What do you expect from the Army’s new command team?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 15:22:23 -0400

The Army is about to get a new Chief of Staff. In addition we have recently seen a new Sergeant of the Army put in place.

Now, GEN Mark Milley comes with a strong resume. He was an Infantry officer that has also spent time in Special Forces. The last CoS to have done that was GEN Shoomaker who was brought out of retirement to assume the duty. The Army is relying heavily on Special Forces and they are one of the few places in the Army that really hasn't seen a budget cut. Their role is becoming more and more crucial to national security. I am sure he will be able to lend his experience in this to lead the new Army in a post conventional war era. In addition we now have SMA Dan Dailey, who is also an infantryman. He is already a positive impact on the Army.

The Army is now being led by leaders that come from the Infantry. What impact will this have on the Army as we transition? The Army as a whole is moving into a lighter fighting force that is more focused on light fighting forces more than ever. With the Brigade Combat Teams receiving a new battalion to maneuver and the new leadership both being infantry is the Army going to focus on their infantry assets more? How is this going to affect the rest of the Army?

*And they are both Tabbed. RLTW!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 3:29 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 15:29:34 -0400

I expect them to do what every other CoS and SMA do lead by example develope long term plans and strategies for training and devolping the lighter fighting force that we are transitioning to. With this will come there intents and we have many of great Officers and NCOs that will execute the intent to keep the force running strong just as it did the last time we reduced our Military in size.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 3:35 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 15:35:51 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Sir to my knowledge GEN Milley has also only been nominated and not yet approved by the senate to take this pisotion. So to post him in a picture as the CoS is a little premature.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 13 at 2015 3:41 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 13 May 2015 15:41:55 -0400

Look at our Doctrine and TTPs on counterinsurgency for pertinent modifications.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 3:55 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 15:55:17 -0400

I think its a good choice.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 3:56 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 15:56:29 -0400

I think they will be a strong command team.

With regard to the NCO ranks/NCO leadership, I do think it is important that they possibly 'revisit' how they promote NCOs, in terms of what is considered and weight given to certain things over other things (advanced degree vs. no advanced degree).

This is the age old question about which is MORE valuable....EXPERIENCE, or knowledge gained from advanced schooling.

There are some SNCOs that have multiple deployments, and have very refined leadership skills, yet, some of them may not necessarily be given their shot at higher leadership positions.

I know there are alot of variables to this, and don't get me wrong--I think pursuing higher education is important--but, I think the Army needs to figure out a better 'way' than just eliminating a person from promotion consideration because they don't have an advanced degree.

I think, this comment, on an 11 MAY article by the Army Times, embodies some of the frustration:

(I admit, the numbers are a little concerning...)

I am curious as to what others think.

http://www.army.mil/article/148202

"So I agree with mostly everything in this article. But... He mentioned passing on knowledge from more experienced NCOs. My problem here stems from the latest MSG board. More than 68% of all selected have less than 4 yrs TIG. 56% have less than 15 years TIS. I'm not trying to take anything from those NCOs but if we are truly interested in keeping experienced NCOs then we promote them to the grade and position they have earned rather than passing them by and putting them out. Experience is not or should not be measured in civilian education. This just my opinion and is not meant to insult."

....I guess I'm saying that I just hope they are attuned to issues like this...

This comment--which had 11 Facebook LIKES, by the way--I think shows that, no matter how much of a team player people may be, that getting people to aggressively share their experience with younger troops will be a tough sell when you don't promote those who DO have that experience.

I can't say whether some things are being done intentionally, by design, but it does seem like things like this and the proposed 20-year military retirement changes, will start to drive away alot of the EXPERIENCE.

I guess I'm concerned that we could quickly become an extremely book smart force, but with little to no practical, real life, experience.

One thing is for sure, in the event that $hit hits the fan, I do think it is in our best interest to at least maintain SOME experience, from the Iraq/Afghanistan war, in the force.

I just think its important that we stay attuned to these things.

Army's top enlisted leader looks to future

He may not be able to predict the future, but Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey will do his best to guarantee the American Soldier is ready for whatever that future brings.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 4:32 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 16:32:59 -0400

I am biased being in U.S. Army Pacific but I was hoping for GEN Vincent Brooks!

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 3:32 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 03:32:31 -0400

Probably change uniforms and tattoo policies...again

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 12:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 12:45:03 -0400

Having experience with Gen. Milley as my CG at Drum, I have kind of high expectations for him. I know his very good at what he does. He's also a really nice guy. Very approachable, despite his accolades. Don't let the tabs and badges scare you off. They're not who he is.
As far as SMA Dailey, since we talk up the infantry so much, I really hope he delivers. The infantry will never hear the end of it if his stay is like SMA Chandler.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 1:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 13:48:02 -0400

While I could careless if they are infantry or tabbed, all I care about is that they do the utmost of their ability to care of the men and women in uniform and their families.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 8:12 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 20:12:40 -0400

With any luck, there will be a renewed focus on the warfighter. I've seen too many times that some people in the Army forget they exist to perform customer service to those warfighters and not the other way around.

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 21 at 2015 5:19 AM

SFC Stephen King — Thu, 21 May 2015 05:19:42 -0400

I am looking forward to the change. I have had the esteem pleasure of working with and for Gen Milley. Honestly, he allows his staff to work on their tasks and his Senior NCO'S to lead. I look forward to seeing this team flourish.

Response by SPC David S. made May 22 at 2015 1:11 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 22 May 2015 13:11:05 -0400

I think this is a smart move as with the use of UAV's and other gizmos the Army's role in regards to boots on the ground I feel will be more surgical in the future. I think there is a lot to be learned from the past 10 years in combating asymmetrical forces especially in regards to IED's and an unconventional force. I see smaller teams guiding resources to targets - sounds like Infantry, Ranger, SF will be taking care of. Things that could go away - Armour. Very expensive for what you get M1A1 $4.3 million per unit and the issues of logistics in getting to area. Smaller, lighter and less expensive ways in dealing with hot spots strategy needs to be refined. If nothing else gender issues and roles.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 7:32 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 19:32:23 -0400

Is it me or is the new SMA the best thing to happen to the Army since CAS.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 1 at 2015 9:34 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 21:34:43 -0400

I want them to know how to fight insurgents.

Response by SGT Robert Clark made Nov 22 at 2016 11:09 PM

SGT Robert Clark — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 23:09:38 -0500

Gen. Miley was my BC at Camp Greaves Korea 96-97 with 1/506 and he was one the better officers that I had the pleasure of serving under. I wish that the Army would pull more of the NCO's for the senior leadership from Special Operations.

Response by CW3 Dick McManus made Nov 23 at 2016 1:38 AM

CW3 Dick McManus — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 01:38:10 -0500

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