Journal 2(DJIIMO

This double journal entry assessment targets ELOs 400-SMC-1012.16 (J504: Movement, Maneuver, and Sustainment), 400-SMC-1012.17 (J505: Protection), and 400-SMC-1015.07 (J400: Strategic Estimate).

Army doctrine teaches us that journaling is a tool to help expand one’s knowledge (self-awareness). Doctrine emphasizes that leaders read about, write about, and practice their profession. As a senior Army leader, you are constantly preparing yourself through lifelong learning and broadening experiences.  Self-awareness enables leaders to recognize their strengths and weaknesses across a range of conditions and progressively employ strengths to correct weaknesses. Competent and confident leaders make sense of their experience and use it to learn more about themselves. Journals and after action reviews (AARs) are valuable tools in gaining an understanding of one’s experiences and reactions to changes in conditions. When an individual journals they are developing their critical thinking skills. Critical thinking provides a basis for reflection and continual learning. This type of thinking is purposeful and helps find facts, challenge assumptions, solve problems, and make decisions. Critical and innovative thought are abilities that enable adaptability.

Double Journal Entry 

This is a double journal entry and your grade will be the totality of your overall response. This means that the instructor will review the responses and provide feedback on the entries and assign a grade to your overall response. 

As you construct the response the areas that the instructor is focused on are whether the ideas expressed in journal entry include original thought, substantial depth, and are relevant to topic. Whether viewpoint shows strong logical thinking, reasoning, and analysis with evidence and examples.

Strong, direct connections are made to readings and/or other course materials. Content of lesson is clearly articulated through the use of direct citing or paraphrasing of the module subject area. Journal entry is well written and clearly articulated using standard English, characterized by elements of a strong writing style with correct grammar, punctuation, usage, and spelling. Provided an external resource supporting entry using appropriate APA standards.

Supported ELO 400-SMC-1015.07 (J400: Strategic Estimate)

The strategic estimate is a tool available to commanders as they develop plans. CCDRs use strategic estimates developed in peacetime to facilitate the employment of military forces across the range of military operations. The strategic estimate is more comprehensive in scope than estimates of subordinate commanders, encompasses all aspects of the CCDR’s OE, and is the basis for the development of the GCC’s theater strategy (J400). The result of the strategic estimate is a visualization and better understanding of the OE to include allies, partners, neutrals, enemy combatants, and adversaries. The strategic estimate process is continuous and provides input used to develop strategies and implement plans. The broad strategic estimate is also the starting point for conducting the commander’s estimate of the situation for a specific operation.

Assignment Instructions: Compose two separate Journal entries consisting of 300-500 words for each entry to the below reflection prompts.

(Entry1)

Write a 300-500 word substantive journal entry explaining how a SGM will assist the planning staff on developing and advising the commander on the use of flexible deterrent and response options as part of planning the strategic estimate.

Supported ELO 400-SMC-1012.16 (J504: Movement, Maneuver, and Sustainment) and 400-SMC-1012.17 (J505: Protection)

(Entry 2)

Movement and maneuver and fires are complementary functions that are essential to achieving JFC objectives. The principal purpose of movement and maneuver is to gain positional advantage relative to the enemy center of gravity in order to control or destroy associated critical capabilities.

Compose a journal entry (300-500 words) explaining the importance of the joint function of protection (J505) and the relationship of movement and maneuver (J504) to a Sergeant Major when conducting unified land operations.