Why don't we discuss topics that are more relevant to Junior enlisted?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 09:34:12 -0400

I had a Soldier reply to my last post of Junior enlisted not participating and he mande a valid point. Most on here are senior and we do not discuss many of the things they are interested in. Here is what he said when I asked what topics Junior Enlisted would like to see.

thanks for asking! SSD1, How to prepare for your first deployment, How to build better relationships with your leadership, How to understand your ERB (some doesn't even know where to find it), Soldier of the month, quarter boards, TSP how to set it and selections, How to apply for TA and when you are eligible. SFC there's a world of topics for the Junior Enlisted that are not spoken here often because most of the active users here have already passed that phase.

I believe part of RP is mentoring young Soldiers so post your comments on some of these topics and what you do.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 9:41 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 09:41:37 -0400

1SG Private RallyPoint Member THANKS for bringing this to every body's attention! I bet there's a lot of Junior Enlisted that will benefit from this discussion.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 15 at 2015 9:43 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 15 May 2015 09:43:54 -0400

I think the junior enlisted have the most to gain by RP, if they are smart enough to use it. Key word 'if'. I love helping these young American heroes.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 9:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 09:47:04 -0400

I'm sure the Senior Leaders on RP will be willing to help start send questions

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made May 15 at 2015 9:50 AM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Fri, 15 May 2015 09:50:13 -0400

I hate to sound uncaring but we can't discuss what is not asked

Response by LTC David Stender made May 15 at 2015 9:52 AM

LTC David Stender — Fri, 15 May 2015 09:52:20 -0400

We discuss questions that are posted. If our junior enlisted folks post a question, we can discuss it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 9:51 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 09:51:04 -0400

Those are great topics, I didn't have great leadership so I was on my own to find out about the majority of the posted topics. I'm sure I'll learn some new stuff on here as well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 9:53 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 09:53:31 -0400

This is one of the reasons I have too little time to spend on Rally Point. Junior enlisted come to me all the time, since I am full time, asking those exact question. I deal with Reserve Soldiers and some ask how to read their LES's. I am the Operations NCO and the Soldiers come to me and ask the question because some of their leadership act like it an inconvenience they are asking those questions! Guess what, teach that Soldier and make he or she your SME for your PLT. I think but our Senior Leaders need to be more approachable and stop giving the impression to your Soldiers that they are bothering you. We want them to do our jobs one day and do it well!! Rant complete! Have a great day!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 9:58 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 09:58:00 -0400

Very smart soldier!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 10:06 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 10:06:25 -0400

I don't think that anybody would have any issue answering any questions that are asked, but if the questions aren't being asked then nobody can answer them

Response by SSG Nick Tramontano made May 15 at 2015 10:17 AM

SSG Nick Tramontano — Fri, 15 May 2015 10:17:15 -0400

Suitable for framing !!

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made May 15 at 2015 10:25 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Fri, 15 May 2015 10:25:24 -0400

This is a great suggestion 1SG Private RallyPoint Member. Getting the junior enlisted more involved here will benefit everyone. Thanks for facilitating this conversation!

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 15 at 2015 10:25 AM

SFC Christopher Perry — Fri, 15 May 2015 10:25:30 -0400

I would rather see this person start these discussions. Trust me when I say that we will be more than happy to jump on in. I can say pretty confidently that this what most of us are here for.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 10:25 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 10:25:31 -0400

We have a tendency to talk abt supervision and management issues. I remember when I was an E-1 to 3, (34 years ago), I was a mind of mush and depended on people above me to coach, career counsel, take me by the hand and lead me. I was lucky. Instead of being screamed at, people brought out Regs an SOPS and made me what I am today. We burden our first line leaders with so much paperwork now, the have their heads looking down at a desk or computer screen. Nobody is looking up to see what is going around them. Hense, we loose GOOD first termers b/c we don't give them the attention and personal interaction the need; require; and desperately need and deserve. I attend 1SG meetings in the BDE and discuss these issues. Amazing how these issues get fixed when someone gives a damn...and retention goes up!!!

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 15 at 2015 10:28 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 15 May 2015 10:28:00 -0400

I have no issues passing on any advice or wisdom that I may have (I enjoy the mentoring aspect of the job), but you have to ask. As a senior officer, I am very removed from what is going through the mind of an 18yr old PVT and what is important to his world. And I am sure that is the same for many of the senior members here. I can't give if I don't know what's needed.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 15 at 2015 10:36 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 15 May 2015 10:36:35 -0400

There are already topics that should be of great significance to many junior enlisted folks.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-the-most-important-military-skill
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/which-important-individual-military-skill-is-the-worst-taught
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/personal-atfp-regarding-isil-threats

What is the most important military skill? | RallyPoint

All of these are important, and the oft repeated basic 3 "shoot, move, communicate" are elemental. I would argue "plan" is pretty important too. They build on each-other and complement, but I would argue they layer, and one is the base. If you had to pick only one as the most important for you or a fellow Service Member to be capable of, which would it be? The images are intended to represent each to some degree.

