There I was (as all good war stories begin) checking on a forward operations center. All the crew were new in their positions. They were providing coordination for all field artillery fires for a large international military exercise with 22 countries participating. The area was disorganized and messy. The element had occupied the space the day before and the appearance was not what I was accustom to finding at a well established field location. I found the NCO I charged and asked him to step when he had a second. The Sergeant First Class was deep in the weeds of helping a fire direction NCO establish a fires database.

He broke away. I asked him how things were going. “Not good Sergeant Major,” and he rattled off half a dozen fires related issues he was dealing with. I talked with him about the disorganized appearance of the area. He told me he did not have time to clean up yet. I pointed out there were two junior NCOs and four junior enlisted sitting around. “pick an NCO to take charge of policing up the area so you can focus on establishing a firing capability.” I watched him gram a brand new buck Sergeant. He provided direction on tasks that needed accomplishment in about three minutes and returned to the operations center. And hour later the place looked great. People were actively engaged in meaningful work rather than sitting around bored.

After the exercise, I met with the the NCO and his leader. We talked about the importance of ensuring everyone knew the priorities of work so if he was unable to provide direct supervision, one of the junior leaders could step up and make thing happen.

A few months later, we participated in a smaller international exercise. I returned to the forward operations center which was set up at a new location. Outside things were neat and organized. No one was just sitting around bored. Inside, battle boards were current and easy to understand. People were doing meaningful work. The NCOIC was sitting back drinking coffee. It was a big difference.

I asked that young leader to step outside and explain what changed. He told me how they reviewed their short comings after the first exercise and developed plans to correct them. The crew met periodically to report on progress and to offer and request help across the cells. They conducted a full emplacement rehearsal the week before the exercise began. I directed none of these activities. The Sergeant First Class took it upon himself to figure out how to make required corrections. He found couple of experienced NCOs who helped him.

We were expecting a visit that week from the division command team. They arrived two days early, as in hours after I conducted my visit. When I saw the division Command Sergeant Major, I invited home to inspect the forward operations center. He asked if NOW was a good time? I was a bit surprised but said it was.

When we arrived, the section was involved in a complicated rehearsal of fires between an infantry unit who was being supported by FA units from two different countries. The one would never have known that when we arrived. The NCOIC had time to brief the CSM about the activities. Several of the Soldiers were able to break away from their task to talk with the CSM. It was a completely different operation from the first exercise. And that’s no bull$#!7 (as all true war stories are required to end [there are no true war stories]).

I share this story because of the Veterans Day observance. People often express gratitude to Veterans with know idea about the work they do, or why it is important. This story is an example of they way I saw many leaders grow and develop during my 41 year military career. I luckily had leaders who would pull me out of a moment of disorganization, point me in the right direction, and set me loose again. After, they would review what happened and would ask what I planned to prevent it from happening again. It was, and continues to be rewarding to watch younger people grow into confident, respected, skilled leaders, especially when you know you had a little part of helping them grow.

So during this Veterans Day, before thanking a Vet for their service, ask them about their battle buddy, their favorite story, their best duty assignment, or similar question. Your gratitude will grow and change and they will know you are offering more that platitudes.

All images by author. (c) 2026 Christopher St. Cyr.