The Centre of Army Lessons (CAL) asked personnel in supporting roles, such as 2IC, ADJT, CSM and PL SGT to reflect on their time supporting their commander and to provide tips and anecdotes to newly appointed personnel acting in these roles.

Supporting command is a very demanding job which requires an understanding and knowledge of a whole range of topics from unit administration to the Force Generation cycle. Insights From Command Staff is broken up into four chronological parts: preparation, the first 100 days, life supporting command and final thoughts.

You will notice there are common themes which flow throughout these phases with particular emphasis on command and management, mission command, training, administration and governance.

If you have lessons learned throughout your posting and/or insights you would like to share, please drop CAL a line at army.lessons [at] defence.gov.au