Tucked back in the cubicles, in the Operations section of the 108th Training Command (IET) headquarters is a trio of desks. They house computers, phones, paperwork, office supplies, a few photos, some memorabilia. To most, they are just a few desks. To those who know, this is were the magic happens.

If you Google “Band of Excellence Army,” you may be surprised that Army Doctrine Publication 7-0 Training, comes up as one of the top search results. In paragraph 4-7 of ADP 7-0, it states, “Once the unit attains required task and weapon proficiencies, it strives to maintain these proficiencies within a band of excellence.” It is difficult to maintain our individual band of excellence responsibilities as Soldiers and the competing interests we face as Citizen Soldiers. This feature will discuss some things we can all do to help us as individuals stay in the band of excellence.