Posted on Apr 21, 2016
Should the military implement a policy of professional Privates?
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Military History
Leadership
Promotions
Retirement
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 17
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The did this in 1986 with the "up or out" policy when they got rid of the specialist ranks above e-4. Up until then, the specialists in ranks up to e-7 just did their jobs
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1SG Charles Hunter
The downside of the senior specialist rank was that they were often de facto NCOIC of their respective section, even being placed over NCOs of junior grade. The original intent of the specialist ranks had merit. The practice was corrupted over time. Specialists have no inherent command authority, only such authority as is granted by their duty position.
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SFC Don Ward
My section ncoic (ammo section for artillery battery) was a SPC5, given a set of green tabs. We were doing a COC ceremony and the Brigade CSM almost had a cow because of the SPC 5 with green tabs on his epaulets. I was sp4 at the time and laughed my butt off at the predicament that he found himself in.
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I loved being a SP5, the only people I could lead were other medics, but that's OK, learn to lead with very small groups for a long time builds up all kinds of experience
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That is why we have contractors. If we need a temporary increase in manpower it would be best to use a trained work force that comes with its own force management package as well.
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Privates by definition is not a professional designation. I was proud to be a private but yearned to be a Specialist, then Sergeant, then Staff Sergeant and so on. What does changing a title do, the military should continue to instill pride in service and let their younger troops know "daily" what hey contribute to the nations security.
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Depends on the MOS, and the availability to maybe go up if an opening does occur.
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MGySgt James Forward
What we are discussing is serving your entire career in lower rank; a Cplt or Sgt who is not eligible for promotion, say but otherwise preforming excellent. Should they be allowed to remain in Service for 15 or 20 years to get a retirement?
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