If you had a the chance to improve 2 things for the military, what would you choose and why?

Erin Nelson — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 23:19:43 -0500

If today you were given the chance to, what changes would you make. At least one change should be in reference to improving some aspect relating to your technical classification and the other either to the branch you service or the military as a whole. Leave a comment, what you would change, why, and what benefit you believe it would bring.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2017 11:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 23:34:12 -0500

I would pull the military of out internal country struggles like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and other parts of the world. I'd also strengthen U.S. Army Corps of Engineers capabilities and use them for public works projects around the country, ensuring that all Americans had access to free high speed internet, and that basic services like electricity and water were more prepared for natural disasters. The US military would be as focused on rendering aid to victims of natural and man made disasters, as it was about fighting wars.

Response by TSgt David L. made Dec 30 at 2017 11:41 PM

TSgt David L. — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 23:41:33 -0500

Equipment and pay. It might hurt a bit to consolidate redundant programs and get rid of contract waste and cost over-runs, but if Congress can pull BRAC of we could do this. The savings could go into updates and pay.

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Dec 31 at 2017 12:12 AM

SPC Douglas Bolton — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 00:12:54 -0500

Erin Nelson I feel that all military should have transition counseling to check to see if they have PTSD to see if they need help before they face this not so friendly world. This was suggested by a SFC NCO who I interviewed for my book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and and Out of the Miltary. He is battling PTSD as we speak.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2017 2:00 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 02:00:16 -0500

I suppose on my side of things, continued/increased rotations of National Guard and Reserve units to support the Active Component for deployments. I've heard a lot of stories about 18-24 month guys getting burnt out and having issues adjusting to life at home compared to life on deployment.

Then combine that with better access to mental health care and transition counseling. Perhaps have an option for Active guys who are getting out spend one or two years on non-deployable National Guard duty at a unit closest to their home that way they can maintain a connection to the military while they adjust to Civilian life. A kind of way to lessen the culture shock.

Response by Nicole Thomas made Dec 31 at 2017 2:29 AM

Nicole Thomas — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 02:29:10 -0500

I would start everyone as a private, no matter what military schooling and or background you may have. And no women allowed. I'm sure that makes women angry
I have a nice that is in the Airforce. Still. I don't believe women are geared for battle. And quite frankly a distraction. There are just some places where women don't belong. Just as theft ate places men don't belong. Drilling is so dn important it isn't even funny. Get your heads out of those damn computers and walk outside. Use your eyes and look around. Believe me you'll have a different perspective.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 31 at 2017 5:33 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 05:33:28 -0500

Seek better care for those wounded in combat, and hope for a peaceful end to all conflicts.

Response by SSG Tom Pike made Dec 31 at 2017 10:28 AM

SSG Tom Pike — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 10:28:27 -0500

I'd revamp the whole rank structure, no more 2lt right out of college, no more senior NCO enlisted ranks would stop at E6, then would need a degree to go officer or have a technical track for warrants.

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Dec 31 at 2017 10:41 AM

SGT Mark Halmrast — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 10:41:15 -0500

Bring back jungle boots for the grunts.
And, if this hasn't happened already, banish chickenloaf and orange nut cake from the face of the earth.

Response by SMSgt Glen Swain made Dec 31 at 2017 11:10 AM

SMSgt Glen Swain — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 11:10:59 -0500

A worthy light wheeled vehicle

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Dec 31 at 2017 11:23 AM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 11:23:29 -0500

Change the names of bases named for Confederates or close them. Stop buying crap we can't use

Response by SSgt Gary Andrews made Dec 31 at 2017 12:00 PM

SSgt Gary Andrews — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 12:00:31 -0500

I would limit the number of times a person could be assigned to a combat zone. I think we have so many issues with PTSD because of multiple deployments to combat zones. The human mind can only take the level of stress present in combat areas for so long before it snaps.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 2 at 2018 10:14 AM

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 10:14:28 -0500

Erin Nelson I would close the pay gap, especially with regards to senior level NCOs because CSM (E-9s) at the nominative level, and probably others, deserve more pay and more in retirement. I would also take a hard look at our investigative agencies for internal investigations, EO, EEO, IG etc, and ensure their was due process, and similar safeguards provided by criminal (UCMJ) proceedings. I would also ensure they had a method for dropping BS cases... when it was obvious they were BS allegations...

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 10 at 2018 11:13 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 23:13:21 -0500

Get rid of the up or out concept. One thing I learned was that the quality of the German Officer Corp today is greatly improved by officers who choose to stay at the LT and Captain grades. You get Officers who are fantastic and extremely knowledgeable in their career tract. Something the US Military could learn from. Next get away from the WWII AIT mind set. we need professional soldiers/sailors/ marines/ airmen, AIT should at the very least be 6 months long, you graduate with a professional CDL to drive the vehicles your career field uses. Quit dumping stuff on the gaining unit.

Response by PVT Thad Lucken made Jan 14 at 2018 11:28 AM

PVT Thad Lucken — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 11:28:42 -0500

every soldier should be enrolled in junior college through distance learning so they come out with at least an associates and they should be earning college credits for the work they are doing while in. sitting around playing video games forgetting everything they learned in high school and then getting out years behind their age group has them having a hell of a time getting moto to get into school whether its college or a trade skills program.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2018 11:52 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 11:52:02 -0500

I would dump the use/lose process of leave. Really? You're going to take a Soldier's leave?? Yes, I've had done to me, more than once. Hell, they even managed to take some of my TERMINAL leave...on the way out. Sure, keep a cap on the accrued number, but make it 'mandatory' that they start taking them at a certain point. If the commanders and senior NCO's can take THEIR leave, so should everyone else. And if they're one of those 'work hounds', kick them out of the office. Tell them their place of duty is at the house. If they insist on 'working on something', do it from the house (who doesn't have a computer these days?).

Get rid of Staff Duty/CQ in its purest forms. Nothing is more annoying than sitting at a damn desk, answering the phone for people 10 feet away that are 'soooo busy' that they can't answer a call that is FOR THEM (that person doesn't want to talk to me....they called YOU). I don't want to answer a dozen silly questions a day, questions that can be answered by 30 seconds of research (who doesn't have a phone or computer these days?). Information access today is not only automated, but INTERACTIVE. This means technology can answer basic questions (i.e. to direct incoming personnel). I get it. Some Soldiers travel across the Seven Seas to get to the unit, and arrive at 0348hrs. Good deal. You're probably tired. Just crash somewhere until 0900. Rise and shine, suit up, grab your paperwork, report to the unit and we'll get you squared away.

However, if there's a contingency that's so in love with staff duty/cq and want to keep it around, HAVE EVERYBODY PULL IT. If you can go on leave, you can pull staff duty. What the hell's up with this shrinking roster of eligibility? Back in the day, everyone not the cmdr or 1SG/CSM used to pull it. Now everyone's "too important" to do it...except that small group that has to pull it 2-4 times a month, or more. Oh, yeah. It's so much fun sitting up 27 hours, and being sleep drunk for the next 2 days. #eyeroll

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2018 11:52 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 11:52:15 -0500

I would integrate the branches more. Seabees and Corp of Engeneers serve the same purpose and ought to share resources if not be combined entirely. There are many redundancies that can be solved by integration.

Strategic focus. Use our assets in controlled burst as to make us look more formidable.

Response by PO1 Mark Robinson made Jan 14 at 2018 12:44 PM

PO1 Mark Robinson — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 12:44:10 -0500

First, our forces have been stretched to the breaking point. We need to stop deploying so much and stop trying to be the world's policeman. We need to bring our personnel and equipment back from overseas and start regenerating our forces. That means training and maintenance. And yes, it means some downtime. If we absolutely have to keep forces overseas, then we need to grow the size of the military so we can slow the pace of deployment. Furthermore, the National Guard and the reserves should be treated as a nondeployable territorial home reserve that may not be deployed overseas unless the USA or a major ally is in clear and present danger of being overrun by a regular military force.
Second, we need a "reverse basic training/boot camp" for folks leaving the military. TAP class wasn't enough. When a person is discharged from the military for good, they need to go through a multi-week course to reintegrate them into civilian society. This course should be jointly run by DoD, VA, and Department of Labor. The state authorities in the servicemember's home of record (or wherever they elect to move to) should also be involved. It should take a whole-person approach, screening for mental and physical issues, and also preparing them for the reality of the outside world. This includes not just how to write a resume, but also how to interview and how to understand the harsh reality of the civilian job market and HR systems. Most discharged servicemembers are likely to need post-military education, training, and certification, so the course would cover this as well.

Response by PO1 Daniel Hutchinson made Feb 13 at 2018 10:21 AM

PO1 Daniel Hutchinson — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 10:21:47 -0500

I would fix the retirement system to be more fair in relation to how arduous the duty was. It doesn't seem fair that someone does 7 tours in harms way and gets the same retirement that someone passing out basketballs stateside gets. Someone spends 20 years on a flight deck or submarine gets the same retirement as a lifetime recruiter. Someone takes on a very arduous rating like Nuclear Power on a Submarine and the rating is so tight that making chief (E-7) takes being Sailor of the year for the fleet and some other easy rating (both academically and physically) retires as a Master Chief. Even it up! I propose a multiplier such as 1.1 X the retirement as is = new retirement amount for a career of arduous duty. or say 1.075 X number of tours in harms way X.... I am not saying one is more or less than the other here but someone needs to.

Response by MSG Charles Turner made Feb 13 at 2018 11:23 AM

MSG Charles Turner — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 11:23:45 -0500

Understanding by ALL that the US Military is Not a Democracy! Require EVERY American Citizen to serve minimum of 6 months before their 26th Birthday!

Response by SGT James Tyo made Feb 13 at 2018 1:05 PM

SGT James Tyo — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 13:05:12 -0500

Fitness and Endurance. I am an RRCA Certified Running Coach. I would enjoy getting back in to help coach soldiers to better health, a long life and preparedness. I haven't found a Active Army Recruiter willing to talk/ help me get in again as I am prior service 52/yo E-5 88M RE-1.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2018 1:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 01:33:20 -0500

More mental readiness of soldiers and more deplorable ready soldiers not pansyass candies that don’t know up from down. Stricter training and rulings. Make it honorable and all the great it use to be.

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Feb 25 at 2018 1:55 PM

MAJ Hugh Blanchard — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 13:55:50 -0500

1. Better access to mental counseling and care for so many who have had to fight and may suffer from that experience.
2. Predictable and adequate multi-year funding for DoD that is also free of political nonsense earmarks so that we can keep our edge over possible opponents.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2018 8:22 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 20:22:32 -0500

Two things that we all don’t do very well in each of our military services. Intelligence and Communications. We don’t do a very good job with these two because our own government officials can’t get it right the first time. Our military is the best I’ve ever seen since retiring from the Marine Corps 24 years ago. We’ve come a long way and still got a longer way to go. If you can’t Communicate, get the right Intell, how can you move and shoot the enemy in the first place? Just this Marines opinion.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2018 6:10 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 18:10:11 -0500

I'd change the way we fight wars, back like we used to prior to Vietnam: go in, kill everyone who isn't wearing our uniform (or an ally's) and let whoever's left when they surrender clean up the mess when we're done.

Response by MSgt Don Rinear Jr made Mar 6 at 2018 1:32 PM

MSgt Don Rinear Jr — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 13:32:08 -0500

Military budget should be move from Discretionary category to Mandatory, and set to a minimum percentage of the National budget, Minimum 15% every year with the option to request temporary increase based on National events. This would eliminate the fighting over the budget and get the military budget out of being attached to pet bills, no more budget cuts.
Then look closely at eliminating redundancies and waste. Going to the personnel office and being bounced between offices was a nightmare when trying to get things done on lunch hour.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Mar 6 at 2018 7:11 PM

SSG Brian G. — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 19:11:33 -0500

Military pay taken out of the hands of Congress and the President and locked in at a fixed 3% each year. Military spending likewise to be removed and set as a percentage of the Country earnings. This allows that the military is not a political pawn in the revolving door of politics. A systematic oversight on military housing so that sub standard housing can be addressed and fixed and is not such a hassle for dependents when their spouse is deployed.

As to the technical aspect? Allowing that when a military member has a classification that is has a parallel in the civilian market that there is no redundant certification required to transition over. IE An air traffic controller, truck driver, diver, etc., could transition from Military to Civilian working without having to go through the tedious certification process that is necessary on the civilian side.

Response by PO2 Joe Johns made Mar 11 at 2018 8:55 AM

PO2 Joe Johns — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 08:55:02 -0400

I have recently thought that we should rebuild and recommission two Tarawa class LPH's specifically for humanitrian / large scale medical / weather disaster missions only. Manned and outfitted with air component to leave in a moments notice. Including attached Active and reserve Navy and Marines.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Mar 11 at 2018 9:06 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 09:06:40 -0400

Today's military has it boatloads better than in my day. However, as good as things are now, they can be better.

I would assure the military got at least a 3% annual raise in base pay and I would reinstate retroactively, the governments promise that if you serve at least 20 years* of honorable service you would receive lifetime health and dental care at no charge in addition to your retirement. (A promise MoH recipient Col. Bud Day fought for until his case was decided against him in SCOTUS.)

*Or a lesser period like when the military offered early retirement at 15 years.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2018 9:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 21:06:53 -0400

Stop all Spotlight Ranger promotion systems. Cancel all contracting. Certify our service members to accomplish a function/mission/roll, not an over priced psuedo civilian.

Response by SPC David Willis made Mar 28 at 2018 1:34 PM

SPC David Willis — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 13:34:00 -0400

I would level the playing field between single soldiers and married soldiers, and steer money away from R&D into small unit training for line units/range time as well as quality of life improvements.

Response by 1SG Carlos E Bonet made Mar 30 at 2018 12:51 PM

1SG Carlos E Bonet — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 12:51:38 -0400

I know some of my military family not going to like what I’m about to say. But I had an opportunity to change something in the military Ill make sure to eliminate or seriously diminished the influence of those organizations that exist within the military, but not recognized by it. This organizations some how, influence promotions, assignments and ucmj. Don’t want to say it outloud, but you know what I’m talking about. Also understand, that if you belong to one of them, you’ll be offended some how. But if you’re realistic, you’ll see the potential to influence the process and the negative consequences they could have in the system. This practice sometimes defeats the purpose of the ncoer and the recommendations from the chain of command.

Response by SGT Nickolas Ortiz made Apr 2 at 2018 5:09 PM

SGT Nickolas Ortiz — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 17:09:10 -0400

The two things I would push for change: 1. For any female to be in the Military, the much qualify on the same level of their male counterparts. Not two sets of quals, but one. Then, if a female wishes to join a combat unit, she's be physically ready for whatever may come. I believe in equality of the sexes. Brings me to 2. do away with transsexuals being allowed into the Military. The transsexual does not add to Combat Readiness. Not being mean or bigoted, but to add a "get out of combat free" card does not help.

Response by SGT John P made Apr 13 at 2018 9:15 PM

SGT John P — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 21:15:39 -0400

I think the military need to take better care of our soldiers and give them better leader, make the NCO,s do there job and teach the soldiers how to do their jobs and take care of them after the mission, if they need help, help them some of are soldiers seen hell and been there

Response by SSgt Derick Brock made Apr 14 at 2018 6:07 PM

SSgt Derick Brock — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 18:07:34 -0400

I agree with most of this assessment. I served during wartime, not in a warzone. So many people have tried to get me to claim PTSD for the benefits, to claim some other disability for the benefits. I did my time, I got out. I do not suffer physically or emotionally any more than from any other job, and now have a stable life and family. BUT, if they tried (and still do after being out for more than 20 years) to get me to claim benefits, then I am certain there are other less stable individuals that may see this as a way to cope. Yes their fault, but the system breeds the corruption.

Response by SP5 Michael Walter made Apr 20 at 2018 1:31 AM

SP5 Michael Walter — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 01:31:07 -0400

I would make it a law that our president would have to have served in the military, preferably in a war/combat arena.
That way we'd avoid cowards with imaginary foot issues in our highest office with the ability to send OTHERS into jeopardy. You don't have to walk on your dainty bone spurs to work at a desk job in the Army.!

2) increase technical training to increase long range control and effectiveness of weapons and have the ability to block and locate hackers as low as the company level.

Response by SP5 Ray Drysdale made Apr 23 at 2018 9:19 AM

SP5 Ray Drysdale — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 09:19:06 -0400

Mandatory military service for every able bodied American sometime between 18 and 26 years of age. It would keep our strength in numbers, and help many young people grow up and give them some definite direction in their lives.

Response by SSgt Jeff Martin made Apr 28 at 2018 3:09 PM

SSgt Jeff Martin — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 15:09:34 -0400

A new high speed transport. Able to move large amounts of troops/cargo directly to the battlefield from CONUS. And we need bombers/fighters to do the same. UNREFUELED! If we withdraw our forces from over seas we not have the bases to refuel our aircraft on their way to the battlefield.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2018 10:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 22:46:23 -0400

1. MOS competency testing required for promotion, especially inside the signal corps.
2. Powerpoint banned.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2018 11:59 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 11:59:27 -0400

I would adjust the climate between defense contractors and dod that all for overrun costs and time delays like what has been seen in the F35 program and the zumwalt class. It's a drain on resources and the competition that drives innovation. Perhaps when give contract's to design new equipment, make two new conditions. First ensure there is a strict deadline, those that don't have a working prototype soon ready for preproduction will automatically be cut from trials. Two those that make a design exceeding the military's expection will be greatly rewarded with payment greatly increased to reward future advancements.
We can't afford to allow corporate interest drain with our resources while technology is constanly evolving. If lockheed wants to work with dod, they're doing it on our conditions not their's

I can't really give a second since the rest of what I've observed has been good, military has been shifting away from COIN and back to conventional operations. I've been stuck in tradoc hell so I can't give any critiques of the army since I haven't seen how it truly operate's although EO and SHARP from where I've been hasn't been taken seriously and creates a toxic environment

Response by SSG Randall Ford made May 5 at 2018 11:32 PM

SSG Randall Ford — Sat, 05 May 2018 23:32:38 -0400

1. I would dump the political aspect of different things. Things like favortism given to one's that sucks up more. You may not want to admit it but it's an everyday thing. Plus to many other things to go into.

