What do you feel are the top five military-related issues that need to be addressed by the next administration?

2017-01-01T23:19:05-05:00

Feel free to embellish.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2017 11:29 PM

2017-01-01T23:29:02-05:00

Definitely the VA. I'll have to think hard about the next four. I'll edit my response once I have a quality list for you, sir.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 1 at 2017 11:33 PM

2017-01-01T23:33:03-05:00

We need clear direction as to where the country is headed foreign policy wise to better map out where the military fits in and what it will be ordered to do. After 20 years plus of meandering objectives, no exit strategy, etc. we've generated a large medical and financial tail with little to show for it. A terrible way to waste our most treasured resource. Hard to do the quadrennial, future programming, etc. with fuzzy objectives.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2017 11:57 PM

2017-01-01T23:57:37-05:00

1. The VA. It needs to be completely rebuilt and policies need to be re-written. Veterans deserve the highest quality of care, and they deserve care NOW. They deserve care for both physical and psychological issues. Men and women are most prone to mental health problems in their mid 20s during periods of high stress. This is something we should be taking care of. Veterans should be able to afford health care and get the quality care they need. Retirees should continue to receive the same health care benefits they had when they were active duty. If you serve until retirement, I feel you've earned your right to keep your benefits.

2. Training. The military as a whole should reassess training from a basic recruit level to the General level. We should be training our troops to be physically strong and mentally harder than the enemy. If we invest in producing quality service members, we are setting ourselves up for success. We need to find a way to "break" them down and build them up. What I mean is that when the military receives an emotionally weak and easily offended recruit, we need to find a way to build them into a strong minded TEAM oriented person. Combine that with a strict regimen of physical training and you've got yourself a quality service member. The military should adopt a strict PT regimen and keep their service men and women in outstanding shape. If you do not stay within standards, you're out. Instead of keeping these INDIVIDUALS in for years while they wait to fail X many PTs or while the paperwork goes processed for their discharge, we should either 1. kick them out immediately, or better 2. send them through a "basic training" type camp where they are re-processed to build them up on a physical and mental disciplinary level.

3. "PC" in the military. It seems that our top leadership has become totally focused on adopting a position of political correctness. This PC mentality has done nothing, but hurt our war fighters. PC has infiltrated training, leadership, discipline, promotions, and how we as a nation fight in wars. Ronald Reagan gave an outstanding speech, and I'd like quote it below. Though he was talking about "peace" I feel the point he was trying to make can be applied to MUCH of what is going on today.

“Now let’s set the record straight. There’s no argument over the choice between peace and war, but there’s only one guaranteed way you can have peace—and you can have it in the next second—surrender. Admittedly, there’s a risk in any course we follow other than this, but every lesson of history tells us that the greater risk lies in appeasement, and this is the specter our well-meaning liberal friends refuse to face—that their policy of accommodation is appeasement, and it gives no choice between peace and war, only between fight or surrender. If we continue to accommodate, continue to back and retreat, eventually we have to face the final demand—the ultimatum. And what then—when Nikita Khrushchev has told his people he knows what our answer will be? He has told them that we’re retreating under the pressure of the Cold War, and someday when the time comes to deliver the final ultimatum, our surrender will be voluntary, because by that time we will have been weakened from within spiritually, morally, and economically. He believes this because from our side he’s heard voices pleading for “peace at any price” or “better Red than dead,” or as one commentator put it, he’d rather “live on his knees than die on his feet.” And therein lies the road to war, because those voices don’t speak for the rest of us.

4. Rules of Engagement (ROEs). If there is anything that needs to be changed, it's this. I recently finished reading "Betrayed" the story behind Extortion 17 - the greatest loss of life in NSW history. The author brings up a good point.
1. Our enemies have no ROEs.. yet we do. The enemy knows our ROEs better than we do, and they use them against us both tactically, but politically. The enemy does not care if you're a medic saving a mother in the entrance of an orphanage, he will still probably fire that RPG in your direction to achieve his mission.. Yet we have ROEs that prevent us from doing our duty, protecting others, and more so protecting ourselves.
2. The ROEs have been written in such a way that they do not allow for us to WIN a war. What's the point of going to war if the end goal is not to win? We need to change the ROEs so that our men and women, Soldiers and Marines especially, can fight, win, and survive when they are fighting a war that they were thrust into.
**I highly encourage anyone to pick up and read, "Betrayed".

