Posted on Jul 2, 2020
Should the US Constitution (handbook version) be an inspectable item?
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This is from a company called Little Books of Wisdom
Big seller on amazon they have the us constitution to the Declaration of Independence to the articles of confederation plus more. Since we are suppose to be supporting and defending the US Constitution against enemies foreign and domestic.... shouldn’t our soldier stidy and ACTUALLY read the constitution since defending this is our FIRST mission as a service member? Do you think this little book should be an inspectable item in the present or near future? Comment below. I want to hear the opinions from other leaders out there. Disclaimer:if you are just going to comment negativity and hate due to your own ego.... then just keep scrolling. Thank you
Big seller on amazon they have the us constitution to the Declaration of Independence to the articles of confederation plus more. Since we are suppose to be supporting and defending the US Constitution against enemies foreign and domestic.... shouldn’t our soldier stidy and ACTUALLY read the constitution since defending this is our FIRST mission as a service member? Do you think this little book should be an inspectable item in the present or near future? Comment below. I want to hear the opinions from other leaders out there. Disclaimer:if you are just going to comment negativity and hate due to your own ego.... then just keep scrolling. Thank you
Constitution
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Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 24
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At the PME II course there is a mod on the constitution and they issue a pocket version. I think the focus on constitutionality of orders is at a higher level, like the service and joint staff level (what PME II is for). Not really the tactical formation level.
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SrA Ronald Moore
A few of new Soldiers get out there on the Battle field, can Have A QuickTime Class on The Constitution cause it’s is what we defend
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It is important to understand what the Constitution actually says, but as far as an inspectable item, I don't think it really accomplishes much for readiness or discipline. It's just one more thing for Soldiers to carry around in their pockets, and we all know how often Soldiers actually read the literature we make them carry around...
In the long run, though, you have to ask yourself if it helps your Soldiers accomplish the mission any more effectively. A notebook, writing utensils, or watch can help save lives in the right situation, and the habit of carrying one in AND out of garrison is something that gives you a positive boost to readiness, even if Soldiers think it's stupid. Carrying a pocket Constitution, though, doesn't really add a tangible benefit to your Soldiers' ability to accomplish the mission.
If those 3.8oz of weight and space would consistently be better spent on a few more rounds of ammo, another packet of Cerasport, or more NODs batteries, it's probably smarter to prioritize that and build those habits by making them inspectable.
Smart cards can be useful, and I think a "US Civics" Smart Card, with explanations of how the different branches of government and legislation interact and fit together could be something to pass out.
In the long run, though, you have to ask yourself if it helps your Soldiers accomplish the mission any more effectively. A notebook, writing utensils, or watch can help save lives in the right situation, and the habit of carrying one in AND out of garrison is something that gives you a positive boost to readiness, even if Soldiers think it's stupid. Carrying a pocket Constitution, though, doesn't really add a tangible benefit to your Soldiers' ability to accomplish the mission.
If those 3.8oz of weight and space would consistently be better spent on a few more rounds of ammo, another packet of Cerasport, or more NODs batteries, it's probably smarter to prioritize that and build those habits by making them inspectable.
Smart cards can be useful, and I think a "US Civics" Smart Card, with explanations of how the different branches of government and legislation interact and fit together could be something to pass out.
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SrA Ronald Moore
Well Sir, 2 LT Noah Wyka, that why it should be taught in Basic Training, or right before One takes the oath of Service And defending the constitution, right then and There!Then it will free up that extra space for Ammo
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CPT (Join to see)
SrA Ronald Moore - I don't disagree, I think one or two days of Basic or AIT could be dedicated to learning about the nation and its government, but you have to ask, again, what does this do for warfighting ability? If they're in an MOS where knowledge of US laws and civic structure would benefit the force, sure!
For your average trigger-puller or truck driver, though, they don't necessarily need to have a detailed higher understanding of the US Constitution until they get further into their career where their decisions and advice have a larger impact.
For your average trigger-puller or truck driver, though, they don't necessarily need to have a detailed higher understanding of the US Constitution until they get further into their career where their decisions and advice have a larger impact.
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No, but it’d be great for you to give your SMs some homework to read and have discussions on the articles. Or even have a class on them and leave a lot of open room for discussion. Either would work great.
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Good to know. Good to read. Inspection item? No. We have enough stuff to keep track of that is inspectable.
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While I do believe that every American should be familiar with and have access to the Constitution, I can't personally think of any reason to make it an inspectable item. Just my take.
