What's your message to military leadership?

2013-11-26T11:46:43-05:00

OK, you are at the Pentagon and you are stuck in an elevator for 1 minute with GEN Dempsey (CJCS) and his Senior Enlisted Advisor, Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Battaglia. What's your message for either or both of them?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2013 12:01 PM

2013-11-26T12:01:02-05:00

Hey enough of the social engineering.   This is a war machine,  not a touchy-feely social club.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2013 1:58 PM

2013-11-26T13:58:57-05:00

Sir,<br><br>In a separate thread I posted my thoughts on leadership (especially in relation to the suicide rate) in today's Army.  Below is a link to the thread with the short piece I wrote, based on my own experience.  If I had one minute with GEN Dempsey and Sgt. Maj. Battaglia, I would hand them a typed copy and move along.<br><br><a href="https://www.rallypoint.com/questions/9769-on-leadership-my-thoughts">https://www.rallypoint.com/questions/9769-on-leadership-my-thoughts</a><br><br><br><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://www.rallypoint.com/assets/fb_share_logo.png"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.rallypoint.com/questions/9769-on-leadership-my-thoughts">On Leadership - My Thoughts</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">I wrote a short piece a while ago detailing some of my thoughts on leadership in the Army (specifically the Reserve Components). &nbsp;For posterity I thought I'd share them here for consumption.On Le...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2013 2:50 PM

2013-11-26T14:50:56-05:00

Sir,

I would ask for transparency. There is a lot of confusion in the force about shaping that is to come. We don't even know what the force will look like. While I am as linked into the news as anyone could be without first-hand information, even I am quite confused. Just some transparency.

Oh, and an explanation of reflective belts. I mean, s'rsly.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Nov 26 at 2013 2:51 PM

2013-11-26T14:51:46-05:00

Remember the oath you took to defend this country, against all enemies, foreign & domestic.

Response by SFC Rich Carey made Nov 26 at 2013 3:32 PM

2013-11-26T15:32:52-05:00

<font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman">

</font><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"><font color="#000000">We should prepare our service members to leave the military.
They need help and assistance prior to walking out the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>In preparing them for life after military it
would also benefit them while in the military and deciding if they will make it
career. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we help them plan an exit the
new recruits would see that they will be taken care of even walking out the
door later on down the road. What a message that would send to those thinking about joining, to those
in the military deciding on a career, and eventually when they leave the
military and the influence they, now veterans, have on the people around them spreading their
story of success. How many people have you heard leave the military, debt free
and not under the stress of finding some type of income right away? What you typically
hear is Veterans are the highest unemployed, they are having a difficult time
transitioning the military, and they are not financially ready, to include they
lack skills in networking, and so on. This doesn’t only pertain to our lower
enlisted but includes officers and enlisted at all ranks. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></font></font></font></p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman">

</font><p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><font face="Calibri">They are well prepared war fighters and to make the military
even stronger we need to prepare our service members with life skills, not with a week long program as they are on the way out, but with a program that starts at day one. Once that is accomplished, then we
are really are providing a service to our members as they provide a great service
to our country using the “Whole Person Concept”.<o:p></o:p></font></font></font></p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman">

</font>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2013 4:35 PM

2013-11-26T16:35:05-05:00

 Sir, I would say Bring back the discipline that we used to have. BCT is soft and kids these days don't have the same courage, discipline and respect.

Response by CPT Mike M. made Nov 26 at 2013 4:42 PM

2013-11-26T16:42:00-05:00

<p>Sir, not sure if they already do but I think I'd just have to recommend they put their feelers out and check out this cool new website called Rally Point!</p><p> </p><p>I'm not talking about "big brother" looking to get people in trouble for viewing their opinions but just to get a read on what points of concern there are down at the Soldier level.  I've been shocked by the candid conversations I've read on here with some phenomenal points being brought up.  At that level they're very much focused on strategic level actions but they've got to keep a finger on the pulse of the broad Army's command climate in something more than the occassional town hall type meetings when the biggest of the brass visits a post, has a briefing and then opens the floor for questions.  Not to mention, everyone's a little braver from behind the safety of their keyboard so you're much more likely to get HONEST opinions looking somewhere like this than while doing battlefield circulation.  We all know how it goes, all the Joes clam up when they're actually face-to-face with top leadership.  Sometimes it's because they're afraid of asking something stupid, sometimes it's because that encounter is all that stands between them and chow and they're just ready to move on.  Bottom line remains true though, check places like this for honesty among the troops.</p>

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 1:13 AM

2013-11-27T01:13:41-05:00

Sir, as a 25U I would like to see them enforce more training on Commo equipment. I just sat in a briefing to the CG a few days ago, and every BDE's leadership had these awesome ideas on MRT training, combat skills training, and SHARP/EO training. None of them said anything about how they were gonna communicate. Even our manuals are outdated. The last RTO handbook was published in 2009 and still has useless info on the PLGR and ANCD. The Commo world is changing everyday and I think the brass needs to enforce this from the top down.

Response by TSgt Brian Herman made Nov 28 at 2013 2:03 PM

2013-11-28T14:03:06-05:00

STOP WITH THE POLITICALLY CORRECT HORSE SHIT! The job of the military is to kill people and blow shit up. The military has always been used as a control subject for social issues. The country has adjusted on it's own, let's get back to doing our job, and stop being a police force!!<br>

Response by CPT Daniel Walk, M.B.A. made Nov 28 at 2013 2:30 PM

2013-11-28T14:30:22-05:00

Sir,

The top-down, formal communication channels, at least in the Army, are an embarrassment. Using ALARACTs and MILPERs to make permanenet changes to regulations or implement new programs, then waiting years for a new version a regulation is driving massive uncertainty. Leaders attempt to use regulations and doctrine, only to find out that some obscure ALARACT from five years ago changed the entire standard. An example would be attempting to use AR 735-5 to conduct a FLIPL. Logistics Officers may know that the EXORD 259-10 changed some of the expectations of 735-5. But, when you are the FA or EN Officer responsible for the S4, you set your commander and yourself up for a negative experience when you can't rely on the regulation to tell you the standards.

We can't, very often, control the politics that drive the unnecessary spending on unneeded equipment, or social engineering. However, if we can make sure that our communication and standards are consistent and communicated, issues we have little control over do not pile on top of existing frustrations.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2013 11:54 AM

2013-11-30T11:54:24-05:00

I would have to say; "Sir, Why do I have to get stuck in an elevator with you to get a problem and solution to your attention? Is there any way to get a secure website set up where Sailors, Marine's, Soldier’s and Airmen could get our issues to you (through a dedicated screening staff of course) and at the same time present to you the solutions to these issues? If you do already have a forum like this then it needs to be better promoted. No one I have spoken to knows of such a place."

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Dec 22 at 2013 1:19 AM

2013-12-22T01:19:38-05:00

Reduce and consolidate forces stateside. Eliminate fraud, waste and abuse. Stop the employment of mercenaries operating alongside US Service Members.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 10:18 AM

2013-12-23T10:18:39-05:00

My message for all leadership would be this: Stop judging your people as expendable numbers. People are not equipment. Every Soldier, Airman, Sailor, & Marine has a personal story. I can't expect the Chief of Staff to know every one of them, but they need to understand that we are not robots, we are not issued green gear, we are the people that makes everything under their command work.<br>

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Jan 5 at 2014 3:39 AM

2014-01-05T03:39:30-05:00

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Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 10:31 PM

2014-02-21T22:31:17-05:00

Sir,<div>I'd say to please reconsider having females in combat rolls (I don't mean to offend anyone, I just had seen very bad experiences). And also, can you sign off on my promotion orders and a coin.</div>

Response by LT Jessica Kellogg made Feb 21 at 2014 10:42 PM

2014-02-21T22:42:16-05:00

Remember when you were an E1/O1, how as a young service member you saw old problem with new eyes.  Do you see the military in the same way you did then?  Listen to your people from the most junior to the most senior. Everyone brings their own perspective and ideas, you never know who may have a solution. 

