What military skill do you have that's no longer needed?

2016-10-22T12:37:42-04:00

For me it's writing backwards. Taught at A School so you could write on the backside of plexiglass vertical plots so you didn't stand in the way. Replaced by display panels on the bulkheads. So if you learned how to operate the Davy Crockett, that's long gone too. A-6 bombardier, got it. What's yours?

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Oct 22 at 2016 12:41 PM

2016-10-22T12:41:28-04:00

The whole calling in airstrikes & naval gunfire isn't in high demand

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Oct 22 at 2016 1:00 PM

2016-10-22T13:00:34-04:00

Writing and drawing upside down while instructing during table talk.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Oct 22 at 2016 1:10 PM

2016-10-22T13:10:09-04:00

Marching, facing movements, etc......the most useless skill ever as a civilian. Only one I keep is saluting, because I salute during the national anthem.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Oct 22 at 2016 1:54 PM

2016-10-22T13:54:18-04:00

As an 11 bravo most if not all of my Military "skills"would never be needed or used in civilian life,but the values and self discipline given to me long ago have lasted a lifetime.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Oct 22 at 2016 2:03 PM

2016-10-22T14:03:45-04:00

Reading crypto ticker-tape. Hell, by time I went in, they were still teaching it, but not really using it in the wild.

Response by TSgt Steve Waide made Oct 22 at 2016 2:11 PM

2016-10-22T14:11:09-04:00

Thanks for the thought provoking question CAPT Kevin B.. I think with any skill that you are taught in the military can be equated to a skill in the civilian world. At first I was thinking most of my skills as a munitions loader wouldn't eaquate but it's not the physical task it is the mental skills of reading and following technical data and breaking down certain problem sets. Yes physically loading a bomb is not equatable but the mental portion of discipline to apply the steps in order and and understanding implications of not following the steps to the letter. Somehow some way you can word anything to fit. Hope that makes sense.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2016 2:38 PM

2016-10-22T14:38:24-04:00

Technical Skill would be Gas Welding and hand Rivets, is almost obsolete today.

Military tactics, would be setting up defensive Fighting positions, Crewsreved weapons, knowing how to set up Tactical Wire, Protective wire and Supplementary Wire. Doing Range cards, and fire plans and sketches, did in Iraq and AFG, don't see that much here in USA.
You might also say convoy Security unless you do a PMC/PSD job.Security Foot Patrolling don't see need for that either.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2016 2:48 PM

2016-10-22T14:48:43-04:00

Morse

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2016 2:51 PM

2016-10-22T14:51:33-04:00

My cadence skills for close order drill.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Oct 22 at 2016 4:04 PM

2016-10-22T16:04:26-04:00

Drill and Ceremony.......lol.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Oct 22 at 2016 4:44 PM

2016-10-22T16:44:18-04:00

CAPT Kevin B. Using a compass to triangulate positions---seems GPS has made that obsolete in today's military.Decryption and encrypting messages by hand,also.

Response by SFC George Smith made Oct 22 at 2016 5:01 PM

2016-10-22T17:01:23-04:00

Stand Up ... Hook Up... and shuffle to the door... Jump right out and count to four....

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Oct 22 at 2016 5:08 PM

2016-10-22T17:08:05-04:00

I was a Morse Code operator in Vietnam in 1967, not sure if that skill is still taught in the military.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2016 7:45 PM

2016-10-22T19:45:13-04:00

As a Crypto Tech I learned a lot about how how gates (AND, NAND, NOR) worked, so we could troubleshoot and find transistors that were no longer operating properly. It's about as outdated a skill as programing using the ENIAC coding system.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2016 8:33 PM

2016-10-22T20:33:44-04:00

But there are skills not needed by senior Ncos E-9 or Base commanders that put out SOPs like no backpacks in the dining facilities thinking this is Mosul 2004 and afraid some soldier Will bring in an explosive device LOL . The skill set we dont need is a big ego at Fort Dix. This happened and is still being enforced at an NCO/ O-4 schoolhouse and maybe other places worldwide.

Response by MSgt James Trent made Oct 22 at 2016 10:39 PM

2016-10-22T22:39:30-04:00

Shooting a 20MM Vulcan cannon. It may not be needed anymore but it sure would be fun. 4000 round a minute sure puts a lot of lead in the air :)

Remembering the ejection seat sequence.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2016 11:57 PM

2016-10-22T23:57:51-04:00

Alpha Bravo September CAPT Kevin B.

