Congratulations to the Graduates of CGSC Class of 2018

Stay Positive

Congratulations to the graduates of the 2017-18 GCSC class. In a few weeks, you will depart Fort Leavenworth and starburst outward to new assignments across the world. But before you move to the next part of your career, I would like to offer you one piece of advice. Almost two decades ago, I was in your shoes and I dealt with many of the same struggles that you are about to face. Since that time, I have witnessed the annual arrival of new Majors to our Army units. Through these experiences, I have come to believe that there is one leadership quality that separates a Major who makes a positive difference and those that fall victim to what I call the Angry Iron Major Syndrome. The pattern begins early, with your experience in prior units or during your year at Fort Leavenworth. The symptoms start with seemingly innocent conversations, such as when peers gather and every conversation devolves into raging against the ‘Army’ machine. Some of this venting and discussion is cathartic, but much of it becomes poisonous. Be mindful that, when you introduce and perpetuate this perspective, negativity can lead to cynicism and emotional frustration. If not controlled, this pessimism can become your defining characteristic. I believe that the attitude that you bring to your next series of assignments will determine your effectiveness and your legacy.

Accept that the Army will never be perfect

The Army is large. Its size and echelons create requirements at every level above your own. These tasks will compete with your unit’s desire to focus on other priorities. You should certainly work to minimize unneeded distractions, to remain aligned with your Commanders’ priorities, to provide predictability, and to communicate ways to address imperfections, but when the decision is made you must also continue to LEAD your units. This will require that you accept the Army for what it is, while you work to make your own part of it perfect. Never allow the system to wear you down or to allow negativity to become the defining aspect of your leadership. An angry Major changes the culture of an organization. Our units need leaders that are able to maintain a positive attitude and to influence soldiers to get the job done.

Understand that you are an organizational leader

Learn to impact your unit through direct and indirect leadership. Your ability to accomplish missions without being angry allows your indirect leadership to take root. There is an old saying that “Majors Run Divisions.” Embrace this legacy. The Army and your units need you to solve tough problems, across many lines of effort. Become an organizational leader by building and maintaining relationships with people inside and outside of your unit. Through a coalition of Willing Problem Solvers, you will become aware of emerging challenges and be more effective at the coordination needed to mitigate them.

You can and will change Soldiers lives – for Good or Bad

You are the face of the commander in his or her absence. Soldiers and junior leaders will discuss your actions at the dinner table and your approach will determine whether they see you as a leader that makes their lives better or worse. Soldiers know late taskings happen and that they are getting paid to get the mission accomplished, but they do not need to have the tasking delivered as an edict. Remaining unemotional and positive while delivering late information or a crappy tasking avoids adding insult to injury. Make every attempt to make your soldiers’ lives better, such as by doing your homework as a planner and a leader. A positive attitude, good staff work, and a caring leadership style relay to your subordinates that you are aware of their situation and that you actually care about them.

You have but one true Goal in the Army – Don’t leave bitter

You have a choice in how you approach the rest of your Army career. The Angry Iron Major Club promotes a life of frustration, as well as detracting from your leadership and reputation. Many of these individuals are also bitter when they depart the Army. I believe that this is no way to live or to serve. If you are angry at the Army, you are only punishing yourself. Instead, accept that you are going to be a productive part of a large and imperfect organization. One that also performs a crucial mission for our nation. When it is your time to depart the Army, you should leave with your head held high, knowing that you did your best every day. A successful military career entails maintaining a focus on the service you provide to our soldiers, units, nation, communities, and families.

Your legacy is the leaders you develop

General Creighton Abrams often remarked, “The Army is not made up of people, the Army is people.” While performing the challenging missions that are in your future, go and spend time with junior leaders and Soldiers. Take the opportunity to develop them and make them better. The privates you meet are our future sergeants, the Lieutenants or future Majors. The influence you have on these leaders will be your true legacy, as they will develop and influence thousands of others. This is a 100% cure for frustration and a bad day. Embracing this perspective will make you a valued mentor and ensure that, while you are accomplishing your missions, you are staying focused on the people that will preserve our Army and nation

Our Army, as you know, is extremely busy and needs your talents to succeed. I encourage you to spend a moment and consider what type of leader you are going to be. As you venture off to every organization and unit in the Army remember you cannot control everything, but you can remain positive and have a huge impact on the entire Army population.

Good Luck.

BG Ross Coffman is currently the DCG-M for the 1stInfantry Division and the Mission Command Element (MCE) in Europe.