Posted on Aug 12, 2016
For years we have run from Training Centers to deployments. What should we be doing in Garrison? Are we failing or succeeding at this task?
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SM health, reconnecting with families, realistic training, mentorship, sports / activities, et al. How do we get back to the basics of being alright with not preparing for our next trip to Iraq or Afghanistan? Godspeed to those of you who are doing or are training to do our Nations bidding in the fight! Your comments are welcome too...
Deployment
Training
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Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 6
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I'll let you know when it stops.
Been preparing for deployment every other year without fail for 15 years now, with more on the horizon.
The better question is how do we get the "less ready" units up to speed, so that the same units don't get repeatedly tasked for operational deployments.
I'd recommend an exchange program where more ready units share best practices with guests from a sister unit, and send one of their best people to help with what ails the other unit.
Sometimes the culture needs a shakeup in order to move forward.
Been preparing for deployment every other year without fail for 15 years now, with more on the horizon.
The better question is how do we get the "less ready" units up to speed, so that the same units don't get repeatedly tasked for operational deployments.
I'd recommend an exchange program where more ready units share best practices with guests from a sister unit, and send one of their best people to help with what ails the other unit.
Sometimes the culture needs a shakeup in order to move forward.
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COL Lee Flemming
1SG (Join to see) what a fantastic idea. I have seen it done on a small scale for short term training initiatives, but this could actually work for deployment readiness!! Have you pitched this to anyone?
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1SG (Join to see)
COL Lee Flemming - I've done it internally to our battalion.
In the USAR, there is resistance to this as units distrust "spies" and individuals don't like to travel or leave their comfort zone.
Hell, I've been asked to do it, but I'm not trying to drive to Chicago or Kansas City every month, only to meet resistance to the ideas I bring.
In order to work, this idea needs support and buy-in from all levels of command.
In the USAR, there is resistance to this as units distrust "spies" and individuals don't like to travel or leave their comfort zone.
Hell, I've been asked to do it, but I'm not trying to drive to Chicago or Kansas City every month, only to meet resistance to the ideas I bring.
In order to work, this idea needs support and buy-in from all levels of command.
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SPC (Join to see)
1SG, this is one of the more brilliant suggestions I've seen on RP. I did two deployments with 10th MTN while I was at Drum, and PCS'd to Schofield about two years ago, and I can't tell you how many times I'm confounded by the lack of readiness in the units here. High OPTEMPO units seem to reach a battle rhythm fairly easily, while units who rarely deploy (like 25th ID) seem to struggle with consistency and training cycles.
I think that an ambassador/exchange program--especially for key leaders--would help spread the wealth of knowledge and experience that comes from serving in a rapid-deployment unit. Two huge thumbs up, 1SG.
I think that an ambassador/exchange program--especially for key leaders--would help spread the wealth of knowledge and experience that comes from serving in a rapid-deployment unit. Two huge thumbs up, 1SG.
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Time to unwind and focus on moral is very important. A lot can be learned by looking at Special Warfare Teams. These men are gone more than anyone else. They are always given plenty of time to unwind, away from work, with family - even to the point of "phone / text" mustering to adhere to Naval policy. Trust your men, know your men, and ensure that they have enough time to heal physically and emotionally. Family time is important and so is time away from the stresses of war. Training is very important, but units only get out of training what they put into it. If your men are only 60%.. 40% of that training is wasted.
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COL Lee Flemming
ENS (Join to see) thanks for kicking the discussion off with a great post and solid example of what we could be doing. I think the larger picture is that we have to invest in our families and their well-being, and that training is only going to be so good if SMs are not fully invested.
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Stop all that the TDY nonsense! Train Soldiers at their duty stations. Let them see their families and save the tax payers some money too.
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