Where's the work ethic?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 21:49:20 -0400

Recently my company just finished a MUTA drill, and when we got back to the armory on Sunday there were a handful of us running around down loading equipment, cleaning the trucks, and conducting the after PMCS. We took four crew served weapons out for familiarization training and they needed to be wiped down before being secured. There were several privates sitting around the weapons doing nothing, so I asked them to start to wiping them down till everyone can join in cleaning the weapons. The reaction was a heavy sigh as if i asked the group to do something hard like load the contents of the arms room onto the back of a LMTV. This wasn't the first time that I've noticed an attitude along the lines of "Well we're going to be paid anyways so why should we do anything but the minimum amount of work."

The question for the RallyPoint community is whether this attitude is common across the military as whole or limited to certain components? And since identifying a problem does nothing without solutions, how can we motivate those who just want to collect a paycheck?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 9:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 21:55:24 -0400

From my experience, SPC Mackey, this is something that happens EVERYWHERE, primarily with Privates but is also rank-exclusive. Specialists, NCOs, officers, et al, but, as I said, primarily with Privates, and ESPECIALLY with the Millenials. That you wonder about such behavior speaks, in my mind, highly on you and your attitude, and the best thing you can do is instruct/teach/mentor and try to get some of your own attitude to rub off on them.

As for solutions, in my experience the best way to motivate a Soldier is to lead by example. For those who really want to be there (and deserve it), being a good mentor and a good example is about the best you can do. Now, for those who are there for the paycheck (I know there are quite a few in RA who are in it just for the college money), sometimes you have to ensure they understand this sort of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. They'll either learn False Motivation (a life-saver, sometimes) or... well... you'll do what you need to do.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 9:58 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 21:58:15 -0400

From my experience people like that are everywhere, both in the military and in the civilian world. We motivate those around us by always leading from the front and by not letting those at the back of the pack go unchecked. Something a Chief told me early on in my career is to own your authority at your level and go make a difference.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 10:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 22:06:00 -0400

This is a common problem with the younger generations (to include mine). There are definitely some soldiers that are separated from those packs. If you want proof, look in the mirror. A good work ethic stands out. Not only to your fellow junior enlisted but also your NCOs (assuming that they are not under the same category of poor work ethics). Don't let it change you, keep your ethics showing and it will pay off.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 10:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 22:11:52 -0400

Well there is a bad apple in every bunch. .. it only takes one to ruin a bushel. ..
you are an E4....make a correction and drive on, obviously your leaders are lacking so you need to set examples. You have to man up and take charge... if anyone ever corrects you for doing the right thing just stand your ground, maintain your bearing and they will realize you are right. Your ass may get a couple chunks bitten out but you will be better for it, and so will the unit.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 10:22 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 22:22:40 -0400

I tell my Soldiers....The sooner we get done, the sooner we go have a cold beer.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 10:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 22:26:28 -0400

It is unfortunately, and the fault lies mainly with a lax NCO Corps. As much as I hate to say it, this is the case nowadays, NCOs are failing their soldiers by not properly setting the example and being a leader.

As a Non-Commissioned Officer, it pains me to say it, but the truth is the truth and though it may sting some of my peers and superiors, it is the way of the world at this point in time and the only way I see ourselves fixing it is if we identify the problem and correct it at the source.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 12:46 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 00:46:45 -0400

It happens at all levels. I do, however, think it's more prevalent with junior troops. As you progress the minimum standard troops are typically weeded out, although I've certainly served with lazy senior NCOs and Officers as well.

Ultimately there's many ways to motivate troops. The better way, in my opinion, is to inspire them through esprit de corps, discipline, and a culture of excellence. I've had leaders during my career that I worked extra hard for simply because I didn't want to let them or the unit down. Likewise I've had Soldiers go the extra mile without me even asking, which I credit to both our leadership and culture of the unit.

