2
2
0
In today's Army, how do you feel and think about the word "why" in the Army vocabulary texts?
Posted in these groups: 
Training
Discipline
Training Discipline
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 27
16
16
0
<p>If the mission is time sensitive, I expect you to move out and execute once the order is received. The "why" is part of the orders process, if you do not issue clear orders you should be expected to answer why. </p><p><br></p><p>Understanding the changing culture, the younger Soldiers want to know the why of the mission, and how their contribution supports the outcome. It all goes back to issuing clear concise orders.</p>
(16)
(0)
COL (Join to see)
I agree, CSM: if time allows. I like the "why" question because it shows that they care about what the purpose of their task is. As you mentioned, f we issue clear orders, we should be including the "why" already.
(5)
(0)
CPT Brandon Christensen
I'm the same way Sir. I encourage my Soldiers to ask why after the mission is complete (ie an AAR). That way they understand the picture/reasoning behind it and also I learn different ways to accomplish the mission.
(0)
(0)
CPT Brandon Christensen
I agree with you too CSM. BUt I would still expect them to ask the "why" when giving the concise order. Reason being is maybe we missed something (NEVER, right?) or there is something we overlooked and by them asking why, it could save a Soldiers life. Nothing is more important than safety.
(1)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
CSM Michael J. Uhlig said it perfectly.
There is a time and a place for why, and if situation allows, answer the question. By doing so, you are enabling your Soldiers to learn a more broad view of how these taskings will tie into the big picture. In doing so, you are developing future leaders to see the bigger pictures. If you are not delivering the entire view in your orders, answer their questions. If time doesn't allow, simply tell them, "execute, and I will answer afterwards."
There is a time and a place for why, and if situation allows, answer the question. By doing so, you are enabling your Soldiers to learn a more broad view of how these taskings will tie into the big picture. In doing so, you are developing future leaders to see the bigger pictures. If you are not delivering the entire view in your orders, answer their questions. If time doesn't allow, simply tell them, "execute, and I will answer afterwards."
(0)
(0)
7
7
0
A soldier asked me "why" today in fact. We start flag detail tomorrow. He have practiced at the company but not at the actual site. We are meeting nearly an hour early in order to find out the fine details I found out it today and to practice at least once since this is new to all of us. So we are meeting early and this soldier asked me why so I told him. I just said we need to practice and learn what the old detail showed me. His response was roger.
(7)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
Because I said so! If they ask why in combat I don't want them risking lives. But back at home station if we have time and not risking anybody then ask away. I always tell my Soldiers what needs to be done and tell them why we are doing that.
(3)
(0)
SSG (ret) William Martin
Out of ten, only one asked why? Most soldiers don't care why; they will follow orders.
(1)
(0)
COL (Join to see)
Great example, SSG Martin. There should be no issue in providing a bit of the "backstory" so Soldiers better understand what's going on ... as long as there is time to do so. If not, move out and execute!
(2)
(0)
6
6
0
I love being questioned by NCOs. There is a time and a place for rank - and that's when things have to move quickly. But with that said, you should always have a rational for your choices. I don't feel that "because I said so" is ever an appropriate response. Have logic behind your actions.
(6)
(0)
4
4
0
It's a generational thing, this Soldiers have grown in a environment in where everything is questionable and researchable by google. As a Drill Sergeant Intructor I had to teach the DS candidates that this is not a cahllenge to their authority but in most cases a genuine interest to understand what are they doing. Clear orders must be given and the mission needs to be fully explain and understood before hand; if you fail to do so the why will arrive the moment you hit the ground and during training or real life you just don't have that luxury. I used to brief the PVTs and their student leadership a week out usually on Saturdays the week prior to training kind like a training meeting Barney style. Not only they where less whys? They understood the mission, training and made it feel as if they had input on the planing process that empower them to take charge of things within their lane and develop as leaders that ultimately that is what today's Army is all about.
(4)
(0)
COL (Join to see)
Excellent point, SFC Cardenas, that the question "why" is not necessarily a challenge to authority. I have had to remind myself of that on several occasions - my subordinates just wanted to better understand the background and purpose of the task.
(0)
(0)
2
2
0
Depends on the situation.
