What changes would you make to better the Army?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 13:49:12 -0500

Use the Issue/Discussion/Recommendation format. Refrain from "this sucks" and other slang. Be professional at all times and you never know who is reading your posts!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 2:17 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 14:17:14 -0500

A leadership that truly is looking out for the best of it's personnel. Not a town down disconnected set of arbitrary rules.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 3:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 15:26:25 -0500

MOS testing for promotion. As we all know, the level of responsibility that a SM has is increased with every promotion. I feel that the level of MOS knowledge should be tested prior to promotions. Example: When I arrived to Fort Hood I met the SFC in charge of the maintenance team. The more I worked in the motor pool and listened to what they were saying the more I was conviced that they had no clue as to what they were talking about. I asked him one day, "SFC, I'm having a brain fart right now.. How many gallons of coolant go into the M88 again??" They looked at me and said 15 gallons of water and 15 gallons of anti-freeze. For those not familiar with M88's, it's an air cooled engine and requires no coolant. This motor sergeant was a SFC. How in the hell are they going to properly train Soldiers if they are clueless about their job? On paper they look like the best thing since sliced bread, but in person are the complete opposite. This "stellar" SFC was selected for warrant officer. If there was a MOS knowledge test prior to promotion the "good" Soldiers really would rise to the top.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 5:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 17:29:27 -0500

There are a few changes i would make to the Army. 1st I have been on both sides of the fence Combat Arms and Combat Support and have realized that the standards of general disipline are VERY different. The standards in my opinion should be the same throughout the military no matter what field you are in. That kind of change starts from the top and should be pushed down to ensure maximum efficiency and disipline. Promotion boards in addition to the normal promotion boards I believe there should be an MOS knowledge test to ensure you are a well rounded soldier and not just someone that a great leader but doesn't understand their job or vise versa. That test should be administered annualy to ensure that leaders are staying in the books and building a working knowledge of their field and scope of duties.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 7:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 19:08:06 -0500

I would revamp the assignment of common core and SSD's.

Response by SFC Stephen Hester made Dec 19 at 2013 7:36 PM

SFC Stephen Hester — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 19:36:15 -0500

Bring back the SQT. While weapons and PT scores are objective standards, MOS skills evaluations are very subjective. We've all known Soldiers who went to the board without knowing their job. It's time to stop that practice.