What is the most important military skill?

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 09:11:32 -0500

All of these are important, and the oft repeated basic 3 "shoot, move, communicate" are elemental. I would argue "plan" is pretty important too. They build on each-other and complement, but I would argue they layer, and one is the base. If you had to pick only one as the most important for you or a fellow Service Member to be capable of, which would it be?

The images are intended to represent each to some degree.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 6 at 2015 9:16 AM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 09:16:04 -0500

Communicate. Hands down.

Cannot effectively do any of the others without communication.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 9:17 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 09:17:28 -0500

Effective communication can improve every situation.

Response by SSG Rob Cline made Mar 6 at 2015 9:19 AM

SSG Rob Cline — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 09:19:17 -0500

Communication. Not only for mission execution, but for planning, briefings, classes, etc. You don't want to sound like a bumbling buffoon when you're trying to get your point across.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Mar 6 at 2015 9:29 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 09:29:20 -0500

Shoot (/fight). Killing is what we do.

Lots of love so far for communicate. I'm not opposed to the importance of communication, it's pretty damned important. But our business is killing. It is the Main Effort. Everything else is a supporting effort. If I'm in a firefight and I (or one of my Marines) loses the capability to move or to communicate, but I can still fight? Put a rifle in my hands and I'll keep doing what we're here to do.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 9:37 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 09:37:58 -0500

Move. The main effort for the Army is Maneuver. Marines is the Grunts. Navy ships. Air Force Planes. We start by building units by the characteristics of their movement.

Response by CPL William Atkinson made Mar 6 at 2015 9:42 AM

CPL William Atkinson — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 09:42:12 -0500

i would say move, because it doesn't matter how good of a shot you are if your not in the right place to take it. communication is good but if you have to rely on someone elses ability to save your ass
you are completely screwed. planning is good but as we all know any and "All" plans go to shit after the first bullets fly

Response by SSG Adam Reed made Mar 6 at 2015 9:45 AM

SSG Adam Reed — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 09:45:09 -0500

6. None of the above. Knowing how to deal with BS is a top skill in the military. Seriously, how many times have you had to shoot, move, communicate compared to how many times you had to deal with BS. Being able to waddle through the trenches of BS and come out the other side smelling like a freshly popped off round is a skill set in itself.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 6 at 2015 9:49 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 09:49:04 -0500

"Amateurs talk about tactics, but professionals study logistics."
- Gen. Robert H. Barrow, USMC (Commandant of the Marine Corps) noted in 1980

Logistics is about the "movement" of bodies, equipment, etc.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 9:55 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 09:55:56 -0500

Communicate, by far. Everything from planning to execution to the AAR afterwards relies on this. That's how we learn, that's how we grow into a better organization. It applies both in and out of the military.

This isn't Call of Duty or any other shooter game where you can rely on shooting and moving alone. Any leader knows that communication is essential. Even for those that don't do planning or see the big picture, short term gains are: coordinating maneuvers, calling CAS, MEDEVAC, etc.

Learn to communicate effectively and you'll do well.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 6 at 2015 10:02 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 10:02:12 -0500

I would say communicate is #1. Not only in military, but in life. Planning requires communication. Communicate is required within the Shoot/move in order to coordinate....nothing good comes from lack of communication.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 10:15 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 10:15:47 -0500

In combat, violence of action, making a quick decision and executing. In garrison empathy and knowing the hard right.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Mar 6 at 2015 10:30 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 10:30:43 -0500

“The most important six inches on the battlefield is between your ears.” -Gen James Mattis, USMC.

The ability to think trumps all the others because it is that ability that ALLOWS for the others.

Response by SGT William Howell made Mar 6 at 2015 10:44 AM

SGT William Howell — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 10:44:22 -0500

Discipline. I have trained both Afghan and Iraqi and their discipline sucks. They can shoot, move, and communicate right up until the bullets start flying. Then it is a soup sandwich. Everything goes right out the window.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 6 at 2015 10:44 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 10:44:47 -0500

The ability to learn..retain, apply what has been trained .
Nobody knows everything
Everybody needs to learn something
And we all need to practice what we wish to be great at.

The ability to learn IMHO was / is the most valuable skill.

As well as there is NO unvaluable skill.... If you know how to make boots, that skill can be harnessed, if you are proficient in math that skill can be harnessed, if you are a natural leader comfortable in problem solving and articulate in your method of discussion... GREAT, so long as you're also capable of learning.. I can teach you to operate your individual weapon, communicate via TACSAT and move as part of a team.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 6 at 2015 11:21 AM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 11:21:19 -0500

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 11:42 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 11:42:27 -0500

All the above!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 11:44 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 11:44:08 -0500

I think shoot, move and communicate are all tied together...

As far as planning goes, the best plans always seem to fall apart when the lead starts flying.

Response by PO1 Dustin Adams made Mar 6 at 2015 11:52 AM

PO1 Dustin Adams — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 11:52:14 -0500

Mental Fortitude - the ability to embrace the suck and continue forward.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 11:53 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 11:53:27 -0500

Shoot/Fight. A combatants primary duty throughout history has been to kill the enemy - that is what has won battles and wars. Be it with a stone, spear, arrow or firearm, smash or shoot them in the face.