2. Kind of relates to number 1 in certain ways. This idea of constantly changing the look of the uniforms. Changing the class C from the old OD green up through all the different BDU styles. Some make sense according to the environment you will be in. Then with class A and B. Getting rid of khakis was ok to a point in not having to maintain so many different uniforms. Then a big one in some big wigs wanting to go back to WW1 and Korea with the brown set up. Sure it may look good but it is just a rember ingredients "the good old days" for some. If you want to change it be practical about it looking good, comfortable, and easy to maintain. The only thing all these unnecessary changes do is giving a baby bottle to the old timers with power that lives in the past. Another thing of concern is the cost of the change over to the government for issuing to new troops. Then let's not forget the burden for the officers and enlisted that have to buy all this from their own paycheck. Don't say that's what the uniform maintenance allow is for. That does not even cover the laundering of class C uniforms. All this for some old time soldier that's spoiled and given all they want. Like the Military Police motto "OF THE TROOPS AND FOR THE TROOPS"

Response by MAJ Glynn Garcia made May 9 at 2018 4:04 PM

MAJ Glynn Garcia — Wed, 09 May 2018 16:04:41 -0400

I'd improve a remotely operated machine guns for gun trucks and tanks, or an independent cupola and machine gun for gun trucks. The reasons are simple: have the ability for heavy firepower quickly and reliably employed while protecting the gunner. For the gun truck, a cupola fashioned more like an inverted B-17 ball turret gunner; on top of the vehicle instead of under an airplane, so he can service threats on ground and in the air. Sufficient ballistic glass exists to make this a viable concept.
For the tank, remote operated machine guns for both the TC and loader with simple optics slaved to the mount so they can be fired from the inside of the vehicle.

Response by SFC Siva Williams made May 13 at 2018 10:01 AM

SFC Siva Williams — Sun, 13 May 2018 10:01:53 -0400

First thing I would do is reinvest in the NCO. This means giving them back the power to lead and train their charges. We need to take a hard look at the curriculum for the NCO educational system. The emphasis has been placed on expediency and less time away from home station versus time at the school house honing their leadership and technical skills. We need to empower our NCOs and train them how to use their power. A SGT should be able to tailor the teach, coach, and mentor process to meet the needs of his/her charges. The process has been dictated from higher for so long that junior leaders have lost the ability to evaluate and train their troops. Ask a SGT/SSG about War tasks, METL tasks, collective tasks, battle drills, and high value individual tasks. They will give you a blank look. Better yet, ask them do they know what ARTEP means and where they can find it.

The second thing I would change is our marksmanship. Qualification should be more dynamic and realistic. It should encompass both pistol and rifle shooting. The whole process should be scaled to progress from basic marksmanship to advanced marksmanship. Units should also shoot more than twice a year. The last 17 years has proven that every one needs to be proficient with their arms. The days of only grunts slinging lead are gone.

Response by MSG Michael McEleney made May 20 at 2018 1:11 PM

MSG Michael McEleney — Sun, 20 May 2018 13:11:06 -0400

Cull the Officer Corps. Depending on grade an officer can serve well into his 60s. One of the first things GEN Marshall did upon becoming Chief of Staff was to remove most commanding officers over 50 from Command and replaced them with younger men like Taylor, Gavin, Bradley, Van Fleet, Ridgeway, and Clark. The only notable exceptions were Eisenhower and Patton. Mandatory retirement at 30 years.

Get rid of the Blue retired ID. The CAC card is available to any sub-contractor who comes onto the base, but not to members of the Army for Life. Issue the CAC to retirees.

Response by 1SG Skip Pettit made May 23 at 2018 10:45 PM

1SG Skip Pettit — Wed, 23 May 2018 22:45:32 -0400

Mark--GREAT idea for Army Corps of Engineers to bring internet and good roads and water management and solar power to the entire USA. Spend our money at home.

Response by SFC Mark Klaers made May 31 at 2018 11:37 AM

SFC Mark Klaers — Thu, 31 May 2018 11:37:44 -0400

I would end these ridiculous social experiment programs. We have TWO types of service personnel in the military; male and female. Biology dictates, not "feelings". Second, the elimination of advancement requirements. Good soldiers being forced out of the service because they stayed in one rank too long is, to put bluntly, stupid. I get the idea behind it, but often was the time I wish I had a couple of adults within the ranks.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2018 1:23 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 13:23:52 -0400

Get back to the basics so that way when the high tech goes t*** up you still carry on with what you brought.
Plan on the plan not working, equipment that can’t communicate is more weight for the boat anchor. Don’t just talk about it actions that fix or repair the defects will be needed

Response by LTC Wayne Dandridge made Jun 7 at 2018 2:53 PM

LTC Wayne Dandridge — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 14:53:33 -0400

More preparedness for extreme cold conditions operations is one thing needing emphasis, funds, training, and research. We do not have the equipment, tools, or training to deal with cold conditions in North Korea, Russia, and other extremely cold areas of this planet. Another area is getting our government to recognize the importance of health, exercise, and good citizenship in our schools, so that we can have young men and women who not only can serve in the military, but also healthy and productive citizens. Today, three out of very four military age men and women cannot join the military because of health problems (especially over weight and out of shape), criminal records, drug use, and substandard education. What a disgrace and what a health care burden we have created!

Response by SSG Paul Carrier made Jun 24 at 2018 9:39 PM

SSG Paul Carrier — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 21:39:31 -0400

In my technical field I would ensure that training is on the current systems and methods. Nothing like wasting a soldiers time sending them to learn software that was superseded years ago or making them redo the same training that they had for a different MOS.

A change for the whole would be to discard the "up or out" philosophy and reconstitute the Specialist grades in the technical and support MOS.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2018 3:33 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 15:33:16 -0400

So here is what I would change

1. The promotion system is so out of date, being able to get promoted should be solely based on your PT score. We’ve all had seniors who’ve gotten promoted and not know anything about their job, I would suggest that it be a 3 pronged system PT would factor in, but also how knowledgeable you are about your job that could be done with having people in your particular MOS kinda quiz you about what your job is and what your responsibilities are, and lastly how well you can communicate with not only your superiors but the troops underneath you a lot of times people can’t really express what they want to be done or what they need done it just leaves a lot lost in translation.

2. This is more so for the reserves which I am apart of, but instead of some bullshit 2 week AT we should be allowed to go back to our MOS school for refresher courses because let’s face it a lot drill weekends are spent doing inventory, pmcs, or some dumb ass class all day. I know cost wise and logistical wise it would be a nightmare but I think in the long run the benefits will out weigh the cost, you’ll have a highly trained and ready reserve unit that could deploy at any given time.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Jul 15 at 2018 2:03 PM

PV2 Glen Lewis — Sun, 15 Jul 2018 14:03:50 -0400

Basic training would be equal across the board.
Uniforms would all match style in any service branch.

Response by CPT Wes Marsh made Jul 20 at 2018 9:59 AM

CPT Wes Marsh — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 09:59:22 -0400

Wow. Some of these comments. First the Federal Government is prohibited from direct competition with civilian businesses without the expressed authorization of Congress. So, no the Army can't go in and fix Flint's water supply nor bulldoze the abandoned buildings in (put name of city here).
My two suggestions would cancel each other out. Too few Citizens have taken on the duties and obligations of service to the Nation. Reinitiate the Draft. Yet the lethality of the modern battlefield and technological developments dictate that very well trained professionals are best suited for combat not draftees.

Response by SFC Jim Dorsey made Jul 20 at 2018 10:58 AM

SFC Jim Dorsey — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 10:58:14 -0400

With regard to what I went through, I believe the easiest improvement can be made for lower enlisted, family on base housing. The system is upside down! Those who can afford housing ( senior NCO’ And officers are given priority on the housing list rather than lower enlisted who may not be able to as easily afford off base housing while waiting for on base quarters.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jul 29 at 2018 10:39 AM

MSgt John McGowan — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 10:39:27 -0400

I would like to know why you miss promotions. Maybe was it something s little short we can overturn or inprove on to give us some guild we can use for the short coming. I retired a E7 with about 5 years TIG. I though I had what I needed. Letter from General Officers. 10 years of all 9 on APR. if it was 9’s. Anyway they were good. Two Commencdations mealts tha I received for stateside duty Ran a AGE branch and had very few write up’s. If you don’t get a write on a IG you have really done some. I am not crying sour grapes here but would like a honest answer. I knew the odds were high and the military is full of outstanding people, also ’everybogy does not get promotion.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 30 at 2018 9:52 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 21:52:52 -0400

Less PCSs and better awareness for PTSD.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Jul 31 at 2018 12:22 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 00:22:21 -0400

Two things:
1. Belief in the system. Joes see regulations and are taught that they are the maintainers of the standards, the ones responsible for both actions and inactions. The problem with the system is that it gets muddy and convoluted as the rank goes up. Joes see SNCOS and senior officers (Joes in this case is gender and rank neutral), walk away from actions and inactions they are hammered for. I would reinforce the mindset that these regulations govern ALL who serve, and are not ‘bent’ to suit rank and privilege. Once you have joe believe in that, they will take actions, take some risks, and make positive change knowing they will be treated the same from E1-O10. We as the military need folks to make positive changes and become risk takers while managing risk.
2. Standardize some training. There is no ‘Front Lines’ of battle anymore. No more big mass on mass battles, and you could be in the chow hall cooking and come under attack. The Marines have the mentality ‘everyone is an infantryman’. While it may or may not be true in form, the idea is solid. There is NO excuse to have folks issued weapons they can’t shoot. No need to look ‘taticool’ when you’re actually looking ‘tatiFOOL’. Everyone shoots on time, no more quals on electronic ranges. You go out, shoot, qual, or you stay out until you do(within reason. You can be sent with another unit if they’re going soon). I’d couple that with battle skills and first aid training. The only medic there could be you. Stress the basics, then hammer them home, and maintain MOS proficiency. There were FA acting as grunts in Iraq. Combat service support troops moving supplies under fire. They should know how to repay the favor ahead of time. Not after all hell has broken loose

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2018 12:11 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 00:11:26 -0400

I would stop all the uniform changes and use that money for training and MWR funds.

Response by SGT Barbara Wilt made Aug 13 at 2018 10:25 AM

SGT Barbara Wilt — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 10:25:16 -0400

Change the pay and promotion points.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2018 10:52 AM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 10:52:10 -0400

I would loosen the restrictions regarding tattoos in the Army, and Air force. The Navy policy finally reflects the world we live. Time for the other two to catch up.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Aug 15 at 2018 11:19 AM

SSG Ed Mikus — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 11:19:40 -0400

Start yet another branch, fill the ranks with conscripted personnel. Give every American an 18 month obligation, make it 9 months of training including citizenship exam, driver’s education, and military basic training, and general life skills. The rest of the time should be filled doing public service projects.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2018 5:07 AM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 05:07:00 -0400

I would change the leadership structure and unit size of NCOs. For instance... The E9 rank is the princple NCO at the BN, BDE, and DIV level. Personally I would have platoon sergeants be E6s. That would increase the leadership responsibility of NCOs and offer more E4s a chance to lead a small team. For example:

E4 (CPL) - Team Leader
E5 (SGT) - Squad Leader
E6 (SSG) - Platoon Sergeant
E7 (SFC) - First Sergeant (company)
E8 (MSG) - Master Sergeant (battalion)
E9 (CSM) - Command Sergeants Major (brigade and above)

Response by COL Jason Woodford made Aug 27 at 2018 3:52 PM

COL Jason Woodford — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 15:52:17 -0400

Assuming your question is meant to be a “if you were king for a day” flavored question and I could snap my fingers to fix it then…both answers would be related to senior leadership. In my humble opinion, too many senior leaders fail to own the effects of the decisions they make. For example, if I tell my boss that I am out of Schlitz and I need assistance prioritizing the current mission requirements (meaning some things DON’T get done so that others can) and he prioritizes, then I don’t expect to see him scold me when HIS decision ends up being the sub optimal one to have chosen. As a leader, once you make a decision (right or wrong) the effects of that decision are now on your shoulders and your’s alone. As a leader, you are the one without a chair when the music stops. Too many senior leaders make decisions (usually for expedient reasons just to make the problem go away). The other thing I would fix is our senior leader’s love affair with making decision that work today but at a cost of tomorrow. Too often we see decisions (to arguably difficult challenges) that leaders implement a seemingly only partially thought-out solution that checks the block for being an immediate and/or permanent fix but ends up costing way more in the long run. For example, during the time when we were all hands on deck for OIF and OEF the Army was promoting everyone earlier than the model called for. This resulted (through no fault of their own) in leaders that lacked the full experience set necessary to execute at their newly attained level. This isn’t to say that we don’t have smart, talented, and agile leaders. For sure we do. It just means they lack the appropriate experience level. It isn’t until those folks retire or ETS that it resets the scale. There are hundreds of examples I could throw into the discussion here but I didn’t want this to turn into “War and Peace”. When I look back over what I wrote above, it seems both of my points are merely slightly different facets of the same overarching issue. My apologies if I failed to answer your original question.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Sep 4 at 2018 7:44 AM

SFC Robert Walton — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 07:44:53 -0400

Go back to old school BCT and AIT. Old School BCT thinned out a lot Soldiers that were Not ready for combat so Less PTSD you will never stop all of PTSD but with better training you could minimize it. AIT. better trained and ready to get the job done. I have talked to a lot of Soldiers getting deployed and returning from deployment, many of them returning from Deployment admit they were not ready for what Deployment had in store Mentally and physically. RP has opened my eyes to the things that leaders of today DON'T know that leaders of yesteryear were required to know to make it to a leadership role and these are the people in charge. Some of the things are simple some more complicated. Many leaders mostly NON A/D are not getting the leadership skills but are getting promoted. When we made Promotion it was on Leadership, General Knowledge, and Technical Knowledge, you were doing the Job before being promoted. JMO

Response by MSgt Brian Williams made Sep 5 at 2018 11:12 PM

MSgt Brian Williams — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 23:12:34 -0400

Pay and medical coverage. No more payment for medical care. When I came into the military way back in 1976, family members were seen and treated FOC.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2018 8:57 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 20:57:16 -0400

1. Thwart the widespread mentality of "You're in the military, you're time is worth whatever I say it is."

2. Fix the promotion systems so the best and brightest are retained instead of driven away.

Response by CWO3 Bryan Luciani made Sep 17 at 2018 11:24 AM

CWO3 Bryan Luciani — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 11:24:11 -0400

I would focus on improving pay and benefits for middle managers to improve retention and strengthen our military. Specifically, at the E5 level we lose way too many experienced people on active duty and at times it seems no one really cares. This is ignorant upper management oversight. All E7 and above should be measured and rated on their retention efforts. An E5 with a Bachelor's degree should not be making only 24k a year. This is becoming the norm and of course they leave the military, make three times as much when they get out, and the command replaces them with a lesser qualified person....and the cycle continues. It's simply an ignorant way to manage our military personnel.

Response by SFC William Turner made Sep 23 at 2018 8:36 PM

SFC William Turner — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 20:36:04 -0400

Stop the US Military from being the World Policeman. There are key countries and governments that need our help. Not 50 or 60. The personnel and equipment saved could be deployed to our borders and coasts for the protection of OUR Nation.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 23 at 2018 11:00 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 23:00:18 -0400

Ask to compare ID Cards, I am always surprised that my Retired Card is so different.,

Response by MSG Robert Conrad made Sep 24 at 2018 9:47 AM

MSG Robert Conrad — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 09:47:21 -0400

Enlistment standards. We have dropped the bar so low, people are tripping over it on the way in. We can operate with a smaller more dynamic force. We no longer have a core of military professionals, we have a mob of followers that are needing to be spoon fed their entire career.

Response by LtCol Paul Bowen made Sep 30 at 2018 3:23 PM

LtCol Paul Bowen — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 15:23:12 -0400

Scalable Retirement instead of the “All or Nothing at 20-years Service”

Bring back the Flame Thower.

Response by LtCol Paul Bowen made Sep 30 at 2018 3:33 PM

LtCol Paul Bowen — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 15:33:09 -0400

Make the retirement system scalable to “Time Served” after the first enlistment contract...that way the compensation is “something” rather than “nothing” unless you make it to the 20-year threshold.

Congress does this for themselves...1.4% of Base pay for every year on the Job...I want what those guys have got.

The other thing would to bring back the Flame Thrower with a 100 yard range plus a bayonet lug on it.

Response by CPT Bobby Fields made Oct 4 at 2018 5:26 PM

CPT Bobby Fields — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 17:26:43 -0400

1) Modify the ROTC and service academy commissioning programs to require all officers to serve at least one four-year enlistment and achieve the rank of E5 prior to consideration for commissioning. We would produce a more technically and tactically competent officer corps with this model.

2) Less PCS moves. The Army briefly considered this in the mid-2000s but didn't go forward with it (not sure why). This is directly tied to the up-or-out system that also drives the average time a leader spends in their individual positions being generally 1-2 years. We spend a lot of money moving people, resulting in less available manpower, and spend a lot of time transitioning leadership training up people in their new positions that ultimately results in lower proficiency and experience. I am not sure what the balance is, but the longest I was in any single position was 19 months and I had nine different positions, two deployments, two Army schools, and a two-month TDY enroute all in less than nine years of active duty. I refuse to believe that is an advisable model for personnel management.

For those that want to move every 2-3 years, let them, but not all military folks want to do that. There should be a better balance between exposing military members to a variety of duty stations, jobs, deployments, etc. and spending the money to move a family and negatively impacting their quality of life when service member has to uproot their kids from school, spouse has to find a new job or quit school, etc.

Response by SSG George Holtje made Oct 7 at 2018 6:44 PM

SSG George Holtje — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 18:44:28 -0400

The infantry should expand the combative program in PT. The arm bar and rear naked choke are great for one on one combat but the situation we need better preparation for is being surrounded.
I would love to take a sledge hammer to the good old boy system for promotion. Particularly the run time favoritism and the easiest tasking going to the favorite subordinate leader so as not to risk his perfect score. The saying is if you take more than your fair of objectives, you'll be given more than your fair of objectives to take. I usually saw the opposite.

Response by SPC Steve Willis, PhD made Oct 15 at 2018 5:47 PM

SPC Steve Willis, PhD — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 17:47:53 -0400

I would go back to the old 2.5 war personnel levels so there would be enough personnel to rotate out of combat zones to give warfighters some serious downtime with their families between deployments. I would ensure there was enough funding for proper maintenance of every weapon system. I would reinstitute the draft and those who were unwilling to fight could do what SSG Colwell suggested and work to improve infrastructure under the Corps of Engineers (reminiscent of the Great Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps). I agree with getting rid of up or out at every level of rank as suggested by CW3 Storm. Most of our company-grade officers during my enlistment were terrible, especially the O-1s.

Response by SSG Charles Holleran made Oct 20 at 2018 5:38 AM

SSG Charles Holleran — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 05:38:10 -0400

First stop the few changing AR 670-1, as for APFT and other standards, make all ranks comply no matter their MOS or position.

Response by Sgt Charles Welling made Oct 26 at 2018 11:23 AM

Sgt Charles Welling — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 11:23:18 -0400

1. I would have a battery of texts designed to indicate propensities toward liberalism, socialism and constitution related radicalism. 2. I would prevent entry of those individuals highlighted.