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SSG (Join to see)
Noted have IG this on you at all times can seem redundant but yes. Maybe I would make this for a soldier who I felt voiced a lot of opinions that were conflicting with his first mission. Then maybe I would to make them understand this what we support and defend but I understand
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Considering we have entire portions of our government devoted to interpretation not the Constitution.... Probably not gonna help. Also alot of soldiers don't even read their blue books.
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SrA Ronald Moore
Regardless of readin ones’ blue book , it’s not to be a scholar, you take an oath to defend it, so It too can be a guide to help others care about it if you are seen to care about it , we will be mentors to Soldiers , so Care about the Constitution that we are ambassadors of as Soldiers.
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SSG (Join to see)
SrA Ronald Moore even if you care about it, I don't believe it should be an inspectable item. Would purpose would it truly serve making it an inspectable item? Please don't confuse me with saying understanding the constitution isn't important, but carrying a pocket constitution doesn't serve any significant purpose for soldiers. You can't be sure they'd even read it.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
SrA Ronald Moore very true. Though maybe they should focus more on the Constitution in school.
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Brother Cody, we have too much inspect able junk now, and in my day as well. A smart leader should Know why the are doing things- Nobody ever jumped me or my troops for having a mini library on Mil history, tactics, gov't etc.
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Good in theory but in practice it may be hard to get the point across. People in the military come from all different levels of education and simply assigning some reading isn't likely to resonate in the way you intended for lots of soldiers.
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SSG Carlos Madden
Plus we all probably have access to it on our smartphones at anytime. Much easier than having a hard copy.
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Maybe the copy of the constitution we got handed out to us in US history in highschool. As for the rest, naw. Should it be discussed? For sure. Inspectable, maybe not
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I think that it should be issued at Reception Station and classes should be taught about it. It should be required knowledge and tested at promotion and Soldier/NCO of the month boards. Should a copy be an inspectable item? I don't know, but I do know if it was Board Testable, Soldiers would keep it close.
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SSG Roger Ayscue
SSG (Join to see) - Don't you want to understand exactly what you took an oath to uphold and defend? I heard some moron on the news tonight wanting to do away with July 4th as a National Holiday, but had no clue that it was July 4th 1776 that was being celebrated. The person he was debating told him, literally to "Go Eat a Tide Pod".
The level of knowledge about the true, important history of this country is dismal bordering on pathetic. You took an OATH before God Almighty to "Uphold and Defend the Constitution of the United States against ALL ENEMIES Foreign and Domestic", and to "Bear TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE" to it. EVERY Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, CoastGuardsman, and US Spaceman needs to know exactly what they swore to Uphold and Defend.
OR are you not normally that inquisitive.
The level of knowledge about the true, important history of this country is dismal bordering on pathetic. You took an OATH before God Almighty to "Uphold and Defend the Constitution of the United States against ALL ENEMIES Foreign and Domestic", and to "Bear TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE" to it. EVERY Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, CoastGuardsman, and US Spaceman needs to know exactly what they swore to Uphold and Defend.
OR are you not normally that inquisitive.
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SSG (Join to see)
SSG Roger Ayscue I never said service members shouldn't be fully educated on the constitution. I said I don't believe it should be an inspectable item as carrying that around all day serves no significant benefit. Especially given senior leader and political officials who can care less and issue orders or pass laws that go against the constitution. I personally read the constitution. I also, fail to see how me carrying a pocket constitution in my uniform would make me a better soldier. It wouldn't.
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SSG Roger Ayscue
SSG (Join to see) - Read what I wrote. I never said make them carry it around, or make it inspectable. Hell, I did not like having to Carry a FM 7-8 in my pocket all the time, JUST IN CASE we had 5 minutes of down time, which was a thing 20 years ago on Fort Bragg, after A "Good Idea Fairy" needed an OER or NCOER bullet. A pad a pen and an ID card should be the only HAVE TO carry it around.
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SSG (Join to see)
SSG Roger Ayscue I read what you wrote and responded to it as well as the original question posed by this post. Not sure when you went through reception, and that isn't meant as an insult at all, I'm just saying given the culture these days. Even if they gave classes on it at reception, do you think the Drills would really give a damn or treat it like another class they have to teach. If anything you'd have more success having the recruiters give the class before the recruits head off to MEPS to swear in. I mean it would be best because they'd know before they took the oath. But yes, CaC, pen and paper, dog tags, and military license is all I generally mandate as inspectable items.
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