5. Base pay, COLA, BAH. Not to say that we do not get paid well as it is, it would be nice if a system was in place to ensure that our base pay follows as close as possible to inflation. COLA and BAH should be watched carefully as well. Junior service members tend to split rent between one another and that is fine, but for the married service member, affordable housing may be tough to come by in some places. COLA can most definitely help offset expenses, but recently I've seen COLA drop in many places, yet there was no real indication as to why.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2017 12:13 AM

2017-01-02T00:13:07-05:00

Veteran Affairs.
Increase/Improve Basic Training.
Reinforce the Warrior First mentality in all branches, regardless of combat or support.
Increase the military in training, support, and supplies not just more tanks and planes.
Improve Military/Civilian Relations

If I had to add a 6.
Improve upon the get help atmosphere. If SM's need support then it should be there, whether that be financially, spiritually, marriage, stress from Combat or deployment, and most of all sexual assault.

Everyone needs to know that if they have a real problem that it can be handled by their chain of command one way or another. Whether that be a problem that Chain can fix and if not that there is someone they can go to whether that be the Chaplain, Finance, HR, JAG, Counselors, anything and everything.

Response by Vincent Mills made Jan 2 at 2017 12:31 AM

2017-01-02T00:31:09-05:00

...FIRST AND FOREMOST..PAY INCREASE... UNILATERAL CODE OF CONDUCT MAKING SURE ALL MILITARY PERSONELL KNOW THIS IS THE AMERICAN MILITARY, AND NOT A PLACE TO PRACTICE SPECIAL INTERESTS UNBECOMING OF MILITARY PERSONELL... MAKING SURE ALL MILITARY PERSONELL ARE FULLY TRAINED IN THE USE OF SIDEARM, AS WELL AS THE BASICS FOR EACH BRANCH... BETTER HEALTH CARE FOR ALL MILITARY PERSONELL AND VETERANS...AND TO REMEMBER THAT ALL PERSONELL SWEAR " SO HELP ME GOD " IS NOT TO BE DISHONORED....

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jan 2 at 2017 1:42 AM

2017-01-02T01:42:26-05:00

1) readiness
2) increase in the Force both active and reserve
3) move toward combat effectiveness and away from Social experimentation
4) modernize the fleet, aircraft and missile programs
5) provide specialized support and training for US Border protection

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jan 3 at 2017 9:23 AM

2017-01-03T09:23:25-05:00

Healthcare - healthcare is a mess no matter which sector you're in.
VA services overhaul - we don't need more stories of veterans killing themselves when the VA turns them away.
Current mission goals - we've got people disillusioned after almost 2 decades of armed conflict. We need some kind of a brief. People need to believe in what we're doing.

Sorry, can't think of 5, but there's my top 3.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2017 11:50 AM

2017-01-03T11:50:52-05:00

Training, so many of the new airmen we get think they know everything and can't seem to function in a professional environment. They think after tech school they know what they need and are overconfident. Then when you are working on teaching them or doing day to day tasks they just have that I do what I want attitude. The training they get could use some improvement also, at least the training I went through compared to what my job actually is. There are other things I would like to see done but this is a big one for me thats not really just one thing.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Jan 7 at 2017 12:45 PM

2017-01-07T12:45:29-05:00

1. Reverse social experimentation policies in the military.
2. Restore firearms freedoms to our SMs by reversing registration requirements for privately owned weapons on bases, and expanding concealed carry policies to allow all SMs to carry on base without the current permission requirements.
3. Restore firearms freedoms to our SMs' spouses by making them free to purchase and carry weapons in the States in which their SM spouses are stationed.
4. Revitalize the institution of the Constitutional Militia in each State. This is not strictly 'military-related' but it is 'national defense/security-related,' and it pertains to the role of Commander-in-Chief.
5. Concurrently with #4, transition the military to a primary role of supporting and training the Militia in each State, rather than it's current role of acting as a global police force.

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Jan 20 at 2017 12:54 PM

2017-01-20T12:54:03-05:00

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jan 20 at 2017 12:57 PM

2017-01-20T12:57:24-05:00

Rebuilding our our military. Everything else is gravy.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2017 1:02 PM

2017-01-20T13:02:33-05:00

I would like to see less oversight by soooooo many politicians. I get there needs to be oversight, but man there seems to be a buttload of politicians that have never served in the military but sure as hell dip their fingers in the pie and tell the cooks how to run their kitchen.

Response by SPC Matthew Traylor made Jan 20 at 2017 1:07 PM

2017-01-20T13:07:49-05:00

Let the DSs do their job and stop pansifying everything. We are making Boy Scouts and not soldiers anymore. Enough of the PC bullshit.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2017 1:09 PM

2017-01-20T13:09:44-05:00

Stop the social experiments! Stop all the exceptions due to religion/feelings/etc.

Enact on-post carry for all US Military. Make military posts "Shall Issue" so that everyone is allowed to carry (with the proper training) unless their service records say otherwise.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2017 1:27 PM

2017-01-20T13:27:38-05:00

Improved pay and benefits to be inline with the private sector. How many people does the military lose each year due to jobs with more competitive salaries and up to date technologies? Let's face it, while the military is a great stepping stone and foundation, with the pay and benefits the way they are now and the training he receives in the military, Joe Snuffy is going to jump ship once he realizes his talents will go further and yield higher dividends in the private sector

Response by GySgt Bill Smith made Jan 20 at 2017 2:10 PM

2017-01-20T14:10:48-05:00

Get rid of DTS.