Response by SSG Bill Moore made Nov 9 at 2018 10:56 PM

SSG Bill Moore — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 22:56:40 -0500

This might sound crazy and possibly unconstitutional. I think the Chairman/Chairwoman of each branch of the military should have the equivalency of a US Senator or a member of Congress. Our ethos, has always been based on the concept that we adhere to any policy or directive enacted by our civilian government. Let us have a say in those policies.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2018 10:17 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Nov 2018 10:17:44 -0500

Bring the training and standards of none combat MOS's up to if not exceed civilian professional standards. As a civilian chef with 25 in food service, I wouldn't be comfortable employing the average food service NCO in a position above prep cook/dishwasher. From the other MOS's I've seen, our civilian counterparts are head and shoulders above the military.

Officers and NCOs need to stop expecting a forty hour work week, with PT and meal time counted as part of the work day. Anyone in a salaried leadership position should expect a 50-60 hour work week.

Response by SSgt Michael Bowen made Nov 13 at 2018 10:16 PM

SSgt Michael Bowen — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 22:16:45 -0500

Dependent Dental health care and Improvement of service members dental heath care . where the minimum for deployment with no follow up was the norm . And no need to elaborate as it is self explanatory .

Response by PO1 Mike Meehan made Nov 24 at 2018 7:18 PM

PO1 Mike Meehan — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 19:18:34 -0500

1. Either build a force capable of sustaining the required OPTEMPO, or reducing force commitments to match the size of force we've got. We need to stop burning people out.
2. I was a Nuke Plant Operator in submarines. For that specialty, a better sea/ shore rotation is in order and always has been. It would improve retention (which is good in a specialty that spends $$$$$ to train a new operator) and improve morale overall.

Response by Edward Samsen made Dec 2 at 2018 9:25 PM

Edward Samsen — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 21:25:03 -0500

I would fully fund the USCG giving them the equipment and personnel needed to get the jobs they are called to do done. Why should USCG be stuck with 1 heavy Icebreaker that is held together by cannibalizing its sister . USCG needs 4 heavy icebreakers, USE USN funding for two of the icebreakers but sign them over to USCG to operate and maintain them. For long range interdiction send several cutters supported by a USN LHA or LHD with more USCG Helicopters and response boats and even an 87 or two in the well deck. MORE cutters of all kinds, long medium and coastal patrol (87' etc) More air assets MH60s and fewer MH65s which cannot do what the 60 can. Use USCG AUX to its fullest whenever and where ever possible.

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Dec 2 at 2018 10:54 PM

SGT Jim Ramge, MBA — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 22:54:31 -0500

Pay while on active duty and the VA transitional assistance to find new employment and healthcare...

Response by PO3 Kevin DeLong made Dec 3 at 2018 12:02 AM

PO3 Kevin DeLong — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 00:02:39 -0500

I would make the military do what it was created to do. Defend and protect the United States. It should not be used ever as a unpaid global police force.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2018 9:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 21:01:35 -0500

The enlisted pay is way too low, especially in grades E-1 through E-5. They should be doubled. There should be Zero Tolerance on physical fitness. Overweight, especially Women and senior Officers/NCOs, set a piss poor example for subordinates.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2019 4:22 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:22:43 -0500

I would make an article 15 the temporary punishment it was meant to be rather than a career ended, as it was 50 years ago. People grow with time

Response by PO1 Mary Vermont made Jan 8 at 2019 2:05 PM

PO1 Mary Vermont — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 14:05:51 -0500

The military wast a lot of money on training women who then reach their command and are not given the chance to use that training due to discrimination

Response by Sgt Chris Fisher made Jan 15 at 2019 10:21 AM

Sgt Chris Fisher — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 10:21:03 -0500

1. Select all officers from the enlisted ranks. Make them at least serve for 4 years and make E-5. I knew some very good OCS officers and I knew some that were not so good. But I never knew a Mustang or a WO who sucked. They were all outstanding, and I never seen a Mustang look down on an enlisted person. Simply having a college degree means very little to me (Other than you probably smoked more dope in those 4 years) :). I know for a fact that enlisted people have a ton more respect for the Mustangs because they have been there done that.
2. Maybe this one is already being done but wasn't 33 years ago when I got out. Train people for the transition out of service. Use the last few months to help them along their way. Teach them what to expect, the benefits that are and are not available to them. Help them right a resume. Teach them how to handle interviews, etc.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Jan 15 at 2019 6:14 PM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 18:14:33 -0500

1.Make sure that selectees for 1st Sgt (USAF) are properly screened for the position. And that they aren't married to a military member in the same squadron. 2. Get the JAG's office to ensure a fair and positive representation of the law, for those facing court marshals and non judical punishments.

Response by SSG Brian Edwards made Jan 26 at 2019 11:18 AM

SSG Brian Edwards — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 11:18:46 -0500

Number 1 bring back the specialist field in aviation field and any type of maintenance fields to keep those people with experience that want to do their jobs and may not want to be leaders. Where we keep the best experience doing their jobs.
Number 2 improve retirement benefits for those who serve.

Response by PO2 Patrick Powell made Jan 31 at 2019 10:01 PM

PO2 Patrick Powell — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 22:01:34 -0500

Full disclosure of rates of PTSD, post-service suicide, casualties, dismemberments, and other infectious diseases broken down by branch in writing should be acknowledged by notarized handwritten signature by potential recruits at least 7 days prior to signing an enlistment contract.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2019 7:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 19:24:08 -0500

The first thing that comes to mind is forcing a promotion to stay in the Army. Particularly in maintenance. Many good mechanics end up getting out just because they had no interest in the promotion and probably wouldn't have made great leaders in the first place. Maintenance should either be exempt from this rule or bring back the SPC5-9 ranks.

The second is the automatic pay deduction from single soldiers. Although I can think of a few ways this could backfire, overall I think the soldier should have more say in where their money is going. especially with food.

Response by SSG(P) Brian Kliesen made Feb 4 at 2019 1:04 AM

SSG(P) Brian Kliesen — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 01:04:08 -0500

1. Training. TRADOC has more or less screwed up everything they have ever touched and don't seem to be interested in making positive changes. Common Sense is more or less absent at all levels in the way we train our soldiers from Basic Training, to AIT, to arriving and working at their assigned unit. Too often the gaining unit gets a soldier who has only half the knowledge required to do their job. They might have the best book learning on the newest systems only to be assigned to a unit with old and outdated equipment or the exact reverse. Training for NCO's is often too little, too late. Specialists (E4) are often the Subject Matter Experts after a year or so, but they are being led by NCO's who are overloaded with paperwork and admin duties and Officers who have no idea what it is that they do. It begins before recruiting, creating an infrastructure and environment that Soldiers want to work in and will support their families. This includes housing, schools, facilities, and opportunities. We need to recruit better and get more motivated and dedicated soldiers. Soldiers need to know they are going to be held to a standard. Soldiers who cannot adapt or work in their assigned fields need to be discharged or placed in a different MOS. Soldiers who are respected and properly trained will want to stay and work to improve the system. Not everyone wants to be promoted and given more responsibility, some just want to work in their MOS and get better and better at their job. Some are not leaders and shouldn't be forced up or out. They should be recognized for their expertise and somehow promoted without requiring them to take on those extra roles and responsibilities (part of the reason we used to have tech sergeants and Spec 5's and up). Training needs to be realistic and specific. We need to hold all soldiers, Enlisted, NCO and Officers to the standard and increase our level of professionalism. Proud, Professional, Prepared in everything we say and do. Officers need more training in leadership, mentoring and managing their soldiers. We need to stop changing our uniforms and invest in our soldiers. These time consuming and expensive changes do nothing for morale and are seen as a huge waste by the people in the field. Expensive systems and equipment mean nothing if we don't have trained, dedicated and motivated soldiers in the field.
2. Stop treating the Reserves and National Guard as second class soldiers. Either they can do the same thing as Active duty or they can't. At present they can't because they lack the equipment and training that is necessary. Only Aviation, which has a higher training requirement and minimums can really say that they are at or near that same level. The Guard and Reserve need more training days, and more field time to maintain their skillset. Not everyone works in the civilian world that is also their MOS. Those that do are a huge asset but are often overlooked for their experience and expertise. If you are in the Guard and Reserve and cannot do your MOS, you need to move on our our and let others in who can do the job. Too many have retired in place or are simply taking up space. I know that my diatribe will change nothing, but it feels good to be asked and to try to be part of the solution. But you can only bang your head against the wall that is big Army before you can't do it anymore.

Response by PO3 James Frobe made Feb 7 at 2019 10:21 AM

PO3 James Frobe — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 10:21:28 -0500

I would HONOR ALL of America's promises to our military members.
I would increase pay and shorten length/number of deployments

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 1:13 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 13:13:31 -0500

I love the idea of no up or out! We had a great E-7 in charge of our 7 cooks, he made it happen every time, took care of us like no other has in when we were in the field, knew how to dress up the army food just enough to make it taste normal (well, almost, there are limits), he passed every test, was more physically fit then more than half our entire BN, but because there was nowhere up for him to go, and because of his age, he had to leave. He was replaced by someone younger who has to move into that position to move up, and the whole thing fell apart and a few months later he had to be moved because he wasn't a cook, did a 4-week reclass, and didn't know what he was doing. There is a special kind of value in people who have been doing something for a long time, that experience is irreplaceable in most cases. Also, I love that the military is moving to a one standard physical fitness standard, man or women, you meet the standard. I think that should also apply to age, weather your 17-18 or 65, if you can pass the standard you can pass.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Feb 8 at 2019 5:55 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 05:55:34 -0500

Get rid of retiring somebody just because of age and service time. If someone wants to stay in the Army past age 60, can do the job at or above standard, and are physically fit, why not let them stay in rather than throw them out and get rid of all of that institutional knowledge?

Response by PO2 Karl Lehn made Feb 9 at 2019 10:52 PM

PO2 Karl Lehn — Sat, 09 Feb 2019 22:52:01 -0500

1. I agree that up and out is counterproductive. We lose a lot of talent from this unecessary policy. I've met 20 year E5s in the Navy who were excellent at their jobs but didn't want the additional responsibility that comes with increased rank/rate.
I agree that same policy harms our officer corps.
In the area of mental health the services only commission psychologists and social workers. There are two other mental health practitioners Licensed Counselors (LPC)and Licensed Marriage and family therapists(LMFT). These licensed psychotherapist s study and practice the same psychotherapy techniques as social workers and clinical psychologists. The VA has used them in Vet Center around the country and about 5 years ago were accepted as mental health practitioners by the VA. Neither of these practitioners are eligible for commissioning in the Army, Navy, Air Force and US Publin Health Service commissioned corps.
Have all the services copy the Army's rotary wing pilot program. The Navy tried it once but the program was limited in it's scope.
Lastly and most importantly stop overspending on uniforms. Quit changing the uniforms. The Marines have had the same dress blues for decades.
The Navy keeps changing enlisted uniforms. The old chambray shirt and bell bottom jeans were a great comfortable work uniform. Get rid of those khaki shirts for E6 and below and let sailors look like sailors with the old "undress blues/whites." Those and the crackerjacks were sharp and said NAVY better than the uniforms sailors wear now.
Apply the same concept in the other branches.
With the need of medical personnel attract LPN/LVN's by making them warrant officers. The warrant rank structure is grossly underutilized and the attractiveness of a warrant appointment may help with recruitment of LPN/LVN's.
More than two but just some thoughts.

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made Feb 10 at 2019 7:09 PM

LCpl Michael Cappello — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 19:09:56 -0500

I would do exactly what Israel does. When kids graduate High School they will pick a branch of the military and serve two years (mandatory). When their hitch is up they will be guaranteed two years of college. this will ensure that when people choose to stay in the service, they will be more sincere. It will also ensure that when kids go to college they will do so with more maturity than the average teenager fresh out of High School. It will also ensure that almost 100% of our society will have higher education.

Response by SPC Stephen Walsh made Feb 10 at 2019 9:22 PM

SPC Stephen Walsh — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 21:22:31 -0500

The Military Police-Provost Marshal should be taken out of the Chain of Command. And like Spain and Italy be a separate service.
Also Chaplains should not hold rank. Like the British and Irish they should just have Grades equal to a GS or warrant.

Response by SP5 Wally Estes made Feb 11 at 2019 12:00 AM

SP5 Wally Estes — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 00:00:18 -0500

Being lied to when I enlisted

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2019 6:57 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 18:57:24 -0500

When I went to working at the command level I was amazed at the level others there worked at and did their jobs. Almost everyone was a stellar performer. It was inspiring as well as motivating for me to match them in every way I could. I have since said that I would love to see a program were every enlisted individual was given the opportunity to take a week to shadow someone working there and at that level. It would really open their eyes to why and how things work and why some of the decisions that are handed down are made. It would motivate them in their current job and position at the organization level when they went back to that and to apply themselves more and to work at a higher level then also.

Response by SP5 George Traylor made Feb 12 at 2019 11:37 AM

SP5 George Traylor — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 11:37:43 -0500

Greetings, with Specialist designation in my day Spec's did not have the respect as NCOs, troops would take orders, you can march em, supervise troops, but its not the same, I never saw my orders for Sp5 so I remained a Sgt e5 till ets, e4 hard strips had more authority with troops, I was a gunner on a M60a1 tank in HHC tank section. 2AD Fort Hood Texas.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 13 at 2019 7:36 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 19:36:24 -0500

Less PCS moves and more mental screening.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2019 8:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 20:18:34 -0500

1. Shift the combat arms units back to the Army Reserve and shift the combat support / service support to the National Guard. There is a greater chance of natural disasters hitting states than a foreign invasion. An attack helicopter, aside from its optics, is useless in the aftermath of a tornado whereas a lift bird can bring personnel and supplies in and out of the area, along with logistics and medical assets. In the event of another major fight by having your combat arms units in the Reserve you eliminate a governor making threats to the federal government about not sending their personnel as we saw during OIF.
2. Reexamine the up or out rule. We scream that we rely too much on civilian contract maintenance yet we force some of the best mechanics out daily because they have no desire to wear hard stripes and start to push papers. Give them a choice at the E-4 pay grade if they want to go leader track or technician track. Align the unit MTOE to reflect this. Personally speaking I would have rather been a Spec 5, 6, 7 getting down and dirty on the flightline rather than a hard stripe who spent an inordinate time behind a desk pushing papers.

Response by SFC Jim Dorsey made Feb 16 at 2019 9:53 PM

SFC Jim Dorsey — Sat, 16 Feb 2019 21:53:32 -0500

Stop sending “foreign aid” money to countries that want to kill us. Put that money into new family housing in CONUS

Response by MAJ Jim Lathroum made Feb 18 at 2019 11:06 AM

MAJ Jim Lathroum — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 11:06:09 -0500

Changes to physical training. I was a Physician Assistant in the Army National Guard. During two deployments, I treated WAY too many back injuries and foot/ankle injuries. We need greater emphasis on core strengthening to reduce the back injuries. Lets turn some of those long basic training runs into core exercises, and we'll see fewer foot stress fractures and fewer low back injuries.

Response by PO1 Michael Garrett made Feb 22 at 2019 3:27 PM

PO1 Michael Garrett — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 15:27:31 -0500

1) Focus our military on fighting wars and give them the tools to do it. Our military should be focused on fighting all-out wars and small wars. As the 21st century progresses, we need to be the leaders in technological change. Find new uses for old technology. Find better uses for new technology. Wars may not be fought on the battlefield as much as they were in the past. Learn what total asymmetrical warfare really involves. Desert Storm showed the world that we cannot be conquered directly through military efforts. Our enemies will come at us from the side and behind. In peace, we prepare for war. Our enemies are.
2)This one might get me in trouble with the board. Stop infecting our military with political correctness. Our military is not and should not be an EEO employer. To support this effort, we need to promote leaders who can instill a sense of esprit-de-corps and aggressiveness throughout the ranks. Sideline or retire the political armchair generals and admirals who value their careers more than combat readiness. Stop trying to indoctrinate our military with hyphenated-American group think. When each of us joined our preferred military branch, we ceased being hyphenated-Americans and we began to identify with our service.
Our military is NOT a place for social engineering. Forced normalization within the ranks only destroys unit cohesion.

Response by SSG Edward Richardson made Feb 26 at 2019 3:44 PM

SSG Edward Richardson — Tue, 26 Feb 2019 15:44:31 -0500

The biggest change needed is to toughen up basic training! Drill Sargent's should not have to worry about hurting the feelings of recruits or stressing them out. They need to be hurting their feelings and stressing them out and then teaching them to deal with it and keep executing the mission. I was medically discharged in 1997 as a SSG and I could not believe the wimpy little wooses that were being sent to me out of basic. Basic needs to teach recruits to be strong both physically and mentally. If the recruit can't handle it then maybe they should not be there. Every soldier should be able to function as a skilled infantryman upon graduation from basic. Then send them on to AIT to complete their training. (former Artilleryman).

Response by CPL John Hickey made Feb 27 at 2019 6:25 PM

CPL John Hickey — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 18:25:21 -0500

I have to admit I don’t know if this is still relevant. I’m an old Vet. 66+. Fore-ward Observers. I imagine this’s must have been changed bu now. However, this is/was very dangerous. Even in Training. Those Shells don’t know who you are. I Pray that today they have a better way to direct Fire. Sorry if this seems outdated.

Response by COL David Turk made Mar 14 at 2019 8:39 PM

COL David Turk — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 20:39:55 -0400

Require all congressmen and women go through a three day orientation class, in the work uniform, to understand the services (or at least a basic understand). Tests at the end.

Response by SSG George Duncan made Mar 18 at 2019 2:47 PM

SSG George Duncan — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 14:47:15 -0400

peace

Response by SSG George Duncan made Mar 18 at 2019 2:48 PM

SSG George Duncan — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 14:48:08 -0400

peace

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2019 5:17 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 05:17:21 -0400

I would have a warrant officer field to Recruiting and Retention. The reason for this is the stability of operations and the ability to manage change better and warrant officers are capable of staying in one assignment over a very long period of time. In most cases lessons are lost and we recreate the wheel every few years and are unequipted to remain in a band of excellence by constant turnover.

Response by SFC Michael W. made Mar 24 at 2019 3:05 PM

SFC Michael W. — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 15:05:42 -0400

Military courtesy and professionalism. I say that because it seems like the Army and Air Force have gotten lax with airmen calling their supervisors by their first name and some not even saluting commissioned officers when they run into them at the base exchange, commissary or shoppette. The Navy and Marine Corps don't play that crap. I had to "check" a couple of Army Specialists when they were talking about an Air Force officer seductively while in uniform. They asked who I was which I kindly told them and showed my retired ID and reminded them about professionalism as well as UCMJ and what they represent when wearing the uniform. They probably thought I was an A-hole which I don't care.

I also had to check an Air Force SSGT because while retreat was being played she decided to get out of her car in uniform while eating and chatting on her cellphone and must've assumed I was a civilian as she walked by. I immediately stopped her, telling her she should be stopping what she's doing and render honor and respect to the flag. She told me that "they aren't required to do so" on the base, but luckily an Air Force Colonel was walking into the commissary and I simply stopped and asked him while she was there and when I explained why he "kindly" took control of the situation.

