After whittling the list down based on individual preferences and recommendations of peers/superiors/subordinate leaders that I trust, I sent an email out to nine potential candidates. I reviewed the myriad of resumes provided by HRC to the battalion and brigade commanders for the pre-KD majors moving next summer. Most pressing in my mind was finding the right individuals who will serve as the battalion operations officer or executive officer. Over the last few weeks, the current battalion commander of the unit I will command was gracious enough to allow me to have a large amount of input into who the unit preferences in the AIM Marketplace. I am, however, a CSL select Air Defense Officer, slated to take command in the summer of FY21 (21-02 YMAV cycle). First off, I am not a branch manager nor have I ever worked at HRC and I do not have the information or experience that those professionals have. With the opening of the AIM Marketplace for the 21-02 movers just a few days ago I thought it might be useful to share my experience. Those who are preparing to take command at the battalion and brigade level owe it to their soldiers to ensure the best possible command climate. The relationships between field grade leaders at the battalion level can make or break the ability of a unit to perform in combat.
