This is the first in a multi-part series focusing on the tools required to succeed as a Junior Officer (JO) in a Marine Aviation Squadron.  These posts will cover aspects such as how a JO could best relate to his peers, subordinates, and superiors, tools to manage your time and work smartly, as well as administrative and professional development thoughts.

The foundation for success in all areas of life is the ability to develop and maintain healthy relationships with other people.  The way that you relate to others sets the stage for all other areas in which you engage.  There are numerous Top Gun Instructors and Weapons and Tactics Instructors who, though talented tacticians, planners, and subject matter experts, don’t possess the ability to communicate and relate to other people – which ultimately leads to failure within their organizations.  On the other hand, there are leaders within the fighter and attack communities who don’t wear weapons school patches, but have gone on to be squadron commanders and had successful command tours simply due to their ability to relate to people.

How to relate to your subordinates:  If you are fortunate enough to be the division officer in the Maintenance Department or within the Administrative or Operations Departments, you will quickly find young, eager Marines who are mildly interested in you as the OIC. You will also find wisened, experienced Staff Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) who want a relationship with you, but are concerned you may just get in the way.  

Step 1: Take your Division Chief out for coffee.  Get to know him or her.  Find out what the friction points are, where he or she could use help from an Officer, and where you just need to stay out of the way.  Explain to them your strengths and weaknesses, and ask them for help in keeping you honest as you oversee the division.  

Step 2: Remember that your Division Chief is the subject matter expert, you are there for top cover.  Let him or her manage the division, you just act as a sounding board and show you are eager to learn and support.  Use your division chief to bounce ideas off of and let him or her be a devil’s advocate for your ideas.  

Step 3: Get to know all of your Marines.  Show them you are a person.  Talk with them in the shop, learn about their families, help them turn wrenches on the aircraft.  Work through some of the initial sign-offs the new Marines have to accomplish when they check into the squadron – by doing this you will earn their trust and become a part of the “division family.”

Developing relationships with those under your leadership is the first important step in building core relationships as a Junior Officer.  The next post will explore the topic of developing relationships with your peers.