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 1:38 AM

2014-02-22T01:38:41-05:00

Make a Website and a dedicated position on your staff to handle it....Grant access (DA select basically or random) to it (each MOS has a rep. from each rank E1-O6) once a month, to anonymously bitch and complain/ offer insight, its the easiest way to stay in touch with all the soldiers. Have that designated staff member read through each complaint and see what our problems really are. Its not my sideburns, I promise.

Response by SPC Bryan Crank made Feb 22 at 2014 3:12 AM

2014-02-22T03:12:12-05:00

Please reinstate the daily disciplines of pressing the uniform and polishing the boots to no end.

Response by CPT Brandon Christensen made Feb 22 at 2014 10:48 AM

2014-02-22T10:48:23-05:00

I would request that they stop bashing the NG and Reserve units

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 12:37 PM

2014-02-22T12:37:18-05:00

Sir and SGM,<br><br>Our obligation to support and defend the Constitution is more important than the social agenda of the discontent. <br>

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 1:24 PM

2014-02-22T13:24:01-05:00

<p>1. Stop making everyone wear diapers when one person shit's their pants.  Stop making stupid rules when one idiot screws up.</p><p>2. As we draw out of Afghanistan and close out OEF, manage the reduction of Active forces responsibly.  Do not let the flood gates open just to reduce the personnel budget in order to keep money for 'Toys'.  SOCOM consistently says "Humans are more important than hardware".  Prove it with your actions in effectively managing budget constraints and personnel needs.</p><p><br></p><p>Hmm. Hope I can say all that in 1 minute.</p><p><br></p><p>-----Edit-----</p><p>3. Stop bowing to the court of public opinion.  Follow the laws and regulations given to us and if the public doesn't agree with it, tough.  If they want to change things they need to speak with their elected representatives that write the laws we follow.  Yes, "Tailhook" was an embarrassment to the military, punish the individuals according to the UCMJ (which was done) and move on.  We are to worried about the appearance to the public of our actions.  If our actions are legal, moral and responsible, they can pound sand!  If they aren't punish the individuals as necessary and move on.  Either way stop worrying about appearances of actions and focus on completing the actions in a crisp military manner.</p>

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 4:24 PM

2014-02-24T16:24:22-05:00

Sir, I would like more emphasis placed on identifying and actually eliminating Toxic Leaders from the Army. From my foxhole, most of the toxic leaders are senior Officers/NCOs who are eligible for retirement, and I would like to know what the plan is for identifying Toxic Leaders and the plan for making them retire or move on. It seems that whoever reports a toxic leader, that individual's life is made a living hell by that toxic leader. We need other senior leaders to be able to look those individuals in the eye and say "thank you for your service, but your behavior is not in line with the Army Values that we pride ourselves in."

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 24 at 2014 5:21 PM

2014-02-24T17:21:41-05:00

Re-employ military members. The GS and Contract force is WAY too large. Admin, we have 42A admin techs. Nurses: we have military nurses. why is it that every time I turn around there are more civilian employees than military? An example.... in our medical group, there are 8-10 nurses (RNs all of them).....there are 3 of us that are active duty.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 6:18 PM

2014-02-24T18:18:02-05:00

Sir,

My questions and thoughts would be led in the direction of Service member PCS cycles. In an age of dwindling budgets it would seem to be much more effective to implement more no cost moves and force balancing locally vs paying to move people every two or three years. Stabilization improves quality of life and continuity of operations.

SFC Rosenlund

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 6:24 PM

2014-02-24T18:24:32-05:00

I would ask them to stop messing with our pay, our future pensions, BAH; if you want to cut expenses, start with all these generals that everywhere they go they need to take a larger entourage than a rock star, and also make some cuts into those expensive programs that they always want to push through (the newer tank that nobody needs, the helicopter that flies in 4 dimensions, whatever)

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 6:34 PM

2014-02-24T18:34:20-05:00

Sir

Two things:

#1: The military is composed of adults. Let us have the opportunity to act like them, and hold us accountable when we don't. NCOs are around to lead, inspire, encourage, mentor, and hold feet to the fire. They aren't baby-sitters. I am Jr Enlisted at the moment, but I seem to get a text or two a day from my Squad Leader/Team Leader asking whether or not I'm around, alive, good, going to work, etc, etc. I am, and if I'm not, let me not show up and HOLD ME ACCOUNTABLE. This baby-sitting takes too much of our NCOs time and could be eliminated.

#2: Make it easier for the military to kick out people who are unable to/will not live the military standard. Some people aren't fit for military service, and that's ok. It shouldn't take an act of God to get someone chaptered out of the military if they're consistently showing up late, not able to perform their job, disrespecting others, etc. Why can't it be like the private sector where if you show up late for work consistently, you can be fired? I feel that would actually solve issue #1 as well.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 10:37 AM

2014-02-25T10:37:36-05:00

With
most state still reporting Veterans unemployment at twice the rate of the
civilian unemployment what is the plan to cut 100,000 plus troops from the
military without overwhelming the states. I remember back in the early 90’s
where a lot of people were given early retirement, or cash payouts but that
only last so long when your source of income has gone. Is this someone else’s
people problem; maybe the VA or each state? Is there a plan?

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Feb 25 at 2014 2:44 PM

2014-02-25T14:44:44-05:00

There are many people between you, Sir/Sgt Maj and me who need firing. What we, the guys on the ground, hear you saying is getting lost in the bureaucratic babble coming from the middlemen. In my line of work, Drill Sergeants turn citizens into Soldiers. Can't turn them into heartbreakers and widow-makers with our hands tied by a politically-correct, metrics-obsessed bunch of officers and bureaucrats more concerned about their careers than training. Bottom line - let us do our jobs.

Response by SSG William Patton made Feb 25 at 2014 3:13 PM

2014-02-25T15:13:01-05:00

Jinger, you make a great point, one that seems to be falling on deaf ears, unfortunately. The military is what is know as a total institution where all members adhere to a standard unique to the organization based upon a rigid hierarchy and set of rules to follow. A similar total institution is our prison system, but members of that institution receive counseling and aid to help them transition back to life in the community and I do not see the same level of assistance provided to our servicemen and women returning to civilian life. I know when I left military active duty it was so fast it made my head spin. I left Cam Ranh Bay, RVN and 48 hours later, I as a civilian. I left a combat zone and entered civilian life without any transitional help from the military to prepare me for being a civilian again. Three years of military duty in a total institution, the last of which was served in a combat zone, and then bam, I am in the free world and expected to conform to the new institution and I did not have clue what to do. I experienced an emotional pain I had never felt before and I felt lost and did not know what to do. Like many, I began to self medicate and got drunk everyday. I do not know what the military does for members leaving the service today, but I would hope more is done now than was done for my generation. Maybe some in this forum can advise as to the current status. I do not think, whatever is being done, is sufficient based upon the numbers of suicides documented by this unique group.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2014 11:29 AM

2014-02-26T11:29:20-05:00

I would ask them to join RallyPoint so that all my battles could give them a message. I think they would have a better feel on how the junior enlisted feel about subjects. They are hearing info through the chain of command and by the time it will gets to them it may not be even the same message. As it goes through the chain and people add their 2 cents and the message is changed or not even sent forward.

Response by LCpl David Steinbach made Feb 27 at 2014 9:04 PM

2014-02-27T21:04:12-05:00

1. Hammer war training into everyone until it sinks in.
2. Train as if we were going to war tomorrow morning.
3. Be prepared to fight to the death anywhere on the planet and at a moment's notice.
4. Train up our war leaders as near to perfection as is humanly possible.
5. Demand continuous education of the troops each branch of service. There's a lot to learn. Everyone should read a minimum of twenty-five (25) books a year, most of which are taken from our military leaders' reading list.
6. Where needed, live "in" the world, but do not be "of" the world. The military is not "of" the world. Obey orders promptly and to the letter without misgivings, even if it means your death.
7. Train and educate troops for the horrors of war, so when one is in it, the shock won't kill them.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2014 10:08 PM

2014-02-27T22:08:12-05:00

1. Stop trying to integrate women into combat roles when studies have shown that merely 8% of them are even interesting in filling these positions. It's only going to waste money.

2. Cut the contractors out. If we can do it ourselves, we don't need them. If we can't do it ourselves, we don't need the service(whatever it may be).

