What's the first issue the new President needs to address for the active military when he/she takes office?

2015-10-29T13:59:33-04:00

Pay, equipment, training, recruiting etc.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 29 at 2015 3:00 PM

2015-10-29T15:00:46-04:00

A new doctrine to beat insurgencies.

Response by MSgt Daniel Attilio made Oct 29 at 2015 3:22 PM

2015-10-29T15:22:34-04:00

There is a ton of stuff for the next POTUS.
Leave or improve the retirement pay system - if your going to ask so much of people don't try and screw them in the end. There needs to be a carrot of some sort.
Prepare the younger Americans for their future - 22% can't pass the ASVAB and somewhere in the neighborhood of 72% are disqualified because they are too fat, too weak or too stupid.
Modernize equipment for tomorrow's conflicts, not today's realizing that there is no cheap alternative but in that there it is inexcusable to inflate costs or waste funds.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2015 4:48 PM

2015-10-29T16:48:54-04:00

1) Balancing the budget.
2) Requirements change over the years so lets re-look some of the long development processes to ensure they are not straying from the initial capability gap they are designed to fill. Pentagon Wars anyone? How many variants of a system do we really need?
3) Re-look at how we will equip and train our reserve and guard forces should we have another 14 years of conflict in two different AORs.

Response by SSG Craig Burgener made Nov 3 at 2015 7:06 AM

2015-11-03T07:06:35-05:00

Pay for the enlisted members yes. Pay for officers no.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 7:46 AM

2015-11-03T07:46:23-05:00

There are four forms of national power: diplomacy, information, military, and economy. The last of which has been the center of focus for several yeayprs starting with sequestration and constricted resources. We have felt it in our military with the new downsizing. No say new since we experience a downsizing at the conclusion of every major conflict. While, yes, we are still engaged, it is not to the degree we once were. Therefore, I propose the source of focus be on a collaborative approach to salvag our economy. Collaborative in the sense of consummate interagency cooperation where the heads of state meet to providing real answers where all elements of the budget can be cut, not just the no appropriated fund that makes I our military. I agree with the Marine MSgt that our retirement stay in place. The military lifestyle is far to rigorous without some "carrot" at the end of a 20 year career, I would be remis to say that something does have to give. I would offer some of the more senior positions where a single general makes up 5 pay scales. Although I am not democrat, there was value in the BRAC in brink our budget back to the black in the 1990's. I believe there are programs in the State and USAID that could be morphed and combined with military programs bring ping about greater effectiveness and more efficiency.

Response by MSG Ronnie Snider made Nov 3 at 2015 9:01 AM

2015-11-03T09:01:51-05:00

First issue should be one of many. Get the help the military veterans need. Not have to wait over 30 days for a Dr. Appointments. Take care of homeless veterans (If they want help). Quit trying to get rid of the benefits we have worked many years for.
Take care of the active force. Taking away BAH money is not taking care of them. Better training, up-to -date. In some cases, the training is not always on the newest equipment. More research is needed on newly acquired equipment (try before you buy may be an option). Pay raises should be at least 3%.
Do we really need to waste time and money on what color our PT socks are?
The military vets should always be our number one priority. Without them, there would not be a United States.
We have spent enough time and energy on the sexual orientation of the force. We may not all agree with the outcome but we are all in this together now. We need more attention on being Soldier/Sailors/Marines/Airman and not on who we prefer to be or get married to. Hooah!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 9:06 AM

2015-11-03T09:06:37-05:00

Figuring out how to make it all work without increasing the budget.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 9:49 AM

2015-11-03T09:49:50-05:00

He/she needs to ban social experiments in the military. Since BO can do it with his "pen and a phone," or executive orders, the next POTUS has been given procedural precedence. Any of you liberals who haven't decried his use of executive orders have created an administrative nightmare and I'll bet cash money, if the next president is conservative, you'll be on the front lines shouting "impeach."

Response by COL John Revelle made Nov 3 at 2015 10:09 AM

2015-11-03T10:09:00-05:00

Senior leadership. Warrior leaders. Winners.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 10:12 AM

2015-11-03T10:12:27-05:00

Get rid of the incompetent Obama appointees promoted for the color of their skin and senior officers promoted under Obama. Roll back "Don't ask, don't tell", Offer "prior" service a chance to get back in after they were forced out by Obama's re-engineering of the military. Put a stop to the "uniform" design and evaluation by each branch. Too much has been spent on stupid ideas and get rid of "blue camo"
Put a stop to "imported" uniforms, make them in the USA. Get rid of the stupid Army Beret for non- elite units, it diminishes the REAL elite units. Re-build the military the right way.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Nov 3 at 2015 10:14 AM

2015-11-03T10:14:32-05:00

The economy. Without a robust American economy none of the problems confronting the military and defense can be addressed adequately. Inasmuch as the government can do little to make the economy better, the best it can do is get the hell out of the way and let We the People fix it. All we need from the government is minimal regulatory laws and effective and fair application of them so that We the People compete on a level playing field. Then stand back and watch what we can do (just as our forefathers did before the government decided they knew better).

