The VA has a leadership crisis. Duh! How many of us could have told him that?

Sgt Spencer Sikder - I don't disagree. I'm merely highlighting that we're not going to correct a leadership problem under the current model. So let's look at models that don't have leadership problems, which are "related" to the VA.

It's an assessment of the situation more than an actual complaint. I don't expect "leadership" in civilian organizations anymore than I expect customer service from the Marine Corps. Hope that clarifies.

There is a vast difference between civil service and the military. This abyss is hidden behind a wall of bureaucracy that tends to confuse most people. (I know. I worked at Social Security in a reasonably responsible position before enlisting in the Army.) Both are bound by carefully crafted procedures and regulations. The principle difference is that the military has mission orientation. If you ignore or violate a regulation or SOP in the military to accomplish a mission, there is a strong likelihood that you'll be forgiven, possibly even rewarded for initiative especially if it is clear that following regs and SOPs would have led to mission failure. In the Civil Service, there is no leeway. You may fail daily. As long as you adhere to procedures and regulations, you are a good employee. Also, whereas you may be drummed out of the service for almost any reason, it is virtually impossible to fire a civil servant.

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS - Oh, I didn't think your original response was off by any means. I meant my reply to highlight the differences a bit further. Sorry if my response came off differently. I enjoy your perspective, you've been on point too many times for me to count.

Sgt Spencer Sikder I think we are in sync. I was responding by phone, while getting my quarterly haircut, so you got tagged in the response! My response to you, was as much to the previous posters. Sorry for the confusion.