3. Quit messing around with new patterns for a service-wide uniform. Mulit-cam already works, and there is a ton of it already floating around. Make that the uniform and save money.

4. Spend the money you save to actually train your support MOS's. For example, we have Stryker mechanics that arrive to our unit not knowing anything about the vehicle because they teach literally just the basics as AIT. Why not sub them out to UTI the tech school to actually get certified in what they're working on so that me and my guys can stop doing their jobs FOR THEM.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 6:48 AM

2014-02-28T06:48:36-05:00

My message would be; Sir, you have to do a better job of less with less. We are cutting 25K Airmen this year, yet our home station mission has not slowed down and we are performing more and more maintenance on aging fleets of aircraft. In my very small part of the world I'm looking at losing half my work force this year but the mission has not slowed down to compensate at all. So if the message truely is do less with less it has to make it's way in to operational planning. Additionally, thanks for the NCO/PO The Backbone of the Armed Forces. It is chalked full of great information for all NCO/POs.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 7:14 AM

2014-02-28T07:14:18-05:00

Sir,
1. Stop spending money on contractors that do the work of Soldiers. If we need contractors, then their statement of work isn't something that is convenient to them and worth millions. It is what is needed and that's it. If they do poorly we reserve the right to can you. Get our money back.
2. Remove TOXIC leaders. I see too many get moved to the side and still get promoted.
3. Remind the Secretary of Defense that his proposal is cutting and making more issues to people that represent the USA in peace and in war that only comprise of less than 1% of the population. Push the President to find waste elsewhere.
4. Last but not least, fix the VA! And those waiting years in the USAR and ARNG on the MEB process.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 7:14 AM

2014-02-28T07:14:25-05:00

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 7:14 AM

2014-02-28T07:14:28-05:00

Response by SSG Daniel Rosploch made Feb 28 at 2014 7:43 AM

2014-02-28T07:43:55-05:00

If I knew I wouldn't be standing in front of my first line supervisor at parade rest shortly after opening my mouth in an elevator, this is what I would say:

"Sir, Sergeant Major, is there anyway possible we could stop with the political hopscotch and go back to what we do best, training Soldiers to kill the enemy in any environment? When I got into the Army, I was "smoked" senseless and my life as a private was hard. I'm an NCO now and looking back, I am glad for that. But I see the military making policies against being hard on young Soldiers. Some people just aren't tough enough to deal with war, so why are the senior leaders bending over backwards to ensure "everyone is a winner" when in reality, some people just suck and don't belong?"

Then, I would walk out without waiting for a response because I know it would be full of BS. I would smoke a cigarrette and wait for the ass chewing that's coming my way even after I was promised it wouldn't...

Response by CSM Christopher Irwin made Feb 28 at 2014 8:59 AM

2014-02-28T08:59:07-05:00

I would tell them to stop the ridiculous amount of training.....Before I deployed to Iraq for my third tour I counted the "required training" and we were over 250 separate tasks that needed to be accomplished. Knock off the knee-jerk training as a result of a few singular events. Be willing to accept risk and realize that the average age group of our deployable Soldiers are inclined to do stupid things. In the current environment a commander CANNOT physical ensure all the required training is met - as such each has to take a deliberate risk in what they forego....If it is found that commander's didn't train on a particular event and a Soldier dies, we unnecessarily destroy careers due to that lack of training. Our higher-ups need to be cognizant of the Good F*$KING Idea (GFI) fairy and consider the second and third order effect on units below. Each time a Soldier dies is unfortunate - the answer isn't through adding another worthless training to prevent it. We have to realize that people in our profession of arms die and their is often little we can do to prevent it.

Also, knock off the stupid accusatory SHARP and EO redundancy training that few listen to because of the inherent fear that someone will violate it. Rapidly and without remorse punish those that break the rules and stop making those that follow them endure the suck of repetitive training. Standards are in place for a reason - simply crush the offenders without remorse and move on. If we're professionals, treat us as such.

Response by SSG Alexander Shulman made Feb 28 at 2014 12:08 PM

2014-02-28T12:08:13-05:00

Sir,

I apologize for the lengthy write-up, but this needs to be said.

I can’t speak for other services, or other branches for that matter, but there
are several issues with the way the Army functions with respect to MI CI/HUMINT
that need to be brought to the forefront and addressed by someone with the power
to change it.

1)
As the Army, we keep investing
millions upon millions of dollars into new equipment and tools every year that just
end up taking up space in warehouses, or on closet shelves, being completely
unused and expiring. If I were to add up
the worth of unused equipment we had gathering dust and, literally,
depreciating in value, in my last three units (just from my section), it would surmount
to well over two million USD. The reason
why they weren’t used – we had no need for it.
Nor did we have a mission requirement to use it. But it came down from
higher that they purchased all this equipment and that all lower echelons had
to have it. And so, the equipment sat
there, occasionally invertoried, until the next generation was purchased and
took up its slot, yet again wasting money.

2)
In the field of MI, people often
get specialized training; training that, astoundingly often, gets ignored by,
not only the assignment system, but by unit leadership as well. For example:

-
Ex.1. I know of two Army linguists of the same rank who
had graduated from DLI several years back – one from the Korean course, one
from Arabic. The Korean linguist was
assigned to a unit in Kuwait, while the Arabic linguist was assigned to a unit
in Korea. (No, their names were not
similar at all) I cannot say what went
through the mind of the Branch Manager at that time, but this decision did not
follow any kind of common sense or logic I can think of. As far as I’m aware, the two trained linguists
have yet to be actually assigned to units/positions where they utilize their Army-trained
language.

-
Ex.2. Regrettably, this is a common practice: A
Soldier arrives to a unit having extensive experience in their MOS, which they
received due to specialized Army-provided training and/or previous assignments. The leadership looks only at their rank, completely
ignoring their qualifications or capabilities, and assigns them to a slot where
none of the specialized training/experience would be applicable. As time
progresses, the complete disregard for Soldier’s abilities make the Soldier disenfranchised
with the Army as a whole, and the Soldier leaves the service only to return as
a civilian doing the job in which they originally specialized and received the special
training. I have personally seen this
pattern occur no less than eight times.
And, while I’m happy those guys found a way to not feel useless (and
make unnecessary amounts of money as contractors), I know that the Army has
lost a LOT of money and talent just because the leadership was too lazy to
actually consider the Soldiers, not just their rank, during the slot assignment
process.

Those are just two examples of the broken assignment system. There are more, but this message to
leadership would already take up significantly more than a minute just to say,
so I will shut up now.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 12:49 PM

2014-02-28T12:49:43-05:00

Our core ideals are under attack. Those are military discipline, pride and professionalism. It seems as if leaders need to know this. As well we need to be focused and some of the programs I have heard about are definitely detrimental to that cause.

Response by SFC Ian Lumgair made Feb 28 at 2014 4:36 PM

2014-02-28T16:36:40-05:00

Response by SFC Ian Lumgair made Feb 28 at 2014 5:41 PM

2014-02-28T17:41:15-05:00

Sir, frankly I do not at this point think that they would want to hear what I have to say: They do not want to hear one of their senior NCOs ask them, "Sir, Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. were you or were you not in the military when 1st ID and 1st AD commanders declared there formations not mission capable? Were you there when the Commandant of the Marine Core stated that the "current force modernization of the Marine Corps has reversed itself?" I was. I also remember that the lesson learned from Somalia (1993) was not restricted to, but included, personal body armor that worked up to armored vehicles that worked. When troops were first placed in the line of fire in Iraq and Afghanistan (2003) and (2001) did they have these? No? Why? Why did that happen? Oh yeah, the cold war draw down (doing more with less). I get it - 70% draw-down in man power at 300% increase in operation tempo. We just did not have the time or the money to adequately protect our troops. What makes you think this is going to be better? Are you suddenly smarter and more capable than Frank Carlucci, William Howard Taft IV, Richard B. Cheney, Leslie Aspin, William J. Perry, and William S. Cohen? Or for that matter General Colin Powell, Admiral David E. Jeremiah, General John Shalikashvili, General Hugh Shelton? You frankly do not want to hear me say what every senior NCO who has buried brothers, sons, fathers and comrades is saying: "don't do this to us again!" Stand your ground, you have the military currently you have wanted! Yes, you must get rid of the shit bags, but look at your force it's what you wanted! If the answer is still this stupidity and it's being shoved down your gullet, state your objections, loud and clear and walk away! Be the example of integrity, have the personal courage to say not on my watch, not to this Army, not to these men!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2014 2:10 AM

2014-03-01T02:10:32-05:00

Sir,<div><br></div><div>I would ask them to stand up and protect our retirement. Defend our ability to fight our nations wars so downsizing to pre-WWII number isn't the way to go.</div><div><br></div><div>V/R</div><div><br></div><div>1SG Haro</div><div> </div>

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 2:52 AM

2014-03-02T02:52:57-05:00

Secular Humanist Chaplains; if that's too hard you could always improve morale and save money by ditching reflective belts!

