanent" compass man for your squad and platoon. This will be crucial at the end of camp during tactics. No one really wants to take responsibility for guiding the platoon. If you always volunteer for it, you will become a fixture in that job because you are reliable. It means always knowing where you are, carrying the map, advising the PL, and generally getting less sleep during field time. It's much easier to simply follow along, but remember we are training to be leader. So lead. The TAC's will definitely notice.

5. Camp is also designed to place you in the clutch position. Expect it! If you are hit by a near ambush, you know what to do. Assault through violently. If your buddy becomes a casualty, go back and get him. Carry him if necessary. Don't be satisfied with half-done jobs. Perform to and exceed the standard. You will encounter these scenarios very soon and you will be evaluated on your performance. You know what to do--you must execute when the time comes.

6. When you are chosen for CO, XO, or 1SG do NOT periodically have unnecessary formations to recite the day's safety motto and be more than 0.005 seconds late to any training. As CO do not be extremely visible, loud and prone to micromanagement. And don't run around yelling at people.

7. Don't do stupid things. Don't disobey the guidance put out by your PL or TAC Officer/NCO. Don't go off without telling your squad leader. Things are bad the last few days of camp so make sure to stay in line.

8. It's easy to get caught up with all these extras and not focus on the fundamentals. Without a rock solid basis in tactics, APFT, Drill & Ceremony, and the ability to follow and leader, these ideas will not help you! Get the basics first, then work on the extras.