Edit: Add sword, tomahawk and knife

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 6 at 2015 11:57 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 11:57:52 -0500

I was taught that if you cant do 1, 2, and 3 then 4 was out of the question.

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Mar 6 at 2015 12:04 PM

SPC David Shaffer — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 12:04:59 -0500

If your able to shoot/fight, but your stupid and can't plan, being able to shoot isn't going to help you much I don't think. If you don't use your head and think things through such plans of actions to take if your winning, losing, injured, trapped, or how to complete a mission your efforts can be made fruitless very quickly.

Response by CW2 Eric Scott made Mar 6 at 2015 12:07 PM

CW2 Eric Scott — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 12:07:23 -0500

Heart. I'd rather have one dude or dudette with the heart of a lion than anything else.

Response by Cpl Jerry Millar made Mar 6 at 2015 12:11 PM

Cpl Jerry Millar — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 12:11:24 -0500

DISCIPLINE above all else... that to me is the most essential skill.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 6 at 2015 12:18 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 12:18:27 -0500

"Move" would be my second choice, because getting pinned down should never be allowed to happen, bad situation! My first would be "don't get shot", that's what it's all about from the beginning.

Response by SPC David S. made Mar 6 at 2015 12:23 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 12:23:03 -0500

Training - for any soldier to be successful they will need to train and hone their skills. If they're a driver they need to know how to drive, infantry cover/fire, and so on. The training will make them an expert in the field

Response by SFC Istvan Nagy made Mar 6 at 2015 12:35 PM

SFC Istvan Nagy — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 12:35:47 -0500

All of the above.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Mar 6 at 2015 12:40 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 12:40:46 -0500

All of the above in that order.

The ability to plan should increase incrementally with one's level of responsibility.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Mar 6 at 2015 1:13 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 13:13:03 -0500

"Ambush is killing and killing is fun!"

Name that (paraphrased) quote.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Mar 6 at 2015 2:07 PM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 14:07:05 -0500

The ability to make intelligent decisions. If you make bad decisions the rest is meaningless.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Mar 6 at 2015 5:00 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 17:00:05 -0500

Winning battles, there is no substitute for winning.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 6 at 2015 5:43 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 17:43:31 -0500

Ultimately, all the others are supporting skills to shooting: the skill of killing the enemy, which is the core of what the military is about.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 6:08 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 18:08:20 -0500

Shoot, Move or Plan all you want, but without communication how do you know your shooting, moving to or planning for the right target???

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 8:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 20:23:18 -0500

I believe that communication will forever be the fundamental core of all military skills because of the fact without communication all of the other skills can be rendered useless. You cannot shoot if you do not know what to shoot, you cannot move unless you know where to move, and planning is the same way. But that is my humble opinion.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 6 at 2015 10:44 PM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 22:44:02 -0500

Thinking, decision making, and initiative.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2015 3:57 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 03:57:05 -0500

Disciplined initiative. Though not necessarily just a military skill but, definitely an integral part of a successful military unit. A complete failure of initiative would be catastrophic in even the most basic military operations.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2015 4:57 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 04:57:45 -0500

Sorry. I didn't see PowerPoint up here.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2015 5:26 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 05:26:47 -0500

To give the right answer in my opinion to this multiple choice question, Yes.

It truly depends on which level you are at and what the fight is that you are engaged it. It can be any of these, or all of these in varying percentages.

Great Soldiers on line can take almost any plan that they are given and successfully execute, but great plans officers can make a Soldiers life easier by thinking through the problem more completely from the Soldier's perspective than the previous staff officer did.

I would argue that the communication piece is the lynchpin that ties it all together, whether in person communication or via radio or email, communication is the key from shooter to planner.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2015 10:17 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 10:17:07 -0500

Adaptability; keeping calm and collective under fire or intense pressure.
German military strategist Helmuth von Moltke wrote,

“No battle plan survives contact with the enemy.” While plans are great, regardless of PACE (primary, alternate, contingency, emergency) Adaptability is in my opinion a quintessential factor for a full spectrum thinker to make a priority concern in any field in which they operate.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2015 10:35 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 10:35:41 -0500

Honestly, I believe you can't have one without the other; therefore, they are all equally important. :-)

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Mar 7 at 2015 11:10 AM

1LT William Clardy — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 11:10:09 -0500

Make a decision -- before it's made for you.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2015 11:41 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 11:41:49 -0500

Leadership!! Taking care of our most precious resources - our Soldiers is the most important skill you can learn, develop and cultivate. Pay it forward!!!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2015 3:20 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 15:20:48 -0500

Communication. Human exist to communicate. Plato's Allegory of a Cave demonstrates this. Without communication we can do nothing.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2015 4:12 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 16:12:58 -0500

Meteorologists of course, in Garrison. lol

Response by SGT Beau Thomas made Mar 7 at 2015 6:41 PM

SGT Beau Thomas — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 18:41:04 -0500

In my humble opinion, I believe that not blousing your sleeves or having your trousers legs below the third ring of your boots is a crucial skill. It was heavily drilled into my skull in the 115 degree Iraq temperature.

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Mar 7 at 2015 6:59 PM

SGT Alicia Brenneis — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 18:59:59 -0500

All of them put together make the best skill... multitasking. I do not know many professions that can accomplish all of that plus some at the same time without even realizing you are doing it. The best part is that it is no big deal. Its an everyday thing for us.

