Posted on Jun 12, 2017
In today's modern military, would there be any benefit to an enlisted structure similar to that of the past?
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I believe that most, if not all of us, are familiar with the old army enlisted rank structure where one could go their entire career without ever becoming an NCO, but still make it up through the paygrades. We all have known people who were great at their jobs but not fit to lead. Is there any benefit to bringing back such an enlisted rank structure?
Rank
Leadership
Enlisted
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 247
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I'm going to go out on a limb and say yes. If you're happy at your present job and want to do it I don't think you should be forced to move up or out. Sadly some people aren't meant to lead, but worked their butts off where they are. No reason there shouldn't be lateral promotions.
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SP5 Sam Hollis
The only reason I would disagree with you is:
The rank means nothing and we would be paralleling the outside workforce, you get title and no money. I prefer work to be recognized and be monetarily compensated.
If the individual wants to advance he/she would have the opportunity
The rank means nothing and we would be paralleling the outside workforce, you get title and no money. I prefer work to be recognized and be monetarily compensated.
If the individual wants to advance he/she would have the opportunity
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CPT William Jones
SP5 Sam Hollis - The money is the purpose in having specialist. Tey will have little command authority but will be allowed to stay in and get more pay as time goes on. We spend lots of money to train an aircraft mechanic. I know of one that was told he would not be allowed to stay in fixing helicopters he must be promoted .He left, the army lost a very valuable asset. There are lots like him
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CW3 Leo McKenna
Was a SP5 and was happy being a crew chief got promoted to SSG and now no more crewing as an NCO. There is a place for the Specialist rank.
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SFC (Join to see)
I made SP5 back in May of 1980. My First SGT said I am short of Hard stripes. So far as I am concerned you are a Sergeant and I will use you as such. You don't perform you will lose that rocker on top of your shield. The needs of the Army will determine how specialist are used.
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If they did, I would love to become the SPC 9 of the army
But seriously, I don't see the benefit. As you increase your grade, your responsibilities and your influence expand quite a bit. You are often no longer just doing your MOS, but asked to take leadership in other areas. Thus, as a Soldier moves through the middle grades, they need that junior NCO leadership development to help them as succeed later. The closest we have to senior Specialist ranks are MSG and SGM. But, even though they are often in Staff positions and not command, no one will doubt their ability as a NCO leader
But seriously, I don't see the benefit. As you increase your grade, your responsibilities and your influence expand quite a bit. You are often no longer just doing your MOS, but asked to take leadership in other areas. Thus, as a Soldier moves through the middle grades, they need that junior NCO leadership development to help them as succeed later. The closest we have to senior Specialist ranks are MSG and SGM. But, even though they are often in Staff positions and not command, no one will doubt their ability as a NCO leader
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SPC Korey Kilburn
CPL Chris Palmberg my sister went to WO School after she made the SFC promotion list. She was the network manager in Korea, Hungary (Operation Restore Hope), El Salvador( humanitarian mission after hurricane) my point she was the manager. As a young PFC she ran wire.
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SPC Korey Kilburn
COL Ralph Bryan Hanes there were PAs in the old days but sometime after Vietnam they were all converted to Commissioned Officers. So no medical warrants.
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SGT Brianna MacKinnon
SPC Korey Kilburn - They started converting them when I was stationed at Ft Riley KS. I was with the 1st ID from 1988 to 1992 and it took place around 1990. Our Divarty Chief Medical Officer was promoted to Major just before he PCS'd to Ft Drum NY.
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CPT William Jones
The specialist was supposed to be the enlisted WO knows all the rules and reg for personnel for example or some type of mechanic
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The question pops up from time to time.
The major issue is one of "force structure." For every Non-NCO in paygrades E4-E9, we must give up an NCO of equal grade. That's the drawback.
Why use someone who is not fit to lead when you get someone who is fit to lead (and capable of performing the same primary task) for the same cost? (both financial and opportunity)
The major issue is one of "force structure." For every Non-NCO in paygrades E4-E9, we must give up an NCO of equal grade. That's the drawback.
Why use someone who is not fit to lead when you get someone who is fit to lead (and capable of performing the same primary task) for the same cost? (both financial and opportunity)
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SFC Charles Miller
Do we not have that now with NCOs who dont know how to lead and have to be carried through every task!? Think they aren’t out there? Better think again! I’d rather be short of personnel than have to babysit them and take up my valuable time!
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SFC Erland Heinrich
As I once told a buck Sergeant years and years ago the difference between the Spec 5 like myself and a buck Sergeant like him is that I knew what the hell I was doing!
I feel the Army loses a great deal when they promote subject matter experts from that field to strictly leadership positions. The wealth of knowledge that is lost is unmeasurable. Like warrant officers the Army needs the senior specialist rank for their subject matter experts!
I feel the Army loses a great deal when they promote subject matter experts from that field to strictly leadership positions. The wealth of knowledge that is lost is unmeasurable. Like warrant officers the Army needs the senior specialist rank for their subject matter experts!
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