Response by 1SG Jason Fitzpatrick made Mar 3 at 2014 3:26 PM

2014-03-03T15:26:14-05:00

If the Department fo Defense were to not buy one of the new F-500 Fighter/Attack/Recon airplanes, Just one, how many Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines would be paid? Shouldn't we be focusing on keeping the military strong? Cutting pay and benefits is driving your work force out fo the military gentlemen, and without the work force, you have nobody to fix your new toys.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2014 3:42 PM

2014-03-03T15:42:58-05:00

I would tell them stop with the "program of the year" crap. First EO was being pushed, then hazing now is sexual harassment, every program needs to be treated equally and not be enforced when shit hits the fan and gets out of control. Re-empower the NCO core. How can I train and police soldiers up if i can't do anything but push papers, let me do what I'm supposed to do; teach, coach and mentor we need to give the opportunity of rehabilitation to the soldier before sending them into their merry way. And lastly we need to hit more toxic leaders it is sad how many infect our ranks they are a cancer eating up our Army and there is not enough courageous senior leaders to take care of it. <br>

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 4 at 2014 1:33 PM

2014-03-04T13:33:04-05:00

Well I would give the greeting of the day, Then being an old soldier and a redneck probabaly would stand there and be freaked out! then when they or I got out of the elavator say to myself" there was your chance to ask the man and you blew it!"

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2014 1:54 AM

2014-03-05T01:54:18-05:00

SIR, if I could say one thing to these gentlemen it would be this:

Please review the systems you are using to determine who should stay and who should go. From my fox hole, the perception throughout the force is that we are in a race to meet a #. We are not giving due consideration to a Troops actual POTENTIAL for further service rather, we are letting programs such as the QSP cut Troops who may be stellar Leaders however, since they are in a low density CMF / MOS they will be separated while mediocre Leaders in larger CMF / MOSs with more MTOE and TDA positions will be allowed to remain on Active Duty. We are definitely focused on quantity not quality.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2014 2:42 AM

2014-03-05T02:42:22-05:00

Without the confidence and fidelity of the force, policy and vision is meaningless. Discontinue VTC to tactical units, working groups at the tactical level for operational and strategic issues, and public affairs campaigns that have no impact on the public.

Reduce approval levels for everything, provide your guidance and endstate to the battlefield commanders, and let your Captains and Staff Sergeants do their jobs. We love our country and will win your fights, but we can't do it under the conditions created at your level... sir.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Mar 5 at 2014 4:58 AM

2014-03-05T04:58:50-05:00

Sir, I would ask for the same thing I received from Gen Schwarzkopf on many occasions - with no disrespect intended - be honest with me.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2014 8:46 PM

2014-03-10T20:46:49-04:00

Sir

HOW BOUT DEM COWBOYS!!!!! - OR - Why is it taking this elevator over a minute to go up only 5 floors? - OR- (because i'm in 3d CR) Prepare for the Regimental Accolades! (GEN Dempsey would understand it).

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 3:04 PM

2014-03-12T15:04:57-04:00

Please sir, for the love of God and all that is holy and unholy, no more online training courses, and please scale down the mandatory 350-1 training so I can focus on the enemy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 3:31 PM

2014-03-12T15:31:09-04:00

Sir,
Hazing is out of control. New Soldiers
are reporting to their units only to be
constantly cut down, spit on, and treated
like second class citizens. What kind of
leaders are we grooming by continually
allowing toxic and harmful leadership to
blossom within our ranks. I would like to
blame it on over a decade of war, racism,
multiple deployments etc. I do not know the answer why it is happening. Perhaps it is like the Monkeys, bananas and ladder story...
Five monkeys were kept in a cage with a ladder. Some bananas were kept on the top of the ladder. Whenever one of the monkeys would climb the ladder to get the bananas, all the monkeys were sprayed with ice cold water. Soon, the monkeys begin to police themselves and would prevent beat any other monkey that tried to climb the ladder. Eventually, the cold water was turned off, but the monkeys kept policing themselves. Then, one monkey was removed, and another monkey put in it's place. The new monkey didn't know about the forbidden bananas, so when it tried to get the banana, the other monkeys beat him. Soon, the new monkey started policing himself up. Eventually, one by one all the monkeys were replaced in the group, but the monkeys kept the practice up. Eventually none of the original monkeys existed yet whenever a new monkey tried to climb the ladder they were beaten. The cold water had been turned off ages ago. The bananas are now achievable but will never be because of old habits. The monkeys are beating each other and they do not even know why. I feel this is a crude yet understandable metaphor into what has happened in our military. Sir, Thank you for proposing this question on Rally Point and allowing "the little guy" to project his thoughts.

Response by TSgt Robert Dean made Mar 12 at 2014 4:08 PM

2014-03-12T16:08:52-04:00

Start acting like you are a member(s) of the US Military and support our need to be prepared. Quit acting like a rubber stamp agency (JCS) for anything some idiot that believes "if we were only nicer people" will solve the problems of SWA and Africa today and the future problem with China tomorrow. In short, as the actor said " act like you got a pair" and it just might help same some lives in a few years.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2014 6:07 PM

2014-03-14T18:07:42-04:00

I would want to say that our military should practice what we preach;

For an organization that claims to support outside the box thinking and creativity, individuals in the middle management position's of the chain of command sure do go out of their way to stifle such actions and discourage others from trying anything new.

The men on the ground should feel that they have the total support of their chain of command. To often nowadays we see good leaders with unlimited potential getting chewed up and spit out for operating or accomplishing a mission in an outside the box manner.

In the end all that this does is weaken the military by making leaders "gun shy" and afraid to take chances. Because they know that if they incur the wrath of their superiors their careers are over.

At the end of the day all that this does is hurt the service. Instead of breeding carnivorous savages capable of thinking on their toes, we are breeding a generation of domesticated yes men who would rather let someone miles away do their thinking for them so they can avoid trouble.

We are the warriors of America, and the people of America want us to be barrel chested gun fighters not bureaucratic pencil pushers, there are far to many of them as it is. It is our job to deter conflict from ever beginning by projecting ourselves in a manner that is indicative of the Warrior Ethos.

Am I saying that people should not be held accountable for their actions? No I am not. I am merely stating that it would benefit our military as a whole if leaders were not vindictive in their distribution of punishments.

Our military will never be what it is capable of being until our leaders have the ability to make mistakes in order for them to grow and learn from them. That is how experience is gained, that is how audacity is fostered.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2014 4:36 PM

2014-03-15T16:36:04-04:00

Sir,

All too often when you climb up the chain you lose sight of yourself and get wrapped up in your position. Please, don't forget where you came from.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Mar 16 at 2014 8:42 AM

2014-03-16T08:42:25-04:00

Please realize the impact mandatory briefing/training directives have on the RC forces. We all understand that the directives address important topics and are intended to improve the force. I and every other leader will do everything in our power to both execute directives that come down as well as to support your intent. With that in mind, each new requirement requires that some other existing requirement be downgraded. Please keep that in mind.

This isn't disrespect or disregard of important issues. It's math. In the "normal" course of events, I have my soldiers for 48 battle assemblies (24 days) and 1 annual training period (14-17 days, intended to be a culminating event) in a fiscal year.

