Troop (People) Leading Procedures

I couldn’t wait to get back to my office to pull out my Ranger Handbook. I wondered if I remembered the “Troop Leading Procedures” as vividly as I thought I did. Over nearly three decades, I’ve referred to that handbook hundreds of times. Every time I learn something new. This time was no exception.

I had just returned from an analysis briefing presented by the Army ROTC (Orleans Battalion) here in New Orleans where cadets briefed their analysis of the famous Battle of New Orleans. Attending were a number of active duty and noncommissioned officers led by the ROTC Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Kam Gunther. I had been flattered and delighted by the invitation to listen in and opine as the “gray beard” of the group.

After the briefing, we were solicited for questions and comments for the cadets. One of the officers reminded the cadets of their “Troop Leading Procedures” when offering constructive criticism of the briefing and preparing for it. In a split-second, I was transported back in time to maneuver training and remembered that I had carried that Ranger Handbookin the cargo pocket of my uniform trousers always during field operations.  

Now, after pulling it from its honored place on my bookshelf, I asked myself,Could “Troop Leading Procedures” work anywhere? The answer, of course, was yes!

With some indulgence to an old soldier and nostalgia, I offer for your consideration the U. S. Army’s “Troop Leading Procedures” along with how you might apply them, regardless of who or where you’re leading.