Is the Army losing talent because of too many slow, cumbersome, fear-based and frankly stupid processes? I think so, how do we fix it

The Army's in good shape, they still got me for a few more years

In the civilian sector, there are both positive and negative consequences based on your performance. The Army (in my limited experience) focuses almost entirely on negative reinforcement. Do this or else, Don't do that or else, lock downs, negative counselings, GOMAR, GOLAR, Article 15. With so many ways to have your life harder or worse, your career ruined by trying something new and potentially innovative we are put into a slot and told to do things exactly the way that were taught. There is no room for innovation and even if someone found a way to be extra productive, what would be the result? You cannot get a raise, or a bonus. Time off nearly always comes as charged leave so why put yourself out there. Once contracts are concluded, people are so tired of the backwards, hurry up and wait, don't think just do mentality that they burn out and take their experience to the civilian sector where they will be appreciated for it. The army has to change the way it progresses talent. Rewards should be given for exceptional people or actions and not just a $3 coin or an AAM. Give leadership the weapons necessary to incentivize personnel in equal measure as the negative actions at our disposal. There needs to be an overhaul on privilege vs punishment. Just the opinion of an inexperienced LT so take it with a grain of salt.

I agree Kevin.  I think the fix is to have leaders (O-grade) to stop sitting on paperwork that needs to get done, especially when all it is is a signature from a CAC card.  Too easy.