What does the future of our Military Services look like for the next four years under the current leadership?

2017-02-04T12:56:34-05:00

RP Members and Connections. What's in store for the Military Services in the next (4) years under the current leadership?

Topics for discussion:
1. Increased spending for modernization (All Services)?
2. Increased End Strength?
3. Increase in pay and allowances?
4. Increased focus on Transition Resources?
5. Increase in Cyber Forces, Technology, & Training?
6. Increase in Space Forces, Technology, & Strategy
7. Increased emphasis on Leadership
8. Increased emphasis on Training/Doctine
9. Increased OPTEMPO for ISIS and Afghanistan?
10. War with Iran or any other countries on our watch list of bad actors?

What else can happen in (4) years?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 4 at 2017 1:03 PM

2017-02-04T13:03:15-05:00

Better retirement pay for those that are at that time in their career.

Response by SSG Waldo Yamada made Feb 4 at 2017 1:04 PM

2017-02-04T13:04:01-05:00

Our Fearless Leader is trying. I'm worried of the fact that his red tape move and escalating both Eastern and Western front might cause an all out WWIII. I can only hope he knows what he is doing. Ukraine is doubling up and the Middle Eastern front is being striked with precision. I think the 38th parallel is gonna be a hard one this time around. I'd say all of the above for this type of war machine to happen.

It's a balancing act to be just an American nowadays. Especially me as a medically retired veteran.

Response by CPT Ryan H. made Feb 4 at 2017 1:04 PM

2017-02-04T13:04:29-05:00

I imagine basic republican tenets as it pertains to military spending, but less predictability for deployments and things - under the premise that knowing before hand would compromise security. - at least until a new theater becomes more mature and therefore deployments more predictable

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Feb 4 at 2017 1:04 PM

2017-02-04T13:04:39-05:00

Past & present talk and discussion aside, I think it's a toss-up on all subjects and only time will tell.

As with most Republican administrations, though, I do foresee increased spending and likely a larger end strength. Those are the only two guesses I would place any confidence in, though.

Response by SFC George Smith made Feb 4 at 2017 1:08 PM

2017-02-04T13:08:44-05:00

Right Now there are still too many Variables out there because the Progressive are Holding up the confirmations of key personnel to the Staff and cabinet...
Once things are in and settled and the Problem Children Take their Place and start working with the new administration then things ill be better...

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Feb 4 at 2017 1:17 PM

2017-02-04T13:17:24-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs when you detail them out and number them like that it shows how far we have slipped. Cyber and retention are the two challenges we need a handle on now. The rest play a part in both. Not as worried about pay as much as end strength. Then we can begin to get a grasp on the rest. Ebb and flow- anyone that has served under several administrations have seen the changes.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2017 3:09 PM

2017-02-04T15:09:59-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I am optimistic that the next four years will be a better time to be in the military. Increased spending will help prepare us for the challenges ahead.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Feb 4 at 2017 4:30 PM

2017-02-04T16:30:49-05:00

Great question my hope is better as my Son is on his way to basic next week.

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Feb 4 at 2017 5:55 PM

2017-02-04T17:55:05-05:00

I can honestly say for the first time in a very long time I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. This kinder gentler crap did nothing but put our service members in harm's way IMO. We need a strong demonstration of strength to stare down the bully- and make sure they blink first. Also make sure that we make good on our threat if they cross our drawn line in the sand. Sometimes violence is all the enemy understands- and with R.O.E. you might as well tie our military's hands, or send them in to fight unarmed. We need to protect those who can't protect themselves, our military has to have the tools in order to do their job. JS

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2017 7:49 PM

2017-02-04T19:49:46-05:00

I hear there will be increased funding for schools so looking forward to that. Maybe I'll get a deployment in. Who knows.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 4 at 2017 11:48 PM

2017-02-04T23:48:01-05:00

I would expect better focused modernization efforts COL Mikel J. Burroughs.
1. Spiral development will be used more often to support state of the art development in the face of changing threats.
2. End strength of personnel and major lines of weapons-system will be linked to national security and defense strategies.
3. pay and allowances and commissary buying power will be improved.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2017 12:20 AM

2017-02-05T00:20:33-05:00

First, I'm optomistic about where we're heading, but as SFC George Smith states, until the rest of President Trump's key personnel are in place and start working the military as a whole will reap some awesome benefits. I have two Nephews in the Marine Corps. One in Officer training and the other having completed MARSOPS and still in some sort of training. Both are fine young men and I know that this is a good time to be where they are. I can't wait to see the results.