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made May 15 at 2015 10:42 AM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Fri, 15 May 2015 10:42:29 -0400

Seriously? Has today's Army really shown that it is interested in hearing the ideas of juniors, enlisted or commissioned? Sure, it pays the lipservice.. but we all know it isn't. Why be surprised if those whose opinions are clearly unwanted follow suite? It is almost like a CSM asking if anyone wants to comment about the commander's leadership style... IT'S A TRAP!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 10:47 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 10:47:16 -0400

That is one of the reasons I started the post about different program that could lead to a commission. I thought the Junior Enlisted on this site would be interested to know all the program out there. Not much interest from the RP community.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made May 15 at 2015 10:47 AM

SSG Trevor S. — Fri, 15 May 2015 10:47:42 -0400

While I would love to see more Junior Enlisted creating and joining discussions in Rally Point I feel there are two reasons for a more leadership exclusive(ish) conversation set.
1. Most of the topics are created by NCO's or Officers, and Vets that were NCO's and Officers. It would stand to reason that those conversations would be in their interest group.
2. The topics we discuss related to leadership and current events are great professional development topics for Junior Enlisted ready to step into leadership. It is a bit of a challenge for them and helps them think critically. A wonderful example of such a critical thinker is SGT Private RallyPoint Member. I think she is a shining example of how we as leaders, and former leaders, want to engage Junior Service Members.
Neither of these negate the relevant point that there are topics which are very relevant to Junior Enlisted that are probably not broached. I encourage any Junior Enlisted Service Member to speak out, ask, and learn. This is a great place for them to do so.

Response by SFC Robert Wheeler made May 15 at 2015 11:10 AM

SFC Robert Wheeler — Fri, 15 May 2015 11:10:31 -0400

My advice to young soldiers is to go ahead and raise your questions and concerns. Nobody here that is worth their salt is going to object or complain. If they do, they need to turn in their uniform because every leader's role is to mentor and prepare their young troops for future leadership opportunities as well as exposing them to higher levels of responsibility in their MOS. If there are ever any questions you would like to ask me, I will be glad to answer what I can. Of course I won't be able to help with current policy issues because I have been retired since 1993.

Response by SFC Douglas Davis made May 15 at 2015 11:17 AM

SFC Douglas Davis — Fri, 15 May 2015 11:17:35 -0400

I would like to see our younger enlisted ask more questions, that being said they can feel intimidated on sites such as this. For all the old farts like me basically our filters have been removed. So how do you approach someone like this. Simple even though a lot of us are retired we still serve and are more than willing to answer general questions and act as a mentor and a sounding board. We may not be current on everything but we will always be current on how to care for a soldier that never changes. If you have questions feel free to ask if you are Leary of doing so in such a public forum send me a PM. Also remember the only silly question is the one that youdon't ask.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made May 15 at 2015 11:22 AM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Fri, 15 May 2015 11:22:18 -0400

We do discuss issues relevant to junior enlisted whether they know it or not. I witnessed and personally contributed to many issues regarding junior enlisted. We've discussed pay, promotion requirements, schools, education, uniforms, financial stability, deployments and it effects, UCMJ, LES, Awards, EO/Sexual Assault, and many other topics related to the junior enlisted.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 11:58 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 11:58:44 -0400

Gotta have the right leadership things don't need to be asked especially pertaining to education. Like my sergeant has told me that some correspondence courses also count for college credits. You shouldn't wait for people to ask about things pertaining to education. It's important and we should be giving people the knowledge regardless of if they ask or not.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made May 15 at 2015 12:27 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 15 May 2015 12:27:11 -0400

I may draw some fire for this, but has anyone tried the search tool? Early on in RallyPoint's life, we discussed numerous levels. Some of them were mentioned above. I also agree with MSgt Keith Hebert, we can't answer what isn't asked. The great thing about RallyPoint is that anyone at any rank can ask anything they want. While those us that are admin's do maintain the overall content, we really only block the discussions that do not follow the guidelines set for by RallyPoint.

