In this episode, we aren't going to just ask and answer a bunch of questions about ADP 1-0. No, we are going to focus on questions that are at a difficulty level that every PVT should be able to answer.

The episode is broken into 3 chapters:

The Pre-Test

The Lesson

Repetition

Feel free to jump into the Pre-Test, and if you know everything, skip to the next difficulty level. If you want to know more about a question, stick around for the Lesson, where we will teach you what everything means. Then we'll help you have it down consciously and sub-consciously in the Repetition chapter.

The questions we are going over are:

What date was the American Continental Army established?

What domain does the Army operate in?

What are the five domains?

When was the Declaration of Independence finalized?

What was the US Army first called?

What are the 7 Army Values?

What gives the President the authority as the Commander in Chief?

Where does the Army get its mission from?

What is the Army’s motto, found on the Army’s seal?

Who led the first American Army?

What is the Army’s greatest strategic asset?

How is loss of discipline on the part of our Soldiers exploited by the enemy?

What is an example of joint interdependence?

What is the most important determinant of combat power?

What is the U.S. Army’s greatest strategic asset, providing depth, versatility, and unmatched experience to the joint force?

What is the land domain?

What does ADP 1 mean by esprit de corps?

Situational questions are a big part of boards, so make sure you have them down solid.

Here is your question.

“One of your Soldiers just found out she is pregnant. She doesn’t really know how that will impact her duties. What do you tell her?”

Now, let’s talk through how to answer this question using a 3 step proven method. This approach shows board members that you know how to think like a leader. The format is:

Step 1: Make sure the soldier is safe and take care of them.

Step 2: Handle it at the lowest level possible.

Step 3: Use Army programs when applicable.

First, take care of the Soldier. Pregnancy can bring a mix of emotions—relief, fear, confusion—and it can raise real questions about the future. Your first priority is to reassure your Soldier that she’s still a valued part of the team. Make sure she knows she won’t be punished, looked down on, or sidelined for being pregnant. Let her know you’re there for her. Confirm that she’s okay and has access to proper medical care. Encourage her to schedule a prenatal appointment through her PCM, if she hasn’t already. She doesn’t need to have all the answers yet—you just need to show her that she’s supported.

Second, handle it at the lowest level possible. This isn’t something that needs to go straight to the First Sergeant or Commander unless there’s a unique complication. Your job is to help the Soldier understand what comes next. Explain that there are medical profiles that will adjust her duties based on her stage of pregnancy. Help her speak with the unit medical personnel to begin that process. Keep her involved in the team. Don’t isolate her or treat her differently unless her profile or situation requires it. This is still your Soldier, and you are still her leader.

Third, use Army programs when needed. Pregnancy counseling is available through the medical clinic. She’ll also receive information on postpartum recovery and family support services. Programs like Army Community Service can help with parenting classes or financial planning. If this pregnancy will affect housing, child care, or finances, connect her with the right experts. Make sure she knows about the Family Advocacy Program, the Exceptional Family Member Program if needed, and any policies that affect her entitlements or responsibilities as a Soldier and a future parent.

Now let me give you a word-for-word example answer you can say at the board:

“If one of my Soldiers came to me and told me she was pregnant, the first thing I would do is talk to her privately to make sure she was okay and had medical support. I would reassure her that she’s still a valuable part of the team and that I’m here to support her. I’d make sure she’s linked up with her Primary Care Provider and that she starts the process of getting a pregnancy profile. I would explain how her duties may change depending on her profile and stage of pregnancy, and help her adjust her responsibilities in a way that keeps her involved but protects her health. I’d also point her toward available Army programs like OB care, ACS, and parenting support. My job is to support her as a Soldier and a future parent, and make sure she gets the care and resources she needs to succeed.”

In this episode, we aren't going to just ask and answer a bunch of questions about TC 3-21.5. No, we are going to focus on questions that are at a difficulty level that every SPC should be able to answer.

The episode is broken into 3 chapters:

The Pre-Test

The Lesson

Repetition

Feel free to jump into the Pre-Test, and if you know everything, skip to the next difficulty level. If you want to know more about a question, stick around for the Lesson, where we will teach you what everything means. Then we'll help you have it down consciously and sub-consciously in the Repetition chapter.

The questions we are going over are:

What is the only command given from Inspection Arms?

After weapons are issued and Soldiers have fallen in, what is the next command given?

How do you measure a step?

What are the five types of commands in drill?

What command revokes a preparatory command?

Who is responsible for the training and appearance of the color guard?

On which foot do you pivot when executing Rear, MARCH?

What are the three methods used to teach drill?

What four marching movements require a 15-inch step?

How far in front of the honor or color company do the colors halt?

In this episode, we aren't going to just ask and answer a bunch of questions about TC 3-21.5. No, we are going to focus on questions that are at a difficulty level that every PVT should be able to answer.

The episode is broken into 3 chapters:

The Pre-Test

The Lesson

Repetition

Feel free to jump into the Pre-Test, and if you know everything, skip to the next difficulty level. If you want to know more about a question, stick around for the Lesson, where we will teach you what everything means. Then we'll help you have it down consciously and sub-consciously in the Repetition chapter.

The questions we are going over are:

What is a review?

When marching a squad, when do you give the command Squad, HALT?

