My first unit, I was the only LT in the Brigade, much less the Battalion or Company. It was weird. You kind of think that you will be able to depend on the experience and abilities of senior LT's to learn the ropes and how to act as a LT. Not only that, due to the nature of leadership, you hope to have more LT's around so that you can have friends.

That sounds sad.

But it is the truth in a way. When you are in a leadership position, you can't draw your friends from just any group. It goes without saying that you should not be hanging out with privates on your off time, but you end up even having sort of a rift with senior NCO's as well, as you are at different stages of your lives. Your commander does not want to be friends with you, especially because they have to deal with you as a leader themselves.

So, being the only LT in the Brigade, I looked forward to the reception of any other LT. Even when I was a Commander and there were plenty of LT's in the Brigade, I always noticed that my LT's were excited to meet the newest addition to the "LT Mafia" (kind of like a Specialist Mafia, but not nearly as dastardly).

But I suppose this happens at all levels and ranks. Eager to meet the new guy and start the team acceptance process.