Does everyone really feel that the Army is trying to keep the best of the beat? Or is this just another standard that looks good on paper?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 14:18:43 -0400

I find myself in a position where I can't take the army serious when they claim they want the best leaders. When I have seen to many times someone getting put in a position due to having a few more years under there belt or making SFC because a board thought the solider looked good on paper but in fact is a horrible leader and brings nothing to the table. The promotion system and the way leaders are chosen is really messed up. If an NCO has two years less time in grade than the guy to his right but is way more squared away then why hold him back? So the NCO not doing his job won't be hurt..... Maybe I'm alone on this but it's very frustrating to see and my main argument with this is that not everyone is a leader some can be taught but it's a natural mentality either you have it or you don't so I feel that's what hurts the military most is having the wrong people in important positions!

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 30 at 2014 2:34 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 14:34:46 -0400

The system is not perfect SGT Mcarthur, I'll grant you that. I've seen it on the O side as well. Some of it has to do with career path, promotion and progression. both Os and NCOs have certain career positions that they need to meet - like PL/PSG, CO CDR/1SG, staff positions, etc. in order to keep themselves career competitive. So in some cases, as you have observed, its not the best personfor the job, but sometimes the most senior who needs that position for career and rank advancement. It is a shame sometimes when a mediocre or less leader is put in a position only to fail and there should be some better quality control.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2014 3:55 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 15:55:43 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member the Army already tried promoting people early (for the better part of the last decade) and what you have now is a bunch of SSGs and SFCs being QMP/QSP because they weren't ready. There is a lot to be said for wisdom and that is something you just can't teach people. It's gained from years of experience. Granted, there are some that are ready for more responsibility now, but no where near as many as you may believe. Keep on doing the right thing, and when it's your time, you will receive all that is due to you. Have some faith. And stop thinking about "they" or big Army, it doesn't exist. It's a bunch of Soldiers, like you and me, working all over the world establishing policies and voicing their opinions.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2014 4:15 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 16:15:28 -0400

I filled in
as company commander for a while this spring and found out a lot of dirt. Turns out we have one soldier (who I think might be gone now) who somehow made O-4 even though he'd never passed height/weight and only past the APFT twice in 12 years. Our new CG is thankfully chaptering out all the height/weight/APFT failures. Personally, I would retain good soldiers with a DUI vs those who can't even maintain basic fitness standards.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2015 2:17 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 02:17:25 -0500

Not at all, it is just something that sounds good and makes certain people feel that they are doing the right thing SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member.

It is basically a Slogan if you will for the individuals at the top. I find it funny how the ones who made it there now want to tighten the reigns so no one else can and they can secure their position for slightly longer Maybe even justify it i some way.

With that said we are in a draw down and there needs to be way to separate Soldiers.

It is our job as Leaders to come up with Solutions to ensure what you stated / asked does not happen. I believe we should come up with a Total Soldier Test. That might alleviate some of the things which you are talking about.

No matter where you work there will always be some who rise to the top that are not fully qualified. It is part of the Politics of Life.

Stay Motivated and know that you are doing your personal best!