Posted on May 2, 2017
If there was one thing you could fix in the Army what would it be?
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Responses: 80
Get rid of the current promotion system. I've seen too many kids getting E-5 when they aren't ready. The Army's philosophy that everyone is a leader is bullshit.
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Communication! Its always been horrible and needs to flow. EVEN if you don't like whats being said!
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CPT Aaron Kletzing
Think of it through the lens of "process". In the Army, the process owns you- you have to execute the process even if it's terrible and wastes lots of time and doesn't bring the results you could get doing it differently. In great civilian companies, the process doesn't own the employees- they own the process. In the Army, people are so focused on process that they stop looking at outcomes- they only look to make sure they are doing the process right. That is a hallmark of an organization that has big problems.
Here is an interesting piece on this: https://www.recode.net/2017/4/12/15274220/jeff-bezos-amazon-shareholders-letter-day-2-disagree-and-commit
Here is an interesting piece on this: https://www.recode.net/2017/4/12/15274220/jeff-bezos-amazon-shareholders-letter-day-2-disagree-and-commit

This is the Jeff Bezos playbook for preventing Amazon’s demise
It’s Day 1 forever because Day 2 is death.
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CSM Eric Biggs
Sir, I disagree with your sentiment. While I agree the Army wastes a ton of time, I disagree about the process.
You do not have to execute the process if there is a better way. That being said if the Commander says do it this way after you provide your reasoning why something should be done a different way, well then you do it the Commander's way. However if there is a better way, and/or a "Lessons learned" showing why a particular way is not good, you have the responsibility to bring that to the Commander's attention. If you fail to provide the Commander with all possible options and your reasoning, you have just failed your leadership.
The problem in the Army right now is we have to many junior leaders who don't have the balls to stand up to leadership whit bad ideas. We as leaders have to show our leaders all the better options and explain why there way might be a bad idea and present them with a better way and the reasons. But at the end of the day it is still the Commander's call. Don't get stuck on the process though, think outside of the box. You can still own the process. In other words for my fellow Grunts, if the process is the hole and the way of conducting the job is the peg; take the round peg, shave it down until it fits in the square hole if that is a better option than the broken and slow round peg in round hole.
You do not have to execute the process if there is a better way. That being said if the Commander says do it this way after you provide your reasoning why something should be done a different way, well then you do it the Commander's way. However if there is a better way, and/or a "Lessons learned" showing why a particular way is not good, you have the responsibility to bring that to the Commander's attention. If you fail to provide the Commander with all possible options and your reasoning, you have just failed your leadership.
The problem in the Army right now is we have to many junior leaders who don't have the balls to stand up to leadership whit bad ideas. We as leaders have to show our leaders all the better options and explain why there way might be a bad idea and present them with a better way and the reasons. But at the end of the day it is still the Commander's call. Don't get stuck on the process though, think outside of the box. You can still own the process. In other words for my fellow Grunts, if the process is the hole and the way of conducting the job is the peg; take the round peg, shave it down until it fits in the square hole if that is a better option than the broken and slow round peg in round hole.
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SFC Melvin Rogers
The whole point of Commander's Intent and clearly defined end-state is so that the "process" becomes immaterial and flexibility is allowed. As long as the end-state is exactly as desired and the Commander's intent is met any route that gets you there, as long as it's moral, ethical, and legal, is acceptable
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CW4 Craig Urban
Fire trump. For not taking care of vets. Tiger woods is in bangkok on holiday. Drug addict
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Just one huh?
Hmm...okay, I'll go with:
Get rid of PRT.
"But PRT has experts saying its better and..." blaa, bla bla. The hardest PRT session I ever had--conducted by Master Fitness Trainers too!--wasn't half as vigorous as the weakest PT session I ever experienced. What's next, Hot Yoga?! Yeah, maybe(!) as they claim, it reduces injuries, but so does not getting off the couch! Doesn't mean it makes soldiers any healthier.
Hmm...okay, I'll go with:
Get rid of PRT.
"But PRT has experts saying its better and..." blaa, bla bla. The hardest PRT session I ever had--conducted by Master Fitness Trainers too!--wasn't half as vigorous as the weakest PT session I ever experienced. What's next, Hot Yoga?! Yeah, maybe(!) as they claim, it reduces injuries, but so does not getting off the couch! Doesn't mean it makes soldiers any healthier.
