The Army Chief of Staff nominee Gen. Mark Milley see things different? (Arming Recruiters)

2015-07-21T14:17:15-04:00

In a opposing view with the current Chief of Staff the general officer nominated to be the next Army chief of staff, GEN Mark Milley, Tuesday said the service should "seriously consider" arming recruiters "under certain conditions."

The current Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno did clarify what he was trying to say. I don't think they are butting heads but this does strike me to ensure he is more mindful of the troops, or possibly more in tune with the current logic of the troops.

Do you think this upstages the current Chief of Staff. I don't believe he is trying to do that. But when you have one swing left in the game you better make it count. To me GEN Milley hit it out of the park.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 21 at 2015 2:19 PM

2015-07-21T14:19:29-04:00

I think GEN Milley's approach of "under certain conditions" is a lot better than saying "not at all" or "yeah lets give everyone a gun". I think the military, as I been saying all day, needs to look around, go over the ideas given up as a possible solution and look at its short and long term effects that choose can have.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jul 21 at 2015 2:22 PM

2015-07-21T14:22:09-04:00

I think Gen. Milley is right; one hopes that this does not rescind his nomination.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jul 21 at 2015 2:23 PM

2015-07-21T14:23:26-04:00

The ball was looking like a home run until he added "under certain conditions." and it foul. At least he took a swing and made contact?

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jul 21 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-07-21T16:06:44-04:00

I would hardly call common sense hitting it out of the park -- especially given that being armed may not make a significant difference:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/marine-in-chattanooga-shooting-might-have-been-armed-officials-say/2015/07/20/1787a027-bbc4-429b-a8cc-9730d73b96a4_story.html

Marine in Chattanooga shooting may have been armed, officials say

Investigators are trying to determine if one of the Marines returned fire and possibly wounded Abdulazeez.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 21 at 2015 4:30 PM

2015-07-21T16:30:38-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I have to agree with you. I don't think he is trying to arm wrestle the current Chief of Staff. At this level the GO's have to be willing to speak their minds, even if it means butting heads once in awhile and even getting relieved from their position (when they are right). You can't be afraid to stand up for what you believe. As long as the message is delivered professionally then you live and die by your word at this level and only history will judge. Most of all he will be able to look in the mirror and say: "I made the decision and stood by that decision!"

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jul 21 at 2015 7:22 PM

2015-07-21T19:22:54-04:00

GEN Milley has a more reasonable approach and gives me confidence in the next Chief of Staff.