Squad Leader Handbook 2020-2021
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Squad Leader Handbook 2020-2021 Squad Leaders: The Backbone of the Brigade Table of Contents Commandant’s Intent ................................................................................................................... 2 Brigade Commander’s Intent Spring 2021................................................................................. 3 A Word from the Brigade Honor Advisor .................................................................................. 4 Training Officer Input .................................................................................................................. 5 The Role of a Squad Leader......................................................................................................... 6 Advice from Squad Leaders......................................................................................................... 8 Resources to Address Challenges Within the Squad ............................................................... 11 How to Plan a Squad Event ....................................................................................................... 13 Squad Activities ........................................................................................................................... 16 References .................................................................................................................................... 21 Weekly Update Sheet .................................................................................................................. 22 Individual Development Plan .................................................................................................... 23 Midshipman Counseling Form (Form 1) .................................................................................. 24 Responding to a Disclosure of Sexual Assault .......................................................................... 25 Notes ............................................................................................................................................. 26 COVID-19 Addendum .............................................................................................................. 268 1 Commandant’s Intent In this emerging era of great power competition the gravity of OUR mission to properly and effectively develop midshipmen in support of our Nation remains as strong as ever. It has been decades since we last competed in the global maritime commons. As the premier maritime accession source we must be prepared to deliver officers to the fleet that are ready to be combat leaders. This is a matter of urgency. I have been impressed with the dedication of the Brigade and staff to meet mission. As with our life journey, there remains room for additional improvement. OUR ability to improve is directly proportional to OUR attitude, ownership and effort. The principles below, while not particularly revolutionary, are presented in a manner that we may use them to reinforce and align OUR efforts to achieve the Naval Academy’s mission -- these principles enhance, but clearly do not replace the mission. THE COMMANDANT'S SEA “C” POWER PRINCIPLES ARE: The Brigade and staff supporting the Brigade shall: 1. Develop the CHARACTER of a Professional Naval Officer a. Honest and ethical always -- we will be challenged every day - CHOICES matter b. Humble over prideful -- enhance confidence -- eliminate arrogance c. Respectful, consistent, selfless and compassionate d. Resilient (morally, mentally, physically) “We are masters of our character. We choose what we will stand for in this life.” - Gen James Mattis 2. Build the COMPETENCE required of a Professional Naval Officer a. Academic (not just only a Monday to Friday pursuit) b. Professional - focused & self-reflective - continuous growth - admit mistakes, take ownership & learn c. Physical - body and mind (health focused and manage fatigue for optimal performance) “Just try to be the best you can be; never cease trying to be the best you can be. That's in your power.” - John Wooden (legendary UCLA basketball coach) “Leadership = Competence + authentic character”-Gen James Mattis 3. Live by the CORE VALUES of a Professional Naval Officer a. Honor - build and sustain institutional, peer to peer and chain of command trust b. Courage - Moral and Physical i. Healthy Relationships and connections ii. Active Bystander Intervention c. Commitment - to your team and our purpose i. Positive Mental Approach ii. Conviction - unfailing support of the mission, to the people you lead and leadership “The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” - Vince Lombardi Your Legacy is our Brand. CAPT T.R. Buchanan, USN, Commandant of Midshipmen 2 Brigade Commander’s Intent Spring 2021 Squad Leaders, As we enter into another challenging semester, the role that you play in our organization will be vitally important to the success of our team. Amidst the COVID environment, we need now more than ever leaders who have the passion, devotion, and creativity to look beyond the mask and into the eyes of the individuals that they lead. We need leaders who are devoted to our core values, but even more committed to developing the people who carry them out. Please reflect on the following objectives as you prepare to engage with your squad: Lead With Your Heart. Your most valiant pursuit as a squad leader will be the fight to earn the trust of the people that you lead. Great leaders foster this trust by connecting with the hearts and minds of their team. Exemplify courage through vulnerability. Share your story both the successes and the crucibles that have made you into who you are and have the heart to embrace those of the people you lead. Cultivate a Purpose-Driven Team. Purpose is the intersection of the passions of an individual and the unique strengths that person is gifted with. Be keenly aware of both the passions and strengths of each member of your squad. Know what drives them—what gets them up in the morning and what keeps them awake at night—and harness the power of purpose to galvanize your team to pursue high standards of excellence. Foster a Culture of Appreciation. Each member of our Brigade plays a critical role in contributing to our collective success. As a squad leader, your responsibility is to be a leader of vision, compassion, and empathy who can identify the value in each individual, and embrace that person’s role on our collective team. Recognize the unique social, ethnic, and intellectual background of every member of your squad and incessantly pursue opportunities to build a culture of shared appreciation. As the leader of the smallest, most intimate unit in our Brigade, your responsibility to engage is critical to our success as we continue to navigate this unprecedented environment. You are the pulse of our team, and we need you to keep breathing life into our mission. Make today, tomorrow, and every day matter. I am humbled to serve you and I am excited to see how you embrace the opportunity that lies ahead! Sydney Barber Brigade Commander 3 A Word from the Brigade Honor Advisor Your Time You are about to embark on an opportunity that is unparalleled in its ability to influence and develop Midshipmen into leaders of character. Take this time to instill your squad members with a greater sense of personal honor and integrity. Choose the Harder Right Over the Easier Wrong. From the earliest days of Plebe Summer we are taught the Honor Concept of the Brigade of Midshipmen. This is more than a code to recite or memorize. Rather, our Honor Concept is a living idea. Honor is the sacred commitment and trust that bonds us to the legacy of USNA, the values of service, and the profession of arms. Your leadership must remain authentic, but it should always reinforce the greatest purpose of our institution -- to graduate leaders of a high moral standing. As a mentor to your underclassmen and peers, you will have the significant responsibility of guiding their moral, physical, and mental development. Set the example through your actions and vision. Moral Reps and Sets. During our time at USNA we have learned the value in doing the little things right. Through our discipline in training we can guarantee our excellence in execution. Engage with your squad on moral issues and explain to them the importance of habitualizing good practices early on. Honor violations at USNA are less about significant breaches of character and more about the gradual decline of expectations and rule following. As the standard bearer for your squad, you are obligated to ensure that those in your charge maintain a professional image at all times. Do not discipline without empathy or tact. Instead, make a habit of showing your squad members “the why” behind our training and customs. Live Your Legacy. We attend an institution that has graduated some of the finest leaders in American history. Our actions -- good or bad -- will contribute to the legacy of those that have come before us. Set clear goals, calibrate your moral compass, and act in a manner deserving of the title. Our opportunity to lead others is here, and our contributions to the USNA legacy begin now. Much has been said about the difficult times that lie ahead. Undoubtedly, the challenges that await are complex and significant. As leaders of the Brigade we have accepted the responsibility of doing the harder right. This is your time to make an impact. Charles Schmidt Brigade Honor Advisor