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SGT Dave Tracy
They began rolling it out a few years ago. I was stationed at Ft. Bliss, and let me tell ya, when they introduced it, you weren't going to find anyone within combat arms doing it except for those who were broken (what does that tall ya about the "intensity" of PRT?).
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Go back to wall to wall counsouling. Get rid of worrying about hurting people's feelings. Get rid of political correctness
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The promotion system is broke. Too many good Soldiers get passed over because they don’t have “enough points” irregardless of the fact they are more of an SME in their MOS, their section than the senior ranking. Or they do actually make board but can’t pin because overstrength for the next grade.
Second is the rating system. In 14 years TIS, 11 years TIG I’ve only had two, yes only two raters actually stay on point with quarterly counseling/ NCOER support form. Can’t count how many times I’ve had raters tell me to write up my own NCOER, send it to them for review and signature. Then I’m looked at like I committed the unpardonable sign when I inform them I have enough integrity to not write my own NCOER. They’re my rater, write it. The rater needs to also be in the rated Soldiers section as well. How’s a 42A going to rate a 91B from another section?
Second is the rating system. In 14 years TIS, 11 years TIG I’ve only had two, yes only two raters actually stay on point with quarterly counseling/ NCOER support form. Can’t count how many times I’ve had raters tell me to write up my own NCOER, send it to them for review and signature. Then I’m looked at like I committed the unpardonable sign when I inform them I have enough integrity to not write my own NCOER. They’re my rater, write it. The rater needs to also be in the rated Soldiers section as well. How’s a 42A going to rate a 91B from another section?
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I think the biggest problem is actually with NCOER and OER. The vast majority of the time you never get those quarterly counselings that are required, the CSM always red pens the shit out of it, little you can do if you have a vindictive asshole write it. if you need a change of rater less than 6 months after your annual you're fucked because you won't have enough bullets to get a good rating. When I went to Korea I had a change of rater NCOER 4 months after my annual. I got a 1:1 and among the best on the annual and a 2:2 and fully capable on the change of rater.
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We need nametapes and rank on PT uniforms. We spend enough time in them and it's ridiculous the amount of times I heard someone say "Don't you know who just walked by? That was the Division Commander"! Name and rank is on everything else, why not during PT?
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MAJ (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) It's funny that you say that about being saluted. When I joined the Guard people who didn't know me would call me sir even if I was in PT's. I do think it has something to do with how Marines walk. Tall, upright, and with just a little bit of scorn on their face. Plus, I keep my hair cut closer to the Marines regulations than the Army's. The Army's is a tad lax in my opinion.
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CW4 (Join to see)
When I enlisted, the standard was PT is for PT. If you recognize a leader, render the proper greeting. If we are wearing rank and name tapes while conducting PT, PT wouldn't get done.
We conduct physical training to ensure Soldiers are fit and ready for combat. We cannot do that effectively with the need to stop and render the greeting of the day and a salute a very few minutes.
We conduct physical training to ensure Soldiers are fit and ready for combat. We cannot do that effectively with the need to stop and render the greeting of the day and a salute a very few minutes.
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SGT John Berry
Years ago while in the National Guard while attending PLDC we had a soldier struck by a car. I am a paramedic/ firefighter. I started rendering first aid. Soldier had an obvious femur fracture. I fell into civilian mode and started directing treatment. Some guy shows up also in PT uniform and asks " what the hell is going on? ". My response is " Who the F$_k are you? ". If he had a bird on his PT I am pretty sure I would have thrown a " Sir " in there somewhere.
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MAJ (Join to see)
CW4 (Join to see) - I disagree. When we go to the field the focus is on training also. Same as on the rifle range. Same as in the gas chamber. The focus is always on training. In the field we have a no salute policy. There's no reason why we can't have that during PT as well.
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NCO's need the same educational opportunities as officers. It's a double standard. As an officer once you reach a certain rank your sent to all kinds of schools. Why should excellent outstanding other ranks not be allows to attend the War College as an example.
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if we dont tix the nonsense in the Army, then you will find all of your Volunteers looking for ways out. the ridiculous mandatory training, the nonstop blanket punishments, the friggin promotion system that has everyone confused as to when a NCO can move up or out.
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The Army is supposed to be a standards based organization. Make everyone meet the standards again. Same standards for all. Does not matter MOS or gender.
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LTC (Join to see) FIRSTLY - Stop the wearing of a “duty/work/war uniform’ for general garrison duties, travel and even Ceremonial occasions!
Wearing of ACUs or the successor uniform looks like everyone just pulled their uniform out of a duffle bag!