Response by LTC Paul Heinlein made Mar 7 at 2015 7:13 PM

LTC Paul Heinlein — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 19:13:36 -0500

I think the most important skill is staying alive.

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Mar 7 at 2015 7:21 PM

CPO Greg Frazho — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 19:21:34 -0500

As I heard it put very eloquently once many years ago, the biggest problem with communication is the lack thereof. Solid words for a vexing problem. Too many people like to operate in a vacuum, i.e., with impunity. A couple of exceptions aside, that's a bad practice to be in. And I saw a lot of it on active.

Response by SPC Danny Cannon made Mar 7 at 2015 8:00 PM

SPC Danny Cannon — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 20:00:43 -0500

It's hard to separate one from the other. They are all integral to success. I'm glad that "other" was included because that list is not all-inclusive.
Personally, I picked communication. While communication without the ability of implementation is worthless, ability and desire are useless without a coordinated effort. I believe leadership ties directly into this and that there are no great leaders who were not also great communicators.

But again, the qualities mentioned are all vital to success. I would not disagree with anyone who held a different take on this. I look forward to reading other people's points of view.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 7 at 2015 8:12 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 20:12:48 -0500

I'm going to add teamwork to the list.

No individual, no matter how strong or proficient with a weapon, can defeat a well-organized enemy force. Yes, the individual soldier is the basic unit of any fighting force. But they are never as effective individually as when they fight as a team.

Teamwork, for me, is inclusive of all the other skills mentioned.

Response by Cpl Bo Dronet made Mar 7 at 2015 8:27 PM

Cpl Bo Dronet — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 20:27:18 -0500

There is one that was not mentioned. Deception
In the Art of War you can use that tool to overwhelm your enemy when he least expect it.

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Mar 7 at 2015 8:29 PM

SPC David Shaffer — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 20:29:02 -0500

All of these skills are important and this is kind of a trick question because it's not any one skill that makes us great. It's being taught how to effectively use all of these skills together that makes us great.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2015 9:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 21:05:42 -0500

Common Sense...

For those that haven't experienced a weekend safety brief (Don't drink and drive, don't beat your family, etc).. All I can say is I weep for future generations.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2015 9:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 21:55:38 -0500

Accomplish the Mission

Response by CW4 Larry Curtis made Mar 7 at 2015 10:36 PM

CW4 Larry Curtis — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 22:36:39 -0500

While it is quite clear that all of these factors are interconnected and if one is missing from the group, the results could be disastrous...to me it would seem that if you can plan, communicate, and move pretty well, but you cannot hit what you are aiming at, everything else is a complete waste because you will never accomplish your mission and you're just wasting ammo the logisticians busted their humps to get to you. If your mission is to kill and destroy, and you cannot accomplish that phase, it's all over with. So I would say that marksmanship would have to be on the foundation because it is the one thing which the other three factors are working together to accomplish. But then what do I know...I'm just a damned aviator. LOL.

Response by SPC Patrick Gearardo made Mar 8 at 2015 3:43 AM

SPC Patrick Gearardo — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 03:43:04 -0400

Adaptability.

Response by PO3 Brendan "Smitty" Smith made Mar 8 at 2015 5:56 AM

PO3 Brendan "Smitty" Smith — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 05:56:24 -0400

Self Discipline, hands down.

Shooting, moving, communication, and planning are all wonderful skills, but without the self discipline to properly apply these traits, They can cause you more harm than good.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 5:58 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 05:58:20 -0400

Endurance, the ability to continue forward movement despite all of the crap out there, no matter if it is a bleeding blister on your foot during a road march or a boss who should have retired ten years ago.

Wars are won by the side who gives up last.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 8:14 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 08:14:46 -0400

In the profession of arms, we are all managers of violence. No one instinctively walks into our organization with that skill set, it must be developed. I posit the most important skill to attain is leader development--the cognitive actions we take to build our future leaders, from the bottom-up. The others, shoot-move-communicate, can all be purchased off the street with any random trigger-puller, loggia-type, or commo-tech person. Leading formations at any level is the single skill we have to own.

Response by A1C Markus Frank made Mar 8 at 2015 10:03 AM

A1C Markus Frank — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 10:03:45 -0400

Loyalty

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 1:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 13:36:59 -0400

Ineffective communication leads to inefficiency and inaccuracy. You can plan all day, but in the end the ability to conceptualize the Situation, Mission, Execution, Sustainment, and Command and Signal elements of an action rely on the leaders ability to communicate in a meaningful and precise way.

In terms of shoot and move, it's pretty difficult to accomplish a mission when you're not even in the right grid square.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 2:53 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 14:53:35 -0400

Planning logistics, communicating the plan, getting the pieces to move into place at the right time, the fitness to do just that still all support the base core - fight. If your end troops can't shoot or fight, their movements and placement are not psychologically intimidating nor physically effective, and all the planning, communication, and endless hard work in other areas are ultimately futile. Every piece of the pyramid is critical, but the broad base to me is the physical skill to carry out destruction to the enemy.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Mar 8 at 2015 8:26 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 20:26:36 -0400

Know thy enemy........Uncle Mark (and others....lol)

It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle......Sun Tzu.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 8:37 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 20:37:39 -0400

I voted "Communicate", but it goes well past that. The best skill you can gain is the ability to work well with/for people you don't like or respect at any level. The mission doesn't change just because your CO is a raging d-bag and some of your peers are just riding their obliserve until they can detach. Having to effectively meet operational goals in a professionally adverse atmosphere is a reality that all too many of our brothers and sisters have to deal with.

