Do you believe our senior ranks are political? If so, should it be that way?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 23:59:01 -0400

I've noticed that many senior ranks are political. Sergeant Major and above are extremely political ranks as are the ranks of Major and above. Why do we need politics in our ranks? What are your thoughts?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 18 at 2017 12:59 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 00:59:39 -0400

Depends on what you mean by political. All soldiers, regardless of rank, should be a-political, subordinated to the president and the constitution by our respective oaths.

There is a role for your reputation, past performance, temperament, and ability to interact with people in the selection and promotion of senior leaders. It is magnified when you are in command positions at the O5 level and above and their Command Sergeants Major. As a Garrison Commander I was expected to be the Army's Ambassador to that region. I routinely had to respond to a member of Congress, a state senator, about 11 mayors, 13 Native American tribes, about 12 mutual aid agreements, other federal agencies, and numerous civic organizations to tend fences and set conditions for partnerships for mutual benefit and conflict resolution to,protect the Army's interests in the region. Missteps can set your entire command back. Successes can improve things for soldiers, their families, and the Army. Creating a shit storm in the press because you can't function in public doesn't help the Army Mission, and sets the Army back. I spent a lot of time thinking about how other people would perceive our actions, who had to be worked off line, and external communication that was required to make my command's objectives happen. Sometimes people just expect you to show up and shake hands. Other times they want something. Sometimes they want nothing but to be acknowledged.

Line Command teams assist in those functions in supporting enegagememts and partnerships as part of the community.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2017 1:00 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 01:00:28 -0400

What are the "politics" you are referring to? What senior ranks are political? What makes you say that CSM is a very political rank?
There are no politics in rank. Military are not allowed to endorse any politics in uniform, or use their rank to proselytize to subordinates.