Response by SSgt Russell Stevens made Mar 25 at 2019 7:38 PM

SSgt Russell Stevens — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 19:38:55 -0400

I would require all Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves to serve a minimum four years active duty before being allowed into the Guard or Reserve. Twice in my career my squadron was "relieved" of duty during the Guard and Reserve came in and took over for two weeks. Both times it was a disaster because their training at the time wasn't up to the training any active duty member received, and all of us were recalled to duty within 72 hours. The same thing happened again, this time during Desert Storm when an ANG squadron came to "augment" the active duty people on station. It took six months to break their habits and train them to actually work in airlift operations and by that time the shooting was over.

The second thing I would change is similar to the first. All commissioned officers should have at least one term as an enlisted, and then be required to train alongside the enlisted force. The idea is to build the cohesion so when war does come, the unit is ready and there is the widespread frivolous handing out of article 15 action. This happened during the gulf war largely because Air Force officers didn't train with the enlisted force in those years.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 28 at 2019 3:01 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 15:01:32 -0400

I would make 35M AIT a LOT longer and spend a full month just on building rapport. This is the most foundational skill for Human Intelligence, but it is entirely glossed over.

I would also make 360 assessments mandatory for all SFCs and above as part of their eval, and make the results (anonymous) an official part of the evaluation that is required to be submitted. Too often toxic leaders aren't recognized or called out by their raters. The flip side also occurs (although much more rarely) where a good leader is rated poorly for standing up to a toxic rater. Getting the view from peers and subordinates helps the big Army (and promotion boards) get a better view of the leader and their ACTUAL leadership qualities (or lack thereof). If you want to know whether an Officer or NCO is a good leader, ask their subordinates, not their bosses.

Response by SFC Sfc Darwin Maring, USA Ret made Apr 12 at 2019 8:46 PM

SFC Sfc Darwin Maring, USA Ret — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 20:46:29 -0400

I lost a most excelent SP5 Crypto Repairman because he did not want to be an E6 and the Army Forced him out.

Response by 2LT Gerald Dominy made Apr 21 at 2019 5:13 PM

2LT Gerald Dominy — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 17:13:28 -0400

I agree with the other post to end the up or out policy. Having served in 3 branches. Its needed everywhere. I have also seen some of the most sorry individuals promoted or retained while the professional and astute skilled workers released. Truly their must be somewhere in the qualifications that being a Lazy Individual Foulup Evading Respobsibility LIFER. While i never could find that policy. That was what i saw a retained more times than not retained. IT ALSO was apparrent in a number of superiors too being ones that should have been released. BUT THIS ALL APPLIES TO MY SECOND POINT. Having served in 3 branches, and for some reason only known by God. I have both witnessed or suffered at the hands of corruption i have seen first hand EVERYWHERE i was at. Coupled with some pretty bad cases of LACK OF INTEGRETITY .. Which leads me to the most important issue needed in the military. RE INSTATEMENT OF THE MORAL TERPITUDE CLAUSE IN THE UCMJ. It was removed in 66~67 . But when i see junior enlisted troops going to leavenworth kansas to prison because they followed their commanders intent. AND THEIR SUPERIORS ARE NOT JOINING THEM. We got serious problems. Given that these United States military is the only form of Socialism that we support in this United States and every form of Socialism known to man has fell from within cause of moral decline to remove the moral turpitude clause is begging for the failure of our military. I have seen superiors railroad people for no grounds and no reason other than personal Vendetta I've seen it I've suffered it I've seen superiors and everything from officers in officers candidate school down to enlisted in Guard Reserve and active duty do stunts that are immoral improper lacking integrity and it's hard as hell to follow a superior with that kind of character problem. Worse case i ever saw was a first shirt in Army Guard who would LIE TO A CHAPLAIN what weekend we drilled. And when the chaplain was able to outsmart him. Force us to stand in formation just for a chapel service.. perhaps a third would be to remove Maslows theory out of our counseling philophosy. Because socialism is the epitomy of selfishness and taking. Wheras faith promotes actions of virtue character bravery sacrifice and all things noble. My only regret in serving in 3 branches was not going USMC where they still have a code of ethics. The other branches could learn much from them.

Response by PO3 Michael Wiedenhoeft-Wilder made Apr 29 at 2019 6:17 PM

PO3 Michael Wiedenhoeft-Wilder — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 18:17:38 -0400

I’d make damn sure that commanders and commanding officers are NOT in charge of investigating military sexual trauma (MST). MST has become an epidemic in the United States military because base commanders are in charge of investigating such crimes. It’s a definite conflict of interest and should not be handled by the commanders themselves. The United States military is full of sexual predators and commanders are guilty of sweeping sexual assault under the rug to save their careers. It’s wrong and out of step with the military. Any good man would and should want any person that commits any crime, including military sexual trauma (MST) to be prosecuted to fullest extent of UCMJ. Until the pentagon appoints a no biased panel to handle all MST claims, the sexual trauma will continue to increase and destroy the moral of the military. It’s time that every military member speak up and demand a change in the chain of command until it stops completely.

Response by MSgt Thomas Smith made May 14 at 2019 10:35 AM

MSgt Thomas Smith — Tue, 14 May 2019 10:35:28 -0400

Stop the increasing the fuel, tobacco and liqure prices to match the downtown prices on Base. We should not have to pay a higher price for gas just because local towns don't like it. Military bases charge an average of 35-40 cents more per gallon than they should. It's a military reservation and if we don't pay taxes on that reservation why the higher prices. In the early 70's gas was much cheaper on base than downtown. Just my rant!

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 15 at 2019 7:20 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Wed, 15 May 2019 07:20:06 -0400

Next president should not be s draft dodger. A real JFK will come forth. Maybe me.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 15 at 2019 7:21 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Wed, 15 May 2019 07:21:50 -0400

At least I could speak German or dutch, French without a interputer.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2019 10:03 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 May 2019 10:03:48 -0400

This is only my personal opinion, but I'd up the enlisting/re-up age(s) for the USAFR/ANG. I've been retired for just over 8 years, and I still miss wearing the uniform. I read an article where older retirees/veterans re-upped into the USAR at 54. https://www.army.mil/article/122708/55_year_old_back_in_basic_training_after_37_years

Unfortunately for me, I don't have enough points to where my age gets low enough. I'm retired ANG, and would be proud to be a Blue Suiter, again.

55-year-old back in basic training after 37 years

Soldiers from Company D, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, look just like any other Soldiers from a Basic Combat Training company -- but one individual has people doing double takes. That's because Sgt. 1st Class John Taffe is 55 years old.

Response by MSgt Brian Williams made Jun 13 at 2019 12:31 PM

MSgt Brian Williams — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 12:31:14 -0400

I'm going to assume that we're talking about active duty not retirees. The first is the most obvious - increased in pay or make military pay tax free. Second recruit more medical professionals or have access to any civilian healthcare facilities free for all active duty military members AND their families when military care is not available.

Response by 1st Lt Richard Austin made Jun 18 at 2019 3:25 AM

1st Lt Richard Austin — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 03:25:38 -0400

I would give E1 thru E4 and O1 thru O3 a 50% raise, E5 thru E6 and O4 thru O5 a 35% increase and the rest above a 20% increase. Make ALL military income 100% federal and state tax-free. For anyone getting called from reserve to active duty, financial institutions cannot put the military member called to active duty in default of any loan nor put a any negative info on credit profile if the default or late payment would be a result of going from a high paying civilian job to a lower paying military job. This would reduce a major stressor on military reserve duty members AND their families. To recognize the hardships of being deployed to a war zone or to a remote location, for retirement purposes only, make each year spent remote or deployed to a war zone count as an additional year tacked on to the length of service for retirement benefits only.

Response by Capt Loren Morgan made Jun 27 at 2019 2:09 PM

Capt Loren Morgan — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 14:09:21 -0400

Definitely up or out could be scrapped. On the flip side it would effectively end any upward mobility in promotions. You would be stuck where you are, sometimes for decades.

Response by SGT Thomas Cornfield made Jun 28 at 2019 10:41 PM

SGT Thomas Cornfield — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 22:41:19 -0400

I would start a cross-training of all soldiers to increase the knowledge of the military craft is

Response by MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan made Jun 29 at 2019 1:28 AM

MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 01:28:44 -0400

Don't force admin duties on NCOs as they gain rank; rationale, many enlisted folks really like and are good at the technical job they are doing. When I was a new Airman First Class i was stationed with a Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) who regularly worked shift work and did the technician end of the job. There needs to be a system such as the old Army specialist track that allows folks to choose hands-on career field work or management. My "across the board" idea is to have all officers, perhaps with the exception of doctors and chaplains, come from the enlisted ranks, even those who attend the academies. Officers are managers, and you can't always manage what you have only learned from books. There is a train-up period when officers enter a career, and if they already had experience in the particular specialty then they can easier step into the new job.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 30 at 2019 12:49 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 12:49:56 -0400

I would change the process of redeploying SMs with PTSD through screening and sent to a WTB/WTU.

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Jul 1 at 2019 10:38 AM

LTC Ken Connolly — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 10:38:46 -0400

Agree.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2019 3:36 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 03:36:53 -0400

The "hurry up and wait" system, and weapons that are made mostly of plastic.

Response by SFC Erin Barnett made Jul 2 at 2019 5:16 PM

SFC Erin Barnett — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 17:16:01 -0400

I would like to see the Army reinstate the Specialist rank through E-6. There are a lot of highly educated and technically great people that we need, but they have zero leadership skills. Especially in the none combat arms fields. It plugs up the system and demoralizes leadership potential in others.

Response by CDR Peter Gregory made Jul 8 at 2019 1:31 PM

CDR Peter Gregory — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 13:31:03 -0400

1. Personal Grooming. There is no biological or safety concern for the continued ban on beards and mustaches. Grooming standards on both existed prior to 1977. Can exist again.
2. Scrap the current run/push/pull up semi annual PFT. Assess cardio and energy burst physical readiness by either rowing or stationary bike. Also admit body far standards are more a personal appearance matter than military fitness matter.
3. Beer wine options in the wardroom, as is the case in other NATO related services.

Response by SSG Brian Carpenter made Jul 18 at 2019 5:47 PM

SSG Brian Carpenter — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 17:47:43 -0400

Put the NCO's back in business. A 2LT doesn't have the experience to run his platoon. If you had told me this is the professional Army I was leaving in 2006 I would never have believed it.

Wanna have women and transgender individuals in all MOS make an all female SF or SEAL teams. The emotions they can cause on the battlefield amongst their peers will cost a great amount of lives as far as I can see. You already have severe sexual assault across the military, why add another distraction?

Response by SFC Jose A Hernandez made Jul 19 at 2019 3:12 AM

SFC Jose A Hernandez — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 03:12:09 -0400

Call me a "Macho Man," I don't care. One "Big Change," would be to rid women in general out of the military, this co-ed military has gotten nothing but trouble for good men. I remember when we had the WAC's one hardly heard of "sexual harassment" or men getting into trouble because of them, besides women being to sensible in the way "we" men do our job, our real job. Needless to say, women get promoted "ahead" of men, get my drift? The other thing would be stop treating "trainees" like Momma boys, they're all 18 years and up and SHOULD be treated as for what THEY ARE men not babies or little boys, the OLD ARMY ways.

Response by SP5 George Trudeau made Jul 19 at 2019 8:47 AM

SP5 George Trudeau — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 08:47:24 -0400

I would remind our War Toys boys that no battle in history has ever been won by anything other than BOOTS ON THE GROUND. We bombed and fire bombed Germany into dust, yet it still took the 'BOOT'S' to end the war. In Iraq and Afghanistan how many bombs have we dropped on them? We bomb in lieu of troops, but we fail to make the difference, without enough 'BOOTS" the wars will go on forever. Instead of spending $350 million a copy for that pilot killing F-35 fighter plane, spend that money on proper outfits for the Troops.....Spending 12 + billion on an aircraft carrier in this age of 2,000 mile range anti-ship missiles is presenting a BFT to the enemy (Big Fat Target)Let the Generals and war planners get their priorities right, that is my opinion......

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2019 7:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 19:14:59 -0400

Make BCT and AIT longer and more in depth. Basic so soldiers graduating actually understand and are proficient in Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills, amongst other key learning objectives in BCT And so that they have more discipline then the new recruits these days. AIT should be greatly improved to ensure soldiers are knowledgeable for their skill level. Too often soldiers are sent out and it's the job of their first unit to provide OTJ training. That's fine when we have nothing to do. Not so fine when OPTEMPO is high and you overburden leaders with tasks nowhere near as important as being able to train their subordinates.

Response by SrA Brett Stratton made Jul 21 at 2019 4:29 PM

SrA Brett Stratton — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 16:29:01 -0400

There are still soldiers and military leaders who have a problem with the LGBT community, mostly for religious reasons. These people need to remember we are not god's army and America is not a sovereign nation. If you can't separate your beliefs from your duty, quit the military and join the church fully. People who join go through the same Basic as we do. They come in to serve our country same as the rest of us. And those who don't make the cut get the boot like the rest of us. And if we're real honest, most of us didn't initially join for the honor of serving our country but for selfish reasons as well. Bottom line I wish military would change is thinking the LGBT want to get with you when they want to join the military. Don't be arrogant.

Second thing I wish the military would change is make a uniformed PT standard. I only speak from my experience, but when I was in, they tried implementing the "Perfect PT" system and if you were off by even the SLIGHTEST movement in pushups or situps, it didn't count. 60% of my base was discharged because of this; some who have been specimens of physical fitness since the beginning (I admit to not being one of them, but when you kick guys who's been getting 100s in their tests, you know the system is wrong). There's no such thing as "perfect" but I accept there needs to be a "proper." I have no idea if this was changed to this yet or not, but if you want physically fit soldiers, put in a PT system that reflects that and quit trying to look good when doing PT. It's not about looks, it's about performance.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2019 1:52 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 01:52:50 -0400

get rid of PT every day and only have a field 2 for weeks a year.

Response by Capt Michael Wilford made Jul 25 at 2019 7:25 PM

Capt Michael Wilford — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 19:25:18 -0400

More stringent mental health screening prior to enlistment. The benefit would be fewer mental health issues for the VA to address once a service member becomes a Veteran. Military service brings its own problems and mental health issues that exist prior to service only make things worse. A second improvement would be a complete overhaul of the Army; not enough discipline. One only has to read through the threads in Rally Point to see that.

Response by SPC Dwight Turner made Jul 29 at 2019 2:29 AM

SPC Dwight Turner — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 02:29:27 -0400

thats tough really i never thought of anything i mean being a cook being in kitchen alot !!!
i do think more respect should be given during and after duty hours !!! then too at 63 now i always learned respect at home before enlisting in army its what you put into it having served with others around states and overseas no matter rank respect those above you most of all listen close before anything that helps too

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Aug 4 at 2019 12:05 PM

CPT Brad Wilson — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 12:05:10 -0400

More realistic weapons qualification. I always shot expert but when we mobilized and shot the close quarters course where you were moving and switching from rifle to pistol I qualified but missed a lot They should also shoot strong hand and weak hand like on police courses.
Longer demobilization even though I would have hated it. I just watched Band of Brothers again and those guys came home by ship and it was a week or more All the PTSD classes say talking about what happened with the guys you experienced it with helps a lot The pre Vietnam guys had a month or more waiting on ships and trains plus the long travel times to unwind Today you go to Kuwait for less than a week you are back in the States in less than a day Spend a few days at a mob station and then are home and in the case of Guard and Reserve soldiers home is not a base surrounded by other soldiers home may be a small town a hundred miles or more from and facilities at all and you are the only one for miles and miles that has had that experience

Response by SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt made Aug 16 at 2019 9:38 AM

SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 09:38:55 -0400

reinstate the draft for all for a minimum of 2 years as does Germany, Israel etc.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2019 4:48 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 04:48:14 -0400

I would make it mandatory for the BN level and above to have a predictable schedule. Nothing kills the moral of Soldiers like uncertainty. If your long range training calendar isn't complete for the entire FY you shouldn't be allowed to be in command. Second; unrealistic and unreasonable expectations; we cannot just pull NCOs and Soldiers out of the drawer when we have taskings and training. The S3 cannot be a "YES SIR" on everything. Sometimes we have to say, no we can't support seven taskings this month and properly train our troops and take care of readiness.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2019 12:52 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 12:52:46 -0400

I would kick Sodexo to the Curb, and and make the Promotion system more leadership based. Good troops are left in the lower ranks because of Physique, or shop politics even though they have great leadership potential, the current promotion system is so competitive that the lower enlisted are left to fend for themselves more often than not, nobody is willing to nut up for them, or even ask them whats wrong, and then the top just can't figure out why they keep killing themselves. And Sodexo gets the boot because they serve trash food and the DOD makes the Bachelor enlisted pay for it whether they even use it or not. You can get groceries for two people for a month for what one guy pays for that slop.

Response by SFC Raymond Thibault made Aug 18 at 2019 11:49 PM

SFC Raymond Thibault — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 23:49:25 -0400

I think they should go back to the way it was in the early 70s. Specialist were professional in their MOS. Leadership was the Hard Stripe. Not everyone is cut out to be a Leader. But, professional competent Mechanics, technicians and people who just love their jobs. take the pressure off the Force. I believe fewer Contractors and more dedicated Soldiers create a stronger Army, Navy, Marine or Air Force.

Response by SPC Franklin McKown made Aug 19 at 2019 5:54 PM

SPC Franklin McKown — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 17:54:52 -0400

I would RE ESTABLISH the Cavalry branch,this time, including the CAS mission(A-10.Spooky) I would budget in re-manufacturing capability on these as well.ALL recon missions(YES even in the Rangers) would be 19D scouts and airborne it should be there after basic as a qualifying factor..and budget to the army,Augment the USAF for space ops, as well as have he Navy develop a submersible carrier and sentry subs....but that's just me.
I would also begin civilian RETRAINING and therapy.

Response by SFC Tony Chavis made Aug 21 at 2019 9:53 AM

SFC Tony Chavis — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 09:53:29 -0400

Military Spouse should have the same benefits as the soldier. My wife stayed with me in Germany and she now suffers PTSD. Shehad Tri-Care Prime and her PCM up until she reached Medicare Age. I would like to see her and all spouses have access to the VA Hospital. She should be able to use the facility for medication, exams, and any of the programs made available to Vets. She served too!

Response by SSgt Edward Lynch made Aug 22 at 2019 9:58 AM

SSgt Edward Lynch — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 09:58:00 -0400

When I retired in 1985 my DD 214 stated that I was transferred to the fleet marine corps reserve. Ten years later I was retired. I just noticed that on my 214 an award was missing. ..my six air medals. They were on my previous DD 214's. Can you correct that?