Response by Sgt Matt Pinardi made Mar 8 at 2015 9:03 PM

Sgt Matt Pinardi — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 21:03:38 -0400

Integrity. Because the stakes of combat are to high to put your life in the hands of an unjust man.

Response by Cpl Peter Martuneac made Mar 8 at 2015 10:38 PM

Cpl Peter Martuneac — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 22:38:59 -0400

Slaying bodies.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2015 9:52 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 09:52:15 -0400

I vote other because the most important thing that I have learned is patience. I know that that is extremely specific and may only apply to me, so I will expand it to discipline. In my experience they are linked. I had to learn the patience to know when I should just shut the f*** up and to keep my temper under control.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2015 11:32 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 11:32:31 -0400

Learning.....it doesn't matter how you shoot/move/communicate/plan...if you don't learn from your mistakes and successes, you and your folks are screwed. You can do all of those things, but if you don't do them well and don't realize you don't do them well, is it really a skill?

To stop trolling and actually answer your question though, I'd go with Plan. You need a Plan to know what your mission is, what is needed for the mission, how to complete it, and how to delegate the components of the plan out so that it can be executed. The "complete it" part would be things like a coms plan, a trans and log plan and all that good happy ass bleeding painful staffing stuff.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2015 2:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 14:56:27 -0400

Powerpoint and leading by email hands down

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2015 3:00 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 15:00:52 -0400

Effective communication transcends all service branches and points such as shoot/fight or move. Without leadership knowing how to effectively communicate to rest of us, everything else can and does breakdown.

Response by MAJ Haris Balcinovic made Mar 9 at 2015 6:24 PM

MAJ Haris Balcinovic — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 18:24:40 -0400

Communication INHO. I've been around the block for almost 15 years now, and have experienced life at numerous levels and echelons, breakdown in communication is unfortunately the worst thing that plagues all levels and all branches.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Mar 9 at 2015 6:28 PM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 18:28:11 -0400

The ability and desire to learn quickly, this is above and beyond anything else. Without it, any soldier will only stagnate. Overtime, if someone improves himself just 1% a day, one year later this person will be 3700% better, not 365%.

Continuing to learn is crucial to the success of our military, to learn from our mistakes, to learn best practices, and learn to be proactive!

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Mar 9 at 2015 6:54 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 18:54:27 -0400

I feel these important skills are needed more that ever when Duty Honor Country is on the line in warfare.

Individual Infantry Skills

1-45. Every Infantryman, from the private enlisted Soldier, to the general officer, is first a rifleman. As such, he must be a master of his basic skills: shoot, move, communicate, survive, and sustain. These basic skills provide the Soldier's ability to fight. When collectively applied by the fire team, squad, and platoon, these skills translate into combat power.

Shoot

1-46. Infantrymen must be able to accurately engage the enemy with all available weapons. Soldiers and their leaders must therefore be able to determine the best weapon-ammunition combination to achieve the desired effect. The best combination will expend a minimum of ammunition expenditure and unintended damage. To make this choice, they must know the characteristics, capabilities, and vulnerabilities of their organic and supporting assets. This means understanding the fundamental characteristics of the weapon's lay (direct or indirect), ammunition (high explosive [HE], penetrating, or special purpose), trajectory (high or low), and enemy targets (point or area). Properly applying these variables requires an understanding of the nature of targets, terrain, and effects.

Move

1-47. Tactical movement is inherent in all Infantry operations. Movement is multifaceted, ranging from dismounted, to mounted, to aerial modes, and is conducted in varying physical environments, including the urban environment. For the individual, movement is comprised of the individual movement techniques (IMT) of high crawl, low crawl, and 3-5 second rush; for the unit it is comprised of movement formations, movement techniques, and maneuver (fire and movement). Mastering the many aspects of tactical movement is fundamental. More importantly, Infantrymen must be thoroughly trained in the critical transition from tactical movement to maneuver.

1-48. Understanding the terrain is critical to applying the fundamental of the particulars of shoot and move. There are four basic terrain-related skills. First, the leader must know how to land navigate, mounted and dismounted, day and night, using the latest technology (global positioning systems [GPS], Falcon View). Second, leaders need to understand the basics of how to analyze the military aspects of terrain, Observation and fields of fire, Avenues of approach, Key and decisive terrain, Obstacles, Cover and concealment. (OAKOC). Third, once they understand how to look at the terrain in detail, leaders must understand how to integrate the aspects of fire (direct and indirect) and tactical movement to fit the terrain. Fourth, leaders must understand how to apply generic tactics and techniques to the unique terrain they are in, because understanding and appreciating terrain is an essential leader skill.

Communicate

1-49. Soldiers communicate to provide accurate and timely information to those who need it. Information is necessary to successfully execute combat operations. It enables leaders to achieve situational understanding, make decisions, and give orders. There are two aspects of communication: the technical means used to communicate; and the procedures used for reporting and disseminating information. The Soldier's and leader's ability to use information to assess the situation, make decisions, and direct necessary actions are also significant aspects in the communication process.

