Smaller Army Better Leaders?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:26:28 -0400

Should the Army allow subordinates of all ranks to board select their superiors? Would a Army wide rank wide board be relevant to choosing appropriate personnel to lead those that desire good leadership? As an NCO my career path is determined at this point by a group of people who know nothing about me except what is on paper. Should we do the same thing while remaining free of bias and favor towards our leaders???

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made Apr 23 at 2014 3:36 PM

MAJ Steve Sheridan — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:36:08 -0400

Interesting idea. Not sure how it would work, but having subordinates be able to have an impact on superior ratings would help prevent some really bad leaders get promoted. If everyone in a Unit gives the leader a bad rating, there's something to it, vs. just a couple of bad ratings.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 24 at 2014 9:05 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 09:05:13 -0400

In short, no...you would have individuals getting selected because they are "liked" by subordinates due to them being buddy-buddy while others who may be more deserving would not get selected because they are "not liked" due to being more strict when it comes to upholding standards and maybe are not as political as the "liked". Bad joo-joo there if you ask me.....

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 9:07 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 09:07:07 -0400

I don't think that would work out too well but interesting in theory. I think you'd create an unbalanced senior/subordinate ratio if we got to choose our leaders.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Apr 24 at 2014 9:33 AM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 09:33:29 -0400

As many mentioned this could be bad as we would have a buddy buddy Army eventually. The idea proposed by SSG Gorman seems to be an amicable situation if you take into account the subordinate's choices and ideas and give them some weight, but not make them a sole factor. If I was to be promoted into a commanding role but 100% of the soldiers that worked for me hated me, that might be something worth looking at prior to making the move. Heck, even 100% loving me would do the same.