Response by PO3 Steven Hartman made Aug 22 at 2019 1:41 PM

PO3 Steven Hartman — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 13:41:44 -0400

The first thing I would do is allow flexibility in promotions. Rather than merely time-in-grade I would absolutely add proficiency in the job you do. I was in the Navy during the Vietnam war. I have schooling in electronics and as a shipboard electrician. I then went to work for PG&E for six month and an electrical contractor for six more before knowing that having a firm future in one place was not for me. The Navy made me want to GO! Where? Anywhere! So I joined the Air Force so I could see Europe.

First I went from E-4 to E-3 when joining. Why? I dunno! But I did know that my fellow electrician airmen MacDill AFB's 1st CES electric shop knew very little about electricity, troubleshooting - or construction! None had schooling and all learning was done via W-10 civilian journeyman electricians. Soooo, three months after enlisting I was made a duty electrician for the entire base! .... as an E-3! This was an E5-E6 slot! i finally got my Sgt stripe a year and a half later. Now with the 401st CES at Torrejon AFB just outside Madrid, I found out that it would take 7 years for me to make E-5. So already an E-4 (over 7 yrs) I knew I would always be bitter that my skill was never questioned - though comensation for that skill would never been recognized with promotion! So, I bailed out of the Air Force during a reduction in force! The sad thing is, I truly loved being in the military. But it wasn't equitable for me to stay in. I needed to feel, not only appreciated by Uncle Sam - but compensated!

Second, though I doubt it will ever be possible, is to get politics out of the military! While a radio talk show host for KSCO AM-1080 in Santa Cruz, CA in 1999....... out of the military for 25 years, but having done battle for the U.S. Navy when our radical left city council voted to NOt invite the imperialistic U.S. Navy to anchor in port in my hometown... I received a visitor.
He was the local Navy recruiter to which my producer brought him in to my live show, gave him headphones and a microphone and sat him down. What the hell's going on?
I asked him to introduce himself and tell us why he was here.

Well, Mr. Hartman... I have official orders from the Dept. of the Navy for you! You HHHH-WHAAAAT?!!!
My orders were to report aboard the U.S.S. Antietam in Port Hueneme, CA for its return to the waters and anchorage off the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf after an absence of 11 years! HOLY COW! And then he says, "Do you accept these orders or not?" HEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLL YES!
Off I went! When I reported aboard, believe it or not.... Ol' Electrician Mate 3rd Class, Steve Hartman was the sole "V.I.P." aboard! The what? The sole V.I.P. aboard!!!! A full Lieutenant is escorting me. For you Army, Air Force, Marine types - that's a Captain! He leads me through some crew quarters where I think I'm going to get a bunk. But no..... up the ladder we go! Up the ladder? (Oh! For you civilians, that's a stairway!). Why are we going up there?
OMG! This is Officers' Country. We continue down the hallway. And when he stops I 'bout pooped me britches - err.... drawers! LOL! On the door is says in big Black letters: Fleet Admiral's Cabin! The LT opens the door and I look at him. I start laughing and say: Lieutenant, you gotta be sh*tting me!
He says: Nope! This is for you. You may not know it, but you're "Hot Sh*t" around here! Who? Me? He continues, "You can't imagine how grateful the Unites States Navy is in how you went into battle for us! (You might do a Google on Santa Cruz votes down Navy Ship. It "could" be there somewhere.)
Boy! Have I strayed! When mingling with the crew I found that just about everything in the Navy had gone P.C. Sailors who smoked were limited to a canvas cover tent on the starboard side which was the only place on the whole ship they could smoke! Officers I dunno; but enlisted had that one place!
And the dress code! I saw starched shirts everywhere. I was a Snipe! (Engineering) We were never clean! LOL!
And the President! Nobody liked Bill Clinton! Politics, politics, politics. In my 25 year absence, things had sure changed. And..... it made me sad. For me, and my country!
END

Response by SGT Tony Muro made Aug 23 at 2019 12:59 PM

SGT Tony Muro — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 12:59:30 -0400

Shrink military contracts. There are billions that go into the hands of contractors for experimental equipment that go no where. So many of those contractors gaining from the military never wore a uniform. Use that savings and invest it where it counts. Use that money and raise the salaries of the E-1 through E-6 drastically.

My last four months of active duty I had two jobs. I did my job with my FA unit and I also managed the Food Locker through Army Community Services. It was a horrible feeling seeing my brothers and sisters have to come in for services middle of the month. No one serving in the military should worry about food.

Response by SFC Terry Bryant made Aug 23 at 2019 6:52 PM

SFC Terry Bryant — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 18:52:29 -0400

One of the worse ideas ever in the Army is the select train promote system. If a Soldier is ready for the next level send him or her to their perspective training. Next I would broaden the cross training for the entire Military. That would allow all branches to have the option to more easily switch to an MOS that is available for promotion.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Aug 23 at 2019 7:31 PM

1SG Patrick Sims — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 19:31:53 -0400

To improve self-confidence---have an extensive hand to hand training program. In addition to boxing, solders will be more aggressive when they learn to take a punch.

Response by SGT Nickolas Ortiz made Aug 24 at 2019 4:48 PM

SGT Nickolas Ortiz — Sat, 24 Aug 2019 16:48:30 -0400

The two things I would change in the Military would be 1. stop the two tier PT classes... have ONE PT requirement for ALL Military personnel. No more Male PT scales and a lesser Female PT scale. Either you're good enough to be in or you're not. 2. Dispense with the theory that a Commissioned Officer MUST have a college degree... the college degree is as useful as directions on a shampoo bottle. Once, the degree meant something... but in today's academia, a South Korean Lesbian Gender Studies degree means the same as a Degree in applied physics in the Military.

Response by SSG Michel Smith made Aug 24 at 2019 9:39 PM

SSG Michel Smith — Sat, 24 Aug 2019 21:39:16 -0400

First, as a retired 25B I'm not sure how much the concept of using the latest and best equipment has taken affect, but seriously THEY need to be outfitted with the best in computer technology to include graphics cards with built in memory to take stress off the processors. And the processors should be the latest Intel i3, i5, and i7 processors. Second, I retired as Congress was passing a bill to take away the 20 year 50% retirement plan. Worst thing I EVER heard of! They made it where Soldiers are responsible to invest in a 401K program where they lose everything they invest into it if they leave the Army before they reach their 10 year mark.....that's a bunch of horseshit! Congress gets 100% retirement even if they only serve one 4 year term and they are sticking it to the military again!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 26 at 2019 2:40 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 14:40:26 -0400

I would make the support units having a mindset of giving world class support. I would change the respect between branches.

Response by PO1 Don Mac Intyre made Aug 26 at 2019 3:56 PM

PO1 Don Mac Intyre — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 15:56:22 -0400

For the military, or in the military?

Response by SSG George Holtje made Sep 2 at 2019 1:31 AM

SSG George Holtje — Mon, 02 Sep 2019 01:31:57 -0400

Without looking at any other comments I would like to see the complete destruction of the Good Ole Boy system of selection of promotion. The Army is trashing itself on the BN level on down by permitting a rating and recommending system based on a completely subjective scheme. NCOERs make it to the permanent record with bullets that say nothing. The validation of these evaluations often does not make to a completely objective reviewer that can flag and return the rating demanding a quantifying statement...(example: a bullet I actually saw ‘definitely the best NCO in the company’ for a dismount squad leader that has never been a vehicle section leader or filled any other position. ‘Maintain 100 percent accountability of team communication equipment’ for a Transition Team communications NCO also only means you showed up and did the what everyone in that position has to do.) The Among the Best/1-1 block seems to only be achievable at the rater’s favorite golf course, pool hall or other hangout rather than based on the performance of the NCO. I cannot speak of the officer side other than one of the best young lieutenants I worked with was removed from the Army because of witch hunt style hazing investigation by CID(pink belly was the subject). This factor in this officer’s case was less about hazing and dereliction of duty as stated in his reprimand and more about his straight talking, calls it like he sees it attitude. I believe another officer that was more malleable by his leadership would find himself treated differently.

The next thing I would like to see adjusted is probably a bit more pragmatic in terms of a solution. Certain schooling and experience is a requirement for promotion to senior grades. However, to make E7 in a time of war only seems to require having your packet submitted without any GoMoRs or UCMJ actions. There needs to be a restructuring of the mix between Light and Mech Infantry to allow a balance of experience into the senior grades. Remaining in one unit for 4+ years will institutionalize NCOs and make them unable or unwilling to adapt to a change in assignment. There also is the chosen few who found a hiding spot in TRADOC or ACRC to avoid deploying. The Ranger and Master Gunner identifier needs to be the key to the CSM office, and either for the 1SG office. Light and Mech time on a service record needs to be the key to senior ranking. Mech Units that have their PSGs and higher who have never dealt with motorpool Monday or Bradley gunnery are faced with an immense challenge of bringing the backbone of the unit up to speed and getting the daily workload accomplished.

There is a lot more I would change if I could but the real practical suggestion is to keep the soldiers moving and transitioning to permit acquisition of skills and prevent stagnation. Advancement requirements should have a basis on experience over an evaluation only basis.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2019 10:32 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 22:32:33 -0400

I would make most army courses and training compatible with the public education system so that soldiers receive more credits while serving. Part of that would include implementing an Army Community College type program similar to the Air Force. Another thing would be to get rid of the point system for promotions. Promotions need to be focused on proficiency in current grade, good character and completion of what needs to be done in current grade.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Sep 16 at 2019 9:34 AM

SSG Eric Blue — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 09:34:49 -0400

Thanks for posting this question. I'm really liking the answers I'm seeing.

Response by PO1 Jerome Newland made Sep 16 at 2019 8:05 PM

PO1 Jerome Newland — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 20:05:20 -0400

I vacilate about bringing back the draft. I was in the last one and was not picked, I joined anyway. Part of our patriotism, our pride of country, and even reverence of God was shaped by duty, honor and commitment to our country's well being and future. It gives the court an extra choice before their right to vote or run for political office is stripped away. I think each boot camp should have a instructional class on why they are needed, civic responsibility, and government function. How and why to vote? How to make the most out of a career. How to avoid the pitfalls of credit, how to handle a budget. How to build emotional or mental strength. How to focus on task, and how to debrief when a mission is over. We should never teach men they can't cry. There should always be an emotional cooldown time after each day of boot camp and a time of team building called something like Hour of the Brotherhood, or something similar. During this time it can be taught that women are part just as much as men. And need to be respected. A charity benefit talent show put on by each company vying for the Community flag. Funneling money into the local area, and instilling positive feelings towards the benefits of being involved. A competition, just before graduation, against local units with different skills in areas neither are trained in, and mixing up the units into teams. Not service against service, just brother against brother. Breeding the idea of interservice and interagency cooperation. As the military of the old school, we expected schools to do this, or parents. But it is not happening so somewhere it has to done. Boot Camp is a captive population, with no real knowledge of what they are getting into. After tearing them down, a chance to rebuild something better exists. For four years they get to practice being good citizens, sharing strengths and weaknesses, appreciating work done by others, and stepping up to do the work no one wants to do. To build emotional safery nets to fall into after a sudden traumatic episode. How to use a group support system within and without the service. We have the opportunity to make citizen soldiers. Like the country started with, not just high tech warriors. God bless America.
Senior Chaplain
Jerome Newland
Philippines

Response by LCDR Mike Morrissey made Sep 18 at 2019 11:48 AM

LCDR Mike Morrissey — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 11:48:26 -0400

In the Navy, there is an unwritten rule that all career oriented commissioned line officers should aspire for command at sea. However the selection process for that aspect has an extremely limited number of billets and results in rapid rotations and losses of skilled officers in an extremely competitive promotion system. In addition, a line officer can seldom specialize as they rotate through weapons, engineering, ops, deck etc. All it takes is one fitness report from an SOB C.O. to derail and force out a skilled leader short of 20. The up or out system is a result of Eisenhower experience with lower grade officers who held on and glutted the ranks forcing long periods between promotions. The military/naval and civilian climate today is far different and the up or out as it exists is antiquated.

Response by SSgt Clarence Pennington made Sep 23 at 2019 9:43 AM

SSgt Clarence Pennington — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 09:43:56 -0400

I would reduce contractor work by bringing outsourced work back into the military fold. Before I retired as a military contractor I saw so much waste and people just hired so the company could charge the government more money. Much of the work done was make work.

Response by Pvt Gorthaur Eternus made Sep 23 at 2019 1:17 PM

Pvt Gorthaur Eternus — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 13:17:53 -0400

1. Everyone would meet the same UNIFORM standard. You are part of a team, you will wear the proper uniform regardless of your religion or gender issues.
2. Sexuality is YOUR business....whatever you do at home doesn't belong nor should it be part of your service. No preference!

Response by PO1 Ronald Parker made Sep 23 at 2019 6:26 PM

PO1 Ronald Parker — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 18:26:51 -0400

I don't know about the other services but when I was in the Navy there were too many different uniforms. Have a dress uniform and a work uniform. Service wide I would incorporate training for Microsoft as a part of the schooling requisite to get into admin. There is so much that you can do with all of the gadgets of Microsoft and it would also help when you got out of the service.

Response by MAJ Mark Wilson made Sep 24 at 2019 7:25 AM

MAJ Mark Wilson — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 07:25:05 -0400

The way they spend. Such wasteful spending and attitudes towards money. Budgets don't mean much and it's reinforced by the command when you have to spend millions of dollars in the final hours of the FY. No punishment for commanders that overspend or blow their budget.

Response by SP5 James Johnson made Oct 5 at 2019 3:44 PM

SP5 James Johnson — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 15:44:13 -0400

I would fire every general hired by obama.

Response by LCDR Michael Pumilia made Oct 11 at 2019 4:45 PM

LCDR Michael Pumilia — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 16:45:32 -0400

Up and out is, and was even in the 70's, a very stupid concept. The other was fighting stupid wars because the politicians said, "Go here and fight," at some point on the globe. Vietnam was my era's war. The rest of you have your own. After a bit, that war made no sense, should have been ended much sooner, but the politicians and their donors kept pushing because of the money they all received. It's a damn shame then, now, and in the future.

Response by SN Gordon J Thumudo made Oct 16 at 2019 3:49 PM

SN Gordon J Thumudo — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 15:49:10 -0400

First I think they need to be better equipped with more modern and up to date equipment in ALL areas, I think they deserve better pay grades so that they can support their families when on duty.

Response by MSgt Van Sullivan made Oct 17 at 2019 10:04 PM

MSgt Van Sullivan — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 22:04:01 -0400

I would like to see the Army be mandated to allow their internal training classes to be audited by an institute of higher learning such as MIT. In this manner the classes would be taught and tested on a college level therefore providing full college credits and incentive for all participants. These credits will carry over to their civilian endeavors if they so decided. I saw this benefit recognized by our local utility company in the 1970's when employees with prior service were asked to provide their educational documentation to the human resources department. Everyone whom had served in the USAF and the USN were given credit and received raises and or promotions. The USMC members whom had attended aviation, avionics, and other technical training through the USN received the same simply because by having the training classes audited by these institutions, they were all accredited. The members whom served in the Army were rejected because the Army refused the institutions offers with the attitude that they didn't need nor want anybody's help training their people. I said I experienced this myself and I did. It was very disheartening for me as I love all of my veteran brothers and sisters.

Response by Cpl Rugs Haase made Oct 18 at 2019 1:00 PM

Cpl Rugs Haase — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 13:00:56 -0400

In regard to the US military bring draftees into the US Army.

Response by SPC Earl Semler made Oct 18 at 2019 7:29 PM

SPC Earl Semler — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 19:29:31 -0400

The first thing I would change is the rank system, bringing back the higher Specialist grades up though E-7. The military is losing good people very skilled in their fields by forcing to rank up or get out. Combat arms except, if you are in Combat arms you need to be a leader as well as skilled in your field. Now there is a need for leaders in the specialized fields but that should be the soldier choice to go for the NCO ranks.

The next hing I would change is advance training in MOS fields that is hands on and class room time. This needs to be implemented across the military, not just officers.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2019 7:57 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 19:57:27 -0400

I agree get rid of the up or out and HYT policies. I've worked with plenty of SrA who are amazing Aircraft Maintainers, can get the job done and train the younger guys but have no desire to be a NCO

Response by SGT Paul Laughlin made Oct 19 at 2019 1:05 PM

SGT Paul Laughlin — Sat, 19 Oct 2019 13:05:03 -0400

The 2 things that I would change are PT and the outsourcing. The PT should be more job specific. It is fine to have basic standards but an infantryman has a different set of needs than a supply clerk or a communications specialist. I would bring a lot of the services that are outsourced back in the military. I would use military units as for lack of better terms companies. Civil Engineering could help with the infrastructure needs. Communications could help wire schools that need new cabling asd set up networks. This would not have to be a free service but it could be the government agency that is receiving the labor provides the needed material so that it does not come out of the unit budget.

Response by CPL Josh Drake made Oct 19 at 2019 1:36 PM

CPL Josh Drake — Sat, 19 Oct 2019 13:36:23 -0400

For the Infantry, they did a study on combat and found that short sprints and HIIT were the best exercise. Did they listen? No. They kept on running 5 miles two or three days a week to the detriment of my knees. So, for my particular classification, I would update the fitness regimen and requirements.

Military-wide, I've been working for the Army and now the Air Force as a construction manger for about 4 years. Nothing needs to be improved more intensely the way the government spends money. At least once a month, I literally watch them waste millions of dollars. They pay contractors one and half or double what they're worth. I recently managed a project with a budget of 2.3 million to build out a hangar. The contractor's bids came back at 4 million and up.

Soldiers are second class citizens, what it comes to infrastructure. Facilities are failing and the amount of money it would cost to fix them is less than half of what they throw away on BS.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Oct 20 at 2019 10:26 AM

LCpl Cody Collins — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 10:26:19 -0400

I would kick political correctness out of the military sevices.
A. Revert Marine Corps Bootcamp training back to Vietnam era Training.
B. Bring the Army Basic Training up to Marine Corps standards.

Response by SSgt Ricardo Lugo made Oct 20 at 2019 11:47 AM

SSgt Ricardo Lugo — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 11:47:43 -0400

The only thing I recommend is that to keep actualization of all elements of total force operations. God help us comply in national and global security in accordance of justice; and persuit of happiness. Thanks God and nation for the freedom we live.

Response by CPT Mike Sims made Oct 20 at 2019 10:53 PM

CPT Mike Sims — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 22:53:44 -0400

Create Limited Duty Officer (LDO) positions for Mustang Officers (prior enlisted) personnel in the Army up to the grade / rank of O-4 / Major.

There are many great former enlisted Officers who are excellent leaders and who have no desire to retire as Colonels or Generals. These are the guys who lead troops and want no part of mundane staff / desk jobs. This would also work especially well in non-Mustang billets for Intelligence Officers, Counterintelligence Officers / Agents, HUMINT Officers, SIGINT Officers, IMINT Officers, Aviation Officers, Air & Missile Defense Officers, Special Forces Officers, Military Police Officers, etc. Make retirement mandatory for LDOs at 25 years, and do not make attendance to senior career development courses like CGSC mandatory for LDOs as this would serve no benefit to the Officer or to the Army.