I highly recommend though that people use the search tool first before saying we aren't discussing a certain topic that they may think is helpful. And if you can't find it, ask. As the saying goes, the only dumb question is the one not asked.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made May 15 at 2015 1:00 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 15 May 2015 13:00:41 -0400

Remember I posted Out of the Mouths of Babes, you just proved it because you are 100% on point. But it requires that Junior Enlisted post the question like you have just done. For any one out there that wishes to ask me a question via message please do so, other wise I encourage you to post a question on the public board. You prepare for all by asking questions to those in your units or here with experience, and please do not listen to the barrack's lawyers.

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made May 15 at 2015 1:29 PM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Fri, 15 May 2015 13:29:21 -0400

I suppose I could start a thread while I'm contemplating the cosmos.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 15 at 2015 3:46 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 15 May 2015 15:46:44 -0400

The Junior Enlisted need to speak up to be heard, otherwise it will be a bunch of old men speaking for them.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 8:59 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 20:59:22 -0400

SFC Loveless,

I think part of the issue lies in the fact that there is a certain fear element within lower enlisted. Not a fear element that they don t trust their leaders, just a fear element that they are afraid of kick backs and reprisals. So its got to be a trade off.

If there is a junior enlisted who thinks that SSD is retarded, so be it. Maybe they are still trying to adhere to their chain of command and wait for an NCO to voice their opinion, and then go "Ya, YAH!!!! I LIKE THAT IDEA!", and if not, then they stay quiet. Let them voice their opinions when they are ready to. With that being said, I d also encourage them to come out of the closet more often so to speak to voice their opinions and tell them how they feel.

I think a lot of issues stem from policy, not from actual leadership. There is a deep seated root to a lot of the morale/discipline problems and its the fact that we are so stuck and bogged down by red tape, bureaucracy, and mandatory requirements that our proverbial hands are tied. Free that, free the reprisals, and free the mind of the younger guys to explore and ask, rather than down and berate, and I think we might start seeing some of our junior troops come forward rather than take a backseat.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 12:40 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 00:40:31 -0400

I think there needs to be discussions at the Unit level, especially with E-1 to E-4 about their career progression, where they can go for information, how and when to apply for schools for career advancement, what it means to earn retirement points and how those points are calculated... It's not easy for newly enlisted to ask for help and sometimes they don't know what they're suppose to be asking in the first place. Start with the basics, teach them how to help themselves.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 8:21 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 20:21:06 -0400

I will say all subjects are of interest to all ranks just some lower enlisted don't understand the subjects I understand a lot of them because I choose to ask questions to learn more

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 16 at 2015 10:08 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 16 May 2015 22:08:49 -0400

The amount of discussion on a topic is relative to the post - far any pay grade. A lot of people ask direct questions that are answered in a few responses and don't require a lot of discussion.

Take this post. At the time of my response, rough count, there are 4 responses from junior enlisted.

I'm always happy to participate in any discussion where I can provide some meaningful (OK, in some cases for humor's sake meaningless) input.

Here's a thought. As a form of mentorship, why not when we post a response, randomly tag a few junior enlisted and invite them to the conversation, could be anyone, people we know, people we don't, from the same MOS or military post. I'm inviting 10 JE 25Us to this discussion. Lets hear from our target audience.

To my fellow RallyPointers listed below: First off welcome. Please join in on this and all conversations as we'd love to hear from you! You have a lot to offer and your opinions and points of view are as valuable to all of us regardless of rank as, hopefully, ours can be to you.

PFC Private RallyPoint Member, SPC Private RallyPoint Member , PFC Private RallyPoint Member, SPC Megan Hibke, SGT Joshua Montague, SPC Allen Davis, SPC Private RallyPoint Member, SPC Jose "Joe" Rodriguez, SPC Brittany Smith , SPC Breanne Powell

Response by SSG Stacy Carter made May 16 at 2015 10:18 PM

SSG Stacy Carter — Sat, 16 May 2015 22:18:54 -0400

If we want RallyPoint to be more junior enlisted friendly then the junior enlisted need to be more involved. They need to ask questions, start discussions and reply to discussions. This is a great tool if used properly.