Soldiers are inherently curious, but if time is not of the essence, save your 'whys' until the mission is complete!
(2)
(0)
Suspended Profile
BLUF: WHY is generally something that a superior should be asking a subordinate, not the other way around. I think the use of WHY has a varying level of appropriateness depending on the audience and the operation.
For instance, I'm with LT Hoyt when he says Soldiers don't need to ask WHY to the simplest of tasks. However, I think it's a great opportunity for those senior SPCs (soon to be NCOs) to take these young enlisted members and begin to mentor and educate them. For a private to directly question the directive or order of his PL/PSG/SL, that's likely out of line (again, depending on the circumstance) in the general day-to-day operations of the Army.
On the other hand, I loved when my PSGs would ask me WHY when it was just us or the PLT leadership (SLs, PSG, etc) because it gave me an opportunity to clarify my vision and intent for whatever was going on. As we were all leaders, I didn't take it as disrespectful. That kind of atmosphere isn't always possible, but it's worked out in both of my PLTs so far.
It really comes down to the situation, but I stand by my BLUF.
CPT (Join to see)
Soldiers have a right to know why most of the time. Task and purpose go hand in hand. Maybe painting a better picture of the overarching mission can help Soldiers better understand their purpose and figure out the why for themselves.
(1)
(0)
SSG (ret) William Martin
The "why" is knowledge. If I tell my company we are going to set up a car wash and raise money. Some of them might want to know why. The reason might be to raise money for a fallen soldier's family. This might be something that empowers them to work harder.
(1)
(0)
Suspended Profile
Excellent insight on both accounts. As I said, this one really comes down to the situation and the way it is presented.
1
1
0
If you can't give a brief explanation as to why (it's not obvious), then you really don't have a reason, and I am not too committed to the task at hand.
Case in point...making a cosmetic change to a PowerPoint slide.
Case in point...making a cosmetic change to a PowerPoint slide.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
If they know the "Why", they will be able to figure out "How" in the absence of orders. The Army has made the development of adaptable Leaders and Soldiers a priority. We have to provide them with as much relative information as possible in order for THEM to make critical decisions on the battlefield, as well as in garrison. We can no longer hide behind "Because I said so". We have to know what were doing as well, and share our knowledge and experience. If we don't know, we find someone who does.
For some enjoyable "light" reading, take a look at the ALM 2015. It's loaded with good information.
For some enjoyable "light" reading, take a look at the ALM 2015. It's loaded with good information.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
In combat, clearly that is not the best time for discussion. In garrison however, they shouldn't have to ask why, because you should already have told them. You have two options as an NCO you can either;
A) Train them to do a task, which will train them to do that and nothing more.
or
B) Teach them what, how and why they are doing an action, so that as they mature, they can later teach subordinates of their own.
As an NCO, I would hope you'd always go for option B. We are here to train future leaders, not brain dead automatons..
There's a time and place for everything, but in Garrison, nothing is so important you can't do your job, which is to properly train and mentor your people.
A) Train them to do a task, which will train them to do that and nothing more.
or
B) Teach them what, how and why they are doing an action, so that as they mature, they can later teach subordinates of their own.
As an NCO, I would hope you'd always go for option B. We are here to train future leaders, not brain dead automatons..
There's a time and place for everything, but in Garrison, nothing is so important you can't do your job, which is to properly train and mentor your people.
(1)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
I have always let my Soldier's ask "Why?". I have never denied them the knowledge of why, and typically, I try to tell them 'why' before they can ask. If I know why, I'll tell them - this is of course, dependent on the mission/operation. If urgency is important, and there is no time, then my usual answer is "Because I said so" or "Because I was told to". Later, when things ease up, I'll usually pull the Soldiers aside and tell them why we had to do something or do it a particular way. My Soldiers always learned from it, and they also learned that there were appropriate times to ask questions, and times when not to.
(0)
(0)
1SG David Niles
I was always taught, do what you were told, then ask why afterwards. Sometimes the why answered itself.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
SSG, I like to give the "why" within the mission. I've seen that help competent Soldiers adjust to issues throughout the mission and gave the senior ranking a chance to make it happen. I use it to help build Leadership traits.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google