Next - and just as important... I would add a Warrant Officer Program to the Air Force. The Air Force would benefit immensely by having a Warrant Officer Corps for helicopter and light attack fixed wing aircraft Aviators, UAV pilots, Aviation Trainers, Aviation Test Pilots, Crew Chiefs, Maintenance Chiefs, Ordnance Chiefs, Intelligence Chiefs, Office of Special Investigations Chiefs, Security Forces Chiefs, Combat Controller Chiefs, Pararescue Chiefs, Food Service Chiefs, Transportation Chiefs, Logisitics Chiefs, Satellite Operations Chiefs, Space Operations Chiefs, Firefighter Chiefs, EOD Chiefs, Weapons Chiefs, Avionics Chiefs, etc.

The Air Force has many great Airmen who would make great Officers - but may not have the education level yet to be commissioned, so having a Warrant Officer Corps would enhance the professionalism of the Air Force and motivate enlisted personnel to strive for Stripes to Bars program for those seeking greater responsibility and challenges. This would also alleviate the Commissioned Officer Corps to focus more on leadership, mission planning, strategy development, unit tactics training and unit readiness. Right now, Air Force Officers are overwhelmed with so many adminstrative and technical tasks (normally handled by Warrant Officers) that they have little time to serve as leaders or become proficient in their jobs. Many Officers have said they feel like "Firefighters" - merely existing to put out "fires" created by higher headquarters command from one day to the next with no predictability - often sliding priority unit training to the left in order to appease higher headquarters last minute administrative tasks, which has amounted to Officers - particularly pilots leaving in mass exodus. So, I believe the Warrant Officer Program would be the right move for Americas 21st century Air Force!

Response by CPT Don Meaker made Oct 21 at 2019 4:47 AM

CPT Don Meaker — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 04:47:04 -0400

I would provide a pistol that used the same ammunition as the service rifle. When shooting a pistol, you need at least as much lethality as the service rifle. I would also change artillery standard ammunition to 120mm, same as tank cannon, same as infantry mortar, and develop a recoilless gun and Missile launchers to fire the same caliber. Common ammunition, with all r&d to benefit all branches.

Response by SPC Karl Elshoff made Oct 22 at 2019 10:39 AM

SPC Karl Elshoff — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 10:39:09 -0400

No fighting in wars that don't directly involve America's interests. Bring our troops home.

Response by SFC Scott Higgins made Oct 31 at 2019 10:33 AM

SFC Scott Higgins — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 10:33:03 -0400

I totally agree with CW3 Kevin Storm. If someone didn't want to move up in rank - doesn't want the added responsibility - whatever the reason and they continue to follow the orders of those who out rank them....why have to bring in a newbie pay all the money to train them when you have a willing and able soldier already in hand. Additionally, moving up in rank can be difficult for soldiers to obtain the higher education when they are deployed. So I know I lost some really good soldiers in the medical field because promotion points were so high they couldn't make E-5. The Army lost their expertise and had to train a new recruit. For my MOS, I had 966 points out of 1000 to get E-6. I was the only one promoted that year. I was lucky, I was in a "peace-time" Army. And make the same rule for officers, if someone wants to stay a Captain for example - why not? They would or should get really good at it. If not, then muster them out for poor performance, not "well you didn't get promoted by "x" time. Absolute waste of resources. My technical classification what would I change. have someone make anyone who graduates from the Army's Pharmacy Tech program get automatic certification.

Response by SSG Lynn Skocdopole made Nov 1 at 2019 5:27 PM

SSG Lynn Skocdopole — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 17:27:31 -0400

Armoring personnel to withstand 50 cal. armor piercing rounds no. one,
Number two is train Armor vehicle personnel on horseback to understand the challenges of teamwork and field maneuvering. upgrade to 6 wheel amphibious vehicles after six weeks.

Response by SFC Johnny Robertson made Nov 4 at 2019 1:40 PM

SFC Johnny Robertson — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 13:40:50 -0500

PT Standards and Pay.

Response by SPC William Szkromiuk made Nov 12 at 2019 12:48 PM

SPC William Szkromiuk — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 12:48:11 -0500

First: I would stop improving things. New does not make something better. In particular tradition. Case in point. Berets. Rank insignia becoming almost invisible.(at least to my old eyes). I could go on.....

Second: And this is the Biggie! FIX the VA! Yes, I believe this is a big part of the Military. If you don't. Wait until you get out.

Happy Belated Veterans Day to all.

Response by MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan made Nov 14 at 2019 12:05 PM

MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 12:05:32 -0500

Academy cadets would have a six year commitment, the first two of which would be serving in the enlisted corps. The concept of "been there, done that" adds a large dose of understanding of the entire mission and mission force.
Give enlisted folks the choice of management/administration or technician/professional in their career field. Not all folks want to be in charge; many really enjoy and are really good at the day-to-day job of fulfilling the mission, and as a result have a good level of morale and job satisfaction. I wonder what the statistics are on people who get out simply because they don't want that "back-office headache"?

Response by LCpl Sandy Moran made Nov 16 at 2019 1:56 PM

LCpl Sandy Moran — Sat, 16 Nov 2019 13:56:43 -0500

Height to weight ratio. Not all humans are built the same. I believe "if you can pass the PT test you good too go even if you take the test twice" And the track you run should be the same for everyone. officers and enlisted. Not you run this and I'll run that. I found motivation is lost in a lot of enlisted personal, some of it do too a** whole NCO's with attitudes. This happens within the first yr. of enlistment. Some NCOs are there because of time, not how they can lead. A motivate {Its not just a job its a life}. Sorry about that I got a little carried away.

Response by LTC Ronald Stephens made Nov 17 at 2019 12:57 PM

LTC Ronald Stephens — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 12:57:38 -0500

One of the best NCOs I had as a nugget was an artillery section chief who was a staff sergeant. He taught me more about being a canon artilleryman in 2 months than 6 months of OCS after 2 months of AIT gunnery. I PCSd to Viet Nam in July 1969 and he was gone when I returned. Never encountered him again. The army lost one damn good artilleryman.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2019 8:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 20:24:34 -0500

Eliminate the good old boy system from promotion boards. It should be based on most qualified, not who you know.

Response by SN Steven Fast made Nov 19 at 2019 6:24 AM

SN Steven Fast — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 06:24:04 -0500

Improve medical care for veterans dealing with both physical and mental issues coming home from war. We sent them there and got them hurt so we need to fix them.

Go back to toughening up our men and women for battle. They're going to fight not to play war. They need to understand that the enemy isn't going to give a fuck about a training time out or stress card...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2019 6:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 18:35:59 -0500

Sorry if this was brought up already. Speaking in terms of an Army National Guard.
Stop trying to be like Regular Army. Our Traditional Soldiers are conducting much more IDT/ADT days than pre-9/11.
This is causing stress at the home and work life when 'weekend warriors' are gone on MUTA 6-8s and 3-4 week ATs. "I'm losing money when I drill, missing out on school/classes" are not ways to retain Soldiers.

NG Soldiers are continuing having to keep up with 'regular army' standards, when we are not RA.
Stop trying to retain EVERY Soldier that doesnt meet qualifications.
Stop trying to 'buff up numbers' and pretend something we are not.
If NG State has to downsize, in order to focus on the Soldiers that want to be in, rather than the Soldiers that dont want to be in, taking the AGR's time away from the ones that want to be in.

This would mean 'downsizing' in a sense, and NO current TAG/Commanders would ever think of 'downsizing' as a good thing. Yes downsizing would mean losing money and AGRs, but lets be honest, Im sure every NG state could stand to lose some 'AGRs'.

Response by LT Joanne Melear made Nov 21 at 2019 8:06 AM

LT Joanne Melear — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 08:06:45 -0500

Effectively address MST! The present system does not work! Victims must be respected and criminal action should be swiftly punished. Men and women, who have had the courage to report such experiences have been disrespected, disbelieved, dismissed and often even detached! The chain of command can not be trusted and the effects of such trauma continue for a lifetime!

Response by Maj William Johnson made Nov 21 at 2019 10:20 AM

Maj William Johnson — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 10:20:39 -0500

I agree the existing system forces individuals to get promoted or be kicked out... The problem with this mentality is that you can lose experience and expertise as the need to "PUSH" folks up or out.

Response by SP5 Hugh Brown made Nov 21 at 2019 11:39 AM

SP5 Hugh Brown — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 11:39:13 -0500

First I would want a 30% across the board pay increase for all the enlisted ranks, the pay is so out of line with their civilian counterpart.

Second, why do we need six or seven senior NCOs in the same position, all drawing pay for just showing up each shift, while the military is paying civilian contractors for doing work these NCOs could be doing?
If you have six trees in the same area, you cut some of them out.

Response by SPC Wayne Strickland made Nov 22 at 2019 9:57 AM

SPC Wayne Strickland — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 09:57:23 -0500

The first thing I would do is work on the transitional phase of soldiers. In my experience they often don't have the proper licensing to continue in their field of work without doing more schooling. This should be taken care of while in service to make for a smoother transition. It would be much easier for them to secure employment before leaving the service. The whole transition process should be much more thorough to better prepare soldiers for departure.
The other thing I would fix is taxes. Soldiers shouldn't be bothered with taxes at any point during their service. I've seen soldiers end up paying state taxes in 2 different states because their spouse worked. Soldiers receiving hazardous pay and in certain areas are tax exempt already, just make it across the board and relieve them of that burden. These may seem like small things, but they go a long ways in our quality of life and well being. Beyond that I can't really say as I've been out a while.

Response by CSM Thomas Ray made Nov 23 at 2019 8:39 AM

CSM Thomas Ray — Sat, 23 Nov 2019 08:39:28 -0500

Audit the defense contractors, and turn some of this back over to the military branches. There is too much corruption, and misuse of funds, that could be used by the active military. Defense contractors are essential but there is a lot of waste that could be cut.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 24 at 2019 12:16 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 12:16:22 -0500

Have some fun with the troops, and provide sponsors for all the incoming soldiers.

Response by CDR Peter Gregory made Nov 25 at 2019 8:55 AM

CDR Peter Gregory — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 08:55:13 -0500

My first take is a quality of life matter, relax or repeal current policy on beards and facial hair. It took the military 20 years more less to come to terms with tattoos and common sense management of that. Facial hair, presence is, or lack of it, has zero correlation to war fighting abilities are fighting fires.

Other would be in terms of military/veterans health. Integrate DOD/Tricare/VA health records and systems into one platform database. The other would be to put Tricare out of its slow suffering, much like CHAMPUS came to an end in the early 80s, so move all dependent/retired care onto the Federal FHB health care marketplaces where choices and options far, far greater and more efficient. Federal budging for such becomes more simple, it gets the DOD proper out of the health care business. And it places uniformed military medicine back where ti belongs. On ships, the field and operational forces.

Response by SMSgt Ed Turney made Nov 28 at 2019 8:44 AM

SMSgt Ed Turney — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 08:44:34 -0500

I concur. I do not understand why the military thinks EVERYONE needs to progress to the senior grades. Every person plateaus at a different level. The USAF lost a lot of talent with this concept and this includes myself. I was always a better wrench turner than an office dude herding people.After I retired I change that, was happier and made more money on top of it.

Response by LTC N Willard Schwartz made Nov 28 at 2019 3:48 PM

LTC N Willard Schwartz — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 15:48:41 -0500

I would suggest that promotions of higher rank are to frequently awarded frequently without demonstrable advance capabilities just as a manner of encouraging reenlistment. Advance should only be awarded with the progress of the individual.

Response by SSG Ray Elliott made Dec 6 at 2019 4:22 PM

SSG Ray Elliott — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 16:22:24 -0500

Disclaimer: I'm not up on all of the issues currently facing military members, I retired quite a number of years ago, but I do have a Son who is a Major in the Army and know some of the issues he faces, although I'm sure he would have different responses than me if answering the same question.

From what I've seen from my son's career: deployments seem to have gotten more frequent and longer than they were when I was in, and I'm sure it would help Military families from all branches to be able to have shorter overseas deployments, spaced farther apart.

My son has always had his family in civilian off base housing, from what I've seen on the news recently Military housing run by private contractors in some areas is deplorable. I'm sure it would be a benefit to Military members and families to have ample and adequate government housing available. I know when I was on active duty there never seemed to be government housing available when I changed duty stations.

Response by SGT Felicia King made Dec 12 at 2019 10:10 AM

SGT Felicia King — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 10:10:36 -0500

Bring back the ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ and allow females their traditional combat roles prior to letting them in infantry. I believe only in the military police, combat medic, and pilot crewman.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2019 7:22 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 07:22:52 -0500

Beyond Basic Training, there needs to be separate training facilities and cadre between active and reserve soldiers across the board. Have the same cirruclum, but have active train active and reserve train reserve. There is a bias active has against reserve and I have seen it first hand and more than once. I had an active WO3 tell me he doesn't care about reserve and yes that was worst case but the bias is real and no upside. Second is giving reserve soldiers retirement pay before 60 if they served in a combat theater. If you served let's say 18 months on two deployments than that 18 months should be subtracted from your retirement age ability to collect retirement. I know Congress already passed a light version of this but it doesn't go back to the start of Afgan war and is not a month-for-mpnth exchange.

Response by CW4 Tim Leival made Dec 17 at 2019 11:42 AM

CW4 Tim Leival — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 11:42:01 -0500

Much like CW3 Kevin Storm posted last year, the worst thing about the military is the "up or out" imperative. Careerism is the terminal cancer infecting our military. It has been witnessed many times in history when an organization transitions from a mission-driven cause to a self-serving bureaucracy, then it is doomed to perpetual mediocrity and failure. I have often suspected that the current personnel policies in the services are the ultimate Information Operation of our adversaries to forever neuter US military effectiveness by insuring that merit will never overcome obsequious ass-licking. As long as promotion is the only expression of advancement, and promotion is dependent suspending any critical thinking capability in favor of sycophancy, then initiative, talent and logic are useless. You can tinker with OER formats endlessly and still get the same depressing result.
Its a bit hopeful to hear the rhetoric of "talent management" in the last few years, but it must be recognized that talent is not spread evenly throughout the service-minded demographic. And (horrors!) talent management begins with the notion that the mission is more important than ANY individual's career: sometimes you just have to fire folks who aren't contributing. To those who just want to "make their numbers", I submit that you won't have enough room in your recruiting stations to process all the folks who will kill and die to prove their own worth once you begin to value merit over mere presence.

Death to careerism! SP4 for life and O-6 by 30 if it suits the individual!

Of course, the only other thing I would change is institutionalizing a plant-based diet throughout the services to maximize performance and mitigate medical and VA payments.

Response by SPC Kerry Good made Dec 22 at 2019 2:00 PM

SPC Kerry Good — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 14:00:03 -0500

All the military's should be allowing concealed carry on bases & off, 2nd Veterans like me with CCW should also be able to carry on bases! Guess who put a stop to this???? None other than pedophile, Arkansas enlisted for ROTC with free college then fled during Vietnam War because he thought to much of himself Felon President Clinton(note peanut growing president Carter exonerated him expunging that prick, I mean Clintons felony so he could become AR governor)! So come on Generals over rule that asshats rule! That's my 2 cents, besides I carried pistols, AR's, shotguns on base without telling anyone, I carried for 30 years before I got my CCW, must be getting middle aged(70 now)!

Response by Maj Robert Larkowski made Jan 5 at 2020 11:27 AM

Maj Robert Larkowski — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 11:27:05 -0500

The evaluation system definitely needs changing, again! When I was in so much time was spent on the wording of the report. Constantly going up and down the chain until it met someone's approval. Too much time was spent on this process.

Response by Capt Robert Vincelette made Jan 14 at 2020 4:37 AM

Capt Robert Vincelette — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 04:37:00 -0500

I would ban junk food and tobacco sales on military exchanges and I would eliminate bars and drinks from the mess dress, officer clubs, and NCO clubs. Those who want to indulge in these unhealthy things can get them off base on their own. The military does not owe the kind of corporations that sell them any right to government sponsorship in selling them.

Response by SSG Ken Steinhoff made Jan 17 at 2020 9:06 AM

SSG Ken Steinhoff — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:06:25 -0500

I would change the CIB. I have an EIB and a CIB. It was a lot harder to get a EIB then the CIB so I will change the CIB Wreath to Gold if you have the EIB.
2nd I will add a new Ribbon. We have to know our unit history when going to the board. And you should know it so you know the standards you will need to hold up to. So we should have a Generation Ribbon. If you father or mother serve in the service you should get one, and each generation back you will add a cluster to the ribbon. The cluster will stop if there is a gap from one generation to the next.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2020 12:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 12:30:19 -0500

Being back tech Sgt for the technical MOS

Response by SP6 Guy Slater made Jan 30 at 2020 9:20 PM

SP6 Guy Slater — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 21:20:37 -0500

I would bring back the draft. Please hear me out.
I became Army in 1968, while the draft was still going on. My Basic Training platoon of about 40 men had at least 1 Masters Degree holder, and several Baccalaureate's, and a few Primary School dropouts. The majority of us held a HS Diploma. One of the platoon was an established off-Broadway playwright, and another was a member of the design team for the Apollo Moon shots (he left BCT as a 2LT directly commissioned and reported back to NASA.) We had a large number of people from the Detroit area, with others from NYC, Alabama, Mississippi and one from Kentucky (BCT was at Ft. Knox, and this gents parents visited every weekend, with homemade goodies. Because the Drill Instructor got his share of them, so did members of the platoon!) We had city kids and country kids, jocks and nerds, and some who didn't know their left from their right. We also had at least two who were given the choice between the Army of prison.

We were a diverse group, and because of that diversity, we learned to get along, for the most part.

Today's volunteer military, from what I see and hear at Ft. Campbell, near where I live, doesn't seem to have that diversity. Not there is anything wrong with this, but many seem very conservative in their outlook, at a very young age. We need both conservative and liberal minds in our military.

At the same time as reinstituting the draft, I would also institute a separate pay scale for those drafted. Not to hearken back to "well, in my day" mode (who the hell, today, would be able to exist on a paycheck of $103.00 before deductions?) But, being in the service also means making a sacrifice, and when that sacrifice includes learning life and possible job/career skills, the trade-off is acceptable. Make the pay equal at the end of 18 months. Draft everyone, including women, with exceptions being made for those who are so physically or mentally handicapped as to no being able to perform anything. I applaud seeing those who are "mentally challenged" working in the local economy, bagging groceries and stocking shelves, working in the food service industry, etc. There are needs for those same jobs to be performed in the military: grocery stocking equates to supply, food service to the mess hall (oops! the "dinning facility."), and then we can do my favorite job, getting rid of the civilian work force (at least some of it) and contractors. (In BCT, I spent 4 days out of 8 weeks, doing "post detail," which was cutting grass, and another 2 days performing KP. Back then, our duty week was Monday thru Saturday at noon.) There is no reason for the civilian work force (again, in most cases) to perform building and grounds maintenance under a draft situation.