I see the same junior enlisted responding to discussions. More service members are needed to spread the word or else we will never get the junior enlisted onto a level playing field.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made May 16 at 2015 10:30 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Sat, 16 May 2015 22:30:26 -0400

Afters reading the comments and some that have answered my comment I have observed at least one thing
1 our junior enlisted are participating on RP and because I use the phone app more than the full version I am unable to see the questions they have asked( these are on their profile page under "questions asked).
So maybe RP can highlight the junior enlisted question for the mobile app so we can respond and help these SM feel like they have skin in the game

Response by SPC Shay Walters made May 16 at 2015 10:31 PM

SPC Shay Walters — Sat, 16 May 2015 22:31:42 -0400

As NCOs it should be y'all's responsibility to help guide the junior enlisted. Y'all have already been down that road. As leaders you should guide them and help them. Don't wait for them to ask for help.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 17 at 2015 12:17 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 17 May 2015 12:17:14 -0400

It would be very inefficient if we have to mind read or assume what the problems are. We need more junior enlisted to step up to the plate, because we are here and willing to give you honest feedback.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2015 12:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 May 2015 12:20:18 -0400

I don't want to sound callous but I always tell my Soldiers that a closed mouth will not get fed. RP is another tool to put in your ruck. You can only get out of it what you put in to it. You have the ear of many senior leaders. Don't be afraid to ask a question that you may benefit from the information being put out here.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 18 at 2015 12:09 AM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 18 May 2015 00:09:05 -0400

Perhaps... rather than us old Soldiers bloviating about stuff they are not interested in... They need to get on RP and ask questions about topics some of us could assist or provide some insight on.

This is a lot like Commander and 1SG/CSM Sensing Sessions, in that they only work, if Soldiers are will speak candidly about what is on their minds.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 12:35 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 12:35:40 -0400

I agree with MSgt Keith Hebert We cannot answer questions that are not asked.
Could it be some of the Junior Enlisted's NCOs have covered the information to their satisfaction? I would be more than glad to reach out to them but not knowing their needs its hard. I have talked with/ heard from some CMSgts on situations like this they have been approached about in the past. The junior enlisted need to seek out/choose their mentors. We cant really assign a mentor, they are chosen by the mentee and if there are any out that would like to reach out and would like share my experiences with them I would be more than glad to share and help them out. I wonder if the seniority on RP is intimidating to where they don't want to ask questions because they think the senior members would either tell them to look it up or dismiss it as part of our past.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 6:17 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 18:17:23 -0400

The military is such a big place that some junior enlisted do not know what questions to ask. I'm sure all of you leaders have some valuable knowledge on that subject. I personally am a person that feels no shame or embarassment if I do not know something, but many junior enlisted are some times afraid to ask, for fear of looking "dumb" or weak, or worse yet, by asking their question, they might harm their fellow junior enlisted.

Response by COL R. Bruce Chisholm made May 21 at 2015 2:06 PM

COL R. Bruce Chisholm — Thu, 21 May 2015 14:06:07 -0400

I read all the posts but first: Can we stop using the term "lower enlisted". You are not lower than any other Soldier, a future Soldier, a junior Solder... Just not lower.

Answers to unasked questions (also known as unsolicited advice)
Go to the first session of required training. Once you attend the class, you know more than those who didn't go AND you are no longer on the delinquent list. Same for flu shot.
Have a pen and a notebook and write stuff down. No, your phone doesn't count.
Every cost of living raise, promotion, longevity (over two year, four years, etc) goes into saving. Plus put 10% into savings. Fund the Thrift Savings Plan.
Wear your seatbelt - always.
The time to earn promotion points is when you are a Private - Private First Class. Correspondence courses or other required training cannot be done the night before the promotion board.
"It" is not a benefit unless you use it. Education tuition assistance, medical care, taking meals at the mess hall if you aren't on separate ration, uniform and insignia issue from unit supply are all things you can pay for but are already part of your benefit package.

I'll stop here realizing these "lessons" are without context but are things I coached my Soldiers in. Remember too, when you ask the question, the person you are asking may not know the answer.
Good luck.

Response by SGT Mark Stevens made May 21 at 2015 6:42 PM

SGT Mark Stevens — Thu, 21 May 2015 18:42:43 -0400

RP is the only site I know where all ranks can talk without the issue of rank in the conversation. Junior enlisted should actively participate in discussions and start them to get the full benefit of the knowledge on here. You don't need to be high speed in order to take advantage of this site.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 10:01 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 22:01:47 -0400

My, how the Army has changed. I remember asking many of these questions myself, and in turn, my NCOs answered these questions, or even went to far as to schedule training during Sergeant's Time. Having an NCO conduct a mock SOM Board, or even better a mock Promotion Board payed huge dividends to the Soldiers trained. These were also the times where many of the other Soldier's questions were answered.