Every new 4 hour requirement eats up a bit over 1% of my TOTAL yearly training time, this on top of every other mandatory briefing/training topic and on top the administrative/regulatory tasks that have to be done to "keep the lights on." This has a DIRECT impact on Soldier training and unit mission readiness. If it is truly necessary, then it is. Just be aware of the inherent trade-off with whatever is being deprioritized.

On a related topic, the ability to knock out mandatory training/briefing requirements in an online fashion, and be paid for it, is a phenomenal improvement and a great commander's tool. However, it is not widely know in the force. Anything that can improve knowledge of this program should be done.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Mar 16 at 2014 2:03 PM

2014-03-16T14:03:12-04:00

I would ask what they really feel about the cuts to our defense, changes to retirement programs, and loss of confidence in our leadership. I would then ask how far are they willing to go in order to make their feelings known to the President.

Response by MSG Jose Colon made Mar 16 at 2014 2:08 PM

2014-03-16T14:08:14-04:00

Sir, budget constraints aside, reducing our military to the lowest level since World War 2 is not the smartest mission we have engaged in.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2014 10:32 PM

2014-03-16T22:32:48-04:00

This may be more appropriate for GEN Odierno -- I haven't seen GEN Dempsey's priorities list personally.

Sir, Take SHARP and Suicide Prevention off the top line of your priorities; return Ensuring a Trained and Ready Force to the highest priority.

As someone who's been personally effected by sexual assault, I don't appreciate it being your latest "bumper sticker." It doesn't demonstrate that you or any other member of our leadership care -- only that it's necessary to CYA in the face of public and Congressional pressure. Actually, additional slogans, training, and people to act as victim advocates demonstrate band-aid solutions, rather than really doing anything to identify and address fundamental issues. Every Soldier knows checking the box when they see it, and when our leadership prioritizes these activities and making metrics over ensuring a trained and ready force, no one really believes there's a culture change -- not the troops, not the public, and not Congress.

When we prioritize Training and Ensuring a Ready Force, we *encompass* all the Soldier care topics that have become rah-rah bumper stickers. We cannot have a ready force if our Soldiers don't recognize each others' value. They will not be a cohesive force if we recruit and retain Soldiers who are or become felons or have substantiated assault charges (sexual or otherwise).

By identifying our primary mission as being an ARMY, perhaps we could get further in having conversations with the public, Congress, and even ourselves about what the future state / value / necessity is for land warfare, instead of being the service that currently rivals every other one for making sure we all feel good about ourselves.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 9:55 AM

2014-03-19T09:55:25-04:00

Good Day Sir! If I was stuck in the elevator with the military leadership, I would tell them how concerned I am about what seems to be an insurmountable number of male and female Soldiers returning from war who are now homeless and jobless and don't seem to be appreciated. I would suggest hiring a number of Life Coaches to work in the military treatment facilities or VA to assist those returning and those suffering from PTSD.

Great question!

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Mar 19 at 2014 10:15 PM

2014-03-19T22:15:02-04:00

whose got a deck of cards? do the kimshi squat and play 3 handed poker. My point is that to be idle is not a good health posture, at least breaking down with a deck of cards passes the time quickly.

My message would be...Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

sometimes we get career stuck and to be a change agent one may need to think out of the box to find stuff.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2014 11:48 PM

2014-03-24T23:48:41-04:00

Sir, if it isn't broke don't fix it. Don't waste time and effort to reinvent the wheel. Multicam is nice, we have it already, burn the ACU pattern, and issue what we want and need. Thank you for attention have a great day sir(s)

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Mar 25 at 2014 6:03 PM

2014-03-25T18:03:38-04:00

Stop trying to fix things that aren't broken.

Response by SFC Ricardo Ruiz made Mar 25 at 2014 6:47 PM

2014-03-25T18:47:19-04:00

I will ask. SIR do you believed the Armed Forces is doing enough for the families of fallen Service Members?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2014 5:07 PM

2014-04-06T17:07:58-04:00

Thank you for your service. The United States Military has been put through the ringer in the media. However, I still believe that the common corps of values of the military are still there. We, as a military need to stop "whining" so much about what is wrong, and focus on what we are doing right. The only comment I have is that we are doing our basic trainee a disservice by not maintaining the standards that birthed great men. What can we, as leaders, do to reverse this trend.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 10:10 AM

2014-04-23T10:10:53-04:00

Sir,

Start a pilot program to become and Officer within OCS

Criteria for selection will be smellier to the one for OCS; however the SM that gets selected and complete the training will be coming back as an O1 to the same branch he or she came from.

The program outcome should enhance the branch specific personnel strength.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 10:47 AM

2014-04-23T10:47:49-04:00

Sir,

Stop letting people into the Army with the option of College repayment. Even if come against GI bill.

I see many people on the Enlisted side that joined in the recent years just b/c they couldn’t find a job in their field of studies. Or b/c they couldn’t pay their students loans. They join for one term, during that time they get Tuition Assistance (TA) complete their advance degrees and get out from the Military!

On the same note, TA shouldn’t be allowed for first term Soldiers. Only after the first reenlistment and only if you reenlist for 4 years or more. In addition, TA for a graduate degree should be allowed only after second reenlistment

In my humble opinion, you need to give (serve) first before we start receiving back.

Is the Military a branch of social services?

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Apr 25 at 2014 6:24 PM

2014-04-25T18:24:22-04:00

Today's military leadership, I have found, lacks certain fundamentals. I think that the leadership classes need to be changed so that leaders can get those fundamentals back. Also, they shouldn't ever forget where they came from as they move up the ranks.

Remember to take care of your people, they are your success or failure as a leader. Take care of them and they will take care of you

Response by 1stSgt Don Brazeal made Apr 25 at 2014 7:28 PM

2014-04-25T19:28:44-04:00

Don't do any more Sesame Street commercials

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Apr 26 at 2014 11:00 AM

2014-04-26T11:00:57-04:00

Sir,

1. Please add leadership to our leadership courses. Technical proficiency in your branch or MOS is of significant importance, but leadership skills are wholly under instructed. Perhaps the model of the Marine Corps leadership schools should be evaluated where every NCO attends the same course for leadership which focus SOLELY on leadership. If schools are needed to ensure technical proficiency at the next rank we create a seperate course. In this manner, we could develop leaders and technically proficient Soldiers.

2. Accountability of individuals is tantamout to leader success. Instead of creating policy which restricts the masses, enforce the standard on the few who fail to follow publiched policy, regulation, and law.

3. Address the issues with the MEB / PEB and accountability of the supporting MEBROCs. The communication system is broken and while the IDES system ultimately assists Soldiers, the timelines require immediate attention and the leevl of knowledge of where in the process the individual Soldier is, depicts a complete lack of regard for keeping Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen informed.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 11:53 AM

2014-04-29T11:53:54-04:00

SFC Gates and SGT Gaynes are absolutely correct. NOTHING good would come out of that short exchange. The person that opened his mouth to point out the things that are wrong would be hammered very very hard for speaking to them at all...let alone pointing out issues and their failures as leaders.

How many GO's have been eliminated from service in the last six years? Some for immorality, and some for things that sound like bull shit to me. I am unsure as of the 5-W's for each GO that's been fired, but it looks like the political machine in Washington is after any senior officer that won't dance to their tune.

I also am of the firm belief that at that level has been so far removed from the muddy-boots level that they've forgotten that they are soldiers first, and therefore obligated to lead and look out for us. They've sadly become politicians rather than protectors of their men, and defenders of the US Constitution.

--Leave our pay and benefits alone, Gentlemen. We've worked to damn hard to earn them, to have them taken away.

--Stop spending ungodly amounts of money on things that are either going to fail entirely, or that a regular grunt will never see the benefits of. (Cases in point; the ACR, the new pistol we're supposed to get, and the buffet of drones we have, and the Navy's "modular combat ship".)

--Stop spending money on silly things like documenting tattoos when there are units out there that cannot get bullets to qualify with! I know of units that use the EST-2000 to qualify their guys, and that is a poor excuse for real training with live ammo.