What would this improve? The physical and mental well being of our young adults. The savings of, more than likely, millions of dollars in the Military Budget. And making our military posts and bases look like something other than abandoned industrial parks.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2020 9:54 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 09:54:30 -0500

Economy of time, economy of motion, fraud, waste and abuse. Enough said.

Response by SMSgt Billy Cesarano made Feb 6 at 2020 6:47 AM

SMSgt Billy Cesarano — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 06:47:16 -0500

1) Require Air National Guard and reserves Chiefs and Seniors no more than 4 years in any one career field. Way too often, I have seen regime building and a 'good ole boy' take over of units. A great deal of high quality personnel leave units due to the 'cliche' promoting incompetence to maintain power and control. A selected young Chief can hold that position for more than thirty years in some cases locking up the hold on the power and influence structure strictly forbidden in the regulations, leading to a myriad of negative effects in the units cohesiveness and effectiveness.
2) Enforce the original intent of ARTS and Technicians by requiring traditional guard and reserve be in total command of their respective duties on UTA's by requiring the 'full timers' to be attached to another specialty track for UTA the same way traditional's have other civilian jobs. This will greatly enhance readiness and proficiency of traditional airmen and abide by the original intent.

Response by TSgt Neal Dodson made Apr 26 at 2020 9:26 AM

TSgt Neal Dodson — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 09:26:42 -0400

Remove officers from NCO business! Reinstall the NCO corp. Utilize our people by their strengths.

Response by Sgt Charles Welling made Apr 26 at 2020 9:30 AM

Sgt Charles Welling — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 09:30:45 -0400

Don't send them in unless they are there to win then get politicians out of their hair. Rid the military/DOD, regardless of rank, of Frankenbama hold overs and spies. Yes, they do exist.

Response by SrA Ken Lord made Apr 27 at 2020 3:27 PM

SrA Ken Lord — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 15:27:20 -0400

1. I would improve military readiness to help people, especially here at home, adding more ships like the USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy, but also increasing the size/budget of the Army Corps of Engineers... in terms of foreign relations, every bridge we build probably makes us enough friends to save us from having to destroy ten others. I'd also like more disaster readiness, like the inflatable hospitals packed in forty foot containers, so USAF AMC can deliver things to help people quickly.

2. Solidly agree with other posters that up and out is not a good concept. If you like your current job/position, and you're good at it, you should be able to stay there. Aside from that, up and out reinforces a long debunked notion that just because someone is good at *doing* a job, that they'd be good at *managing* people who do that job... that's just a plainly untrue thing that has never been true, and has been disproven a million times over in the workplace.

Response by PO1 J D made Apr 29 at 2020 12:53 PM

PO1 J D — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 12:53:45 -0400

Ask trump to commit hari kiri

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2020 3:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 15:32:07 -0400

Completely remove the Chain of Command from having a voice in whether a SM can apply for WTU. It is an inherent conflict of interest, and leaders are rarely qualified to make medical decisions. (2) Abolish the Home Station Mission Command (Rear D) model and replace it with a permanent party that has the expertise in medical, mental health, and UCMJ rules and regs so that non-deployers do not fall through the cracks or exploit the system.

Response by SFC Richard Garrett made Apr 29 at 2020 9:44 PM

SFC Richard Garrett — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 21:44:08 -0400

I would change the infantry squad back to eleven man and make the two new ones designated marksmen with rifles that reach out father than 556. Place them in the weapons squad.

Response by CW3 Thomas Gray made Apr 30 at 2020 1:46 PM

CW3 Thomas Gray — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 13:46:45 -0400

Housing & boots; housing because we need to take care of our families starting with E1s lowest ranks having priority and working up the ranks because newly enlisted members can’t afford decent housing. Boots because our issued boots don’t even come close to what private industry has to offer!

Response by CMC Aaron Relford made May 2 at 2020 2:37 AM

CMC Aaron Relford — Sat, 02 May 2020 02:37:10 -0400

I would like to see training align with the complimentary civilian sector professions. So that when they leave the service they are more marketable. Their experience, professional documents, and certifications would make it a lot easier to land good jobs in the civilian sector quicker.

Response by Robert Janisse made May 2 at 2020 12:35 PM

Robert Janisse — Sat, 02 May 2020 12:35:05 -0400

One thing I'd change about RallyPoint is 2 year old posts showing up in today's newsfeed. I feel like a total POG commenting to something that is old news.

But on point, first thing to change is to remove politics from tactical decisions.Politics define the goal and the ROE, but once commanders are in the field, the goal should be clear enough they need no further interference.

Second, mandatory national service. But before that can happen, induction protocols need to be strengthened so the wrong people do not end up in the wrong situations. No amount of BCT can make a warrior out of all of us, but the discipline instilled is a benefit to all.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2020 4:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2020 16:27:09 -0400

1. Only commission into combat arms without prior service. All others require at least four years of enlisted time and an associate's degree related to their field. Higher level degrees and more experience makes them more competitive to be selected.

2. Iron out budgeting and approve primary DOD budgets 2-5 years in advance. I've seen/ been part of to much, 'we're going to hold off on fixing that until we see what funds we get next...'. I would include annual must spending, such as 'its September we need to spend $????'.

3. If I had to choose, I might put this above the budgeting issue. Education should probably be improved across the board. Seems like half the initial training, mainly Army AIT, just checks a weak box and sends them on their way. After that leadership training seems to be behind for most people. Lots of getting to the training and 'ya I already do that' or 'that would have been good to know two years ago'. Also all military universities (AFIT, War College, etc) should be open to anyone in good standing and meet the educational requirements.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made May 6 at 2020 7:09 AM

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Wed, 06 May 2020 07:09:23 -0400

Treat reprisals with the maximum under the law to send the message, from top down, that retaliatory behavior or actions against subordinates will not be tolerated at all. The law strictly prohibits discrimination, so don't do it; keep personal hatred out of your uniform, because hatred has no place in it.

If an officer or a soldier submits a Complaint under provisions of law to a Commander or the IG, such cases must be treated with priority and investigated properly within the timeline specified in law. No complaints should be allowed to gather moss or mold; complaints must not be investigated by the IG of the MACOM in which either the Complainants or the Accused are or were serving at the time the Complaint was submitted. This is law and it must be followed to avoid even an appearance of conflict of interest in the case. Whistleblowers are not foe.

Boards of Inquiry must not be convened or conducted by the MACOM in which either or both the Complainants and the Accused were serving at the time the Complaint was filed. This is to avoid conflict of interest and other unfair practices; all are presumed innocent, until proven guilty by the preponderance of the evidence before a competent legal authority; the law is for all and the law must not be breached.

Courts must hear cases in which Complaints of reprisal against whistleblowers are made. Rejection of such cases due to lack of Jurisdiction or for failure to meet the six-year rule by the Judiciary is injustice. The six-year rule must not apply to Whistleblower complaints and cases of reprisal.

Response by SFC William Linnell made May 13 at 2020 9:14 AM

SFC William Linnell — Wed, 13 May 2020 09:14:11 -0400

This is a great question. To narrow it down to two is hard. So here I go.
#1: I would attract more certified professional counselors and Dr's to every military Post to accommodate the number of Soldiers to counselor ratio. I don't know if there has been improvements to this in the past 8 yrs I've been retired. But while in the Army was severely lacking in that department in mental health. There needs to be a better system then what is happening with the band aid service happening with just throwing pills at the Soldier and hoping that they work. An add on to the opening of my fixing that having each unit paired up with their own counselors. That way the counselors and the Soldiers share an invested interest and get a bond established instead of yep that Dr who has about 500 patients.

#2: The Army is still stuck in the old British mentality of rank hierarchy where the Officers are put on this pedestal of nobility whereas your NCO's are just tools for them. In the Army a SFC is more often than not is just another higher paid SPC. The Navy and Marines have it right. When one makes the rank of Chief Petty Officer you become like a demigod. They become the Subject Matter Expert and the one that is held in high regard. They even have a specific ceremony induction and a change in uniform. The Marines mentality of that high regard starts at the SSG level. When you make GNYSGT your top notch.
fix: One that I see is that they should bring back the Spc ranks. Spc5, Spc6, Spc7. Especially in non combat arms MOS's. Not all are NCO material. The SFC rank should be paid at a higher level due to his experience, knowledge and leadership. The Officers need to loosen up their perceived Hierarchy because the Senior NCO's are not out to get them and are the ones that will train that new butterbar into a better Officer. As Captains do when they are done their Command time being able to go to college to get their higher degrees, SFC after they fulfill their time as Platoon Sergeants should have the same opportunity to finish their higher education as well. Especially if they want to get to the next levels.

I apologize. I have a 3rd one to add. Awards.

#3: Awards. Officers down grading awards for Soldiers who were submitted by their PLT SGT or PLT LDR because of their rank. The write up is strong enough for the award submitted but because of their rank (lower enlisted) it's down graded. Is there a limit that can be awarded by the Unit? Does it come from the BN CDR's special fund? Is it jealousy? What? As a SFC PLT SGT, if I submit an ARCOM for one of my Soldiers, then you damn well skippy he deserves it. Or if a SSG at been at the unit for 6 years or more and has done outstanding job and the accolades to prove it ends up having to PCS, deserves say an MSM but can't get it because they are just a SSG and an MSM is for SFC and higher.
Awards are NOT rank specific. Awards are awarded for performance.
FIX: 1SG's to CSM's need to step up when advising their commanders that if an award is submitted and the bullet comments support that award then that Soldier regardless of rank should be awarded that award. No If and or Buts.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 13 at 2020 12:05 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 13 May 2020 12:05:01 -0400

Less PCS moves to increase stability.
Better people at WTB/WTU. Many of them are rude. I had a female civilian at the Ft Campbell WTU screamed at me at the top of the her lungs. What an asshole.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2020 2:11 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2020 14:11:15 -0400

I would eliminate all contracting BNs and BDEs to eliminate the staff positions where contracting Soldiers don't work contracts. Contracting Soldiers would be managed individually as talent not to slots on a TDA. I would place Contracting Soldiers in contracting offices of their choice as long as that office could accommodate them and allow them to grow as an expert in the field. When a deployment is required they would be done as individuals to establish or augment expeditionary offices.

Response by 1SG Carlos E Bonet made May 15 at 2020 8:56 PM

1SG Carlos E Bonet — Fri, 15 May 2020 20:56:23 -0400

I would change promotions, assignments and ucmj based on clicks. Everything in the military should be based on performance, counseling statements oers or ncoers. The system should be accountable and click proof.

Response by SGM Omer Dalton made May 17 at 2020 7:22 PM

SGM Omer Dalton — Sun, 17 May 2020 19:22:20 -0400

Give more authority back to NCOs. Back in the 60s and early 70s I was making major decisions for my unit and later on the Army staff as an E7/E8. Then things changed. The same decisions gravitated to captains, then to majors, and to LTCs. As a sergeant major and later a senior civil servant, I watched this transition wondering what happen to cause this change. As a senior civil servant I had these same officers come to me for a decision rather than making the decision. What change would I make, power down and trust subordinates to take responsibility and do their job. Now I will ask a question. Just what caused this transition?

Response by CPT Lawrence Cichelli made May 18 at 2020 8:06 AM

CPT Lawrence Cichelli — Mon, 18 May 2020 08:06:33 -0400

1) Get rid of the stupid new APFT. This is the dumbest thing I ever saw in recent years. There is a reason why the Army went to the 3-Event PT test. It doesn't require equipment and you don't have to be a professional athlete to pass it. 2) The up or out system. You can have really good people in their jobs and may not be suitable for more responsibility. But the level they reach, they are masters at what they do.

Response by LTC Ken Bowers made May 20 at 2020 10:07 AM

LTC Ken Bowers — Wed, 20 May 2020 10:07:00 -0400

1. Rebuild our EW capability. After the wall fell in 89' EW went to the back burner and fell off the stove!
2. Re-establish Engineer brigades in divisions so that Engineer Battalions in maneuver Brigades can focus on MOB/CMOB/SURV. The EN BDE would have VERT/HORZ, RT CLR, and Bridge.

Response by Capt Raymond Parks made May 20 at 2020 11:42 PM

Capt Raymond Parks — Wed, 20 May 2020 23:42:17 -0400

1. Technical Classification - I was an information systems officer in the Air Force and the one thing i\I would recommend is spending a lot more time on learning, doing, and keeping up with the technology. I provided a training system for modern airmen learning how to attack and defend cyber systems - my part was about critical infrastructure control systems - and there was no future for them in the military because there was no training beyond the initial school.
2. I served in the Air Force, but if I were on active duty today I would move to the Space Force. I was in the first operational space operations unit in Space Command when it was created. I left the military after realizing that the fighter pilots at HQ had no clue about space operations. They had deliberately manipulated OERs so that none of us operational types could get promoted. The ORI that came to our unit ignored the satellite operations floor and paid much more attention to admin and personnel stuff (presumably all they could understand). Don't put people in command who have not done the work. I wouldn't know how to run a fighter wing - fighter pilots don't know jack about space.

Response by PVT Rocky Susshine made May 31 at 2020 8:48 AM

PVT Rocky Susshine — Sun, 31 May 2020 08:48:22 -0400

Never repeat anything.

Response by SFC Bryan Livasy made May 31 at 2020 8:40 PM

SFC Bryan Livasy — Sun, 31 May 2020 20:40:59 -0400

Old Post here ... Dead Thread Necromancy at its finest .... But what the heck....

Is going back to wall to wall counseling an option?

LOL

Haole

Response by PO2 Paul Dempsey made Jun 2 at 2020 11:35 AM

PO2 Paul Dempsey — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 11:35:35 -0400

1) Education. The reason knowledge is power
2) increase pay. Higher pay attracts better candidates and keeps them in the service. Experienced longterm personal makes for a better fighting force. As such they should be compensated for service so they can better provide for their family

Response by SSG Curtis Taylor made Jun 5 at 2020 10:46 AM

SSG Curtis Taylor — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 10:46:02 -0400

1. Career development for enlisted personnel. My experience was that there was little if any career counseling and development. No one took the time to find out my interests or abilities and to advise or guide me.
2. Better recognition of enlisted personnel.

I think both of those are self-explanatory as to why.

Response by SGT James Meagher made Jun 5 at 2020 8:14 PM

SGT James Meagher — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 20:14:24 -0400

Bring back bayonets. even as far back as Vietnam they were used. Rare but effective psychological weapon in close combat. some soldiers carry tomahawks. Primitive, effective.
Secondly basic training should be extended two weeks for extra training in Ranger skills, and enemy weapons training. just my opinion.

Response by SP6 Greg Jetter made Jun 6 at 2020 12:54 PM

SP6 Greg Jetter — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 12:54:38 -0400

I could never understand the up or out policy , I knew many enlisted who were perfectly happy NOT to be promoted to corporal or Sargent , they did not want to be responsible for others , they did not want the responsibility of an NCO , all of them would have loved to receive more pay because of the time they spent in the army , I witnesses several instances of great privates leaving the service because of the up or out policy ...

Response by CW4 Robert Mixon made Jun 6 at 2020 1:01 PM

CW4 Robert Mixon — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 13:01:40 -0400

I used to be in retirement parades and notice how many pfc retirements for 20 years of service quite common. And betting how many would pass out. and getting's 215 air metals after Vietnam

Response by SP5 James Johnson made Jun 6 at 2020 1:27 PM

SP5 James Johnson — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 13:27:10 -0400

Only really need one change. FIRE every obama era general.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2020 1:26 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 01:26:05 -0400

I would get rid of the 110GT score requirement for warrent officers and officers and I would get rid of making WOCs have to go to a 5 week basic traing course when every Soldier in the Army already been to basic also if an E7 and above went to Warrent they should be able to graduate as either WO2 or WO3.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2020 11:11 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 11:11:08 -0400

1) I would change that soldiers sit around towards COB having their time wasted because Command just doesn't want to send them home. During my as a PSG, I would rotate squads that stayed on a weekly basis for those always wait til the last minute tasks that command says are oh so important but we wouldn't get word til just before COB. If it was so important why was it put out so late in the day? I actually was able to get good work from the squad that stayed back cause they knew that for 3 weeks they would be home BEFORE normal dinnertime

2) Command far too often neglects the barracks. As a Battalion and Brigade Barracks Manager, I saw Battalion Managers have that assignment as an additional duty and usually as their 3re or 4th additional duty. Barracks NCO should be an actual assignment and that NCO's only duties and have 2 team members - a senior Specialist and a Private. For me these were my only duties. I was able to do better maintenance and coordination with contractor for said maintenance, kept eMH updated on a daily basis, was able to properly out process soldiers from the barracks with their eMH memo so they could get their BAH in a timely manner and correct amount. I was allowed to be involved in the Post Inprocessing barracks portion to talk about barracks and chow hall issues and solutions that the soldiers themselves could implement. I worked 15 hour days not to mentioned constantly called in on weekends and lost my family cause it was just me to deal with the barracks and no one to rotate out with for those constant weekend calls so that is why the additional 2 soldiers. I saw in other units how the level of neglect affected the soldiers.

Response by GySgt John Hudson made Jun 7 at 2020 8:28 PM

GySgt John Hudson — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 20:28:30 -0400

Professional military deserves appropriate pay, food, lodging, medical services, and educational opportunities. Ensure their families are truly taken care of and supported too! The system we have now is ok, but not where it should be. You want the best, give them the best. After all, they put their lives on the line when they sign up for service. JP

Response by SPC Tamara Trammell made Jun 9 at 2020 3:14 PM

SPC Tamara Trammell — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 15:14:06 -0400

1.) Train soldiers to run.
When I was in it was push-ups, sit-ups, two mile run. We were taught a million tricks and tips on push-ups and sit-ups but the only advice on running was 'uh, run more?' Because of this, running related injuries are the most common injuries soldiers report. The Army is the largest hiring body of Running Instructors in the US but soldiers don't see them until they're already broken in Physical Therapy. My Drill Sergeants didn't even know they existed. Put instructors into the Drill Sergeant (or TI or whatever your branch calls them) and teach them to teach running. Even when the two mile retreat isn't mandatory for testing, this will significantly reduce the overall number of injuries.

2.) Figure out that damned oil dependency so we can stop sticking our goddamned noses and grunts where they don't fucking belong. That includes reducing our use of disposable plastic equipment.