Survive

1-50. To fully contribute to the mission, Soldiers must be able to survive. There are three aspects to surviving: the enemy; the environment; and the Soldier's body. Survival is both a personal responsibility and a unit responsibility. These aspects require Soldiers to discipline themselves in routine matters such as maintaining local security, maintaining field sanitation, caring for their bodies, and caring for their equipment. It also requires Soldiers to know how to respond to extraordinary circumstances such as dealing with casualties or functioning in a contaminated environment. Soldiers must know about the protective properties of their personal gear and combat vehicles, the effects of weapon systems and munitions, and how to build survivability positions. In short, Soldiers must do everything possible for the security and protection of themselves, their equipment, and their fellow Soldiers. In the same way, leaders must do everything possible to ensure the security and protection of their units.

Sustain

1-51. Sustainment is an inherent feature in all operations. In order to shoot, ammunition is needed. Fuel and repair parts are needed for movement, and batteries are needed to communicate. To survive, the Soldier needs food and water. Soldiers and leaders need to forecast requirements before they need them, while at the same time managing the Soldier's load.

https://rdl.train.army.mil/catalog-ws/view/100.ATSC/04183AF4-34EB-47F0-BCEE-29C93432DA49 [login to see] 088/3-21.8/chap1.htm

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Mar 9 at 2015 7:19 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 19:19:29 -0400

Critical thinking skills. While Shoot Move Communicate are core necessities, the ability to think critically, to think creatively is of the utmost importance in both the planning phase, and in the execution phase of any operation. In my years as a LRS Team Leader it was this skill I sought to develop in my team. Thinking critically allows each member of the team to accomplish the Commander's intent.

Though many see the Commander's Intent as something to repeat in an OPORD, it is in actuality, the guiding force of a mission. This becomes particularly important when things don't go as planned. When you find your Insertion point is bad... and your alternate one is too..... the Commander's intent gives the Team Leader/Commander in the field the flexibility to continue with the mission if possible. Of course conversely, in the absence of critical thinking skills the Commander's intent becomes meaningless.....

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Mar 9 at 2015 9:08 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 21:08:24 -0400

Communication and leadership go hand in hand.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2015 10:20 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 22:20:15 -0400

"The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his." - General George S. Patton

I just like this quote...that is all.

Response by PO2 Joshua McPhail made Mar 9 at 2015 10:43 PM

PO2 Joshua McPhail — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 22:43:21 -0400

I personally believe the most important skill I learned in the Navy was how to adapt to any circumstance and complete our mission, even under extreme duress!

Response by CMC Robert Young made Mar 9 at 2015 10:58 PM

CMC Robert Young — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 22:58:19 -0400

Leadership; it's the capacity to get the team to do all of the above in concert and with a greater synergy than the sum of individual parts....

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2015 11:35 PM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 23:35:12 -0400

Not everyone is a shooter.

However, everyone needs to: FOLLOW ORDERS

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2015 11:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 23:47:15 -0400

resilency

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 1:22 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 01:22:57 -0400

Coming from my background communicating is key to living or dying. It is making sure you don't direct a warhead on your own head while calling in a CAS asset and giving friendly grids in lieu of your targets target location. We don't kill the agresor by just shooting guns or dropping munitions we do it with deliberate coordination of all parties involved that only occurs with good clear concise comms.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 1:49 AM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 01:49:35 -0400

Situational awareness

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 6:33 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 06:33:27 -0400

I think it all revolves around your your job and position. If you're an infantryman then shooting is most important but if you're a commo then communications is probably more important and if you're a battalion CO then you need a good combination of all of the above skills plus intuition.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 7:02 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 07:02:48 -0400

Communication. Without it we end up loosing People and having friendly fire incidents as well as numerous other issues faults and faliures it always pays to communicate your location and intent to avoid problems.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 7:09 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 07:09:12 -0400

Communication. A lack of it has caused more problems than any thing else in Military history friendly fire being the main issue we worry about in this scenario. But troops and supplies all rely on it for orders Intel and every thing from were to be in the morning to were the round is going down range. Life and death are decided by how well we as a military communicate

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 8:09 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:09:43 -0400

The answer depends on the military experience of the member.

From a civilian usefulness point of view, I would say integrity and persevering through BS to get something done right.

From a personal achievement point of view, I would say plan.

I came into the Nuclear Navy in 1999 after being bribed with a steak dinner as an E1 with no plans other than leaving the environment I was currently in... 6 years later I transferred to the reserves with a plan, got a degree in Nuclear Engineering, Direct commissioned as an engineering duty officer and will have a masters degree by the end of this year. will put on 03 next month.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 10:43 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 10:43:50 -0400

Interpersonal skills or just plain leadership!

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Mar 10 at 2015 11:40 AM

SPC David Hannaman — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 11:40:42 -0400

Think

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 11:47 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 11:47:10 -0400

In the end we are all infantry. Every cook, finance clerk and aviator, at the core has the need to be infantry, cause when the $@&* hits the fan, everyone is infantry. An Infantryman's best asset is his ability to identify and eliminate enemy threats. Therefore I vote Shoot. But just my humble opinion.