What hapoened to the Military’s quest for attention to detail?
The current uniform and suede boots are really easy to care for. The appearance they provide positive proof! It is easy to use, pack and travel with!
I attended a ceremony for a MAJ’s promotion to LTC yesterday, Sunday, Sep 16, 2018. Wearing a jacket and a tie, I really expected to see Soldiers in real Army uniforms, not work/duty/war uniforms for the occassion. I could have worn Bermuda shorts and a T-shirt!
Wearing of ACUs or the successor uniform looks like everyone just pulled their uniform out of a duffle bag!
What hapoened to the Military’s quest for attention to detail?
The current uniform and suede boots are really easy to care for. The appearance they provide positive proof! It is easy to use, pack and travel with!
I attended a ceremony for a MAJ’s promotion to LTC yesterday, Sunday, Sep 16, 2018. Wearing a jacket and a tie, I really expected to see Soldiers in real Army uniforms, not work/duty/war uniforms for the occassion. I could have worn Bermuda shorts and a T-shirt!
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Stop putting junior Soldiers in full time additional duties. The training room should be staffed by 42A's and the arms room by 91F's. We've all seen Soldiers get sucked into these positions with vague promises of receiving training in their MOS or movement to a KD slot upon completion of their time in either of the aforementioned positions, only to get extended because they are competent in a position that isn't relevant to their MOS.
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As much as I love grabing my OCPs straight out of the dryer and simply brushing the dirt off of my boots; bring back "cardboard cutouts" and spit shined boots. I know that this seems like it means nothing, but I still remember the friendly competition that went along with it. The SELF PRIDE that we took in having in our uniforms when the BN CSM would grant the Soldier with the best uniform the day off. The friendly competition led to other competitions like who can do the most push ups or sit ups or who can run the fastest. It was the simple things that started our unit cohesion. It was never about "mandatory" fun day that honestly isn't fun at all when it's forced. But that's just my opinion as an old school NCO that seems to be dying out and fading away.
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Get rid of the up or out policy! Some people are content to make their careers as lower enlisted! Some officers are excellent field commanders,but terrible staff officers! A good brigade commander might be a horrible regimental commander! Etc!
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While I do see alot wrong with the Army, my personal opinion is A. "Add to but not take away." Dumbest shit I have ever seen. Almost every unit I have been in use that as a means to bend the rules to justify their own opinions. B. Stop treating soldiers who don't go to the tmc on a constant basis for sick call like shit. If a soldier has a profile, get off your high horse and accommodate it, or just shut up and move on. C. Fix the military medical stuff. SM is in constant pain and it is getting worse? Tylenol. Runny nose? Tylenol. Broken finger? Tylenol. My point is, actually go through trying to find what the problem is not just sweep them under the rug. D. Probably the number one thing I hate is customs and courtesies. If I address you as sir or sgt or can or whatever, I shouldn't have to say it again. If I am coming to you for something and you turn and look at me and say something like "I can't hear you, you're not at parade rest." yeah you just lost all respect I might have had for you. Basically just because you outrank someone, don't be a cockbite. E. Last but not least, get PRT the hell out of here. It is a joke and some idiots means of justifying their job.
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Get rid of bad attitudes and it will help the Army.
It's not policy that makes the Army harder than it needs to be. It's toxic people at all rank levels and the actions that said people take. Weed out the bad attitude one way or another, you will have a much more cohesive unit.
It's not policy that makes the Army harder than it needs to be. It's toxic people at all rank levels and the actions that said people take. Weed out the bad attitude one way or another, you will have a much more cohesive unit.
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LTC (Join to see)
Interesting take, though this is each individuals personality and how others perceive them so I don't know how it would be enforced.
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SFC (Join to see)
Bad policies enable bad leaders to do what they do in the name of following the book.
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LTC (Join to see)
Sir, While I agree for the most part I feel we need to add intellect in there in some way. We can look like and act like steely eyed killers but if we don't have the mental capacity to adjust the plan once the fight has started then we are not achieving the end state.
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I have to agree, the "gender equality thing is a joke, as well as this time out/ safe place/ stress card BS. DISICPLINE !!! That is what basic is designed for, not for a pansy ass country club setting for kids to get away from their parents for awhile. As for the equality thing, I have to agree with MSG Quintero, equal is equal. Cut the hair, get rid of the jewelry, same standard on a PT test, and by God sign up for Selective Service.
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