Leadership Loss

2013-10-30T18:00:30-04:00

<p>There are more and more stories and articles out there on the Army, or military in general, bleeding young talent.  We'll save everyone's theoretical why's for another day but here's the question(s) to ponder.  For those who stayed in or are staying in for the long haul, what's the reasoning for doing so?  What kept you going even when times were rough?  For those who are on the fence on whether or not you'll get out or stay in, what would have to change in the Army as far as benefits, culture, etc for you to decide to stick it out?</p>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2013 6:04 PM

2013-10-30T18:04:48-04:00

Sir my reason for staying is because I take ownership in MY Army.  Its like my kids, my home...... its foundation and something I've sown ownership into.  Its provided great, great resources-physically and financially.  In the past when I ran into and had to work in crappy situations, there was always a silver lining (a great Soldier, NCO, or Officer) who told me I motivated them and encouraged them to keep going amidst whatever I was going through.  I've continued to stay in because I realize I need MY Army and for truth, MY Army needs me.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2013 6:05 PM

2013-10-30T18:05:51-04:00

I know I am not a Soldier but honestly we are experiencing the same thing across the fence over in the Air Force. I have even found myself to be bleed dry by a senior leader only to be thrown under the bus so they could look good and take credit for my actions which they had nothing to do with. I don't know what the solution it is but perhaps it is for good leaders to listen to their subordinates and keep their eyes open for these types of abuse. Then have the integrity and fortitude to stand up for what is right for their people. I myself right now am actually on the fence about staying in but my primary motivator are three things.
1. I have 7 years till retirement and I need to put the well being of my family first
2. Maybe if I stick it out I can make a difference; if not at least I tried
3. I still have a little fight left in me and a job that needs to get done.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2013 6:10 PM

2013-10-30T18:10:45-04:00

Sir, I'm staying in because I take pride in my job. I love my career and wouldn't change it for the world. And as far as getting through the difficult parts, I just think about my wife and kids and the life the Army has given it, and it keeps me going. I love the Army, and won't leave until they make me.

Response by MAJ Samuel Weber made Oct 30 at 2013 6:31 PM

2013-10-30T18:31:33-04:00

I think for most people's reasons evolve during their time in, like a marriage. I know may reasons have changed several times. I originally joined for the college money. My plan was 4 years and get out. As I progressed I began to like being a Soldier and adopted the Army Values as my own. Then when I became an NCO I enjoyed leading Soldiers. The dark part of my career was when I went to Recruiting. I went to recruiting before 9-11 and times were very different. Needless to say recruiting at that time was a toxic environment. Then the unimaginable happened, 9-11 and the Army had to involuntarily convert 300 NCOs to career recruiters (MOS 79R4O). I was one of the lucky few, but I had just made SFC and went over 10 years, so I decided to stay for the pension, but I was miserable for about 7 years and couldn't wait to retire. I went back to school so when I left the Army I had an education to fall back on. Then the officer opportunity presented itself. Now I have 21 years active and I am having a great time. The difference is all the pressure of reaching 20 is gone, I can leave whenever I want.

So as I said, it evolves. Either you evolve to stay or you evolve to try something new.

Bottom-line is I love working with Soldiers and find nothing more rewarding. When I was a recruiter I was able to "peek" into the civilian world, I didn't like what I saw...

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 22 at 2013 6:43 PM

2013-12-22T18:43:01-05:00

I stayed as long as I did (27 years) for two reasons:

1. I loved doing what I did

2. I thought I could make a difference.

I think every Soldier that makes it to either the NCO or Officer ranks thinks or hopes they can make a difference and I also believe that is the main reason most stay in for the long haul as well.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 7 at 2014 8:06 AM

2014-01-07T08:06:46-05:00

Great question sir. For me, I am still serving because I still believe that I am making a difference and positively contributing to the force. I am also still having fun and love putting on the uniform everyday.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 10:49 PM

2014-02-05T22:49:20-05:00

I started out in the Army with a strong sense of pride in country and having to pay my debt back. Once I joined I realized being in the Army was easy. If you were motivated and wanted to learn and succeed you would go far. Over time I found out that Army life wasn't too bad and as long as you took the more good than bad it would be a positive time for me.

Once I became a Leader I realized I owed it to my Soldiers and other Soldiers. I stayed in cause they deserve the best and should have an outstanding Leader.

Even when it got tough I was able to stand up and say I am truly doing the job that less than 1% of American will do. Once I looked at it from those aspects my pride in country got stronger and I felt I owed it to this country to be a strong Leader and help other Soldiers get to the same point.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Mar 30 at 2014 10:38 PM

2014-03-30T22:38:12-04:00

I have served thirty years, and I believe in paying forward. I believe in the sacred oath of protecting and defending the Constitution of the United States.

I remember those that have mentored and poured their heart and soul in mentoring me when I was an E-1. I believe in preserving the sacred military traditions and I believe in our future.

The old saying that cream rises to the top, and the waste gets flushed away!