--Take time out of each day to actually talk to your men and women; and I mean your people below the ranks of O-4 and E-7. There are huge benefits to asking what your "Buck Sergeants" see that needs work.

--Get out and do a patrol or a STX lane with your men as often as you can. You are still a soldier, and your men would benefit from seeing you once in a while.

-- Take a look in the mirror every day, and ask yourself if you have benefited your service, country, and your subordinates...or just yourself?

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 29 at 2014 12:16 PM

2014-04-29T12:16:34-04:00

General, CSM, while I am sure we are going to be getting out of here soon...isn't there someone you can call?

(We are stuck in an elevator?)

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 10:53 AM

2014-05-09T10:53:34-04:00

Sir,

Start taking care of the troops, stop the snowball effect thats going on now and bring the military back to a place of peace amongst the branches. Right now there is way to much panic from getting rid of planes, people, funding, and other items needed to provide the warfighters the supplies necessary to fly fight and win. (or what the other branches do)We need to get out of politics and back to basics. Our job is to win wars, not continually plan for the future war.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made May 13 at 2014 7:56 PM

2014-05-13T19:56:48-04:00

I would suggest to them to go down range to speak to the lower enlisted troops one-on-one, or in a small group setting to find out their needs to win this war so they can get back home to their families. Because downsizing and threatening to cut their pay in the midst of a war isn't good at all, their morale and lives is at stake, and families back home need every penny they can get to pay the bills and put food on the table.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made May 21 at 2014 7:45 PM

2014-05-21T19:45:37-04:00

My response to them sir, Quit playing politics sir. Stand up for those who serve and not some political ideology. You represent the entire armed forces, unleash FPF during Congressional budget hearings sir, You have the entire military backing you sir, Not only do we fight, we vote.

Semper Fi!!!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2014 3:44 PM

2014-05-22T15:44:52-04:00

Get rid of the new softness a Basic Military training. Let Instructors "smoke" the trainees. Reverse the trend toward a nicer, softer Air Force.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2014 3:52 PM

2014-05-22T15:52:54-04:00

Sir, Sergeant Major, tell Washington we aren't offended by the utterance of harsh language or harsh conditions. We don't need to have a SHARP stand down every time some says 'fart' in the chow line. And leave all the sim training and "virtual" warfighting to the gamers and couch potatoes. Troops need to be in the field slogging through the mud and shooting live bullets. You don't think al-Qeuda or the North Koreans or the Iranians are training to kill us using VBS2, do you?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2014 4:12 PM

2014-05-22T16:12:39-04:00

Sir, Sergeant Major, tell Washington we aren't offended by the utterance of harsh language or harsh conditions. We don't need to have a SHARP stand down every time some says 'fart' in the chow line. And leave all the sim training and "virtual" warfighting to the gamers and couch potatoes. Troops need to be in the field slogging through the mud and shooting live bullets. You don't think al-Qaida or the North Koreans or the Iranians are training to kill us using VBS2, do you?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2014 9:59 PM

2014-05-23T21:59:26-04:00

BG Bosse,

I would request that there be a return to the basics to keep our military to honor-bound fighting force that it should be. We spend entirely too much time focusing on the things that are check-boxes and not enough time focusing on basic, functional training at the Company-level.

I would ask that we consider methods to maintain stronger leadership within the political machine so that we can avoid further budgetary and operational constraints that seem to have long-term affects on the services. This can be things like: benefit reduction, cut and run endings to wars that do not ensure that the hard work and blood was not shed in vain, and budgetary reductions that essentially eliminate key training and operations. It seems as though many other programs can maintain funding, where cuts would actually have a much larger impact on the total federal budget without having as adverse of an impact on the serviced populace; whereas the military budget is always a target no matter what impact it seems to have.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2014 10:45 PM

2014-05-23T22:45:00-04:00

Train them (the troops) hard, train them often, and then train them some more. When things get bad, we humans always default to our training.

Response by Capt Whitney Davis made May 24 at 2014 12:00 AM

2014-05-24T00:00:17-04:00

How can we better teach service members to transition from the military, gentlemen? TAP and other similar programs are useful to an extent but are only mandatory in the Marine Corps, and even there are seen as a burden by many commands (I know I saw sending a Marine away for a week as such). Furthermore, these programs are usually not attended until the final year of a service member's career. In my experience 12 months is the absolute minimum amount of time necessary to prepare, network, search, apply, interview for, and land a job. Can we reach out to individuals considering leaving earlier in their careers, and provide more than a 1 week class?

Additionally, we need to dispel the notion that the nation owes our service members jobs. It does not, and businesses will not give us good jobs simply because we served. Depending on the respect the armed forces receive will leave our young men and women in dire straits. How can we develop programs that start teaching individuals considering leaving the service how to do so?

Finally, and on a slightly different note: what can we do about the centralized personnel system currently employed by the military? It is my opinion, and Mr. Kane's surveys (linked below) prove it out, that a major issue for many junior officers (and I can project, enlisted) is the lack of viable career options. Is it possible to try a system that is less centralized, with more personal choice and some standard boxes to check? Can we retain individuals who excel at a certain rank and position, but do not wish to move on?

Why Our Best Officers Are Leaving

Why are so many of the most talented officers now abandoning military life for the private sector? An exclusive survey of West Point graduates shows that it’s not just money. Increasingly, the military is creating a command structure that rewards conformism and ignores merit. As a result, it’s losing its vaunted ability to cultivate entrepreneurs in uniform.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 12:17 AM

2014-05-25T00:17:55-04:00

I would ask them I they are current with AR 350-1

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 2:48 PM

2014-06-10T14:48:44-04:00

Sir, Stop waisting our tax dollars with a new uniform or hat everytime there is a new "topdog". pick one uniform that is effective and roll it out to all Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen; furthermore, stop squeezing sensitivity training into the critical time we need for MOS training. We will fight as we train, do you want us to decimate our enemies or hold hands and tell them evrything is going to be ok?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2014 5:56 PM

2014-06-23T17:56:26-04:00

Our military is soft and much too concerned with diversity rather than overall military strength. One such example is that you're considering placing women in the infantry. A 20 year old female can get a perfect score on her APFT with 42 push-ups, 78 sit-ups, and a 15:30 2 mile while a 20 year old male has to get 71 push-ups, 78 sit-ups, and a 13:00 2 mile for a perfect score. Their physical standards are lower because the Army and those that call the shots know they're not as physically capable as males (not trying to piss any of you females off, but that must be their thought process), yet you're trying to put them right alongside males in a combat MOS. I weigh 180 lbs and around 230 lbs in full kit. If you show me a female that can, by herself, pick my limp body up off the ground and throw me over her shoulder or even drag me out while still maintaining security under fire, then she is at the level of physical fitness that is required of males in the same situation/occupation. Level the playing field as far as physical standards are concerned before integrating them in combat MOS's.
Also, enough of this uniformity mumbo jumbo as far as footwear and tactical equipment goes. Whatever happened to "shooter's preference"? If something works for that individual, let them wear it.
Plate carrier- front/back plate- check
Boots- correct color/serviceable- check
Eye pro- ballistic- check
This list could go on and on but this is my floor so I gotta get off the elevator.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 12:08 PM

2014-07-29T12:08:27-04:00

Damn....only one minute.....here goes nothing....

1. K. I. S. S. - if you can't figure that one out - see your nearest PV2, have them explain it to you using crayons.

2. Shut your pie hole when talking in public regarding any policy issues. If Congress wants to hear your opinion, do it behind closed doors. I don't give a damn if you think the President is a jackass for whatever policy - it's not your job to disagree. STFU.

3. If you gotta downsize - start from the top. For every 30,000 grunts (E-5 and below) you get rid of - fire 1ea 3 stars, fire 2ea 2 stars, fire 3ea 1 stars, 7ea Colonels, 55 ea Lt Colonels and 105ea Majors

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Nov 4 at 2014 4:04 PM

2014-11-04T16:04:08-05:00

"Run for office. I don't care what party. Run for office."