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 10:23 AM

2015-11-03T10:23:10-05:00

Deliberately develop a plan on how to reduce our National Debt/Deficit.

Response by MSG Kirt Highberger made Nov 3 at 2015 10:29 AM

2015-11-03T10:29:00-05:00

Governmental Loyalty and National responsibility for the members of the Military Force.

Response by SSgt James Howerton made Nov 3 at 2015 11:48 AM

2015-11-03T11:48:44-05:00

(1) Make sure military service members get a pay raise EVERY year and (2) Make sure ANY service member who becomes 100% disabled while on AD receives Concurrent Pay.

Response by Cpl Terry Fowler made Nov 3 at 2015 12:09 PM

2015-11-03T12:09:35-05:00

Make sure they are protected and taken care of is something happens to them

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 3 at 2015 1:08 PM

2015-11-03T13:08:15-05:00

What does success and victory look like?

Response by SSG Milton S. made Nov 3 at 2015 2:21 PM

2015-11-03T14:21:04-05:00

Pay raises for all Veterans & Active Duty;

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 6:34 PM

2015-11-03T18:34:39-05:00

Increase the Enlisted personnel pay. We are severely underpaid and over work. We work just as hard as our Officer counterparts. Stop spending unnecessary money on equipments that the units don't use, as you change them every year. Systems create better HR systems to adequately care our Soldiers regardless of branch of service.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2015 7:15 PM

2015-11-03T19:15:31-05:00

Pay is a big one. However. He or she needs to have the promotion system revamped. Why are we getting rid of experience NCO's and Officers. I was told by a CSM that any NCO over 16 as a E-6 will not get selected for E-7. Let me say this. These E-6's I am taking about are stellar E-6's who have been there done that and have the tshirts to prove it. Yet the Army wants then out at 20 if not sooner. These are the NCO's and officers that chose to stay in during a time of War and lead Soldiers. They are the ones with the know how. The ones who care. As it pertains to Officers to include warrants. Get rid of the Soldiers that know how to win and are willing to go to the end of he earth it do it. If you do that what is left. All the Soldiers who don't have combat experience. Most of us have been in since before 911 was even in sight. Yet we stayed in through the numerous deployments to give back to the Army and defend freedom. Now these are the Soldiers they want out. Sorry for the rant.

Response by SSG Chris Deck made Nov 3 at 2015 8:05 PM

2015-11-03T20:05:34-05:00

Give active and retires more . This country of our is messed up. Pro athletes make millions of dollars for entertainment soldiers put their live on the line for freedom. We are US ambassadors no matter where we are. I have never been impressed by celebrities coming into war zone sign autographs. From the of jack from a few good men pick a weapon and guard a post. Until then god bless the troops. One last thing we need us a soldiers hall of fame.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Nov 4 at 2015 5:44 AM

2015-11-04T05:44:24-05:00

National Security and foreign policy including supporting Israel and intervention with North Korea and Iran.

Cybersecurity intervention against cyberattacks and strengthening America’s infrastructure, economy, and overall security.

The man or woman who takes office as President of the United States in January 2017 must be aware that a top priority will be the ability to demonstrate the strength and confidence to protect the nation’s vital interests at home and abroad. These vital interests are: (1) defense of the homeland, (2) prevention or successful conclusion of a major war, and (3) preservation of freedom of movement within the global commons. Covering the gap between the current economic and security situation and where the nation needs to be at the end of the first four years of the next presidency will require a “gap strategy.” The gap strategy identifies singular and critical priorities for the next Administration—strengthening enduring alliances, rebuilding defense, and repositioning the economy in order to protect and guarantee vital interests both at home and abroad.

A top priority for the next President of the United States must be to demonstrate the strength and confidence to protect the nation’s vital interests at home and abroad. These vital interests are: (1) defense of the homeland; (2) prevention or successful conclusion of a major war with the potential to destabilize regions of critical interest to the U.S.; and (3) preservation of freedom of movement within the global commons: the sea, the air, cyberspace, and outer space domains through which the world conducts business.[1]

There is clearly a need to do something different. The Heritage Foundation’s Index of U.S. Military Strength graded the ability of the United States to protect its vital interests as “marginal,” an assessment that reflects both deteriorating U.S. capabilities and rising concerns in key parts of the world.[2] Further, it is clear that this Administration’s approach to defense and foreign policy is deeply flawed.[3] In practice, it has served the nation poorly.

