Should incentives be used to motivate soldiers?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 18:59:08 -0400

Such as; when a soldier score above let's say 280 or more on a PT test, he or she would get a 4 day pass or not required to come for PT on specific days? And such 4 day pass would be used to take either military or civilian education that would be beneficial for their career.

Or giving out a form of reward to a soldier who performed exceptionally well on a detail or task in a timely fashion rather than spending twice as much time it would require.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 17 at 2014 7:12 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 19:12:54 -0400

I would hope that this form of reward is still in practice, this is how I've always done it and seen it done in every unit I've been in. Not everything is deserving of a medal but a pass or an afternoon off is a simple and effective motivator.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Aug 18 at 2014 8:18 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 08:18:34 -0400

I don't think it would hurt, it inspired me back when I was a young Private. Doing Gaurd Mount, answering current events/board questions inspired me as a Soldier to get the day off. Not to mention having a squared away uniform/spit shined boots helped also with incentives.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 18 at 2014 8:59 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 08:59:18 -0400

These types of incentives are great for unit level. I don't think they should be used above that. It gives the immediate Commander a tool to help motivate.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2014 9:13 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 21:13:59 -0400

I am not trying to be a jerk but all I offer is job satisfaction and a chance to live another day when in combat. I don't like giving out awards. When we aspire for the reward and not the successful completion of the task we are losing ourselves as soldiers. I have put forth only one award for a soldier in my couple years of being an officer. The mentality of why we do what we do is just as important as the task itself.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2014 9:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 21:34:06 -0400

A "Hey, good job." doesn't hurt. Sometimes, I think, leaders believe that an "'Atta boy" has to be in writing. No. It really doesn't. You never know how much a thumbs up or a pat on the back impacts a person. Never underestimate the power of subtlety.