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 11:06 PM

2015-03-30T23:06:38-04:00

I ask military leader ship to fall back before they start a war you see in Africa you need to stand in rain next to pipes make santa claw with military dragon

st judes for kids on American shores water still comes from recycled cow dung an as a leader of men your child weirdo wussee for this peoples of far lands can tell start shooting sex wirod with kids hospital with the recycled cow dung water so please fall backkkkkkkkk befoe you guys hit china start some shit

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 11:13 PM

2015-03-30T23:13:45-04:00

do you know why the American boom o box was not drop-ed into hoe che mens whoch because of your leader ship no boom box droped into hoe che mens whock instead plan on drop in pilots stuff dam leader shipppppppppp

Response by PFC Mike Mcdermott made Mar 30 at 2015 11:18 PM

2015-03-30T23:18:50-04:00

Get rid of top heavy services. Cull the general staffs and ACTUALLY enable the NCO corps to do things.

It's unbelievable that the uniformed services are so fucked that E3s can't move forward with their careers before they've even had a chance to prove themselves. Actually, it's disgusting.

The stories of top heavy commands blowing potential training money are endless and they ARENT going away ever.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 30 at 2015 11:54 PM

2015-03-30T23:54:19-04:00

Sir,

It would be do the right thing for our military, our families, our veterans, and our retirees.

Please end the political correctness, and remind the president (and everyone else), the purpose of the military is to fight and WIN our nations wars; not to solve all of social issues in America.

There is more... but a minute goes fast.

Response by PO2 David Hagwood made Mar 31 at 2015 1:15 AM

2015-03-31T01:15:47-04:00

Wow, I have nothing else to add. I've read several comments here and it looks like most of us feel the same way about PC and social engineering. I am curious about if the leadership would actually hear us about these things. Do they know about our view on these things; and will they actually do something to reverse some of these things that cause so much frustration for us? Do they actually care?

Response by LTC Scott O'Neil made Mar 31 at 2015 8:56 AM

2015-03-31T08:56:57-04:00

I would tell them both, that it is time to take care of our men and women in service, give them the best equipment, give them more money to survive on, stop messing with retirees pay, you are where you are because you road on the backs of those who have served, bled and died for this country, return the favor by doing right by them. Stop the Political B***S***!

Response by Sgt Richard Martin made Mar 31 at 2015 9:11 AM

2015-03-31T09:11:00-04:00

I regretfully disagree that the current military leadership in this country is taking a back seat to the Liberal CIC. Now I understand that you have to follow orders, but why aren't you, the military leadership, launching a campaign to support the impeachment of this windbag that continues to desecrate the United States military to the point of harming combat readiness. It would be in you rbest interest to support the troops that you represent in ensuring that ROE are appropriate in combat situations and the American military be the force in readiness that it should always be.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2015 10:07 AM

2015-03-31T10:07:34-04:00

Sir,

The most interesting thought I had was, "Will they listen"? I am certain they would intend to listen and give full consideration to the the thoughts and opinions of the Servicemember on the elevator. The next thought is, "Will they act on it"? Considering the constraints placed upon them by the Executive Branch (whomever is in office at the time), Congress, and the prevalent winds of Political Correctness, will they act on it?

It would take a Pattonesque leader to implement the right thing vs. elected leaders and the PC prevalent wind solution. Forgive my cynicism but these things rarely seem to be addressed; GEN Milley excluded. It could be that I dont have the proximity to see things more optimistically.

Uh oh. There goes that Army Candor again. :(

Response by TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn made Mar 31 at 2015 10:13 AM

2015-03-31T10:13:45-04:00

Many great responses on here. To bad most of those with power to do something are to busy! Play the new game show, Playing politics with the political correct, where you can win a nice job on the outside!!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 31 at 2015 12:33 PM

2015-03-31T12:33:59-04:00

BG Pete Bosse, Ask them to please spend more time listening to the troops in informal situations. Just like the Sergeant Major of the Army did recently when he asked the troops about the Army's tattoo policy.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 12:07 AM

2015-04-06T00:07:02-04:00

We are not a social experiment. Political correctness has no place where lives are at stake. We are not police officers or peacemakers. We are a military designed to close with engage and destroy our enemies, use us as such and we will not have stalemate or partial successes. Stalemate equals casualty rate.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 9:59 AM

2015-04-08T09:59:06-04:00

Be more sincere...care about soldiers SINCERELY...care about veterans SINCERELY...care about truth in messaging SINCERELY...talk about the threat SINCERELY.

There is almost a condescending tone to how we as a group (soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, coasties (?) et al) are talked to. More tanks, more fighter jets, stand-up these units for the next big battle but send us to fight more insurgents, no more money so cut retirement and pay but spend more money on uniforms (PT and combat).

This is oversimplified, but I do not think the outrage was strong enough when the Army identified itself as being a service that is less than honest. We all take plenty of bad news and still execute. We are taught to say, "Yes, sir" and just do it. All we ask -- and what we deserve -- is sincerity. If you can't tell us the truth, then just don't lie or use "double-speak".

I respected my dad more when he told me I'd be a loser if I didn't straighten up, more so than when he said I'd play in the NBA someday. Just be sincere.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 10:25 AM

2015-04-08T10:25:51-04:00

One minute? I would tell the that the berghdal situation has been handled terribly. That as a fighting force with 14 years of wars, they need to be revitalizing and not demoralizing it.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 10:33 AM

2015-04-08T10:33:59-04:00

This is just from the Army side: Fix officer training.
The question I hate getting asked most is "have you gone to basic?" because when I say no, there is an immediate loss of respect. When I was in ROTC, I asked if it was possible to go to Basic, or something similar, and I was told no, that I would get all my needed training from my time in ROTC, LDAC and BOLC. I learned a lot from my instructors in ROTC, and LDAC was a good experience (I was in one of the last classes to go to Ft. Lewis). But now I hear that LDAC is being transitioned to an ethical evaluation and that new officer candidates are being recruited by their ACT/SAT scores?
ACT/SAT has no bearing on one's ability to lead soldiers. IQ has little bearing on the ability to lead soldiers.
The skills and abilities to lead can only be learned from leaders. ROTC curriculum taught us paperwork and D&C, but we learned how to lead from our instructors, and from messing up, recovering then moving on.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Apr 8 at 2015 2:40 PM

2015-04-08T14:40:06-04:00

end officer privilege, i know it doesn't officially exist - but just end it - period

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Apr 8 at 2015 3:34 PM

2015-04-08T15:34:58-04:00

My message, or messages are this. Lead, that's what you're supposed to do, Lead, and to do that correctly, you have to Lead from the front. You have to do what is right, you took the same oath as the lower enlisted. Playing Yes Man to a politician, no matter if it's a member of congress or the president, you stand up for what is right. Allowing the bean counters to tell you to downsize, while the politicians increase the op-tempo, is fool hardy. Your soldiers expect you to have balls to stand up for them, not give in to whatever politically correct garbage that comes down the pike. The military is a war machine, that is trained to defend the interests of the United States, against ALL enemies, foreign and domestic. It is not a country club, it is not a yacht club, or a flight club. We are not nation builders, our job is to beat the shit out of some group, or nation that threatens this country. And we do not rebuild their infrastructure for them. I heard an interview not too long ago, that stated, The government has to military leadership it wants, and this changes each time a new person is placed in charge. That tells me one thing, politicians are putting people in leadership positions that will agree with what they want, right or wrong. That needs to End, that is not Leadership

Response by MAJ Haris Balcinovic made Apr 8 at 2015 5:39 PM

2015-04-08T17:39:28-04:00

Uphold the standards - across the board! Active, Reserve, National Guard, Officers, Enlisted bottom to the top. Too many people get away with stuff with a slap on the wrist.

Response by SSG John Dombrowski made Apr 8 at 2015 5:56 PM

2015-04-08T17:56:13-04:00

I would tell them that the military is going down hill and not enough individual responsibility is being exercised. We all look to put the blame in places where it is not and that can get people killed once things go combat speed. Basic training or boot is not pre-school, it is where we weed out those who do not possess the intestinal fortitude to "deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States in close combat". Those who cannot make the grade in initial entry training should not be pushed along. I'm sure we can all agree that we would rather deploy with 5 good men/women that can work and endure than 10 of which 5 need baby sitting. It steals resources and man power to deal with those who were carried through basic/boot.
However, the one thing that every member of our military can probably agree with is, KEEP CIVILIAN POLITICS OFF THE BATTLE FIELD. Nothing worse than loosing a comrade to a politician that never served in the military, let alone combat, telling us what we can and cannot do. Only commanders on the field should be able to dictate ROE and drill Geneva conventions into every member of the military.
In Summary; stop wussing out our military and when combat is the precedent let those schooled in combat dictate the tempo.

