Around a month ago, May 17th, a new addition came in the leadership structure of Alpha Company, Second Platoon, First Squad: Specialist Schaeffer was promoted to the position of Assistant Squad Leader. In only 5 months of Time in Service within our unit, the Specialist showed great potential for a further career in leadership, the reward finally comming last month.

The soldier joined last year, in the month of the december, assigned to the same squad he is part of its leadership's structure at the moment. In DMOS profession, he performs as Range Safety Officer within the Force Improvemet Group since the month of March of this year.

Down below, Specialist Schaeffer was kind to answer few questions, coming from the Public Affairs Office:

Tell us a little about yourself

I'm not a particularly interesting individual, but I do enjoy pushing myself to be better - it's the reason I'm here in the 3rdID. I've found a solid community here and an environment that lets me improve and have a good amount of fun at the same time, and that's what I was looking for.

What was driving you towards an assistant squad leader position?

Funnily enough, when I joined the unit originally I did not have any intention of going into any kind of leadership position, my idea was to just have some fun with the peeps on the weekend. After some shakeups in the squad I was asked to be the ASL, so I couldn't say no. Now I'm here lol

What kind of leader do you find yourself to be?

The exact opposite of charismatic; I lead by example and rationality, not by personality. I've developed an ability to analyze combat situations very rapidly and keep a lot of variables in mind at the same time, and I'm using that here to its fullest extent. Probably the unique thing about my leadership style is that I don't take anything personal whatsoever, and I'm always - I mean always - calm.

How do you feel about being a assistant leader at the moment?

Solid, I'm settling in fairly well so far. I intend to continue moving up the metaphorical ladder of positions as opportunities arise, as I realized that I still enjoy leading people.

How does the squad feel about having you as their new assistant squad leader?

Despite the fact that several squad members - including some who have been here way longer than me - were seeking to get the ASL position that I ended up going into, there hasn't been any kind of major tension. The adaptation period is still ongoing, but all seems well so far.

The Public Affairs Office congratulates SPC A.Schaeffer on his new position and is looking to hear from him again about his progress in the leadership of 3rd ID!