Senior Cadet Ryan Teplitzky participated in the Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT) program last summer and shared his experience with me. CTLT is an opportunity many rising seniors participate in following their Advance Camp, between their junior and senior year. It’s an opportunity to spend a month experiencing what is expected of a new Officer in real units around the Army. Here is his experience.
During my time as a Platoon Leader for a Maintenance Platoon in the Maintenance Support Company, I was assigned to provide field-level maintenance support to a forward-stationed, combat-ready Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Battalion in the Korean Theater of Operations (KTO). This experience was both demanding and incredibly rewarding, giving me a comprehensive understanding of leadership, logistics, and the critical importance of maintaining operational readiness in a high-tempo, “Fight Tonight” environment.
One of my primary responsibilities was overseeing the leadership, training, care, and professional development of 25 Soldiers and their families. I took this responsibility seriously, knowing that the well-being and readiness of my platoon were directly linked to our overall mission success. I worked diligently to ensure that we maintained the highest standards in our administrative, logistical, and training programs. The role required a constant balance between immediate operational needs and long-term strategic goals.
Throughout my tenure, I was able to directly influence the completion of usage and services, which significantly raised the unit’s readiness posture. By working closely with the Shop Office, I became a crucial asset in reviewing readiness metrics and safety requirements, particularly for driving in a foreign nation. This experience honed my skills in assessing and addressing logistical challenges and ensured that we could maintain a high level of operational apability at all times.
Embracing the Army Values was central to my approach. I was always open to receiving feedback and used it constructively to improve both myself and the organization. I made it a priority to understand when to lead and when to follow. Establishing a workplace climate that fostered dignity and respect was crucial, and I was committed to creating an environment where every Soldier felt valued and motivated.
Physical fitness was another area where I strived to set a positive example. I consistently went above and beyond, demonstrating my commitment to personal and professional excellence. This commitment extended to managing tasks with minimal guidance, whether it involved executing movement of Soldiers for timed swim trials, managing shortages, or identifying vehicle faults and their corrective actions. I took pride in my ability to tackle challenges head-on and deliver results efficiently.
My role also involved leading morale events for other cadets, where I was meticulous in catering to individual preferences while maintaining group cohesion. This was a great opportunity to develop my leadership skills further, as I needed to balance diverse needs and motivations while keeping the group united and focused. One notable accomplishment was critically analyzing hazards and risks associated with timed swim trials and executing a DRAW
(Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet) to establish effective controls. This allowed us to continue training with reduced risk to both the mission and Soldiers.
Extending my influence beyond the immediate chain of command was another key aspect of my role. I led by example, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in all endeavors. For instance, during the Leadership Development Program (LDP), I was the first among all cadets and lieutenants to reach the summit of Apsan Mountain. This achievement was not only a personal triumph but also an opportunity to inspire others with a resounding “Triple E!”
Empowering Soldiers and KATUSAs during swim trials was another area where I made a significant impact. I provided individualized coaching to improve swim styles, helping them meet the GAFPB (German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge) standard. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of personalized guidance and support in achieving collective goals.
Participation in Alpha ability group during AGRs (Army Group Training) was another aspect of my role where I pushed the pace and recommended additional exercises. This not only helped me stay physically fit but also allowed me to contribute to the overall effectiveness of the training program.
In addition, I served as a battalion asset in the Shop Office, where I was responsible for approving dispatches for batteries to ensure their readiness and lethality. I became proficient in using Maintenance Support Devices (MSDs) to access technical manuals and source part numbers for repairs. This role enhanced my understanding of the technical aspects of maintenance and further underscored the importance of thoroughness in ensuring operational success.
Looking back on this experience, I am proud of the progress I made and the impact I had on my platoon and the broader unit. The opportunity to work in the KTO was invaluable, providing me with insights into the complexities of maintaining readiness in a high-pressure environment. I believe that my experiences have prepared me well for future leadership roles and have equipped me with the skills needed to thrive as a Platoon Leader in any branch of the Army.
In summary, my time as a Platoon Leader was marked by significant personal and professional growth. I embraced every challenge and opportunity, and I am confident that the lessons I learned will serve me well in my future endeavors. I am ready to take on new responsibilities and continue contributing to the Army’s mission with dedication and excellence.
Golden Knight Battalion 