Hello RP! USAR CSM Luther Thomas here, what questions do you have for me?

I have received innappropriate postings, on here, from someone. What is your recomendation for dealing with them. Ignore or file a complaint?

SGM Luther Thomas First of all congratulations. I appreciate your focus on soldiers transitioning to the civilian work force. I can tell you it was the most challenging endeavor I ever had to overcome. I thought I was never going to get a job. While I do not know how the Army executes TAP now I can give you some keys I see 10 years latter that I think TAP should be focusing on. First education, DoD has put a lot of work into converting Military schools and experience into college credits through JST. Second is everything relies on civilian credentials (PMP for example) there are too many to count. We need to find a way to work those credentials into our military work force so they walk out the door with more than just an MOS. I could go on and on but these are my two top - Education and Credentials.

Here the Policy Memo authorizing Soldiers to wear black socks with their PT Uniform

Has the policy of admitting transvestites and homosexuals to openly serve in the military ranks served to instill fear in our adversaries? Has it made our military stronger, better and more proficient? Will it lead to gay and straight units? Do you feel that using the military for social experimentation is a proper role for our armed forces? Is the military better prepared and more qualified to fight and win wars since this policy was forced upon the military ranks?

CSM Thomas,

For AGR recruiters out there, is there a program starting that can address the continual shortage?
I have a possible solution:

After the initial tour of 36 months, have AGR soliders rotate thru recruiting just like our active duty counterparts thus ending the perpetual shortage.

Why do Reservists take the APFT more often than AD soldiers?

CSM,
With the Army moving towards retention of the very best, and the USAR being at 98% of its ESO do you forsee the removal of the O5 Recovery Memorandum for the separation of Soldiers for Unsatisfactory Participation and AT No Show?

Hello CSM Thomas, since you are focusing on transitioning to the civilian work force, Forbes and Military Times published an article entitled "Congratulations on Your Military Service… Now Here Are 9 Reasons Why I Won’t Hire You" I found it enlightening and am sharing with my fellow soldiers that are transitioning in the near future. What are your thoughts on this article and what do you feel is the number one reason Veterans are having difficulty making that transition to Civilian life?

CSM,

Thank you for your previous input in regards to funding for NCOES. Since it is now too late for me for me to advance professionally as an NCO for the remainder of my next five years, do you know of, or is there any flexibility or waivers for NCOES requirements pertaining to age limits that could be investigated? Where can I go, who can I speak to in order to explore any remaining possibilities?

I'd hate to know that I'll spend my last five years in a non-promotable status.

SSG Steven Roussel