Response by SGT David Baker made Oct 23 at 2016 1:54 AM

2016-10-23T01:54:34-04:00

The Halberd in the Assault.

Oh, this wasn't a past lives regression thread? My bad.

Response by MSgt Richard Rountree made Oct 23 at 2016 8:54 AM

2016-10-23T08:54:04-04:00

IBM Keypunch operator; TACP field communications via acoustical modems and public payphones; administering Burroughs B-26 computer systems with the BTOS operating system; MRC108 and MRC107 operator; M35 (deuce and a half) operator.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Oct 23 at 2016 2:55 PM

2016-10-23T14:55:25-04:00

Using a buffer.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2016 7:56 PM

2016-10-23T19:56:11-04:00

Phantom Phixer.

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Oct 24 at 2016 2:16 PM

2016-10-24T14:16:33-04:00

Apparently, how to write down the date (unless you live in Europe)

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2016 5:53 PM

2016-10-24T17:53:38-04:00

Packing grease into the bearings of a 2.5 ton truck

Response by SPC James Anderson made Oct 24 at 2016 8:50 PM

2016-10-24T20:50:32-04:00

When my cousin went into the Marines I told him "for gods sake take an MOS that transfers to the civilian world!" I learned that as a 14R10, Bradley Linebacker Crew member, being able to shoot down airplanes along with identifying air avenues of approach DOES NOT transfer well into the civilian world, in that world they rather like the fact that airplanes stay airborne!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2016 9:36 PM

2016-10-24T21:36:27-04:00

Where are those 35S at? Lol.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2016 1:12 AM

2016-10-25T01:12:53-04:00

M60A3 Armor Crewmen - not much call for driving a tank these day in civilian life.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2016 9:45 AM

2016-10-25T09:45:19-04:00

As a tanker not many of my skills learned are useful in the civilian world. Thanks to gps map reading is obsolete. The discipline and bearing is useful though.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2016 5:15 PM

2016-10-26T17:15:20-04:00

Headspace and Timing adjustments on a .50 MG

Response by PFC Timothy Clements made Nov 4 at 2016 2:43 AM

2016-11-04T02:43:04-04:00

For me it is in aschool too, I don't need to remember the stupid s can, pushes the stupid brakes out to stop the veaichael

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 4 at 2016 11:33 AM

2016-11-04T11:33:10-04:00

As a 12B combat engineer and as an 11A, C infantryman CAPT Kevin B. the skills I learned for killing people with my bare hands, sharp or blunt objects and weapons, kinetic weapons and explosives are not appreciated or useful in civilian life. I have not completely forgotten how to kill though.
The skills of working with others from every conceivable background, leading others and supporting others as well as the ability to quickly assess a situation ad develop an action plan are very useful.
Thanks for drawing my attention to this discussion LTC Private RallyPoint Member
Does this question bring anything to mind for you my friends?

Response by SFC William Farrell made Nov 4 at 2016 11:37 AM

2016-11-04T11:37:08-04:00

Killing CAPT Kevin B.. I haven't killed anyone since I left Vietnam! Writing backwards, now thats pretty good!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2016 11:46 AM

2016-11-04T11:46:49-04:00

Breaking down an M-16 and an M-60 for cleaning.
Door Gunner on a Huey.
Shooting at the enemy.
Taking care of my pilots.
Burning Poop- There is an art to that.

Response by MSgt Scott Azbell made Nov 4 at 2016 1:56 PM

2016-11-04T13:56:00-04:00

Safety wire.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Nov 4 at 2016 2:57 PM

2016-11-04T14:57:12-04:00

analytical intelligence

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Nov 4 at 2016 3:54 PM

2016-11-04T15:54:28-04:00

Listen to this fool complain about counseling me, look at the admin part, make sure that's right, look at what I'm being counseled for and why, STFU and not say anything, sign block 12, initial by everything else, go through the leaders actions, initial there too, look at the follow up (attempt to voice a concern for nothing), make sure the Magic Bullet is in there with the correct AR's and what not, and wait for this long winded ass to shut up so I can leave. Look over the form again, and make sure to change the date of this to a date six months previous, since no one believes in doing your initial, or the developmental forms. All this because 1SG and the CSM are coming through to check counseling packets and make sure everyone is being counseled on time and to standard. I forgot you have to sit through and repeat this to cover someone else's ass (which is the right thing to do), but I have to go through this six more times with or without the Magic Bullet? The funny part is when CSM tells you to personally bring your packet to him, he looks through it, does the required head nods, and he suddenly has an epiphany....these were just done. No wrinkles, all the ink was the same, no holes punched in them to put them in order and in some of them, all the handwriting matches if it was written....and the handwriting is mine. I don't miss these at all.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Nov 5 at 2016 9:28 AM

