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"The Pentagon Wars" first came out in 1998 on HBO and is the somewhat true story of the development behind the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. From a simple idea to have a quick moving vehicle with light armor and a small weapons platform to the tank-like vehicle we all know today, the Bradley's development starting in 1968 and resulted in the first Bradley being delivered in 1981.
The movie is based on the book of the same name written by Air Force Colonel James G Burton who was assigned to the Pentagon in the middle of the Bradley's development to over the test of new technology. He quickly found himself surrounded by men more concerned with getting anything out the door that tests were not conducted up to wartime specifications. His main objective was simple, to put the men that would be using this new vehicle first ahead of the equipment.
This "men first, vehicle second" mentality is one that I can easily relate to. As a leader, at any rank, you are charged with not only the maintenance of millions of dollars of equipment but you are more importantly entrusted with the care of the military's most valuable resource, the Service Members below you. While it is not always easy, enjoyable or fun, their care and welfare must come first. This continues into life outside the military as well.
I have held many titles in my 34 years of walking this earth. Two of them are the ones I'm most proud of, Soldier and Dad. As those that are parents now can relate, the world flips upside down when you find out that you are going to be a parent. And while we should never treat the service members assigned to our control as children, the same sort of attention you would give your child you must give to them. Be proud and share in their accomplishments, be supportive through their difficulties and be there with an outreached hand to help them up when they fall. And this must continue throughout the transition from the military.
We have all seen the stories of the VA's 'shortcomings'. How Veterans new to the transition are struggling with the miles and miles of red tape in order to just get the basic support needs in place. Veterans struggling to find a job but are really in need of someone showing them how to write an effective resume. Veterans who find themselves on the verge of being homeless but could truly benefit from sitting down with someone to discuss proper money management. While some of the responsibility rests on the shoulders of the VA, we as Veterans must be willing to foster a good and meaningful relationship with the Veterans around us. We must be willing to once again put aside our own wants for a minute and tend to the needs of another. "Men first, vehicle second" is not just a motto for your time in but rather it can be a leadership lesson given to you in the form of entertainment that could have some of the largest impact on those around you.
The movie is based on the book of the same name written by Air Force Colonel James G Burton who was assigned to the Pentagon in the middle of the Bradley's development to over the test of new technology. He quickly found himself surrounded by men more concerned with getting anything out the door that tests were not conducted up to wartime specifications. His main objective was simple, to put the men that would be using this new vehicle first ahead of the equipment.
This "men first, vehicle second" mentality is one that I can easily relate to. As a leader, at any rank, you are charged with not only the maintenance of millions of dollars of equipment but you are more importantly entrusted with the care of the military's most valuable resource, the Service Members below you. While it is not always easy, enjoyable or fun, their care and welfare must come first. This continues into life outside the military as well.
I have held many titles in my 34 years of walking this earth. Two of them are the ones I'm most proud of, Soldier and Dad. As those that are parents now can relate, the world flips upside down when you find out that you are going to be a parent. And while we should never treat the service members assigned to our control as children, the same sort of attention you would give your child you must give to them. Be proud and share in their accomplishments, be supportive through their difficulties and be there with an outreached hand to help them up when they fall. And this must continue throughout the transition from the military.
We have all seen the stories of the VA's 'shortcomings'. How Veterans new to the transition are struggling with the miles and miles of red tape in order to just get the basic support needs in place. Veterans struggling to find a job but are really in need of someone showing them how to write an effective resume. Veterans who find themselves on the verge of being homeless but could truly benefit from sitting down with someone to discuss proper money management. While some of the responsibility rests on the shoulders of the VA, we as Veterans must be willing to foster a good and meaningful relationship with the Veterans around us. We must be willing to once again put aside our own wants for a minute and tend to the needs of another. "Men first, vehicle second" is not just a motto for your time in but rather it can be a leadership lesson given to you in the form of entertainment that could have some of the largest impact on those around you.
Leadership
Motivation
Mentorship
Command Post
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 13
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SGT Ben Keen thanks for sharing, very intriquing article. Its all about the Soldier, I agree, equipment second. I know the pentagon has a lot of stuff to worry about, but they must take care of pupil first. Its the only way for success!
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SGT Ben Keen
Very true SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL they do have a lot to focus on. The main point I am focusing on with this article is not the the Pentagon is messed up, we all know that, but rather that we as leaders at every level from that newly promoted CPL to that time-tested dusty old General, have an important responsibility and lasting impact. While we can't change some of the craziness at the highest of levels, one more change within our lane of control can make things just that much better.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SGT Ben Keen profoundly said and articulately expressed response! So true!
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SGT Ben Keen
It truly is a badass machine. It's interesting though to look back and see what the original idea was and what the current reality is. From a small, quick vehicle with just a machine gun and able to carry 11 Soldiers into combat to the current day machine, the development of this badass machine is pretty damn interesting.
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SGT Ben Keen that movie was hilarious. Then it was sad. It does seem like there are those who are more interested in the flashy new technology than the people who will operate the equipment (F-35 anyone? Anyone?)
