Why do we do push for even more mandatory training when the original training is not working?

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 16:42:47 -0400

If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results why is it the answer for every branch of service? For example, look at the suicide prevention training and various other painful blocks of instruction. When suicides are up they create more and more training. We have been receiving various blocks of mandatory training every year for decades. If the results are going the wrong way why is their answer to increase the amount of related training?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 4:47 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 16:47:43 -0400

All three options you put are the correct answers (combined) to your question.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 4:49 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 16:49:31 -0400

SFC Morgan Fiszel, I believe that we must do everything within reason to combat suicide. I'm sure if you have suggestions on how to improve that training, the G1 and Chaplaincy Corps would love to hear from you. As you and I both know the training has evolved for both SHARP and ACE-SI. Its an ever evolving program to combat these serious issues within our ranks.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Oct 6 at 2015 5:11 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 17:11:10 -0400

Mandatory training is fun

Response by CPO Joseph Grant made Oct 6 at 2015 7:56 PM

CPO Joseph Grant — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 19:56:16 -0400

It's one of those "We've always done it this way" things. Whenever anything goes wrong it's a training issue.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 10:14 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 22:14:38 -0400

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM, ten million thumbs up!
This stuff drives me nuts, all in the name of saying we are "doing something".

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 10:14 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 22:14:41 -0400

This stuff kills me. I understand why we have the training but using an online module is not the best method of educating the masses.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 8:40 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 08:40:09 -0400

but they know nothing better ....

Response by SGM Robin Johnson made Oct 8 at 2015 1:56 PM

SGM Robin Johnson — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 13:56:14 -0400

I have heard so many complaints about mandatory training, but I hope you would consider this from a different perspective.
Most of the topics of mandatory training are issues of vital importance, suicide being one of the most important issues facing the military today. To keep a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine safe from harm through a combat tour, then lose him or her during garrison/shore duty is not only devastating to the unit and family, but a waste of the military and Nation's precious talent. It weighs heavily on any leader's mind and soul, and nothing can be done to 'solve' it after it happens, so we must try to prevent it.
When trying to prevent something the obvious answer is to talk to our troops. Anything we do that ISN'T our primary mission of actually fighting a war is considered training. And if we want to ensure that every one of the troops gets the message we have to make it mandatory or it is too easy for everyone to skip it because they are too busy (because everyone is.) So the mandate comes down that tells everyone they have to train their troops about the topic at hand, in this case suicide prevention.
I don't believe you are actually upset about having to talk to your Soldiers/Sailors/Airmen/Marines about ways to stay resilient, watching out for their Battle Buddies/Shipmates/Wingmen/fellow Marines, resources available if they need help, and reducing the stigma of asking for help. Every leader should WANT to have that discussion to help their troops. The problem I hear over and over is that the training is repetitive and boring.
That is a product of the method of training selected/and or the trainer. So my suggestion is to either volunteer to do the training yourself, or ask someone in your unit that you know to be a dynamic trainer to take over the training. Let them know that you acknowledge the importance of the topic, but that you feel the message is lost because of the way it is being transmitted.
Or come up with a better way to resolve the suicide problem. I am sure you have heard that before - "don't bring me problems, bring me solutions". When you have great ideas, bring them up the chain of command or take them directly to the suicide prevention task force. They truly want innovative ideas that will be more effective. I am saying this sincerely. You may have an idea that has not been considered - please don't keep it to yourself, you may save lives.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2016 7:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 19:32:31 -0400

I believe it is rare that even good training is 100% effective or 100% ineffective. In the case of suicide prevention training... I believe the class is s success if it proves to be even 10% effective at reducing the number of suicides. That said, if training isn't as effective as you believe it should be, work on finding ways to make it more effective.