Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year
As we close out 2024, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on a year filled with achievements, challenges, and growth, and to look forward to the exciting possibilities awaiting us in 2025. The dedication, hard work, and resilience of every Soldier in the 3rd Infantry Division Realism Unit has been nothing short of remarkable. Together, we’ve proven what this unit is capable of, and as we move forward, we will continue to set the standard for excellence in the milsim community.
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Resilience and Achievement
This year was a testament to the strength of our unit, starting with the FTX phase in January that prepared us for the highly successful Operation Northern Lights. I want to extend my deepest thanks to our S2-INTEL team, whose meticulous planning, creativity, and dedication made the campaign immersive and rewarding. Their efforts provided a rich and challenging experience for all of us, helping to showcase the high level of professionalism that defines this unit.
We also overcame major transitions in 2024. From launching a new website to upgrading to a new server provider, these changes required adaptability and teamwork. They weren’t without challenges, but they were essential steps forward to improve the efficiency and experience for our Soldiers.
This year also saw the retirement of several seasoned leaders who served as the backbone of the 3rd Infantry Division for years. Their mentorship and contributions have left a lasting legacy. In January 2025, we will bid farewell to 1LT C. Winters, Second Platoon Leader, who has served with distinction. His leadership and commitment will be deeply missed, and we thank him for his service.
Unit Ceremony: Leadership and Change
At our Unit Ceremony this month, we celebrated our 2024 accomplishments and looked ahead to the future. I had the honor of announcing key leadership changes that will take effect in January 2025:
1LT A. Vandle will be promoted to Company Commander, ready to take on the responsibility of leading us forward with his experience and dedication.
CPT G. Tucci, through a nonpunitive demotion, will return to his role as Company XO, continuing to provide the strong and steady leadership we rely on.
These leadership adjustments ensure that we have the right people in the right positions as we prepare for the challenges ahead. Additionally, we will be conducting OCS interviews to fill the First Platoon Leader vacancy. Selecting the best candidate for this essential role is critical to maintaining the strength of our unit, and we are committed to finding the right person to lead us into the next phase of our journey.
Setting Our Goals for 2025: Be Better & More Relevant
Looking to 2025, our mission is clear: we must push ourselves to be better and more relevant in every area. Whether you’re a Private, a fireteam leader, or a member of the Command Staff, every Soldier has a role to play in driving this unit forward.
Leadership Development: One of our primary goals for 2025 is to invest in and improve our leaders at all levels. Strong leadership is the backbone of our unit. From fireteam leaders to platoon leaders and beyond, we must ensure our leaders have the tools, mentorship, and support they need to excel. This means holding ourselves accountable, fostering a culture of learning, and always striving to set the example for others to follow.
Retention: Keeping our unit strong starts with taking care of each other. From fostering camaraderie to ensuring Soldiers (new and seasoned) feel valued and engaged, retention must be a priority for all of us at every level.
Training: Our ability to dominate on the battlefield begins with disciplined and consistent training. We must push ourselves to improve as individuals and as a team, ensuring we are always mission-ready.
Public Image: Our reputation as a premier milsim unit depends on how we present ourselves. From our public events to our social media presence, we must strive to represent the professionalism and pride of the 3rd Infantry Division Realism Unit.
Combat: Success in operations is our bread and butter. We must continue to hone our tactics, communication, and teamwork to ensure we excel in every mission, no matter the challenge.
Excellence doesn’t happen by accident. It requires effort, discipline, and a commitment from every Soldier to give their best, day in and day out. Let’s challenge ourselves in 2025 to raise the bar, set new standards, and show what the 3rd Infantry Division is truly capable of.
Proud of 2024, Ready for 2025
As we prepare for the year ahead, I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished in 2024. The upcoming DMOS End of Year Reports will highlight the incredible dedication and achievements of our Soldiers, and I encourage everyone to read them and reflect on the great work we’ve done together.
I want to personally thank our Command Staff, Unit Leaders, and Soldiers for their hard work and commitment throughout this year. You are the foundation of our success, and I am confident that with our continued effort, we will achieve even greater things in 2025.
Let’s set large goals, challenge ourselves to meet them, and strive to be better in every way. Thank you for making 2024 a phenomenal year, and here’s to an even stronger 2025.
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year
As we close out 2024, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on a year filled with achievements, challenges, and growth, and to look forward to the exciting possibilities awaiting us in 2025. The dedication, hard work, and resilience of every Soldier in the 3rd Infantry Division Realism Unit has been nothing short of remarkable. Together, we’ve proven what this unit is capable of, and as we move forward, we will continue to set the standard for excellence in the milsim community.
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Resilience and Achievement
This year was a testament to the strength of our unit, starting with the FTX phase in January that prepared us for the highly successful Operation Northern Lights. I want to extend my deepest thanks to our S2-INTEL team, whose meticulous planning, creativity, and dedication made the campaign immersive and rewarding. Their efforts provided a rich and challenging experience for all of us, helping to showcase the high level of professionalism that defines this unit.
We also overcame major transitions in 2024. From launching a new website to upgrading to a new server provider, these changes required adaptability and teamwork. They weren’t without challenges, but they were essential steps forward to improve the efficiency and experience for our Soldiers.
This year also saw the retirement of several seasoned leaders who served as the backbone of the 3rd Infantry Division for years. Their mentorship and contributions have left a lasting legacy. In January 2025, we will bid farewell to 1LT C. Winters, Second Platoon Leader, who has served with distinction. His leadership and commitment will be deeply missed, and we thank him for his service.
Unit Ceremony: Leadership and Change
At our Unit Ceremony this month, we celebrated our 2024 accomplishments and looked ahead to the future. I had the honor of announcing key leadership changes that will take effect in January 2025:
These leadership adjustments ensure that we have the right people in the right positions as we prepare for the challenges ahead. Additionally, we will be conducting OCS interviews to fill the First Platoon Leader vacancy. Selecting the best candidate for this essential role is critical to maintaining the strength of our unit, and we are committed to finding the right person to lead us into the next phase of our journey.
Setting Our Goals for 2025: Be Better & More Relevant
Looking to 2025, our mission is clear: we must push ourselves to be better and more relevant in every area. Whether you’re a Private, a fireteam leader, or a member of the Command Staff, every Soldier has a role to play in driving this unit forward.
Excellence doesn’t happen by accident. It requires effort, discipline, and a commitment from every Soldier to give their best, day in and day out. Let’s challenge ourselves in 2025 to raise the bar, set new standards, and show what the 3rd Infantry Division is truly capable of.
Proud of 2024, Ready for 2025
As we prepare for the year ahead, I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished in 2024. The upcoming DMOS End of Year Reports will highlight the incredible dedication and achievements of our Soldiers, and I encourage everyone to read them and reflect on the great work we’ve done together.
I want to personally thank our Command Staff, Unit Leaders, and Soldiers for their hard work and commitment throughout this year. You are the foundation of our success, and I am confident that with our continued effort, we will achieve even greater things in 2025.
Let’s set large goals, challenge ourselves to meet them, and strive to be better in every way. Thank you for making 2024 a phenomenal year, and here’s to an even stronger 2025.
Rock of the Marne!
v/r
John LaFlash
Major
Commanding
3rd Infantry Division Realism Unit