Posted on Sep 14, 2018
UCMJ crackdown: Why Mattis thinks commanders have gone soft on misconduct
1.3K
11
9
7
7
0
Posted in these groups: 
Marines
Leadership Development
Marines Leadership Development
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 6
1
1
0
Up or out was the wrong thing at the wrong time. Career privates were a resource that could no be replaced by new recruits.
(1)
(0)
PFC Elijah Rose
Here's the thing; why is careerism mandatory? Some people would be quite content ascending the ranks slowly if at all and their experience would still be valuable, especially to raw recruits.
(0)
(0)
SGT Eric Knutson
I agree SSgt Davis, I had a guy who was an E4 who was just as happy as a clam, and one of the best parts clerks you could ever ask for. If they still had the Specialist ranks he would have taken his promotion, but he wanted nothing to do with any leadership position. Reading W.E.B. Griffen and talking to a couple of OLD Marines (one was even a China Marine) there were some guys who were total mess, but SOLID and generally just got the jobs done with little to no fuss. but the point was that they were HAPPY were they were at. Also, I think we can all agree (and even put some names to this point) there are some guys who are stellar at 1 rank, (Officers included) but they get promoted and they loose their minds, and seem to not have a clue about the duties at the new position. I had a CSM who had been offered the CSM position from Bde all the way up to the top and refused to leave the Bn level because he was a "Field Soldier" and did not play politics (his words) but I have known a few who were great Squad Leaders, but as a Plt Sgt, it was like they forgot everything they learned before.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
Believe his thought process is alluding to tough standards create tougher Marines. If our service members are representative of our current demographics than I can understand his concern. Standards have been lowered over the years for all of our services. With less than 1% of our youth serving, recruiting an all volunteer force capable of meeting any standard, becomes a challenge. Of course some of us older career types think as follows: The older we get, the better we were.
(1)
(0)
PFC Elijah Rose
Uh, no. Standards have not been getting lower constantly, that myth was created in 2003 when recruitment was so problematic that even felons could join. In 2008-16 the force got progressively smaller to the point that MEPS will throw you out for literally anything.
Although, I see the other thing you're getting at. Older recruits (mid to late 20's) and longer average career spans would be a great help all around.
Although, I see the other thing you're getting at. Older recruits (mid to late 20's) and longer average career spans would be a great help all around.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
With the OPTEMPO as high as it is, and units lookin at time required to get mission essential things done, it does make sense for command teams to "take the easy way out" It still sends a message to those who see this happening, it still has the effect of freeing the service from the problem, and not all units have a serious crime issue. NJP on up takes time from a recommendation from JAG to the troops legal advice. As long as the process is for some things, that is still a burden on the command team, a task that is taking manpower away, and no one wants to deal with it. Not sure where Mattis is going with this, but isn't it enough that the "Zero Defect" military is back? One mistake in this investigation would mean two or more people's careers are over, and that was from them investigating just one or two of their own.
If Mattis wants to see a ton of people getting booted for some of the craziest mess ever, he still has his beloved Corps. It seems sometimes they can find ways and reasons to give out an OTH and reduction in rank faster than a Marine EAD'ing getting their 214 and a Honorable. Over the years some Marines I've met with OTH's (usually lie about why initially), but when the truth comes out (or some of it), you're still wondering why for such a petty offense did you get it.
Discipline in the service is a very important tool for command teams to use. It shouldn't come to someone "expecting" a certain outcome of every or any case at all they're not actually a part of. UCI just got a Admiral in some water last week.
If Mattis wants to see a ton of people getting booted for some of the craziest mess ever, he still has his beloved Corps. It seems sometimes they can find ways and reasons to give out an OTH and reduction in rank faster than a Marine EAD'ing getting their 214 and a Honorable. Over the years some Marines I've met with OTH's (usually lie about why initially), but when the truth comes out (or some of it), you're still wondering why for such a petty offense did you get it.
Discipline in the service is a very important tool for command teams to use. It shouldn't come to someone "expecting" a certain outcome of every or any case at all they're not actually a part of. UCI just got a Admiral in some water last week.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google