Response by SPC Todd Hanson made Jan 20 at 2017 3:23 PM

2017-01-20T15:23:29-05:00

Pay raises for DOD civilians sounds good and for VETs and military Lol

Response by TSgt Jim Gregg made Jan 20 at 2017 3:54 PM

2017-01-20T15:54:39-05:00

Slow down the ops tempo. Up the annual COLA, maybe two tier, during wartime versus peacetime. Change retirement , for every month deployed get credit for 1.5 months

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2017 3:57 PM

2017-01-20T15:57:14-05:00

Halt the drawdown, change the AR 600-9 to increase body fat % for males over 40, waive height/weight standards for males over 45.

Response by SPC Michael Richardson made Jan 20 at 2017 4:20 PM

2017-01-20T16:20:48-05:00

I'd like to see a major overhaul to military and veteran health care services and benefits. Especially the duration of wait time between applying for and receiving such benefits. An overhaul in the medboard rating system is also much needed.

Response by CDR Jon Corrigan made Jan 20 at 2017 4:39 PM

2017-01-20T16:39:35-05:00

Escort SECNAV Mabus out the door first thing Monday morning.

Response by MSgt George Cater made Jan 20 at 2017 5:04 PM

2017-01-20T17:04:09-05:00

I'm sure there are more pressing matters, but personally I'd like to see CCW reciprocity and allowing CCW holders to carry on base.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jan 20 at 2017 5:43 PM

2017-01-20T17:43:57-05:00

This was a good start and his climate policy could ultimately save the DoD Billions of dollars a year to use on things like manning, bullets, and defense.

http://www.climatedepot.com/2017/01/20/all-references-to-climate-change-deleted-from-white-house-website-at-noon-today/

All References to ‘Climate Change’ Deleted From White House Website at Noon Today

WASHINGTON, DC — A climate of change! Perhaps the most stark contrast between the Obama administration and the Trump administration is on “global warming”. The climate differences…

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Jan 20 at 2017 6:39 PM

2017-01-20T18:39:10-05:00

My thoughts carry no weight, and it's not my world anymore. However, I'll bet every division commander has a list.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2017 10:01 PM

2017-01-20T22:01:14-05:00

Manpower increase.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2017 10:07 PM

2017-01-20T22:07:12-05:00

I just want our damn funding every year on time.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jan 21 at 2017 2:27 AM

2017-01-21T02:27:03-05:00

Rebuilding the military to erase the effects of Sequester.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2017 9:16 AM

2017-01-21T09:16:02-05:00

Less or zero reduction in troops strength in all services if economically feasible

Response by Alan K. made Jan 21 at 2017 9:55 AM

2017-01-21T09:55:53-05:00

Health then pay......If your not healthy you can't spend the money. Let's get all our men and women in the VA's care GTG so they can enjoy raised pay and benefits. you know the drill, you cannot be effective if your not healthy.

Response by Alan K. made Jan 21 at 2017 10:12 AM

2017-01-21T10:12:58-05:00

ROI, PC, More Indians and less Chiefs, Having actual plans and end games....I did stick to operational issues but the VA has to be in there as well.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jan 21 at 2017 10:46 AM

2017-01-21T10:46:00-05:00

Veterans Health and welfare
Pay and benefits for all who serve and have served
Patriotism and it's importance
More USA focus jobs and people who struggle
Run the country like a business because it is.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2017 10:53 PM

2017-01-21T22:53:17-05:00

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member Here is my list:
1. Fix the VA so that it is there to serve veterans.
2. Increase the size of the U.S. Armed Forces so that length and number of deployments can be reduced. With all the trouble spots in the world, we will need the manpower.
3. Increase the training budget so that our forces are trained and capable of handling any situation as it arises.
4. Pay the military as if they are a vital component of our national defense, which they are.
5. An initiative to change the public view of the military, to include school children.

Response by PO1 Rodney Bracey made Jan 22 at 2017 12:14 AM

2017-01-22T00:14:13-05:00

Life skills training to include financial counseling.

Improved End of Service Transition programs.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jan 22 at 2017 7:28 PM

2017-01-22T19:28:00-05:00

The only one I feel confident to reply to in that I has a bit of experience of ,is tours of duty ,current Service members do multiple deployments.I feel your burning out the much smaller all volunteer forces.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 9:57 AM

2017-01-24T09:57:11-05:00

They need to make the military a fighting force again and not a welfare force. the focus should be fighting and winning wars in the most efficient ways. Stop the worrying about paying out for pay raises, health care for dependents and geographic BAH.