Should the Army bring back the Specialist titles?

CPL David Markham, which AB class were you in? My number was " 553 Sargent". Remember that? I was in Nam 66-67, June to June. Thank you for serving. Welcome home brother.

SGT Keith Bodine, I graduated from Jump School 15th day of August 1966. Went to VN about October 1966 to October 1967 serving with 1/327th 101st Airborne...Welcome Home and Thank you for your service...

Historically, there was a Specialist 8 and 9 rank that was valid from 1959 to 1968 which would appear to indicate it was intended to allow for a career path. I had an uncle that was in the Army during Vietnam who said most people (including him) in the medical field were Specialist and he was a Specialist 7 when he exited service. He got out of the Army in 1978 when they discontinued that rank because he did not want to become a leader, he just wanted to do his work. He went on to be a nurse in a neurosurgery ward at a civilian hospital. The military could have had that experience, but they threw it away because someone wanted every person to be a leader.
The Army discontinued Spec 5 and 6 in 1985 leaving only Spec 4 until present.

SP4s are eligible for fatigue details, CPLs are not. You would cut down your DA-6 roster for KPs, area beautification, interior guard, fire watch, CQ runner, etc.

You know how B.O. "Has a pen and a phone"?
When I was serving, the SP4's also had a pen, and most of them also carried a notepad.
There is always the option of the SP4, writing down what he/she needs and having the PFC, PV2, or PVT charged with "insubordination".
Most times, though it's only truly necessary to break out the pen and, (in the instance of a true dullard), the notepad, to make the point that the SP4 left in charge of the detail, (or whatever else), actually DOES have the authority of the individual who left him/her in charge.

This would be very much in line with the Navy's system. It works well for us - but we've "grown up" with that as our system.

Lets not forget about the Guardsmen that need to follow ARMY policy. My MOS slot ends at E-4, with no chance to ever see a 5. In order to be a WO, I need to be a 5 first (thanks big army)... I am a technician, to forever be doomed to E-4 status? It's easy for Big army to denounce the SPC rank because of flimsy MTOE restrictions, but what about the Guard and their Techs?

One problem with this. The National guard follows Army (or Air-Force) policy, however, we guardsmen can not progress without a slot open (meaning someone needs to either die, or retire). To say "just go warrant" is like saying "Just kill your first line leader to get your E-5". In order to go warrant, we need our 5 first. This is the glaring issue. I am a Guard technician, It doesnt matter how much I know, or how much I can teach, I will never be as "technically" proficient as my NCO's.... even though they are gas station counter clerks how can run really fast. Army logic.

As a SP/5 & SP/6 I lead Soldiers in our area of expertise for many years. I managed to graduate 8/50 in ANOC competing with many "hard Stripe" classmates. The Rifle Bn I was in didn't have any problem with SP/5 being the Senior Airmen in the line companies!

And yet, we Warrant Officers are commissioned at CW2, and can be section OICs, and commanders of specialized detachments and companies. So we still don't get away from leading and training troops.

I think if you read this citation for the MOH you might want to readjust your attitude towards those wearing Specialist Rank!

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. SP6. Joel demonstrated indomitable courage, determination, and professional skill when a numerically superior and well-concealed Viet Cong element launched a vicious attack which wounded or killed nearly every man in the lead squad of the company. After treating the men wounded by the initial burst of gunfire, he bravely moved forward to assist others who were wounded while proceeding to their objective. While moving from man to man, he was struck in the right leg by machine gun fire. Although painfully wounded his desire to aid his fellow soldiers transcended all personal feeling. He bandaged his own wound and self-administered morphine to deaden the pain enabling him to continue his dangerous undertaking. Through this period of time, he constantly shouted words of encouragement to all around him. Then, completely ignoring the warnings of others, and his pain, he continued his search for wounded, exposing himself to hostile fire; and, as bullets dug up the dirt around him, he held plasma bottles high while kneeling completely engrossed in his life saving mission. Then, after being struck a second time and with a bullet lodged in his thigh, he dragged himself over the battlefield and succeeded in treating 13 more men before his medical supplies ran out. Displaying resourcefulness, he saved the life of one man by placing a plastic bag over a severe chest wound to congeal the blood. As 1 of the platoons pursued the Viet Cong, an insurgent force in concealed positions opened fire on the platoon and wounded many more soldiers. With a new stock of medical supplies, Sp6c. Joel again shouted words of encouragement as he crawled through an intense hail of gunfire to the wounded men. After the 24 hour battle subsided and the Viet Cong dead numbered 410, snipers continued to harass the company. Throughout the long battle, Sp6c. Joel never lost sight of his mission as a medical aidman and continued to comfort and treat the wounded until his own evacuation was ordered. His meticulous attention to duty saved a large number of lives and his unselfish, daring example under most adverse conditions was an inspiration to all. Sp6c. Joel's profound concern for his fellow soldiers, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country"

Seems to me this Soldier was "Technically & Tactically Proficient" in the performance of his duties. I was trained by a good number of SP/6s as a young Medic and I think your stance is based on ignorance of what AMEDD Soldiers do within their career fields.

CSM Dan Elder's monograph on the Army's  Specialist ranks:  http://www.ncohistory.com/files/shsr.pdf  An interesting read.

Thank you for CSM Dan Elders monograph, very informative. I only served 2 years and 5 months before receiving a medical discharge for Diabetes. At the time, 1966, Sp5 was given to soldiers who were proficient in their MOS to give them time in Grade to be promoted to E-6 or enter the Warrant Officer school during their next enlistment. I had been given training in all phases of the HAWK missile system by my Warrant Officer and given a proficiency test and an expert Missile man badge as a PFC. He recommended that I re-enlist for SSgt and apply for Warrant school , but Diabetes took that option from me.

I was "forced" to give up my SP/6 insignia in May 1984 as were all Medical MOS at that time.

LTC Stan Wiechnik, I agree completely, sir.

With all due respect, he then had no business being in the Army. What happens if the unit deploy an he ends up being the last E6 standing?