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Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Nov 4 at 2015 5:49 AM

2015-11-04T05:49:28-05:00

If this nation is to protect its vital interests, deter conflicts with would-be regional hegemons, reassure allies, and respond to crises of all sorts, it needs a robust military of sufficient size, sophistication, resources, and readiness to deal not only with the known threats, but also with inevitable surprises.[34] In order to meet these demands, the next President will have to increase military readiness across the board.[35]

First, the next President should reprioritize defense spending while maintaining the aggregate spending levels for discretionary programs under the Budget Control Act levels.[36] Increased defense funding should be channeled in such a way as to: (1) restore cuts to capacity, particularly U.S. ground forces; (2) accelerate readiness for all the services; (3) shift initiatives from the Overseas Contingency Operations account to the baseline defense budget; (4) increase funding for updating nuclear weapons and missile defense systems; and (5) provide stability for modernization programs.[37] Ultimately, fixing readiness and maintaining modernization programs critical to the preservation of America’s technological advantage is of tremendous importance and is necessary to sustain America’s ability to fight and win wars.

Second, the next President should pursue reforms to make the Pentagon and the Department of Defense more efficient managers of U.S. defense. Within this context, the next President should: (1) cut excessive Defense Department bureaucracy, (2) mandate widespread employment of performance-based logistics, (3) establish the right global military footprint, and (4) craft a 21st-century acquisition system.[38] These initiatives would make the Pentagon and the Defense Department sustainable, cost-effective, and streamlined.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2015 6:12 AM

2015-11-04T06:12:43-05:00

Ensure that the NMS is in line with the NSS. Put more effort into ensuring that sound programs are addressing Service members mental health and not just CYA so that when significantly traumatic issues occur brass can say they did all they were required. Intervene congressional and DoD brass continued pursuits to balance the military budget on the backs of service members and their earned benifits instead of cutting R&D projects that are not worth the juice for the squeeze.

Response by CPT Brent Ferguson made Nov 4 at 2015 7:05 AM

2015-11-04T07:05:38-05:00

DRAFT all federal political leaders. Yes, that's right - MAKE THEM SERVE OUR COUNTRY. Eliminate congressional and senatorial retirements, punish them according to UCMJ for accepting payouts from special interest groups, get rid of their tuxedo health plans and put them in military housing, on a military pay scale, with military food, healthcare, dental, and retirement. (After serving 20 years, not just 4.)

Response by Sgt Ronnie Mack made Nov 4 at 2015 7:22 AM

2015-11-04T07:22:14-05:00

Respect, and financial stability in order to live once you exit the service!

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 4 at 2015 7:36 AM

2015-11-04T07:36:56-05:00

In my opinion one of the first things that must be addressed is the hollowing of our military. We must have a robust defense. But beyond that we must secure our borders which is almost as important as having a robust and strong military.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Nov 4 at 2015 7:58 AM

2015-11-04T07:58:08-05:00

Make the Marine Corps birthday a national holiday.

Walt

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made Nov 4 at 2015 4:47 PM

2015-11-04T16:47:57-05:00

MAJ. I don't think I would tie the pres down to one thing. I would call my staff together and have a Question and answer session. First, we would draw up a list. E.G. national debt. S.S., Medicare, VA, Military (several categories) etc. Then we could set a priority. Then we would discuss how we should proceed to do something about each one. AND a time limit for each. In other word set a goal that helps everybody. Not a selected few.

Response by Sgt Dee Watts made Nov 5 at 2015 12:19 AM

2015-11-05T00:19:43-05:00

Recruiting!! It's time to raise the standards back up. Lowering them to the point that we have has not improved the quality of our forces. When you lower them to the point that you accept criminals then you are weakening us, not strengthening. Time to get back to quality.

Response by SSG Paul Forel made Nov 21 at 2015 5:28 AM

2015-11-21T05:28:44-05:00

He needs to address the troops and affirm his commitment to our United States military.

Then he needs to confirm this with intelligent and aggressive deployment.

Maybe I need to explain this? I see many of you have important issues I did not think to bring up, mainly, I'll admit, because I'm no longer AD.

As I see it, the current POTUS is not on the side of his own military. The new president needs to affirm his loyalty to his own military since President Obama has been, IMO, insulting and decimating the military for some time, now.

Then, I mention deployment because I feel we got burned in Vietnam for having been sent on a Fool's Errand and I don't want that to happen to you who are AD. So, while all your other issues are being addressed, the new POTUS needs to intelligently deploy you all on missions that make sense and not waste your lives needlessly.

I hope that covers it as far as you all are concerned.

Respectfully.....