Posted on Nov 15, 2013
Are we ready to move away from the Rank equals Responsibility mind set?
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We speak about keeping the best talent, and pushing them to be as successful as possible, but we limit these capable people by associating Rank with Responsibility.
Before joining the Army, and ever knowing S.H.A.R.P existed had taken Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention courses for a job as an Student Resident Adviser at the age of 19 in college. That year I was the primary case personnel for a rape case, I helped the victim from the time they knocked on my door until they were done in the hospital, before I had to relinquish my duties to a higher source. At 23 I join the Army and because of my rank it is believed I would not know how to compose myself if a situation were to arise.
I believe we could engage personnel and better help our peers to our left and right by utilizing the talents of everyone that they bring with them from the private sector.
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Revision #1:
I do not think I properly presented this topic. I will attempt here to clarify. The argument I was attempting to make is that we have a shortage of talents in areas like EO/SHARP/Master Fitness Instructor/Master Resilency Trainer/ ect. These positions and classes currently have ranks associated with them although myself and others might argue that JSMs are able to feel these positions. Like my prior experience shown above, might qualify me for a SHARP rep, someone with a degree or ceritification as a fitness trainer might qualify elswhere. Our junior ranks vary widely in age ranges and prior experiences, and I see this as wasted potential. I hope this helps to clarify things.
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Revision #2:
After some conversing with SFC Richie, I thought this a different option: "would you be more inclined to support a system in which a junior service members (JSM) was not in one of these roles fully, but formally trained and could service as an Assistant with a limited amount of authority granted? That way those with prior experience could continue to develop those skills, and help with their prior knowledge the NCOIC of that program."
Responsibility
Duty
Rank
Motivation
Edited 10 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
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May I be so bold as to suggest that what you really meant by this thread was “Are we ready to move away from the Rank equals ABILITY mind set?" Because in that case, I think we would all agree. It's been obvious that there is no correlation between rank and ability/competence/intelligence for a long time, and I think it's prevalent enough to be deemed self-evident...
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SPC Christopher Smith
SSG Hasbun, I would agree, but you have many people bought into the point system of the Army that are threatened by the idea. How do we get them to see the potential of the idea?
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CPT(P) (Join to see)
This is why I think the SPEC ranks were a good idea, vs actual leadership positions...
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SSG Kevin McCulley
Meh.. I used say, as a 25 year old PFC, "Well sergeant.. I guess I should just act my Rank instead of my age then, right?" I think the SPC here knew exactly what he meant.
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Cpl (Join to see)
As an E4 I had a better grasp of responsibility than some SNCOs and officers I knew, lol.
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SPC Smith,
I believe the point you are trying to make might sound better if you use the word, competence instead of responsibility. Rank does not always equal competence! Some of the positions you are referring too require interpersonal skills and are heavy hitters when it comes down to which ranks are chosen to address some of those types of things such as EO/SHARP. I haven't done any formal research, however I can tell you that in theory the higher up in rank the more maturity and experienced you become. Therefore, I understand that you as well as others possess the ability and would probably make excellent candidates for these positions. It is unfortunate, however don't be too quick to denounce the system. Maintain a positive attitude and achieve your goals---sometimes you might even find yourself assisting in some capacity that will prepare you for your future roles/responsibility. Educate and prepare yourself, most of us [people] don't know as much as we think we do.
It is not wasteful, formal schooling requires resources and funding----if you make the Army a career then you will get your turn to shine in those areas that you feel you can contribute the most! Patience is a virtue----perhaps the toughest!
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SPC Christopher Smith
CPT Moss, my idea is not to denounce the system but to help strengthen the programs by adding outside experiences. History should prove that the military is usually a day behind in many of our programs and how to incorporate them. Instead of pumping down the knowledge and cutting through the red tape to get the information out, how about we utilize some of the people we have on hand to create a better program from the grass roots. I understand clearly that many of these programs are under the microscope because of their nature. I have made a second revision to this topic that I think you might be more inclined to agreeing with. Please feel free to take a look at it.
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MAJ (Join to see)
SPC Smith,
I agree with your thought process and its definitely an adaptive approach to get the right people, in the right places, at the right time! The new revision you posted is a great way to get JSM involved so they are better prepared, more experienced, and it just makes sense. That way we don't have people serving in those---"Hey you, go get trained you are going to be the SHARP rep." Instead, we will have personnel already present within the ranks that have been trained and experienced prior to receiving their duties as well as allow for coverage during periods of block leave, etc.
On a second note, this might be a great question to implement under the Town Hall Q/A on General Odierno's Facebook page on 21 March 2014. Just a thought/recommendation.
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