Does the military have as much resolve as before?

2015-04-23T05:53:20-04:00

The larger-than-life American military leaders of the past both inspired and annoyed their troops, the public and the enemy. But they got the mission accomplished with much resolve. Much gusto. They were fearless and often outspoken. The enemy shuddered. Do we have leaders with that level of resolve today? What has changed? Who are our'Pattons' and 'Nimitz' today ?

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Apr 23 at 2015 6:31 AM

2015-04-23T06:31:19-04:00

I hate to say it but in today's environment there are no Patton's and Nimitz's because they are not allowed to think and react to a situation without congress' approval. We need to allow those in command command and make the hard decisions to win the war utilizing any means available. With the media embedded with the troops and reporting on everything that is going on in (almost) real time Commanders can't make the hard decisions. Get rid of the embedded media, the people don't need to know everything that is being done to win the war. All they need to know is that we are doing everything possible to end this as quickly as we can. Does every American have the "Need to know"?

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Apr 23 at 2015 7:01 AM

2015-04-23T07:01:16-04:00

The military does. Your question should be: does the elected officials, regardless of their political affiliation, have it? Remember even the best military leader cannot develop a strategy without clear guidance from its superior; in our case the POTUS.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 7:07 AM

2015-04-23T07:07:11-04:00

It's a direct result of our organizational culture and environment. We're more worried about who we offend and including everyone than we are about winning wars. The closest leader we have, GEN. Mattis, was relieved of command early and shortly thereafter retired. I would wager Gen. Patton wouldn't make CPT in today's Army. We had a female file a complaint with Battalion last month because she overheard the word "B!@#h" used in a conversation within my Infantry Company. In today's Army "old blood and guts" and his infamous profanity would've landed him a short trip to the door instead of a promotion.

I find even myself regularly editing how I truly feel before I speak or simply not speaking at all. I don't even like correcting female Soldiers with our current climate. Not that I claim to be the next Patton, but I digress. Political correctness is crushing our fighting spirit and the ability to develop such dynamic leaders.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Apr 23 at 2015 8:46 AM

2015-04-23T08:46:36-04:00

Does America face a cause as worthy of military resolve as we once did?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 23 at 2015 9:39 AM

2015-04-23T09:39:27-04:00

WWII was a heavyweight match, and it was Total War (anything or anyone can be a target). By the time the tide turned to the Allied forces our Generals said what they would do, and did it. Now our top Generals are managers and are more reserved about victory.