Response by PFC Robert Mendenhall made Apr 9 at 2015 1:50 AM

2015-04-09T01:50:42-04:00

Remember the oath you took to preserve the constitution and all citizen from all threats both foreign and domestic??? Well???? Do you not see the domestic threat yet??

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 2:14 AM

2015-04-09T02:14:01-04:00

One minute and I have the archives in my Smartphone.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 26 at 2015 11:09 AM

2015-04-26T11:09:44-04:00

Look at our doctrine, TTPs and figure out more effective ways to fight counterinsurgencies.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 2:20 PM

2015-04-26T14:20:20-04:00

Tell them to grow a pair and stand up for the people they command.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 26 at 2015 3:22 PM

2015-04-26T15:22:29-04:00

Fight for the troops as pay and benefits are eroding, as it appears that the POTUS and generals continue to not look at us as the tip of the spear of diplomacy, but a collective coffer to take more from us. Rethink COIN and it's effectiveness, and how to change it for the better.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 11:10 AM

2015-04-28T11:10:06-04:00

Quit dumbing down and lowering standards. Return BCT to what it used to be, BASIC COMBAT TRAINING. Nothing in that term should mean easy or feeling oriented. BCT should suck, but at the same time mold a civilian into a soldier prepared to do battle if necessary. Many young soldiers are coming to units and they can't even pass a PT test. Quit relaxing standards and get back to basics. Also I would thank them for their service and sacrifice they have given over the years.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Apr 28 at 2015 11:19 AM

2015-04-28T11:19:43-04:00

Funny thing, how much emphasis gets placed on touchy-feely/Kumba-Ya these days all in the interest of "Troop Welfare". Reading the comments on this thread, the hands-down #1 answer is that they (we) don't feel that's what's best for the Military and it's mission.

Sir, do I get to have that "elevator moment" AFTER reading the comments?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 28 at 2015 2:56 PM

2015-04-28T14:56:52-04:00

In a time of wars and weary troops, it is poor leadership and taste to subscribe to the idea of taking money from them will not hurt morale or their pocket books. It is betrayal at the highest levels. When did we stop the philosophy of taking care of our troops and their families?

Response by SFC(P) Aaron Fore made Apr 28 at 2015 3:23 PM

2015-04-28T15:23:40-04:00

If I could speak freely, I guess my thoughts would be thus:
1.The next time we have to go fight a war, please let’s do it the old way of taking territory and holding onto it, rather than advance and fall back repeatedly giving the territory back to the enemy.
2.All the politically correct & EO programs need to be curtailed greatly. We are so concerned about offending someone that we can’t uphold standards or perform our missions.
3.Remember from whence you came. Politics and budgets should never compromise our service men and women. Lead from the front and provide for your troops before you provide for yourself.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 10:37 PM

2015-04-30T22:37:49-04:00

"Doing more with less is getting old!"

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 2 at 2015 6:43 PM

2015-05-02T18:43:05-04:00

Remember the Oath you have taken so many times especially your oath to uphold and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic.... Your oath is first and foremost to the Constitution of the United States and then to those appointed over you.
In cases where officers, elected officials, and unelected officials issue orders or directives which conflict with the US Constitution, sound judgment, good discipline and morale of the Soldiers. Don't fall on your sword over the trivial; but; stand up for what you know is crucial especially for the Soldiers who lay their lives on the line based on your decisions.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2015 7:38 PM

2015-05-02T19:38:47-04:00

"Good afternoon Gentlemen."

Response by SPC Jeff Paulsen made May 2 at 2015 9:36 PM

2015-05-02T21:36:00-04:00

Please as leader, up hold the US Constitution, without hesitation and do not take orders to go against it. Continue to Live by the Oath and Creed to ur country. Thank you for protecting this great nation!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 3 at 2015 9:51 AM

2015-05-03T09:51:33-04:00

Why do the generals support reducing financial funding for the troops in a middle of two wars. What does it say about the generals who decide to give greens slips to those already at war, and give them minimum time to get out? Loyalty is a two way street.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 7 at 2015 7:28 PM

2015-06-07T19:28:46-04:00

Don't change the current military retirement system.

Response by TSgt James Carson made Jun 8 at 2015 2:17 PM

2015-06-08T14:17:58-04:00

PLEASE!! Lead or get out of the way. Where is General Patton when we need him. We have politicians in uniform now.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jul 23 at 2015 11:08 AM

2015-07-23T11:08:18-04:00

Quit worrying about what corporation you will lead after you leave the service, and do your fracking job. I am sick and tired of hearing of "Retired General X, now Vice President of Super Defense Conglomerate really thinks we need the X omega death blaster, not only will it save troops, but it will employ X thousand of Americans." Or another one Our Military Correspondent Former General XYZ gives his analysis of what's going on. "Thanks Diane, well if I were in charge, I would do X, send this that and the other, go for this, launch seal team 57 and half, then come in sweeping from the north with this. But that is all hypothetical." Thanks MR. Fracking Opsec!!!! Hope you don't choke on your paycheck.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Dec 21 at 2015 7:38 AM

2015-12-21T07:38:46-05:00

Fight for the Veteran. Work for reforms within the VA - get the VA and the DoD on the same pages of the illness/injury/disability play book. Also work to get the 20 year retirement reinstated.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2015 8:41 PM

2015-12-27T20:41:02-05:00

General, please ensure that every single military member gets the opportunity to transition and/or retire out of the service properly so that they seamlessly transition into the next phase of their lives with minimal drag. We have too many homeless veterans and we must not repeat our past mistakes in relation to separating members from the service.

Thank you Sir.

Response by PVT William Bresch made Dec 29 at 2015 9:13 AM

2015-12-29T09:13:08-05:00

Got the time, seriously, if they can't do anything now,except look all shiny, shiny, their not worth my time.

Response by Sgt Carol Grisham made Jan 2 at 2016 7:12 PM

2016-01-02T19:12:39-05:00

Whether your reproductive organs are internal or external should make NO difference in duty station, promotion or MOS. The military pays lip service to gender equality and nondiscrimination, but this is not enforced completely or at all. It is past time to understand that ability and skills are not necessarily gender linked. Just as it is possible to point to women who aren't suited for combat roles, it is equally possible to point to men who aren't suited for combat roles (just as easy to point to those of both genders who are better suited for combat over noncombat roles). Just as it was necessary to become Race-blind, the time has come to become gender-blind. And ENFORCE it!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 2:44 PM

2016-01-07T14:44:07-05:00

"Good luck"

Response by GySgt Moses Lozano made Jan 23 at 2016 5:30 PM

2016-01-23T17:30:55-05:00

I would suggest for them to hold their field grade officers and senior enlisted more accountable when it comes to Fitness Reports and setting the example. At least seventy percent of Marines in these ranks do what they are supposed to do. However, the other 30% at straight up dirt bags and hide behind their ranks!

Response by LCpl Danny Smith made Feb 2 at 2017 9:42 AM

2017-02-02T09:42:25-05:00

Honor all of us past present and future. Hold true to the sanctity of the principles we were all given when we raised our right hand!

Response by SGT Linda Burgess made Jul 6 at 2017 2:49 PM

2017-07-06T14:49:44-04:00

How can we get the politicians and lawyers out of the way of the military duty?

Response by SN Earl Robinson made Jul 6 at 2017 3:45 PM

2017-07-06T15:45:34-04:00

Hand Salute!

Response by SN Walt Boyer made Feb 1 at 2019 7:23 PM

2019-02-01T19:23:36-05:00

Only thing I would say is our military is not the place for social experiments or "political correctness"... Our forces should be focused on their mission of defending these United States of America and the Constitution that separates us from all other nations.