When I made SGT myself, I remembered the learning that happened during these sessions, and made a point not to wait for one of these questions to be asked by one of my Soldiers. My fellow NCOs and I made sure that we utilized training time the best we knew how. Not only did we ruck into the Land Nav Course, spent time on BRM, but also set up these mock boards, which led to some of the healthiest learning discussions I've ever seen. Topics covered the gambit of military operations and life. We were glad to pass on knowledge to our younger Solders. The Soldiers, in turn, were deeply interested to find out all the nuances of an LES, an ERB, how to use TA, and even how the TSP worked.

These training events where not only a great break from for usual ho-hum Land Nav Course, generic MOS training, SHARP or other mandatory training, but provided the Soldiers with real information to help them shape their careers. We were able to give personalized guidance and direction. The right information to the right people at the right time. That's what being leader of any rank is about. Keeping our Soldiers informed shouldn't be limited the telling them not to drink and drive every Friday at COB. We are shaping the future of the Army.

PFC Ortiz just busted us all out for forgetting that.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made May 26 at 2015 6:20 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Tue, 26 May 2015 18:20:49 -0400

I was junior enlisted before I became an officer...if I have an answer to an E1-E4's question, then I will answer it to the best of my limited military experience.

Look at it this way...I'm not even a SM anymore, so you can ask me all KINDS of stuff that you might not wanna ask your PL, PSG, 1SG, CO...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 6:56 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 18:56:22 -0400

I'd be more than happy to discuss these topics and speak from my experiences when I was enlisted. We, as leaders, are here to develop and mentor and this is an excellent outlet to do so. There is a vast amount of experience on RP and I hope more are on board with this.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 10:55 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 10:55:36 -0400

As a lower-enlisted. I can understand that it can be fearful sometimes to ask questions. I have no shame in admitting that I ask my leaders questions every day, but there are some that you think "Is this a stupid question to ask?"

When you think of posting these questions online, the prospect of some random COL answering and making you feel stupid, while unlikely and bit extreme, still run rampant. Plus, asking basic questions kind of seems pointless when there is likely a publication that outlines it plain as day that you will be pointed towards. Most E1-E4 want to seem competent and well versed in all the SOPs and rules as to look good to their superiors who may very well be their next unit commander or NCO.

Then there is our own experience. As a 20yo PFC, I lack in both life and military experience when compared to the majority of the military, while that doesn't deter me from communicating and sharing ideas and stories with my superiors, you can still feel somewhat overshadowed by them, especially when they tell you stories of "When I was deployed--" or "The Army used to be/ When I was a Private--" While I do not fault them for this, or judge them. It can sometimes make you think "Wow. How can I compare?" "Well... I went to basic here, or AIT there.." These stories can get annoying. Even to us.

Finally, there is the fear of scrutiny. What if I say something that offends someone of a higher rank? What if my view is considered naive due only to the amount of stripes I have? And what about those rare, but very much present, toxic leaders who will take a minor dispute or unintentional offense too far and either verbally reprimand me or worse, contact my COC? These fears may seem trivial to most, but to us, they are ever-present and can hinder our initiative.

I can say though that, for the most part, I have seen little of thes concerns here. Still, it some would see it best to shy away from asking too much. Even I am hesitant to share ideas or concerns.

Response by SFC James Liedtka made Jun 9 at 2015 10:27 AM

SFC James Liedtka — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 10:27:20 -0400

Those are all good subjects to discuss for Soldier development. But the first step to leadership is attending WLC. I would like to know why units don't prepare their Soldiers to attend WLC. Especially the Reserve and NG units. We should NEVER have to send someone home for failure of the APFT, failure to conduct D&C, failure to conduct PRT, failure of Land Navigation. These are the subjects you need to discuss with and teach your junior enlisted. We waste Millions of training dollars when we have to send them home for failure of something they could have trained on at the unit. Our job is to refine and teach LEADERSHIP skills. To often we are doing that while teaching them what they should have learned before they arrived. To often we get Soldiers that were sent simply to fill an open quota. The worst part of my day is sending Soldiers home with a refered 1059 because their unit didn't prepare them.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 17 at 2015 1:03 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 13:03:02 -0500

We will have greater efficiency if the juniors step up to the plate.

Response by SSG David Dickson made Dec 6 at 2015 8:58 AM

SSG David Dickson — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 08:58:52 -0500

I took your question to heart and have started posting thought provoking questions in the lower enlisted groups. I think it's on us as leaders to reach out to "Joe", let them know we haven't forgotten where we came from, and that no question is a dumb question. I have started posting in the lower enlisted groups and have gotten some great feedback. If we are constantly "hanging out at the NCO Club" we aren't really availing ourselves to them.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 6 at 2015 9:37 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 21:37:36 -0500

If they ask, they will be answered.