I just left the Army Chief of Staff Townhall Meeting on Ft. Campbell. Do you want to know some of the things he said?

GEN Odierno was on Ft. Campbell today, and held a Q&A Townhall style meeting with soldiers from all Ft. Campbell units. While I do not recall all the questions asked (I am not a reporter or journalist), here are a couple answers he gave regarding some current questions across the force:

- In an answer about future changes to the APFT, he answered, "Over the past three years there have been two different versions of the APFT presented that I have shot down. I didn't think they reflected what the force needs. I'm leaning towards a two separate test system. Within the next six months you will start hearing about a new "standard" test that is intended to gauging overall physical fitness. That is the test everybody will use for promotions, points, and Army schools. Sometime after that, there will be an MOS specific test released that focuses on the specific physical tasks related to your MOS. For example, an Artilleryman moving 100lbs shells will need more upper body strength. An Infantryman carrying a ruck will need more core and lower body strength."

- In reference to NCO development, "We are going back to a 'Select, Train, Evaluate, Promote' system." and "You will soon hear about Army University"

- In reference to a question about toxic leaders and them being held accountable, "23 Commanders have been relieved over the past year for toxic command climate, which effectively ruins their career. I just don't publish it in the newspaper every time we do it. A two-star general was relieved with in the last two months for a toxic command climate. So they are being held accountable, I just don't advertise it."

- In reference to the active duty suicide rate, "We are addressing it through the Surgeon General channels. While we are seeing a decrease since our high in 2012, the amount of Active Duty suicide is far too high."

- In reference to a question about women in combat arms, "In January 2013 the Secretary of Defense removed a ban on women serving in combat arms related MOSs. For the past two years, the Army has been conducting a study on women serving in jobs they were previously banned from. We must submit our results of that study in the September/October time frame. This is not my opinion, nor is this my opinion, but there are people out there who believe if a person is capable and meets the standard, everyone should have a chance to do whatever they want. Of the female soldiers I've talked to, they do not want the standard changed for them. The way I will look at the issue is: does it impact unit readiness? If I feel it does impact unit readiness, I will have to request an exception to policy to keep women out of combat arms and SOF units."

These are only few of the questions that were asked. To be honest, they are the ones I recall off the top of my head.

What are your thoughts on his answers?