Topic: Officers
A Few Hints to New Officers
Canadian Army Training Memorandum, No 24, March 1943
1. Know how to wear your uniform and see that you do so at all times.
2. Don't buy cheap uniforms, especially boots; this would be a great mistake.
3. Learn this and never forget it:—the first duty of a soldier is to obey orders. In the absence of orders or instructions, do what you think your commanding officer would do if he were present.
4. Pick out some officer to imitate, but be sure he is a good soldier.
5. Don't be afraid to express your opinion to your commanding officer, but use good judgment in doing so. Any good commanding officer will respect your opinion and listen to you within reason. BUT-When he gives you his final decision, be sure, you carry it out, regardless of your personal opinion.
6. From time to time an "Officer's Confidential Report" will be made out on you by your immediate commanding officer. You are not entitled to see it; however if he makes an unfavourable report on you he is required to let you know about it in writing. Here are some of the things on which you are rated:-
- Initiative
- Energy and Persistence
- Reliability
- Appearance
- Leadership
- Speech
- Sense of Responsibility
- Writing Facility
- Stability
- Knowledge of Arms and Equipment
- Alertness
- Tactical Aptitude
- Organizing Ability
- Ability as an Instructor
7. Don't talk too much. Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut!
8. Don't give excuses. Get the job done if you have to stay up all night.
9. Take care of your men, fight for them; look to their comfort; demand their respect; be fair and still strict. Don't try to be popular. If you do your job, the popularity will take care of itself.
10. Be loyal to your superiors. This is most important.
11. Remember that before you are competent to give orders, you must be able to take them.
12. A man who honestly tries to do his best seldom makes a very serious mistake.
13. Study regulations and order. Know more than your men, then teach it to them.
14. A final word:-Don't talk too much! If you open your mouth too much you will probably put your foot in it!
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