Posted on Nov 3, 2013

What does "getting back to the basics" mean to you?

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We hear our senior leaders, specifically in the Army, talk about getting back to the "basics."  What exactly does that mean to you?  I have been in the Army for 23 years and my definition of the "basics" may be extremely different than that of someone with, let's say, 5 or 10 years in service.  I am curious to see the different views of what the "basics" are.

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Posted >1 y ago

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Responses: 16

1SG Michael Blount

Edited >1 y ago

Posted >1 y ago

MSG Stankovich - Where to begin?  I see Privates during BCT blaming everyone/everything but themselves for a whole range of personal failures.  I see units covering up for misconduct, lying on readiness statistics and manning.  I see NCOs complicit in this behavior, if not hip-deep in it to begin with. Getting back to basics means creating an Army that can shoot, care for its Soldiers and conduct itself in a manner in which the American taxpayer can take pride.   Yes, I'm Old School and proud of it.  I say bring Old School (minus some of the abuses) back

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1SG Steven Stankovich

>1 y

Roger that CSM...I've seen some pretty shady things over the past few years. Those that would break the rules and those that are aware but turn a blind eye, should be held accountable and dealt with appropriately. When our Army consistently does that, I believe that those that are doing the right thing will be even more empowered to stand tall and be an example for all to follow.

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SSG (Join to see)

>1 y

Well said CSM.

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1SG Michael Blount

>1 y

Thank you, SSG Stephanie Parker. That's my one lucid moment for the week.

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1SG Michael Blount

>1 y

The trick, MSG, is being objective in pointing out either shady or praiseworthy behavior. Going too far either way creates another set of problems.

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SFC (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

I think "getting back to the basics" means just that. The basic of the Army. there are lot of "extras" to be done/had in the Army, but if you don't know the basic fundamentals of the Army or anything for that matter you simply have NO foundation. Example, no point in learning level 20 if you don't have level 10, no point in trying to drive that 5ton if you have not driven the HMMV.... There are building blocks to EVERYTHING and that's what you build from for a sustainable foundation. Your basics are your building blocks needed for an excellent foundation. In the army, if you have no military bearing, no idea of customs and courtesies, and no physical drive/will, then your foundation is faulty and shakey at best. Getting these building blocks (at the BASIC, initial entry) makes a world of difference. We can also see when that isn't received at initial entry where it can have a heck of an adverse affect within our ranks.

There's a reason why we all start at the "BASICs".

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SSG V. Michelle Woods

>1 y

Hopefully as the deployments slow down, these "basics" will be implemented more. I for one could use some entry-level refresher courses because back to back deployments make it very hard to learn, practice and teach 10 and 20 level tasks.

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SFC (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

Taking car of your Soldiers despite the whatever time it may be. Expecting your soldiers to be disciplined, respectful and holding them accountable. Not babying them, counsel them and corrective training off duty hours! Give the Soldiers your time and effort.

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What does "getting back to the basics" mean to you?

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