Response by 1SG Frank Rocha made Feb 5 at 2017 1:19 AM

2017-02-05T01:19:46-05:00

If the Presidents current MO is any indication I imagine waste, fraud, abuse and overspending ($500 for a hammer?, $60 for one single rivet?) will be addressed at some point.

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Feb 5 at 2017 1:20 PM

2017-02-05T13:20:51-05:00

I support the 1st 8,but have a difference of opinion on 9,10.On 9,we should support Afghanistan,as far as more Opts only if Afghanistan asks,keeping in mind that their Country should step up it's game on defense and making the overall lives of it's Citizens better.On10,War!I believe all Officers are taught about Sun Tzu.He to knew the importance of a strong disciplined military,and that war was a necessary option only after all other means failed.The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.To me that quote means Diplomacy and the use of Soft Power,stabilizing the MiddleEast,and Allowing Iran to take more responsibility in the stabilization of the MiddleEast.There is a path that could trigger their participation.It was being tried,and now it's starting fall apart.I don't believe it went far enough.That path is to make Iran a permanent member of the P-5,making it the P-6.A Nation can stand adversity,but if you want to test a Nation's character,give it power.I know that majority on here don't agree,but with a seat at the table and backing of all the other members,it would be in Irans best interest to insure the stability of it's neighbors and give the whole of the MiddleEast a voice,even possibly right the wrongs that were created by the redrawing of the lines that put the Saudi royalties in power.Would they be allowed short range nukes to give it teeth,probably.It is more logical to avoid conflict,than fight costly wars.Sir.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Feb 7 at 2017 3:32 PM

2017-02-07T15:32:21-05:00

Zun Tzu the Art of War, we will as a nation will go broke, because all I see is more money being thrown at war, when the reality is command. Some one needs to read the book: Why We Lost: A General's Inside Account of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Feb 7 at 2017 3:51 PM

2017-02-07T15:51:38-05:00

Time will tell, because throwing money is not the solution.

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Feb 8 at 2017 6:03 PM

2017-02-08T18:03:45-05:00

Using Israels plan of requiring all high school graduates serve 2 years in the military can change this nation. They can be assigned to a National Guard unit Teach them military discipline. Serving in the National Guard allows them to continue their education to a higher level if they desire, if not they can enter the work force. This will add to the nations defenses.

Response by SMSgt Timothy Cathers made Feb 9 at 2017 4:58 PM

2017-02-09T16:58:39-05:00

Excellent! We will finally get our teeth back. More money for better equipment and more training. I would love to serve under this president.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Feb 10 at 2017 10:41 AM

2017-02-10T10:41:56-05:00

Under the leadership we have beginning with CiC Trump it will get better! We have General Mattis and the other The President has brought on board.. I hope
that certain persons, no matter their race or creed will repledge themselves to Support the CiC. If they feel they cannot live up to supporting him and those in position leading the troops, it's time to drain that swamp also.. of them,
If they are so stuck on "that woman" being President CiC, they need to get out ..

Response by PO1 John Watson made Feb 10 at 2017 11:37 AM

2017-02-10T11:37:17-05:00

For the last 8 years we have had a POTUS who skirted important issues involving our military. We now have a POTUS that seems sincere in his promises. I believe he will take his post as Commander in Chief seriously. With the appointment of General Mattis that was a boost to the morale I'm sure of our military leaders. Right now our military seems to be in a state of disarray with recent news reports. I believe things will begin to change for the better as President Trump and our new Defense Secretary take command of our great military.

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Feb 10 at 2017 1:44 PM

2017-02-10T13:44:32-05:00

If this administration can get cooperation from the congress the future for the military looks very promising. My input is this: stop the social experiments and political correctness and return the military to prioritizing fighting effectiveness.