Response by SGT Alan Simmons made Jun 10 at 2020 10:34 AM

SGT Alan Simmons — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 10:34:25 -0400

I'd change two main things - pay. It is a shame when we have E1s and E6s, with families, who have to use social programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, and other poverty-fighting programs because their military pay is not enough to cover the basics. When I was in the service, I was the supervisor of a specialist (E4). With a disabled husband, three children, her base pay of $1,200 (or thereabouts) wasn't a lot to live on for her and her family. So, in addition to the stress of her Amry responsibilities, she had all the responsibilities of having to comply with the demands of Louisiana's Department of Social Services. For her, it was a living hell.

The other is the way medical care is provided. I grew up as a military brat; my dad's military service entitled us to use the military medical facilities on base - including dental (yes, that was a long time ago). This needs to be brought back. Our lower enlisted and enlisted military members make nothing near what they could earn in the civilian job market, yet they continue to enlist. And Tri-care and Delta Dental are just more deductions out of a small paycheck many can not afford.

Response by PO3 Michael James made Jun 11 at 2020 10:14 AM

PO3 Michael James — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 10:14:51 -0400

Too much redundancy in nonessential rates across the services is inefficient. One main example would be the Military Bands. My experience being in the Navy Music program is the leadership either created work to occupy the personnel or religated the bands to rootin' and tootin' for the flagpole in the morning and going home by noon. Bivwacking is counterproductive also, making a musician grunt in the mud or perform physical tasks and take a chance that the hands will be permanently disabled isn't smart. The solution would be to create a DOD Music Division and have the bands wear a unique uniform and perform for all the services. Music is an important part of the human experience.

Response by SGT Wajahat Mohiuddin made Jun 12 at 2020 7:13 PM

SGT Wajahat Mohiuddin — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 19:13:41 -0400

As someone else has said, getting rid of the up or out concept.
Also I believe it was mentioned that driver's training should be done at AIT, as we have personnel (NCOs for example) that have never been to driver's training.
Another thing I will say is that the level of award given to personnel (AAM, ARCOM, etc) should not be based on the person's rank, but rather on what they did.

Response by Amn Jon Wittman made Jun 13 at 2020 10:37 PM

Amn Jon Wittman — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 22:37:16 -0400

WIN THE GEN ELECTION FOR THE PROPLE IN THIS GREAT COUNTRY. IF JOE GET IN WERE DONE
CUMUNIST JOE. YOU CAN'T BLLEIVE HOW THAT WOULD BE

Response by CPT Carolyn Andrews made Jun 14 at 2020 10:22 AM

CPT Carolyn Andrews — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 10:22:14 -0400

While in Germany, I learned that the men after graduating HS enter their Military for 2 years.
I feel teens would benefit from the experience and the military would be able to keep the military quotas up.
There will be those who will stay and those who will leave after there 2 years.
These teens will be a better person (hopefully).

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2020 7:24 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 07:24:34 -0400

Institute a fair system for reporting toxic leadership. These reports could be aggregated and outlying numbers investigated to determine the validity of the claims. I know in the Army, the Evaluation system does a terrible job of rooting these people out. It is a major retention issue where good service members lose faith in the system and give up. The problem gets worse as the rank increases because often those with the most potential outside of service know it, and vote with their feet. What you are left with is a numbers game, not "talent management".

Response by SPC Joe X. Tarsa made Jun 15 at 2020 10:52 AM

SPC Joe X. Tarsa — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 10:52:10 -0400

Dump the rat-killer .223 for a weapon that kills! 6.5mm at least! I'm from the old school of the Garand M-1 and so far the US hasn't provided their troops with enough killing-power!
Number 2 would be higher combat pay for the guys facing those "things" they face--double it!

Response by CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2020 6:52 PM

CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 18:52:26 -0400

Good topic. I see you are civi/gov. I would certainly like to go back, and possibly be a bettor mentor, for one. I always thought I was, but looking back, I'm not sure if I was the best I could have been. I'm not even sure I was even as close to good as the mentors I had, for many years rising up. Second topic, I've been in Systems Design, Software Development, and Cyber Security for a long time. I still do like to mentor young people, to the best of my and their ability. Whether Marine or otherwise. Young or old like me now. Hope to hear back from you! Ultimately, the Changes only start with Us... And I'm here to help..

V/ A-A-Ron

Response by Sgt Robin Small made Jun 17 at 2020 7:30 PM

Sgt Robin Small — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 19:30:07 -0400

Why not put 'policing' to the military? No worries of discrimination and every Military member values the constitution as well as human life. Come up with a better system then testing for promotions. Mant military do not work the common equipment or circumstances that promotion testing covers. When I was in there was not a single aircraft I worked on on the tech part of the test, so I did not get promoted.

Response by MSgt Mason Manner made Jul 8 at 2020 5:15 PM

MSgt Mason Manner — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 17:15:38 -0400

STOP the emphasis on career progression E-4 E-5 and E-6 make the system work as long as they are PROFICIENT at their MOS/AFSC they should be allowed a full career ALSO we need to RETURN to the PRE 1986 ATTITUDE OF JOB FIRST EVERYTHING ELSE SECOND

Response by LTC Meloni Beauchamp made Jul 8 at 2020 7:29 PM

LTC Meloni Beauchamp — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 19:29:19 -0400

A TRUE and REAL zero-tolerance for sexual, racial, and gender bias/misconduct/harassment/assault. And suitable punishment for perpetrators as well as any vindictive person of any gender falsely making accusations. All claims need to be taken seriously and investigated even if you think their may be a false claim. From the highest to the lowest ranking, we in uniform need to be accountable and responsible. As for the technical side, I'd have to agree with the person who discussed up or out. Some people would prefer to do what they are doing. My friend's son just got out because he was reaching the rank where he would be admin rather than doing his preferred job.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2020 9:33 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 09:33:20 -0400

1. Personnel who are broke and cannot deploy should be removed from the military
2. at least in the Air Force, EPRs for deployers should only be written by others that deploy.

Response by SPC Sean Kennedy made Jul 12 at 2020 11:23 AM

SPC Sean Kennedy — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 11:23:46 -0400

Move the pentagon away from DC like to Kentucky or Kansas get the top leadership away from politics, I understand it’s a struggle to get budgets approved but being so close to congress sometimes the war fighting mission gets lost and people are more concerned about the career than they are about the troops

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Jul 12 at 2020 7:21 PM

PFC Stephen Eric Serati — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 19:21:12 -0400

Lethality, and technology. When U have 90 91 weapons still in use , u the lack technological skills and creativity to evolve.

Response by SP5 William Sells made Jul 15 at 2020 7:17 AM

SP5 William Sells — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 07:17:37 -0400

Increase Morale for troops assigning them to a Base Closest to their home state after a deployment Overseas! I always felt they earned the right to come home state for at least 12 months! Increase Hazard Duty Pay for all Combat Arms Units in Forward areas of Deployments!

Response by LTC Joseph George made Jul 15 at 2020 6:51 PM

LTC Joseph George — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 18:51:02 -0400

Adherence to all regulations no matter what rank the person is, and discipline. The services are wrought with incompetent leadership as they are trying to promote to fast, not instilling the proper leadership skills, allowing egotistical aspects to ruin the leadership process and becoming to political at all ranks and not leading. The Generals Staff is a prime example of allowing a kiss ass process to become the norm rather than mentoring leaders to excel. Discipline is lacking at all ranks and is evident at BCT as Drill Sergeants cannot enforce the standards because little Johnny's mommy complains to the congressmen and the leadership cowers and kowtows to the private.

Response by SGT Michael Hearn made Jul 18 at 2020 1:07 AM

SGT Michael Hearn — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 01:07:48 -0400

I would remind the politicians that the military is to be always ready. Reinstate the homosexual discharge laws Discharge anyone caught in that behavior. It destroys morale,

Response by SGT Kenneth McKiel made Jul 18 at 2020 2:39 PM

SGT Kenneth McKiel — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 14:39:51 -0400

From the enlisted side, I completely agree with CW3 Kevin Storm! I knew several soldiers that were great and extremely happy as a PFC, but either did not have the desire or in some cases the ability to advance. There should be the ability for these awesome soldiers to remain and retire at this rank.

Response by SGT Warren Crutcher made Jul 19 at 2020 5:00 AM

SGT Warren Crutcher — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 05:00:28 -0400

First off I would get rid of these civilian contractors and return the actual jobs to military personel. My first time in the army we learned our MOS which included how to repair our equipment ou n the field. Mow they teach you how to call a contractor to fix your equipment for you. That needs to stop. It is to me a waist of time and money to call a civilian out to fix your stuff. Secondly I think the military as a whole is far under paid for the job they do. Football ppl ayers make millions to play a sport. Soldiers get paid peanuts to lay their lives on the line so these sports figures can make those millions. I am not saying soldiers need to make millions but they need to be paid better for their service. Most soldiers struggled to make ends meet, especially if they have families to take care of.

Response by PO3 Richard Pearce made Jul 19 at 2020 6:31 AM

PO3 Richard Pearce — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 06:31:03 -0400

1. I would replace the commander in chief (capitols intentionally withheld) with someone with at least a basic respect for our Constitution.
2. I would fund all members to the point they would not need public assistance to enjoy a decent life.

Response by SPC Joe X. Tarsa made Jul 19 at 2020 12:48 PM

SPC Joe X. Tarsa — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 12:48:21 -0400

Return to the M-14 rifle! Good old M-1 with a big clip! How could you go wrong!

Response by SSG James Pearson made Jul 19 at 2020 5:51 PM

SSG James Pearson — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 17:51:00 -0400

Bring back the specialist ranks. I saw to many men that were great in their specialty but after converting to hard strips they were lost. Had a Demolition Specialist that knew his job better than anyone but as a squad leader he couldn't do the job. The army lost a lot of professional soldiers by not keeping the Specialist ranks

Response by MSgt Mason Manner made Jul 19 at 2020 6:22 PM

MSgt Mason Manner — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 18:22:59 -0400

Invigorate AIR FORCE CIVIL ENGINEERING so that we build SKILLED TRADES WORKERS AGAIN we already have ENOUGH OVER EDUCATED IDIOTS W/ALL KINDS OF DEGREES who can't find employment BUT if you're a SKILLED TRADES YOU ALWAYS find EMPLOYMENT

Response by SP5 Wilbert Jennings made Jul 19 at 2020 11:29 PM

SP5 Wilbert Jennings — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 23:29:23 -0400

I was drafted in 68 but enlisted for another year to get Airborne training. I have been out for a long time but absolutely do not agree with women being on the front line. Many that have paid the price of loss of limbs as well as their lives. I have yet to see a woman throw a 200 lb. man across her shoulder with gear and remove him from danger. I have seen women that shoot well and those that fly jets. It is like a man that is frail but can be used in another support, so should women. The thing of a DI in your face calling one a maget or worse doesn't bestow any respect for the corp it simply discourages many . Classes as to what is expected and why and the rewards for doing so is better than threats like the civilian gangs use to control members.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2020 3:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:05:07 -0400

Use some common sense in designing the uniform the Army wears. When I was in Iraq we had green ACU’s in a desert like country. The Marines has it right, sand colored uniforms at that time. I’m not sure what the uniform is today as I retired in 2014, but changing uniforms every couple years is expensive and dumb in my opinion.

The other change would be something someone already mentioned. The up or out mentality. If someone at any level they’re at is really good at their job and they have no aspiration to move up in rank, they should be allowed to stay where they are. If they choose to move up later they should be allowed to without getting a hard time by their leadership.

Response by PO1 F D made Jul 23 at 2020 9:11 PM

PO1 F D — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 21:11:46 -0400

Wanna allow improvements in today's military, don't allow SJW philosophies on the base!!!!. Today's military is allowing way too much emotion. How in the hec will this new breed survive in a tough situation, when they think life is all about fair and safe spaces and being offended at every turn.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2020 6:12 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 06:12:45 -0400

Stop putting comfort and convenience ahead of winning. In 1945, we left the Army in Europe until the job was done. Some guys didn’t come home until years later. The biggest reason Iraq is still a shit-hole 20 years later is that we prioritized getting me home over getting the job done. I spent 35 months in Iraq. I’ll bet the outcome would have been very different if it had been 35 consecutive months.

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Aug 26 at 2020 8:08 AM

SSG Paul Headlee — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 08:08:20 -0400

Warfighting would be strictly the domain of General Officers. Congress would either turn the War Switch on or turn it off. Secondly, if a soldier was damaged through service (especially combat service) and the VA failed that soldier those responsible would be cast into The Lake of Fire where they would be tormented for eternity.

Response by Maj John Bell made Nov 13 at 2020 12:54 PM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 12:54:09 -0500

There are certain types of administrative and troop welfare training that are general requirements that serve no higher purpose than covering the command's ass when a service member officer or enlisted does something stupid.

Drunk Driving'
Substance Abuse
Financial Planning,
Good Parenting
etc. etc. etc.

I'm not saying these classes are useless. I'm saying they are useless IF the person attending is not in a place where they are open and receptive. Usually because they are starting to recognize they have a problem.

I think it would be a great improvement if these classes stopped being mandatory. Schedule regular time for service members to seek continuing education and make these subject options they may choose.

Make the IG and CG system "go" or "no-go." To many careerist officers are trying to build their careers seeking grades of "Excellent," "Outstanding" and "Noteworthy." What they are doing is destroying moral with picayune 1/32nd of an inch Irish Pennant Parties, and other since nonsense. When I worked in the 2nd MarDiv's CG's office, it appalled me how many Marines had complete issue sea bags of "grease" uniforms that NEVER saw the light of day except for CG and IG inspections.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2021 6:26 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 18:26:19 -0400

As an Army nurse I would like to see RN's who do not have Bachelors degrees be allowed to join as Warrant Officers. Warrant Officers have a very technological based knowledge that is a big plus for the Army. That being said RN's with Associates Degrees and Diploma nurses also bring a great deal of technological knowledge to the table. In the old days you could commission with an ASN but could not be promoted beyond CPT. We have a serious nursing shortage in the military and I think this would help.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2021 6:16 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 06:16:26 -0400

Stop the mandatory training requirements or change the interval in the Air Force. Currently, you have to start 7-level training (technical expert) as soon as you become an NCO and complete it in a year. Problem with that is the average Time in Service for a SSgt is 5 years, a vast majority of the SSgts who become new 7-levels do not have the experience or knowledge to be called a technical expert. 2. Stop promoting to promote in the Air Force. People are promoted way to quickly and don’t have the knowledge base anymore. Current SSgt promotion rates run around 50% of eligibles each year compared to 10-12% in the early 90’s, TSgts are high, and so on. People are being promoted without the technical knowledge (SSgts should be your go to workers and TSgts your technical experts and trainers) and are being put in charge of things way before they are ready due to thier rank.

Response by Nicole Thomas made Aug 15 at 2021 9:37 AM

Nicole Thomas — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 09:37:33 -0400

Remove Civil Contractors from the Pentagon. Fine tune drills to the point that all soldiers are sick of drilling then make them drill some more. Then when the time comes they wont have to wonder if they can, they will they can.

Response by CPO Arthur Weinberger made Aug 15 at 2021 11:16 AM

CPO Arthur Weinberger — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 11:16:04 -0400

Eliminate personal from being overweight. Being overweight especially obesity is a disgrace to the uniform. Humans are prone to medical and or cognitive problems with this disease. Physical fitness is also a major factor in today's military. We should eliminate the sliding scale of fitness. A fifty year old
should be required to perform the same pt as a 20 year old. These tests should be mandatory for all branches; enlisted and officer, regardless of rating or rank. If the pt test is failed a second time the
individual should be discharged from service. The exception being medical reasons.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Aug 15 at 2021 2:40 PM

PO2 Mike Vignapiano — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 14:40:32 -0400

The up or out! Too many may not be able to score high enough on their rating exam to get advanced. That is an extreme reality for many due to their MOS and what they are actually performing. This causes ALL branches to lose excellent performers just because they are NOT "book smart". As an ET3, my first duty station I worked on exactly what my MOS was for. Everything after that in my 12 years, I never touched another piece of equipment that had anything to do with my MOS. I was on two Sub-Tenders where one one, I was an LPO for a Sonar Shop, far from anything an ET does. The other, due to being "out or rate" for 18 months, I was 'selected' for all the collateral duties and stuck troubleshooting gear no one in the shop ever seen before from the submarines. Berated for failing to repair them when our equipment could never replicate the correct frequencies and voltages to simulate the correct inputs to troubleshoot correctly. Next, I was an LPO at Annapolis, training Mid-Shipmen and in my shop, E-3's fresh out of school or boot camp, on how to read schematics, perform maintenance on a slew on electronic equipment, sign them off on the 3M system, then run the Supply System for the entire Division where I was self taught DB2 and rewrote the programs and subroutines. At least that got me meritoriously advanced to E-5 and Sailor of the Quarter for streamlining how it was operated by and a monetary savings, both by 40%.

To improve Commands and their personnel: anyone brought up on charges, should not have their cases heard in their chain-of-command. It is a very biased hearing and unethical, but legal things happen to the convicted. Speaking from personal experience, someone can be brought up for minor infractions, but when s/he goes to fight it, they can be put on legal hold past their EAOS. Then the command can drop the charges and say you are past your EAOS and therefore, no longer in the military. This would not happen if cases were heard outside the chain of command and heard in a timely fashion.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Aug 15 at 2021 2:40 PM

PO2 Mike Vignapiano — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 14:40:49 -0400

Response by GySgt Edward Reagle made Aug 15 at 2021 3:46 PM

GySgt Edward Reagle — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 15:46:03 -0400

All too many times in my 20 years in the Marine Corps the barracks was always crowded and hand-me-down from whomever had them condemned but the Marine Corps gladly took them. Sometimes 4 or even 5 Marines were supposed to live like that and if you were a day worker well that just doesn't make any sense. My time in he Marine Corps most of the equipment was 2nd hand at best. It seems that at least from what I have seen the Marine Corps has improved motor T I was glad to see the the LVS and HUMMER then that monster 7 1/2 ton good going. The barracks is obvious it it your home it should be comfortable when at all possible. The equipment two fold the technical aspects helps train new ways of repairing and utilizing equipment o its fullest capacity.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 15 at 2021 6:28 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 18:28:57 -0400

I would improve leadership so all leaders take care of their troops.

I would improve how sexual trauma victims are treated. Some narratives of victims are absolutely evil in the scope of the actual victimization and reprisals meted at the victims. It’s a complete disgrace to do nothing for victims or punish them. Some leaders should go to prison. This is not rocket science. The CG should have visibility of theses cases because shit rolls down hill. We have so many general officers and CSMs, but they are sticks in the mud. Like I said, this is not rocket science.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 28 at 2024 3:00 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 15:00:40 -0400

What is infinitely stupid is the army has SOPs for everything except how to take care of soldiers with PTSD. It's not rocket science. Give me a month and I will write an SOP that illuminate the roles and responsibilities of:

- Unit commanders.
- The soldier with PTSD.
- MTFs.
- Therapists.
- G1 and G4.
- Finance.
- Out-processing.
- VA
- WTUs.