If you had a thought or concern about an army program or certain procedures being incorrectly handled, who would you go to?

2022-10-18T19:10:48-04:00

I went into the IRR and I’ve been back as a reservist for the past 2 years. recently, we had a warrior symposium and they were talking about the new MST program at the VA. I was suprised and impressed with the changes made since back a while ago. Obviously someone had to climb up a mountain of sand to be able to be heard? I’m just wondering, when you have a complaint about something, is there like a town hall but for the army as a whole? I’ve tried everything that I could think of , I’ve gotten an apology but I really want to ensure change happens.. how can I go about that?

Response by COL Randall C. made Oct 18 at 2022 8:08 PM

2022-10-18T20:08:35-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member without more information, it's hard to give any advice.

Basically you're asking, if there is something that might be wrong with something, who should I talk to about it?

The first stop for all servicemembers that have an issue is with leadership. That answer may or may not apply to whatever you have in mind, but that's a general overarching answer to a general overarching question.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2022 8:37 PM

2022-10-18T20:37:54-04:00

It isn't clear what you are talking about but usually AARs are conducted and significant changes are collected by the Army Center For Lessons Learned or the Respective Army Branch Schools and if appropriate are incorporated into requirements.

Even with great ideas this doesn't always happen because it's often looked at as extra work at all levels. It also isn't always clear who this information goes to and who needs to approve you sendingit there.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Oct 19 at 2022 8:30 AM

2022-10-19T08:30:12-04:00

The closest thing you will get to a town hall in the Military is when a Commander has an all hands speaking event and opens up to Q&A at the end. The segmented nature of being in the Reserves will make events like that far and few between because the Command is split across several cities and/or States. Even then there isn't a guarantee it will go as you imagine it. Being in the Military means there are several layers of "leaders" that issues go through. Dropping dimes on folks during a Q&A generally blows up because they skipped the layers of leaders and tried going straight to the top.

If there is an issue to report go through the chain of Command. If that isn't working than use the Inspector General. If that doesn't work you can also write a Congressional representative. Using the IG and Congress is a last resort and you need to understand you will be highly scrutinized when you do this. You have to make sure you used all other resources.

With all of that said it really depends on what you are trying to achieve here which isn't clear from what you said.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Oct 19 at 2022 9:17 AM

2022-10-19T09:17:05-04:00

Remember a soldier is not happy if he is not complaining and there are 3 ways to do things, the right way, the wrong way and the Army way.