Leader Challenge / PME2
The leader challenge project exists to give future platoon leaders
the experience of thinking through and reflecting on the cutting-edge,
current experiences of actual platoon leaders. It includes an interactive,
online experience showcasing the most developmental experiences
platoon leaders are having in combat.
Cadet Feedback
This experience was very valuable because it has validated
what I have learned throughout my career at West Point and has given
me more confidence in my decision-making ability. I feel I know
what I need to do now to become a good platoon leader.
I truly think that these classes have been as valuable, if
not more, than any other experience I've had at West Point.
This was great because it was relevant and applicable OPD finally.
This was the first time in a PME session where I was actually treated
like an officer and incorporated into the lesson/had some input
into where the discussion went. I came out of these meetings genuinely
thinking about what I'd have done long after I left.
This was the most real-life developmental experience I have
had so far at USMA. No other leadership course or PME class has
been as clearly applicable to me and my future as the leader-challenge
series. I can honestly say that I feel myself better prepared to
enter the Army.
The Platoon Leader online professional forum is the place where past, present, and future platoon leaders voluntarily come together to improve the practice of platoon-level leadership in the Army.
Past platoon leaders: post tools you used as a PL (e.g., trackers, memos, training plans); answer questions; mentor the current generation of platoon leaders; complete a Platoon Leader Interview to capture and share your experiences and lessons learned.
Present platoon leaders: ask questions and download files to save time and avoid having to “re-create the wheel”; share what you are doing and learning; connect with your peers.
Future platoon leaders: read, listen, learn, and connect with those who have gone before you. Your day leading Soldiers may arrive sooner than you expect—be ready!
The Platoon Leader forum is BY and FOR platoon leaders.
A small support team
The PL Team
Keith Archibald
Wade Cady
Mark Gnodle
Hannah He
Tim Hilke
Trevor Kenney
Pete Kilner
Micah Klein
Joyce Louden
Patrick Moore
Tom Morel
Chad Plenge
Cris Radulescu
Chris Salerno
Michael Shepard
Jon Silk
Chris Steimel
Phil Stofanak
Ben Weakley
Brock Young
close
of Army officers (current and past PLs) has the privilege of doing the behind-the-scenes work that makes the forum possible, but it’s EVERY MEMBER’S participation and contributions that make the forum valuable.
Founded in 2001, the forum has gone through many software and server changes (platoonleader.org; platoonleader.army.mil on php, then on COTS, then on MilSpace, now on milSuite), but its vision, values, and operating principles have remained unchanged.
Earlier this year, your support team launched a non-CAC version of the PL forum (https://platoonleader.net), so we all can connect with each other even when we’re not at CAC-enabled devices. We invite all members to join both versions (.army.mil and .net)
If you’re an XO or CO, we invite you to join our sister forum, the Company Command forum, at http://cc.army.mil/
See you in the forum!