We preach the need to trust our subordinates, but all the mandatory training we complete is micro-managed from the top.

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 03:50:37 -0500

How do we correct this and give the power and trust to the subordiante leaders to operate with disciplined initiative as they are supposed to within Mission Command?

Response by PO3 Shaun Taylor made Nov 7 at 2014 4:13 AM

PO3 Shaun Taylor — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 04:13:08 -0500

I think they should just pass down what the objectives are and leave it up to the subordinate leaders. If the goals/objectives are not met then they should hold the appropriate people accountable. Some things need to be handled at the lowest levels possible.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 5:51 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 05:51:28 -0400

Does the SSI survey change anyone's thoughts on this? How do we effectively train our force and get the mandatory training done, or do we not do some?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 8:02 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 08:02:39 -0400

First and foremost, a lot of the 'mandatory training' is a check the block regardless and the everyone, from the bottom up, just wants to get it done. We preach that it is so important but all that is cared about is "green" on that slide.

Second, a vast majority of said training is conducted via online courses, effectively removing the leadership from everything but asking "is it done yet?"

I have preached this for the last 5 years; the veritable cornucopia of mandatory classes can be completed in a day with physical classes, and they would be a lot more effective. 3/4 of the time spent doing these classes are either waiting for the flash video to load because government internet bandwidth is comparable to really fast dial-up. Either that, or the Soldier is merely clicking thru and learning absolutely nothing anyways because all that matters is the certificate.

Also, I have seen a climate shift when it comes to respect, trust, morale and camaraderie in the Army lately, and I feel a lot of it has to do with the fact that things like Sergeants Time Training are all but extinct. Let the leadership do their job and train their Soldiers. Don't spend countless dollars and hours developing all these redundant classes for no reason.