Why is there no emphasis placed on having an effective Sponsorship Program?

2015-10-23T07:09:37-04:00

Is is just me or does anyone feel that the sponsorship program is a joke? My wife and I were discussing this subject the other day. As a Senior NCO, whenever I find out that we have an inbound, I try to send as mich information as I can to include websites, my contact info, my wife's info so the spouse can reac out, etc...so the person or their family can be adequately prepared for their move. When I was in Germany, if I hadnt have tracked down someone in my unit, my family would have been stuck. We also had Soldiers PCSing for the first time and didnt even know how they were getting from the airport. I have witnessed too many times that units dont find out they have an inbound until that day. Why is this the "norm"? Is there anything we can do to change this?

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 8:14 AM

2015-10-23T08:14:16-04:00

Yes! I think is the senior and the leaders shoulder the blame the most. For most of us, all we hear is "there is a new guy come in today, You take him around and help him out."

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 23 at 2015 9:10 AM

2015-10-23T09:10:10-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member - You are absolutely correct. For the most part, unit sponsorship programs are ineffective because the chain of command does not place the required emphasis on them. There are far too few leaders like you who step up and do your best to ensure incoming (and outgoing) soldiers get the information they need to ease the transition. Much more emphasis needs to be placed in this area by the chain of command. I know that the folks you have helped appreciate it, as do I.