What command is given to reverse the direction of march?

What is cover?

What is the position of the unit guidon once a preparatory command is given?

What are some examples of combined commands?

Define cadence.

How many steps should separate platoons when a company is formed?

Can a command be changed after the command of execution is given?

In this episode, we aren't going to just ask and answer a bunch of questions about TC 3-21.5. No, we are going to focus on questions that are at a difficulty level that every PVT should be able to answer.

The episode is broken into 3 chapters:

The Pre-Test

The Lesson

Repetition

Feel free to jump into the Pre-Test, and if you know everything, skip to the next difficulty level. If you want to know more about a question, stick around for the Lesson, where we will teach you what everything means. Then we'll help you have it down consciously and sub-consciously in the Repetition chapter.

The questions we are going over are:

What publication covers Drill and Ceremony?What is the primary value of ceremonies?What is an element?What is a formation?How many steps per minute is quick time?How many steps per minute is double time?On what foot is the command Mark Time, MARCH given?What is depth?What is the interval between the preparatory command and the command of execution?What is close interval?What is double interval?What is normal interval?What is a guidon?

In this episode, we aren't going to just ask and answer a bunch of questions about TC 3-21.5. No, we are going to focus on questions that are at a difficulty level that every PVT should be able to answer.

The episode is broken into 3 chapters:

The Pre-Test

The Lesson

Repetition

Feel free to jump into the Pre-Test, and if you know everything, skip to the next difficulty level. If you want to know more about a question, stick around for the Lesson, where we will teach you what everything means. Then we'll help you have it down consciously and sub-consciously in the Repetition chapter.

The questions we are going over are:

What are the two prescribed formations for platoons?

What is the primary purpose of drill?

What are the four rest positions that can be given at the halt?

What is a rank?

What foot is your leading foot when marching?

When marching, who is the only person who is never out of step?

What is a file?

While passing the colors or when the colors are passing you, when is the hand salute rendered?

From what position are all stationary movements given?

What are the two parts of most drill commands?

How many steps does each rank take during Open Ranks?

What is the Blue Book?

Situational questions are a big part of boards, so make sure you have them down solid.

Here is your question.

“You have a Soldier who is intent on getting out of the Army that has a newborn child and wife. He does not appear to have a plan once he gets out at the moment. How would you approach this Soldier?”

Now, let’s talk through how to answer this question using a 3-step proven method. This approach shows board members that you know how to think like a leader. The format is:

Step 1: Take care of the Soldier.

Step 2: Handle it at the lowest level possible.

Step 3: Use Army programs when applicable.

First, take care of the Soldier. In this situation, you’re not dealing with misconduct or a medical emergency, but there is still risk. A new child, financial stress, and uncertainty about the future can wear a person down. The Soldier may be struggling with anxiety, hopelessness, or lack of direction. Your first job is to sit down with him in a private space and listen. Ask why he’s set on getting out. Ask if he’s okay, and if his family is okay. Let him talk without pushing him in one direction or the other. If anything sounds like depression or severe stress, connect him with Behavioral Health or the Chaplain. Make sure his immediate well-being and the well-being of his family are supported. Don’t assume it’s your job to fix his decision—assume it’s your job to care for him as a human first.

Second, handle it at the lowest level possible. You don’t need to push this issue up the chain unless there’s danger or a legal issue. This is about mentorship and leadership. Help him walk through his decision. Ask what his plan is. If he doesn’t have one, don’t lecture—help him build one. Encourage him to speak with his wife about goals. Offer to help him schedule appointments with the Army Career Skills Program or Soldier for Life. Share your own knowledge about the ETS process and what things look like outside the military. He may not be asking for your help directly, but this is your chance to lead by example and show care through action.

Third, use Army programs when needed. There are many resources designed specifically for situations like this. The Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program is required for Soldiers ETSing, but he might not understand how much it offers—everything from job fairs to resume writing to career counseling. The Army Community Service center can help with financial planning. If he wants to go to school, get him in touch with an education counselor to discuss GI Bill benefits. If stress is impacting his decision, the Chaplain or Behavioral Health can provide support. Showing that you know and can connect Soldiers to these tools shows your readiness as a leader.

In this episode, we aren't going to just ask and answer a bunch of questions about AR 600-25. No, we are going to focus on questions that are at a difficulty level that every PFC should be able to answer.

The episode is broken into 3 chapters:

The Pre-Test

The Lesson

Repetition

Feel free to jump into the Pre-Test, and if you know everything, skip to the next difficulty level. If you want to know more about a question, stick around for the Lesson, where we will teach you what everything means. Then we'll help you have it down consciously and sub-consciously in the Repetition chapter.

The questions we are going over are:

What traditional honors are performed on the Fourth of July?

What military courtesy is performed annually on Memorial Day?

What specific award grants enlisted Soldiers the right to be saluted?

How many guns are fired to honor a U.S. President’s arrival or departure from an Army installation?

If the flag is being lowered and folded in cocked hat style, should others salute the flag detail?

Who determines when reveille and retreat will sound on an installation?

Where should invited foreign troops be placed in U.S. dash led parades?

What is the duration of the bugle call “To the Colors”?

How should the Colors be displayed during parades or ceremonies?

What must be present during the firing of a salute?