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Mar 10 at 2015 12:35 PM

SGT Francis Wright — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 12:35:07 -0400

I think all of the above. Since depending on when you served the emphasis is put on different skill sets.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 12:39 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 12:39:03 -0400

CYA.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Mar 10 at 2015 12:46 PM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 12:46:06 -0400

I was going to say, "weigh", as in weigh capabilities vs vulnerabilities, objective vs cost, risk vs reward, political vs military....but then I saw "think", and I thought about that. Think about it.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 2:05 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 14:05:49 -0400

I would say Discernment Sir, you got to have the discernment to know when to shoot or fight, when or or stand by, when and how to communicate and judge the situation to strategy a plan. Without discernment we can be the best shooters but if we shoot too soon or too late, the whole mission wouldn't be accomplished. Those are my 2 cents Capt Richard I P.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 2:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 14:21:24 -0400

I am a Computer Automations guy...I just wanna know where the printer needs to be set up so the slideshows can begin. Or do you guys need music, Army Song...got it. Do you need a mic?

Also we set up the DSN phones and the Internet Café is good to go.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 3:12 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 15:12:19 -0400

Listening

Response by SFC Ian Lumgair made Mar 10 at 2015 4:28 PM

SFC Ian Lumgair — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 16:28:45 -0400

I put shoot / fight but if it means a real answer to what combat is like, well...... all of them are equally important depending on the situation you are in. Gen Mattis is being quoted here all over the place. Well this is my favorite. "Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet." To me this say you have to be able to do it all equally but your first skill is to take your enemy down. For that you have to know how to fire your weapon and hit what you intend and win if means you have to use other means to take your enemy down. The Army flirted with this mentality with GWOT but now they are drifting back to the 90s army of peace corp with guns.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 10 at 2015 4:50 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 16:50:35 -0400

Critical thinking. Hands down. Without that one, all the others are doomed to failure.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 5:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 17:14:52 -0400

Thinking is the absolute most important skill. Even the best made plans are gone when contact is made; having the skill to think through or around a wrecked plan is critical to victory.

Response by SSG Jason Logue made Mar 10 at 2015 5:44 PM

SSG Jason Logue — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 17:44:41 -0400

I believe communication is definitely the most important. Particularly, communicating effectively. How can a team plan without communication? How can a team move without communication? How can a team shoot without communication? I think I made my point.

SSG Logue

Response by Cpl Carlos Olvera made Mar 10 at 2015 8:18 PM

Cpl Carlos Olvera — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 20:18:18 -0400

The ability to adapt to an unfolding scenario, Oorah?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 9:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 21:58:55 -0400

Communication is the key to success. Oral and written communication proficiencies are consistently ranked in the top ten desirable skills by employer surveys year after year. Communications skills help you to understand others and have them understand you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 11:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 23:40:21 -0400

Without Self Discipline 1-4 are moot.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 1:01 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 01:01:15 -0400

I can teach you to shoot and move, but if you cannot form a sentence to stress the mission or urgency then you are not going to help the fight.

You might want to ask same question about leaders. I would argue assessing is almost as important as communicating for leaders.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 6:09 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 06:09:04 -0400

Resiliency. With all the challenges we get, including how to deal with diversity and different perspectives, we all can get bogged down by non-essentials. Having the right set of mind and body to balance all that is thrown to is critical to survival and our mission

Response by SSG Stan Morrison Jr made Mar 11 at 2015 10:50 AM

SSG Stan Morrison Jr — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 10:50:53 -0400

I would say communication is key, but all are important, and yes, planning should be in there too.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 12:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 12:00:19 -0400

The most important skill is Thinking.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 12:56 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 12:56:32 -0400

The Ability to sleep anywhere

Response by MSG Tim Donahue, M.Ed. made Mar 11 at 2015 2:02 PM

MSG Tim Donahue, M.Ed. — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 14:02:38 -0400

3 communicate

Response by SPC Richard Slingerland made Mar 11 at 2015 4:49 PM

SPC Richard Slingerland — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 16:49:20 -0400

None of them are as important as "Situational awareness!"

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 11 at 2015 8:44 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 20:44:27 -0400

It appears that the most important military skill (in this thread at least) is agreeing with Capt Richard I P. .

Just wanted to say that communication is still the leading choice in the poll.

Response by SPC John Reed made Mar 11 at 2015 10:44 PM

SPC John Reed — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 22:44:50 -0400

The most important skill that the Army taught me is fortitude. Knowing that I can push through difficulties regardless of the physical pain and mental anguish.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 12:24 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 00:24:28 -0400

Might be a little biased being my MOS is in radios, but I would go with communication, because an entire unit all in line with each other sure beats a single soldier's ability to shoot, move and plan on their own.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Mar 12 at 2015 12:55 PM

SGT Richard H. — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 12:55:34 -0400

Other. If you have the ability to think, the other 4 choices will fall in line and you will (should) have mastered them all.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 1:26 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 13:26:31 -0400

Have a plan, have a contingency plan, and have a contingency to the contingency. That and hip pocket training. You should share all of your knowledge with your troops before you move on to your next assignment, and encourage them to do the same.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 5:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 17:41:56 -0400

To be honest, they are all important... HOWEVER, that being said, when your plan goes to hell, you're running low on bullets, your radio doesn't work, and you're pinned down, the BEST and most IMPORTANT skill anyone can have, is the ability to adapt and innovate! America is not great because we can shoot better, move faster, communicate more clearly, or plan better than others - we are great because we can adapt and innovate even when others can't - even when it looks like all is lost - we still manage to come up with a way to win in almost every situation, no matter how dire!

