What is a particular problem with poor leadership in the Army? What approach or plan can we take to improve it?

I could write volumes on this. I will say people skills or lack thereof as being the biggest problem. I am not talking about coddling your troops. I am talking about earning their respect and trust as a person and as a leader. If you have to rely on pulling rank to do your job then chances are you fit this bill. People need to be inspired not managed. If your troops are jacked up then look in the mirror and ask yourself what is it that you are doing or not doing that is allowing said behavior to continue. Another good thing to consider is to ponder if your Soldiers would risk their lives to save yours. If the answer is no, then you have not inspired them or earned their trust and respect. You don't need to baby your troops, but you should foster a climate of bilateral trust and respect. If you have to lean on the rank crutch all the time, then you really need to take a hard look at how you do business. This isn't directed at anyone in particular, it's just based on what I have seen over the years.

After 30 years of service, I went back and re-read many of the military history books I read early in my career. It was eye opening reading them so many years later and with a wealth of experience that I did not have before. But what struck me is that many of the poor leadership things we see today were present in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. So I am not of the opinion that we are not producing good and great leaders anymore but a continuation of what has always been there. Yes, the situation is different now in many ways but I have worked with many outstanding leaders both officer and NCO and I have worked with many weak of the same.

HAHA sorry I had to laugh, me and my boy have been talking about this for a long time. In the most unprofessional way we agreed to this, it's a two way street, you have higher ups that just run their mouths saying "your grown men". They say thing, the lower enlisted hear. Neither side speaks or listens, everything is orders and must be followed. Cool it's part of the job but do they even know why? Knowing the top layer of why would help a lot. Also a big one "we care" no you don't, that's the biggest back stab I've ever heard of. This is just my experience so take it how ever you want.

I think this is a loaded question! I believe the poor leadership we are experiencing is stemming from a multitude of things. I would like to point out a couple of the "maybe's". With the guise of QMP and QSP, many leaders are fearful of making the hard right decisions fearing that such a wrong sneeze would have an adverse effect on their career. Therefore, such a fear has made it a game of "CYA" and individualism. Such a mindset does not allow a LEADER to empower their subordinates. What it creates is an environment that lucks trust and does not spark innovation! Secondly, i find that many seniors are not leading by example. There is a mentality across the military that " been there, done that". What they fail to realize is that as an exemplary LEADER is that although you have "been there", keep doing "that" because such an action provides direction and motivation for younger troops to emulate. Sounds easy right? But soldiers will always tell you that many NCOs are not providing such purpose, direction and motivation. Another cause is that just maybe, many of our NCOs found today are a byproduct of what over a decade of war has created. These fine NCOs can fight and lead troops through the hellish conditions of war, but lack the very discipline to lead and train soldiers in garrison. The futility is that many leaders seek authority by kicking and screaming. This is a thing of the past. Many will argue that the "Old Army" is gone..guess what...some of it is! Our environment is multi cultural, generational, multi ethnic, and no longer gender specific. We as NCOs need to apply some of the corporate world business strategies when it comes to LEADERSHIP. Understand the types of soldiers you have in your formation and seek to empower them and continuously seek to develop your leadership style. One mold does not fit all. The leadership style you bring to the table will endure long after you are gone.

Leaders need to be humble
Leaders need to remember to always dig in when they can with the Soldiers that they lead.
Leaders real leaders will be Fair, Form and Impartial

There will always be poor leaders from a 4 star to a buck SGT, what can you do. Get involved with your troops actually care about them and they will work hard for you. If you have a guy/gal that's not into the whole army thing, as long as they meet standards leave them alone put more time into troops that work hard and want to be there. If you're an NCO those are your troops respectfully tell your higher up that. If you're an officer let the senior NCOs teach you a few things they will appreciate it and will proudly help you out. Senior officers listen to the junior officers and ncos they know what's really going on under your command. Not that you don't but a lot of people are afraid to tell the commander the straight story. If you have a guy kissing your butt all the time I'll bet he's a problem. The smart ass that drives you crazy is probably one of the best soldiers you have.

We need to have the soldiers FLL recommend the SM for promotion like it when send to be. No more promoting soldiers with 3 YOS SSG. This is ridiculous.

Can we implement a new promotion system across all pay grades? I have been in almost six years and that seems to be the biggest road block to becoming a more efficient organization. I have seen soldiers became SSG based on nothing more than memorization of regulations. Or the officer who goes from college student to company commander in less than five years with no platoon leader time simply because he or she has enough time in service. Is there anything in the works to change it?

Stop promoting low enlisted before they have learn anything about being a soldier first. Not all soldier are leaders or NCO's. All because you win a board or best warrior Comp doesn't mean your ready. Once your pinned with those stripe your expected to Know your job and lower enlist are looking for it. I have heard NCO' s say promote the soldier they're going to war, not knowing that once they're promoted they become a fire team leader, Squad Ldr and are expected to know what they have to do. So yes please stop promoting these soldier to quick they need to learn first.

Get rid of the buddy system whether that be from the lowest level possible all the way to the Senate, Congress, and POTUS and anywhere in between.