Should the military be more tolerant of mistakes made by leaders? Have your mistakes made you a better leader?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 21:26:36 -0400

He was nearly booted from college, graduated in the bottom third of his class, and only a few years into his naval career, he struck a buoy with his ship.

That lackluster start belongs to Adm. Mike Mullen, now the military’s top officer. In his first month as a senior at the Naval Academy, Mullen said he racked up 115 demerits; only 35 more and he would be expelled, he noted.

Early stumbles didn't sink admiral's career

If your career seems rocky, consider this one: He was nearly booted from college, graduated in thebottom third of his class, and only a few years into his naval career, he struck a buoy with his...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 9:29 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 21:29:07 -0400

I have learned little from my successes but an immense amount from my failures. Should the military capitalise on allowing leaders to make some mistakes and learning from them? Aside from major UCMJ violations and criminal acts, should the military soften its perceived zero tolerance for failure policies?

Response by SPC Carl K. made May 1 at 2015 9:35 PM

SPC Carl K. — Fri, 01 May 2015 21:35:49 -0400

My answer may make me sound like an asshole, however, if the decisions of the leaders leads to the unnecessary deaths of soldiers, then yes, they should be held accountable. I understand that casualties happen, but piss poor decisions may indeed accelerate the casualty rate.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 12:41 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 00:41:34 -0400

I am confident that some of my younger mistakes have made me a much better leader! Zero defect leadership is a mistake. UCMJ used to be utilized to correct mistakes and reeducate Soldiers. Now it is game, set, match and you can't overcome it. Black marks that will prevent growth.

So, back when this MSG was a young Soldier, I recieved an Art 15. a decade later when I was recommended for an IG position it disqualified me. To be an IG you can't ever have had NJP, or atleast not in your records. IG's are suppose to be able evaluate situations. Its like asking a person who has never experiance hardship to explain what is like. Anyway, that is this guys opinion.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 3:06 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 03:06:21 -0400

Thank you for clarifying. It is a great read for those interested.