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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.
The images are intended to represent each to some degree.
Shooting (Sport)
Professionalism
Fitness
Communications
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 156
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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!
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Capt Richard I P.
SFC (Join to see) I love this pro innovation and adaptability argument! Of course in the situation you describe, the goal is about innovating how to get out of the bad situation and get more bullets to shoot more guys.
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SFC (Join to see)
Capt Richard I P.: Absolutely! Of course, we are great at innovating even when all the chips aren't on the line - but I still maintain that we do our best when we absolutely have our backs against the wall. I strongly believe that no other country has proven to be as innovative as the United States in the long run, in any area or arena.
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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.
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Capt Richard I P.
SPC(P) (Join to see) But only because when they get there the average soldier can put rounds on target.
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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.
Just wanted to say that communication is still the leading choice in the poll.
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Capt Richard I P.
CPT Zachary Brooks, you know, I was thinking a lot of it probably comes from asking the question on a communication platform. I bet there'd be different numbers asking at a gym or a shooting range.
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Capt Richard I P.
LCDR (Join to see), Sir, I have to disagree, sleep is a troop wellness enabler, but the four mentioned are mission accomplishment skills.
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LCDR (Join to see)
I can train a guy how to fight (ordnance down range), communicate and plan. Movement in the tactical sense may take some intuition but sleep is very important and in a swift moving often chaotic battle you get stuck catching shut eye when you can. You can't train someone to be able to sleep with one eye open propped up against some rock because it is the only cover around.
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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.
You might want to ask same question about leaders. I would argue assessing is almost as important as communicating for leaders.
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Capt Richard I P.
LTC (Join to see) You can also teach people to ccommunicate, any of these skills can be taught, provided the target can learn, as pointed out by SGM Erik Marquez I did ask a similar question about leaders: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-the-one-thing-every-young-officer-must-know
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Capt Richard I P.
Cpl Carlos Olvera Adaptability is very important, but why? I'd argue because it helps us put rounds on target better.
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Cpl Carlos Olvera
Agreed sir, but it's not always about rounds down range. My point sir, you could go from executing an ambush at stand to, to CQC and MOUT by afternoon chow. Taking a beach to dug in the defense. We must adapt to an ever changing scenario. but always recognize the priority of mission outcome will never change.
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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
SSG Logue
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SSG Jason Logue
I wasn't speaking solely on using long distance communications. I was talking about communication in general.
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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.
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Capt Richard I P.
SGT(P) (Join to see) Pretty similar to the "think" or "situational awareness answers. I'd argue those are kind of necessary for any of the four, so, given that the trait you picked plays into all 4, which of them do you think deserves the most discerning focus of your time and training?
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
"In battle, the only bullets that count are those that hit." Theodore Roosevelt
Sir, as we are soldiers, Marksmanship should be our most valuable skill. @richard porter
Sir, as we are soldiers, Marksmanship should be our most valuable skill. @richard porter
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