There are some troops that are just lazy and will only be motivated through punitive measures. In that case I suggest you hold them to the standard and give them the motivation they need. I had a troop overseas who wouldn't pass an APFT simply because he was getting out and didn't care. It took threatening a reduction in rank to motivate him but he easily passed the next day. It's not the preferred method but sometimes its the only one that works.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 1:07 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 01:07:26 -0400

This seems to be a problem everywhere.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 15 at 2015 12:46 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 12:46:09 -0400

Make sure you're demonstrating proper behavior too, not just demanding it. I grew up aboard ship. So when an E-2 sees the O-5 stop and pick trash up off the deck because that's what shipmates do, it does make an impression. I always pitched in on crew served weapon clean up if I was one of the participants at the range. Never too lofty to learn or refresh. They knew I don't go home until the job's done either. Staff Perry is right on the mark about setting the example..

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 15 at 2015 12:53 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 12:53:17 -0400

No because my hard working NCOs kept the soldiers engaged and the soldiers bought into the philosophy of being world class. Now if we were all caught up, the NCOs had authority to send soldiers home early. I did not like wasting soldiers time.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 1:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 13:07:37 -0400

many of us have posted and responded to each other, so now let me pass along some motivational quotes that i found beneficial over the years...

1. "You must be able to underwrite the honest mistakes of your subordinates if
you wish to develop their initiative and experience." --GEN Bruce Clarke

2. "Our troops are capable of the best discipline. If they lack it, leadership
is faulty." --GEN Dwight Eisenhower

3. "The more a leader is in the habit of demanding from his men, the surer he
will be that his demands will be answered." --Clausewitz 1832

look here bud, its up to you, we all said it above, make the standard, make the changes, enforce. and remember this:
Be careful not to set the bar to low, people perform and grow within the environment of standards and expectations; low expectation = low output, high expectations = high output!
-hopefully you're able to take some points away from everyones' advice and make some adjustments. -one thing you could do too, invite your company to this thread..... best of luck, Jon

Response by SSG Melvin Nulph made Apr 15 at 2015 1:32 PM

SSG Melvin Nulph — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 13:32:03 -0400

Spc. A. Mackey, after reading all the comments to this point I see you have been given a list of things that can be done. Some are above your grade, (but not a waist, you can use them in the future).
Bottom line, it's a problem everywhere, in all walks of life in & out of the military. There is no single sualution to prevent it, just ways of dealing with it.
As you should know by now it's going to take time & a team efforts to ridding it from your unit and in this team, know you are a part of that team. "A very strong part," because, you are one that wants to be there, you have the pride your unit needs to stand above others and shine, (What others could be). With pride, responsibility & dedication.
It sounds funny to hear them words come out of me again, after being out of the military for so long.
It's not, that I to like so many don't care. I care very much, but my battleplan has changed being disabled. I struggle to remain selfsafishent. You can not do this in your situation. "Help me out fellow NCO's & Officers", there is this thing we used to guid us in accomplishing tasks. Almost like a lesson plan? He has a situation, now he needs to draw up a plan of action to tackle this beast. In a step by step format. It's in a few of the leadership guides/books I use to read.
I have faith they will be able to come up with this answer for you. As well as having faith that you and the other leaders in your unit will solve this situation Spc. A.Mackey. Good Luck.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 5:23 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 17:23:44 -0400

I'd like to thank all of those who have taken time to comment and offer advice. SFC Private RallyPoint Member Thank you for sharing those quotes. As for all the other commentators I'm taking bits and pieces to establish a game plan moving forward to create an atmosphere of excellence and to motivate and mentor my peers and new soldiers coming into the unit.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 12:55 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 12:55:12 -0400

I say let them play games and when you get released at 2000 instead of 15-1700 you just look at them and go "told ya!" Happened in my unit with Armory maintenance, next drill they were cleaning before they even put their stuff away.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 10 at 2015 7:12 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 19:12:00 -0400

We have become soft, disrespectful, lazy, and have become selfish. The way they grew up is totally different from the military traditions and values.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 7:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 19:27:46 -0400

You wanna know what happened to work ethic... SMART PHONES! The biggest killer of work ethic in my eyes.