2016-11-05T09:28:03-04:00

CAPT Kevin B. Wow, what a great question. There are so many things that I've not had to do or use since being retired after 37 years the list would be endless. One that I know for sure is driving and performing PMCS on the Gama Goat back in 1975!

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Nov 5 at 2016 4:03 PM

2016-11-05T16:03:19-04:00

Sales skills learned as a recruiter.

Response by SFC James Asbill made Nov 5 at 2016 6:29 PM

2016-11-05T18:29:04-04:00

Starching Uniforms and Spit shining boots ....

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Nov 5 at 2016 7:49 PM

2016-11-05T19:49:05-04:00

Shine boots. :(

Response by SPC Phil Norton made Nov 5 at 2016 8:25 PM

2016-11-05T20:25:43-04:00

Deciphering and encryption of radio communication and standing at the position of attention for more than an hour

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2016 10:29 PM

2016-11-05T22:29:44-04:00

Wearing a raspberry beret...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2016 10:30 PM

2016-11-05T22:30:32-04:00

Wearing a hat that matches my trousers and blouse. Wait, wearing a blouse.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2016 10:31 PM

2016-11-05T22:31:07-04:00

Wearing black socks with green or blue pants.

Response by SSG Toryn Green made Nov 6 at 2016 12:46 AM

2016-11-06T00:46:14-04:00

I can think of a number of obsolete skills: marching, spit shining boots, starch and press uniforms, using a compass, firing a weapon, etc

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Nov 14 at 2016 4:14 PM

2016-11-14T16:14:04-05:00

Shooting a Rifle " I no longer need to KILL" When I was in the military I was given order to protect my soldiers and anything that needed protection by the government. They won't let me have gun now even if try because of my PTSD, so why try. NO hunting and protecting of my family just home security system and BAT.....

Response by SR Christopher Stephens made Dec 27 at 2016 2:32 PM

2016-12-27T14:32:50-05:00

Preparing the S-3 for operations

Response by Capt Jim Ross made Dec 28 at 2016 11:38 AM

2016-12-28T11:38:24-05:00

While I have put most of my military skills to work, the one I have not found a need for is as a Nuclear Launch Officer after having served in the Titan II missile field for 4 years.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Dec 28 at 2016 3:17 PM

2016-12-28T15:17:55-05:00

Driving a Lance Missile launcher.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Dec 29 at 2016 9:52 AM

2016-12-29T09:52:50-05:00

Celestial navigation. Think GPS systems have pretty much eliminated the need for this skill. Don't know if Navy or Air Force still teach it, but if the do it's probably not a very high priority class.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 3:21 PM

2017-03-23T15:21:38-04:00

A skill I won't need after the military will be conducting PRT.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Mar 30 at 2017 2:50 PM

2017-03-30T14:50:58-04:00

This would be tough to answer, but I guess the military skill I had that's no longer needed as a civvie would be driving a 17-ton track with a nuclear missile on my back through the woods of Bavaria from fire point to reloading area and back to another firepoint. But most of the skills I learned in the military I have kept. Keeping awake for 24-hour duty really helped me pass classes and graduate with both my Bachelor's and Masters degrees. I still spitshine shoes, just not my boots anymore and I starch my shirts.

Response by SFC Edward Hall made Jul 29 at 2017 8:41 PM

2017-07-29T20:41:28-04:00

Been a longtime. Do we still have Morse Code Operators?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jul 29 at 2017 9:44 PM

2017-07-29T21:44:36-04:00

Doing USR in Harvard graphics and making transparencies in the copier.

Response by SGT Peter Hayes made Aug 3 at 2017 8:13 PM

2017-08-03T20:13:32-04:00

How to use the toilet Paper that came in the C-rations

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 9 at 2018 11:26 AM

2018-02-09T11:26:07-05:00

800+ yard kills