Posted on Jun 30, 2014
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?
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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!
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Retention
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Retention Promotions
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 4
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Not at all, it is just something that sounds good and makes certain people feel that they are doing the right thing SSG(P) (Join to see).
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!
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!
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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.
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.
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SPC (Join to see)
I'm interested in learning whether they launched the much anticipated new Army PT program since I left in early 2009.
Regardless, the obesity epidemic can even leak into the ranks because our culture has dramatically changed - even service culture has changed. With the allowance of highly processed foods in soldiers diets and the constant that is the inactive soldier are going to continue to depress the system.
Television, Video Games and many other sedentary activities are one of the highly contributing factors - but the chemicals in the processed foods and the seemingly lack of care on the part of military nutrition are also going to highly effect it.
It is an unfortunate reality that we must face. Recent articles depict that 67% of potential military candidates don't even attempt to speak with a recruiter. College has been marketed and the astounding student debts do not seem to be a deterrent. So, regardless of whether it looks good on paper - they have to worry about their retention because as the statistics are growing - less and less people will be qualified to serve.
Obviously physical fitness is essential to the function of the healthy & happy soldier - however there are situations in which soldiers can have excess body fat but still be very fit.
Very complicated subject, with multiple interlacing issues feeding into it.
Regardless, the obesity epidemic can even leak into the ranks because our culture has dramatically changed - even service culture has changed. With the allowance of highly processed foods in soldiers diets and the constant that is the inactive soldier are going to continue to depress the system.
Television, Video Games and many other sedentary activities are one of the highly contributing factors - but the chemicals in the processed foods and the seemingly lack of care on the part of military nutrition are also going to highly effect it.
It is an unfortunate reality that we must face. Recent articles depict that 67% of potential military candidates don't even attempt to speak with a recruiter. College has been marketed and the astounding student debts do not seem to be a deterrent. So, regardless of whether it looks good on paper - they have to worry about their retention because as the statistics are growing - less and less people will be qualified to serve.
Obviously physical fitness is essential to the function of the healthy & happy soldier - however there are situations in which soldiers can have excess body fat but still be very fit.
Very complicated subject, with multiple interlacing issues feeding into it.
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SSG(P) (Join to see) 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.
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1SG (Join to see)
SSG(P) (Join to see) I used to think I had been "stuck" as a SGT for 5yrs, but looking back I learned a lot in those years. When I spent 5yrs as SSG, it didn't seem so long. Most of here want to help others, if you ever need anything, just ask!
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CPT Dave Shephard
I agree with you regarding experience. I think it is invaluable. On the other hand, I don't think it should be the MOST important factor on promotions.
Maybe as a balance I would favor a system that not only allowed for promotion without regard to years in service (experience would be a factor though), but also allowed for demotion regardless of years in service. That way if a service member wasn't performing up to the level of his rank, he could be demoted (with appropriate controls) to a level commensurate to his performance.
Maybe as a balance I would favor a system that not only allowed for promotion without regard to years in service (experience would be a factor though), but also allowed for demotion regardless of years in service. That way if a service member wasn't performing up to the level of his rank, he could be demoted (with appropriate controls) to a level commensurate to his performance.
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1SG (Join to see)
CPT Dave Shephard I agree experience should not be the most important factor, potential should play a big role as well. But if you've been in the Army for a day, you should know that military does not demote people unless you completely break the law in some horrible fashion. It's a "good idea" to demote for poor performance, but one that will never happen, especially in the officer ranks. This is not an attack on the ranks, just an observation from 13yrs of history. I've never seen a officer demoted for failing to do their job, but plenty of NCOs and junior enlisted have been reduced. I could be wrong, but more likely just not well enough informed.
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CPT Dave Shephard
Completely agree with you, 1SG (Join to see) . I wish there was more flexibility (with the proper controls) on the officer side for both advancement and demotion. Or in the least, some incentives that have the ability to promote and discourage certain performances.
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