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made Feb 10 at 2017 2:03 PM

2017-02-10T14:03:22-05:00

If the impact of this administration is anything close to the level that Reagan had on the military, our troopers are in for a very nice surprise.
At the time Reagan began to spend more on the military, I had been a company commander of an infantry unit and had not been able to conduct basic weapons qualification (M-16; 60 & 81 mm mortar & .45 cal pistol) for more than two years due to lack of ammunition. Fuel was also non-existent at the company level so all wheel vehicles remained parked. There was little to no useable shelf life in the batteries for the PRC 25 & 77 radios and we bought batteries out of pocket for the TA 312's to conduct training with some form of communication.
In short - we were a deadlined unit on paper simply due to lack of funding and the immediate past administration had taken action to head us down the same path. The Reagan administration literally saved the military in 1981.

Although our military is not in the same situation today, the RIF at all ranks is taking a toll on the morale of the army in particular and we are losing some fine field trained officers and NCO's as a result.
Today, the United States has more combat experienced Officers and NCO's than any other military system on the planet and we need to leverage that to the largest extent possible by stopping the blood-letting; something I believe we can count on with this administration. (I have great confidence in General Mattis to manage this well.)
The impact of the new administration is already somewhat evident with the recent announcement from one aircraft supplier that it is going to price the current order of fighter jets $780 million less than the last order. That is nearly a billion dollars that can now be reallocated to other necessary uses. This is only one example of how his business acumen will likely influence purchasing and contract negotiations at all levels - something he promised to do.
His choice of Secretary of Defense will assure a sensible approach to the way our military operates and likely bring about a more practical rules of engagement for our troops as well as more effective and tactically intelligent deployment decisions. In my estimation, given the personalities involved, these things will be a given. These are just a few of the changes the military can likely expect: Greater fiscal accountability; Greater emphasis on growing a strong and effective fighting force at all levels; Greater oversight from the SecDef toward proper military management; Greater care toward our wounded warriors through the VA; A stronger economy allowing congress the ability to afford to invest in national defense; and more likely than not, a distancing of the U.S. from the United Nations and a stronger relationship with Israel - one of our most faithful allies. Optimism? Perhaps. But if only half the things I mention here come to pass, the military will be far better off than it is today.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 11 at 2017 12:10 AM

2017-02-11T00:10:12-05:00

Well, if you look at the media... All is lost... But, I think we have a larger, more lethal and more cost conscience military...

Response by PFC Jim Mills made Feb 12 at 2017 11:55 AM

2017-02-12T11:55:08-05:00

I'm hoping to see troop readiness and updates on our equipment! Lots of civilians think our military is a wast of time but they don't understand that it has improved the lives of millions of young people and helped them avoid a destitute path in life , not to mention working for much less than what civilians make ! I for one am glad I joined

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2017 8:09 PM

2017-02-12T20:09:28-05:00

Sir, it would be easy to say a big fat question mark. In my opinion, I believe that we will see a surge UAS/Drone technology and utilization along with an increase of manpower and technology in all of the intelligence disciplines both playing a distant second to cyber warfare. Sir, what do you think?

Response by SSG Robert Spina made Feb 12 at 2017 8:12 PM

2017-02-12T20:12:23-05:00

I think it looks good Obama gutted our military to ww1 levels Trump has vowed to rebuild it

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Mar 12 at 2017 6:48 PM

2017-03-12T18:48:34-04:00

I am hopeful that over the next four years the status if each military services personnel, equipment, training and readiness will improve significantly and be much better funded that in the previous 8 years COL Mikel J. Burroughs.
Of course personnel, equipment, training and readiness requirements will be governed by the national security strategy and the national defense strategy.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made May 7 at 2017 11:45 AM

2017-05-07T11:45:11-04:00

I remember the difference from Clinton to Bush. While Clinton was President, I had to scrounge to get the basics for the ship to perform its mission When Bush was President, I could spend more time training because I didn't have to spend 2 days a week scrounging.

Response by SPC Paul C. made May 7 at 2017 12:13 PM

2017-05-07T12:13:58-04:00

We will have more overall military strength in the next four years, and I am confident that we will use it wisely.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Dec 31 at 2017 5:17 PM

2017-12-31T17:17:51-05:00

Increase, Increase, Increase and don't pay for any of it. We haven't paid for Iraq yet. Oops I forgot, the Iraqis are going to pay for that.