Posted on Dec 7, 2013
SGT Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist
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I often have "good ideas" about how to improve processes or services around the DoD to streamline, or make them more useful, etc. &nbsp;I'm sure from reading a few of the threads that many of you do too...<br><br>What would be the best way for the DoD to solicit your good ideas in this time of fiscal uncertainty?<br><br>(e.g. suggestion boxes, email surveys, website, etc.)
Posted in these groups: Dod color DoDCommunications mastery Communications9268aab8 Suggestions
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SSG Robert Burns
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It's called the Army Suggestion Program.  I suggested the try another approach.
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SGT Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist
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SSG Burns, so if I give you MY good ideas, you could easily review them and get them implemented if they met your approval?
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SSG Robert Burns
SSG Robert Burns
12 y
If you were on Ft. Jackson I could do what's called a LSS project.  Im sure you have one of me on your installation as well maybe even in your brigade that can help you if you have an idea.
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SGT Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist
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SSG Burns,

That's funny... I don't think I even HAVE a Brigade... but I could ask around about one for the post, or one of the other nearby units... I think the closest thing I have to Brigade is 6 time zones away...
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SSG Robert Burns
SSG Robert Burns
12 y
Sorry brother I didn't check your profile before responding.  Now that I know where you are, I'll check our database and see who you have.  Shoot me a message with some of your ideas and I'll see if there's something I can do from here or at least point you in the right direction.
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CPT Human Resources Officer
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Ohh no you don't! I refuse to be part of the "they" that keep changing the Army, and feeding Eval Report Bullets for people who have no idea what they are proposing.

Nice try Sarge, but no dice.
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SGT Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist
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1LT Hooser, 

Respectfully, sir, but if you are refusing to be part of the solution, then are you not insisting on being part of the problem?

Don't you agree that there are significant issues that need to be addressed, and that could save the Army Millions of dollars?
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CPT Human Resources Officer
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SGT O'Neill

My remark was meant in jest. However as with most jokes, there is an element of truth.

Many would be solutions in this army have merely created bigger problems for the soldiers upon whom the solution is dropped.

I completely agree that there are significant issues that do need to be addressed, and of course we need to be as financially responsible as possible.

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SGT Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist
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1LT Hooser,

That (the top-down model creating huge problems for those at the bottom) is precisely why I think we at the bottom need to have an effective method to share our viewpoint with those in the upper echelons...
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LTC Program Manager
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A few years ago they had a dod site for exactly this. I don't know if they even read them.
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SGT Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist
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MAJ Miller, that's what I thought... but I couldn't remember...

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1SG Barry Branham
1SG Barry Branham
12 y
I think the sight you are talking of is "Together we served."
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LTC Program Manager
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TWS is another private site with a focus on reconnecting not networking. I was referring to a DoD site.
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What would be the best way for the DoD to solicit your good ideas?
SFC Stephen Hester
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Whenever we open the lid so that we can think outside the box we let the "good idea fairy" in...
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SGT Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist
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so, SFC Hester,

After you've been struck by the good idea fairy and rubbed some common sense lotion on the bump for a couple of days and gotten it checked by a doctor so you're sure it's a good idea, then how would prefer to share that *certified* good idea with the DoD?
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SSG Chuck H.
SSG Chuck H.
12 y
or out, as it were. 
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CW2 Joseph Evans
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The best way, as it always has been, is to get your idea published. Submit an article worthy essay to a military publication appropriate for the idea, i.e. Fires Bulletin, American Intelligence Journal etc.<br>Next best is to find an on-line journal that is subscribed to equally as well and publish there.<br>Failing that, build a network and self-publish on your own blog...<br>Keep in mind, you will be putting yourself out there with your Course of Action Analysis, implementation cost analysis, determination of secondary and tertiary effects of adopting (or failing to adopt) your idea. <br>Since most official military journals are rigorously peer reviewed, you are likely to only be embarrassed when your shortcomings are called by the few who review, unlike what happens when you publish on the internet. Still, feedback is critical to growth, and throwing your idea out there for everyone to see at once, is a damn good way to receive an education.<br>
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SGT Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist
SGT (Join to see)
12 y
CW2 Evans,

If you could submit Ideas any way you WANTED to, how would that be?
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CW2 Joseph Evans
CW2 Joseph Evans
12 y
Begin best practices at the unit level. Establish a pattern of excellence. Document effects through quantified and qualified performance measures. Publish my experiences.

Ultimately the best place to start is at the lowest level. If you can make it work in your unit and it proves to be effective, other units will adopt the process. It may be slower than writing a letter to GEN Shinseki and suggesting everyone wear black berets, but effective patterns of excellence are adopted fairly quickly once recognized.
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SGT Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist
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CW2,

I had to laugh about the black beret comment... that was in the true spirit of a "good idea" that should have stayed in someone's head...
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SGT Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist
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I know the Army has the Family Action Plan conferences and suggestions, which have actually made some positive impacts (such as allowing Soldiers to pack their Wine collection in their Household Goods like the Navy could.) But I think there's only a small window of time once a year to submit issues and ideas, so you have to remember them all year...
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SGT Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist
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So, what I was TRYING to ask, is how would YOU like to submit YOUR "good ideas" to the Military... whether they are ways to save money, improve efficiency, or whatever...
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