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Mar 12 at 2015 5:58 PM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 17:58:05 -0400

Not only in the Military, but also in civilian life as a First Responder, without Communication, we have nothing. We have no cohesiveness and there is no such thing as a "One man Army."

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 5:54 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 05:54:31 -0400

Flexibility.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 6:49 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 06:49:46 -0400

The most important Military skill is:

The ability to survive and learn from your own mistakes.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 6:59 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 06:59:21 -0400

I think it takes two main ingredients intellect and willingness to fight. The intellect without will is useless, the will without intellect is dangerous.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 14 at 2015 1:53 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 13:53:13 -0400

First know how to follow; second, know how to lead. Following and leading is older than the Greek phalanx. Maybe its not a skill but knowing how to be an effective follower and leader but number 1 -4 are useless without knowing how to follow and lead.

Response by SSgt Randy Saulsberry made Mar 14 at 2015 2:58 PM

SSgt Randy Saulsberry — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 14:58:43 -0400

Communication, definitely, but to me just as important is FLUIDITY . We are all combat arms and our ultimate office area is a dynamic battlefield. So Each Service Member particularly the leaders have to have an adaptive mind poised for the ever evolving battlefield. Those who can't forsee the battle, understand the opponent and make the necessary adjustments to gain the tactical advantage will, most likely, be eliminated.

Response by SPC Walt Mandeville made Mar 14 at 2015 3:11 PM

SPC Walt Mandeville — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 15:11:27 -0400

Make every shot count, calm durning chaos can make it happen

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 3:18 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 15:18:50 -0400

I think the one thing that brings all these together in unison is leadership. Good leadership is the difference between chaos and winning wars. Thoughts?

Response by SSG Stephen Arnold made Mar 14 at 2015 3:54 PM

SSG Stephen Arnold — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 15:54:51 -0400

Survival.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 3:55 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 15:55:27 -0400

Mastering the entire aspect of two way communication model is the most critical thing we can do, not only as a soldier, but in life. Clear, concise directions are critical in combat situations. However, the other end of the spectrum is just as important. Being able to actively listen and react to what is being said is also valuable.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 4:49 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 16:49:08 -0400

While all are very important... I say Shoot/fight. Any well trained unit can operate on implicit communication. Any half decent leader or fighting man can move to a better position. These two are pointless if there is no fire. The ability to act during a fight is what wins. The fighter leader shows what he wants without saying a word. He pushes the fight by actions. You can move and communicate all day long but if you aren't putting rounds into the bad guys you can't win. Planning... Well the best plan goes to shit 1 minute after being on the ground so a frag-o can get the job done. A critical part of the over all scheme but not the most important. *see also SAM-K and the mission of the Marine Corps Rifle Squad*

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Mar 14 at 2015 8:06 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 20:06:17 -0400

I think Communication is key in any environment. With out it every battle would be lost be that in war or in business.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 14 at 2015 9:51 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 21:51:38 -0400

I read on another post that the result of the pole ended with "communication" being the #1 choice which is great, but I just wanted to justify my pick which was "move". Since I consider getting pinned bowl the worst thing, I would like to add the fact that you can communicate and fight while moving. I have never thought being a "sitting duck" was an option. Thank you.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Mar 15 at 2015 1:00 AM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 01:00:51 -0400

Teamwork... Never had a successful mission without it!

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 15 at 2015 4:45 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 16:45:34 -0400

I think Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS might have been right about logisitics.

OORAH!

Response by SSG Robert Hunter made Mar 18 at 2015 3:34 PM

SSG Robert Hunter — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 15:34:10 -0400

Logistics- it all starts and ends in either the motor pool or the supply room.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Mar 19 at 2015 10:21 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 10:21:23 -0400

Service Differences are interesting on this. Communication is the winner overall across all services. I see Marines care about shooting the most, followed by the Army. Interesting that the Air Force and Navy, arguably the most strategic enablers of "move" didn't vote for it. Lastly, the number of people picking "other" goes up from Marines to Army to Navy to Air Force, they probably think picking from a list doesn't live up to their reputation as the thinkers.

Response by Cpl Barry Goodson made Mar 19 at 2015 12:08 PM

Cpl Barry Goodson — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 12:08:12 -0400

Obviously, all of the skill sets you mention are important and rely on each other to enhance complete performance of our military. As a former combat Marine, I would lean more toward one's inherent ability to instantaneously assess a situation and develop immediate solutions to the challenges presented by the given situation. Quite often military personnel and civilians lose track of the big picture and find themselves locked into tunnel vision when confronted with a situation. We must be, first and foremost, problem solvers to the degree that we are able to assess the big picture before making an action decision. Next, we must be able to communicate that decision to our leaders or personnel as the case may be in a manner that will encourage action from those leaders or personnel. Before you shoot/fight, move, communicate, or plan you must be able to assess the situation and develop problem solving solutions that will best activate the aforementioned actions.

Thanks for the opportunity to share my thoughts.

Kindest Regards,

Professor Barry Goodson
Former Marine, CAP124, Vietnam 1968-1969

Response by PO2 James Craig made Mar 20 at 2015 10:50 PM

PO2 James Craig — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 22:50:42 -0400

Attention to detail this trait when properly applied dramatically improves every aspect of both military and civilian life.

