New Army Officer's Survival Guide: Cadet to Commission through Command

While I learned a great deal as to how the Army is organized and operates, the insights shared by the author serves as a guide for leaders in any organization. The collaborative nature of getting things done requires leadership. This book describes how to become that leader.The guide, the heart of which is based on Army Core Values, shares lessons seldom learned. It’s a blueprint to becoming a leader. Beyond the practical essential tools, the qualities described were not expected. For example, being kind, showing grace and empathy all while remaining disciplined enough to see things clearly with the long view. This is not how we often think of military leaders. But Mr. Floeter shows these are essential qualities for being an effective leader.The author gives well crafted examples by way of stories. My favorites include “A Message to Garcia”, where actions are not deferred by excuses or endless questions; and the “Disciplining of SPC Schmuckatelly” where essential qualities of a true leader are shown.The last chapter “Hard Truths” is essential reading. The words, without platitudes, spell out how dangerous an inherent choice of a warrior’s path is and the unique way it alters a human being. To be a leader in such an environment requires a level of self knowledge that demands as much practice as any PT.I highly recommend this book for all who wish to help lead any organization. It is good counsel to return to time and again.

I served with and deployed with CPT Floeter. In my 20 years (and 11 days) of service he is the best Company Commander I ever served under; a true Enlisted mans' Commander.I would suggest any Cadet or servicemember becoming an officer read this book for an alternative point of view on Command; Command is not always cut and dry and able to be researched in regulations. CPT Floeter used his personal experiences as a Commander to try to help young leaders see a better way forward!GERONIMO... He was an Apache!!!

Captain Floeter provides insight into platoon and company level leadership in the U.S. Army based on his own experiences in some of the nation's best units. His experiences in garrison, training, and combat lend greatly to his advice for Leaders. I look forward to future work from this author.

I’m currently an Army captain serving in company command... I’ve read a couple other guides, but none that were as clear and concise as this one. The content was spot on and relevant, the doctrine sound, and was an easy read that I had a hard time putting down. I’ll definitely be recommending this book to my executive officer and platoon leaders!

Great read — written on a personal level, so felt like the author was writing directly to me. Great leadership advice, even if you aren’t in the military.

This is my friend’s book. I’ve served with this man. I’m on my second read of this and there’s much to glean here. If you’re looking at serving in any capacity this is the book you should read.

The author, Levi J. Floeter, received his commission as an Army 2nd lieutenant from ROTC. There are four ways to become an officer in the Army: 1) graduate from the military academy at West Point; 2) graduate from a university Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program; 3) graduate from Officer Candidate School; or 4) receive a battlefield commission.ROTC produces officers for all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces within the Department of Defense (DoD). “ROTC has historically been the primary source of new officers for the Army, producing approximately 70% of the total each year. OCS produces around 8%, and West Point produces around 3.5%. There are also direct appointments for doctors and dentists.”The author has a unique manner of writing, as though he is speaking directly to aspiring officers. He discusses the ROTC courses, but also provides advice on how to gain access to West Pont as well as to non-federally funded military academies, such as the Citadel. He talks about the Army Schools for the infantry, armor, artillery, and others. He ends Part 1 with his experienced insights into leadership [Character, Presence, Intellect, and more].Part II is about The Lieutenant, and Part III is about The Captain. All officers start out as 2nd lieutenants (O-1), after which they become 1st lieutenants (O-2), then captains (O-3) -- these three ranks are also referred to as junior officers or line officers. These are the ranks of which the author, Levi J. Floeter, is focused upon.The “Hard Truths” chapter [14, Part III] is brilliant. The author writes about “Humility, War, Death, and Knowing When It’s Time To Get Help." It contains a straightforward discussion of PTS, which the author describes “as the body’s way of dealing with mental shock.” This wasn’t discussed much during my infantry days in the Vietnam War. Very impressed to see it addressed in Levi’s Guide.There was no Guide like this when I served in the Army, a Guide written by one of us for us junior officers. And Levi knows what he’s talking about, because he’s been there. Well, this is a must read for all Army officers, even senior officers would benefit from this book. Additionally it’s easy reading, without excessive military terminology or acronyms; it can be enjoyed by the non-military reader and is an essential read for anyone contemplating becoming an officer in today’s Army.A. T. LawrenceAuthor of “Crucible Vietnam: Memoir of an Infantry Lieutenant"