You make so many good points here. During the Viking Age, a young person could be fostered to another family. When that foster comes into that family, they would be treated as a member of the household. They would work, they would learn, and they would grow to become a stronger individual in the tribe. This would in turn make the tribe stronger. The military is a family. You may not get along with everyone in your command on a personal level. When the bullets start flying none of that matters. It is a simple matter of we protect each other, or we die with each other. That is family. Whether we admit it to ourselves, like it, or even accept it is irrelevant. When you are in a command, you are family. The CO is mom, the XO is Dad, and everyone else falls into place. We should absolutely continue this through life. I have seen many posts on RP with sentiment to the effect of "I took an oath, and there was no expiration date. Even if my service time expired, my oath did not." That sentiment could be applied here. We as veterans are the older brothers and sisters of those who are transitioning. We need to support each other. The universe knows that Washington is not going to, unless it serves them politically. So that leaves us to watch out for each other. It has taken me fifteen years to come to this epiphany. So the question becomes what do I have to offer by way of helping a fellow veteran? That is the hard question.
You make so many good points here. During the Viking Age, a young person could be fostered to another family. When that foster comes into that family, they would be treated as a member of the household. They would work, they would learn, and they would grow to become a stronger individual in the tribe. This would in turn make the tribe stronger. The military is a family. You may not get along with everyone in your command on a personal level. When the bullets start flying none of that matters. It is a simple matter of we protect each other, or we die with each other. That is family. Whether we admit it to ourselves, like it, or even accept it is irrelevant. When you are in a command, you are family. The CO is mom, the XO is Dad, and everyone else falls into place. We should absolutely continue this through life. I have seen many posts on RP with sentiment to the effect of "I took an oath, and there was no expiration date. Even if my service time expired, my oath did not." That sentiment could be applied here. We as veterans are the older brothers and sisters of those who are transitioning. We need to support each other. The universe knows that Washington is not going to, unless it serves them politically. So that leaves us to watch out for each other. It has taken me fifteen years to come to this epiphany. So the question becomes what do I have to offer by way of helping a fellow veteran? That is the hard question.
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SGT Ben Keen
PO3 Steven Sherrill - I love your comment! You are so right. We are a family. That is why I don't refer to Veterans as "Warriors" or "Heros" or whatever the next catchy phrase will be. I call them my brother and sister because they truly are. When people meet me and ask if I have any siblings, I tell yes, I have one blood related sibling and over 1 million non-blood related siblings. I have said it on RallyPoint before as well; if we, as Veterans, aren't willing to look out for other Veterans how can we expect others to do the same? Because as you so said, when the bullets are flying or when times are hard, the only thing that matters is getting through it together.
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Should be interesting. The Inside the Beltway Political Battles to include inside the Pentagon can be quite fascinating.
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SGT Ben Keen
That they are PO1 William "Chip" Nagel. I watched this movie recently with a friend that didn't serve and they kept asking if what was shown in the movie is anything close to how it is. Sadly I had to say some of it is. I think sometimes, leaders get too focused on their own career that they forget about the impact they have on others.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
Don't need to Explain to me, I'm a Beltway Bandit. 2 Years as Master at Arms to Commander Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Washington DC. My Guys did Installations at the Pentagon, Buzzards Point and Navy Yard.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
My SEA for Security at CNO WWMCCS/COMSPAWARYSYSCOM is still in DC as a Civilian Contractor after she retired.
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Focus is important. Unfortunately, sometimes this gets lost the higher up the food chain people get. Nothing is more aggravating to see than a senior NCO or a field grade officer that does not put the service member first. That is one of the responsibilities of their rank. It takes a one star or above to take their rank so they should not be fearful of repercussions for doing the right thing. At this stage of their career they have the rank and experience to stand up for those that are entrusted to their charge. The tag line above should read: "Mission first, service member always!"
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I have always been a firm believer in people first. It does not matter the mission, time or place, if you have not taken care of your people (soldiers, employees, family, etc..) they will be exposed to undue risk. I believed that when I wore the uniform daily, i believe it today in my private life, work life and volunteer service life.
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Just a couple thoughts. First an Air Force Colonel helped the Army get one bad ass fighting vehicle. It says a lot about him taking seriously the job given to him and putting his heart into giving the Army what it needed.
Second, the Marines have always held this doctrine. They always seem to do more with less. They focus on the Marine and making him a warrior then giving him/her what tools they have to make him more effective. The basis that all Marines can be infantry, officers and enlisted, gives them the ability to serve multi roles as needed and quickly change rolls.
I was a MP. I was trained as an MP and that was my job. Once we hit Iraq my unit needed the skills that the infantry had as we filled in some of those rolls as needed. We adapted and were combat effective, but those small squad tactics could have been taught early in the game and made us better, quicker.
Second, the Marines have always held this doctrine. They always seem to do more with less. They focus on the Marine and making him a warrior then giving him/her what tools they have to make him more effective. The basis that all Marines can be infantry, officers and enlisted, gives them the ability to serve multi roles as needed and quickly change rolls.
I was a MP. I was trained as an MP and that was my job. Once we hit Iraq my unit needed the skills that the infantry had as we filled in some of those rolls as needed. We adapted and were combat effective, but those small squad tactics could have been taught early in the game and made us better, quicker.
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