You can't gain experience in anything without doing it. Perhaps pairing a rookie and an experienced, up-from-the-ranks officer. Then again, a good, freshly minted officer actually LISTENS to his or hers sergeants and other experienced troops. The decision is always his or hers, and sometimes there won't be time for a conference -- but simply paying attention to those who've been there and when possible taking their advice would be a good start.

After all, the platoon sergeant steps up when the platoon leader is out of action -- just as my #2 steps up when I'm unavailable. I trust her to make good decisions based upon her 33 years of experience and good sense.