Response by SGT Chris Reese made Mar 21 at 2015 7:04 PM

SGT Chris Reese — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 19:04:00 -0400

I say Communication. Without it your move in the wrong direction your plan will not work and you'll fight me wrong enemy

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 12:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 12:29:40 -0400

Ability to adapt.

Response by MSgt Steve Miller made Apr 5 at 2015 8:57 PM

MSgt Steve Miller — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 20:57:31 -0400

Discipline!!!!!

Response by CPL Corey Aldridge made Apr 6 at 2015 12:43 PM

CPL Corey Aldridge — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 12:43:28 -0400

Lol the ability to multitask.... All of the above are equally important and all come into play to ensure preserving the lives of those around you. (Brothers in arms)

Response by SPC Angel Guma made Apr 6 at 2015 12:52 PM

SPC Angel Guma — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 12:52:21 -0400

Key military skill?

Check your ego at the door. If people had this skill, even Genghis Khan wouldn't have anything on us.

Response by CCMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 1:47 PM

CCMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 13:47:23 -0400

Analyze / Adapt

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 6 at 2015 3:23 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 15:23:21 -0400

Listen.

In truth, all are important in vary degrees, at varying time and depending the mission, ETC, but if a soldier is not listening, they better not shoot, move, communicate or plan because they flapping in the wind before they even get started.

Response by SSG John Erny made Apr 6 at 2015 4:04 PM

SSG John Erny — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 16:04:25 -0400

That depends on what mood the 1Sgt is in, it may be mowing his grass one day or buffing his floors the next. If 1Sgt ain't happy, ain't no one happy!

Response by TSgt David Holman made Apr 6 at 2015 4:20 PM

TSgt David Holman — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 16:20:38 -0400

Leadership/followership

Response by GySgt Terrence Fry made Apr 6 at 2015 11:29 PM

GySgt Terrence Fry — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 23:29:05 -0400

Sight alignment, sight picture!!!!!!

Response by PO1 Cleve Ikaika Waiwaiole made Apr 6 at 2015 11:34 PM

PO1 Cleve Ikaika Waiwaiole — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 23:34:49 -0400

Communication is the key to success. You can almost never complete any mission without communication.... That was a no-brainer!

Response by Sgt Lauren Weigand made Apr 7 at 2015 12:46 AM

Sgt Lauren Weigand — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 00:46:37 -0400

There is not just one important skill in the military, there are many important skills, but the most important skill I believe to be is to know how to properly shoot your weapon along side cleaning it as well.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 9:21 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 09:21:04 -0400

The biggest shortfall I see in most areas is communication. You can have the best Plan and movements but without communication things go to pieces quickly. I agree it all layers but if no ones on the same page how would they know they are in the right spot?

Response by 1SG Scott MacGregor made Apr 8 at 2015 9:35 AM

1SG Scott MacGregor — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 09:35:19 -0400

Eyes and ears open, mouth closed is probably the most important skill I can think of. Yes shooting, moving and communicating are equally important but if your eyes, ears are not open you cant do the other 3. If your mouth is moving you may miss the cue to do the other 3. Not only in combat ops but in garrison as well.
The other vital piece before you can move shoot communicate is how will you supply the fight. That portion is the key to victory. I was never in logistics, but as time went on I came to understand the vital part of this.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 8:37 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 08:37:50 -0400

Not a skill but mindset. If you don't have the mindset to do what needs done, all else fails.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 4:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 16:59:49 -0400

Initiative... Without this the rest are useless.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Apr 10 at 2015 8:30 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 20:30:54 -0400

Multitasking, the military does it far better than most anyone else. You kind of have to learn to be a multitasking machine just to keep pace. I have never been in actual combat but I am going to take a wild guess and say that its such a fluid environment that multitasking comes as second nature. When fighting your moving to better cover or for a better shot at the enemy, communicating with your squad mates thru hand signals, over headsets or plain yelling, your constantly updating your plan depending on how the fight is going. Again I have never been in combat but I am thinking that pretty much goes on in every patrol, firefight or outright battle.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 5:31 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 17:31:06 -0400

This is like asking which is the most important for survival...air, water, or food? Shoot, move, communicate, plan...they're all important and all absolutely necessary skills for survival.

By the way, I would consider shoot, move, communicate a single skill set.

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made May 7 at 2015 12:38 AM

SGT Anthony Rossi — Thu, 07 May 2015 00:38:33 -0400

If it's the battlefield of family life it's communication.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 3 at 2015 4:16 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 16:16:06 -0500

Being flexible in a dynamic environment.

Response by SPC James Anderson made Jul 31 at 2016 1:56 PM

SPC James Anderson — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 13:56:28 -0400

Adaptability, the ability to respond to any given situation.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Jul 31 at 2016 3:57 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 15:57:10 -0400

Communicate, if you can't communicate even the best and bravest might be fighting alone. Communication brings in CAS, Medivacs, reserve elements. If a reason why the radio guy is the first to go and a primary target.

Response by SFC Tim Collins made Nov 18 at 2016 8:48 PM

SFC Tim Collins — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 20:48:29 -0500

Adapting to change. This was something I brought to the civilain world and it helped me advance to a senior management position, in field that I absolutly had no clue about.