Standards on Deployment

2014-05-20T09:47:09-04:00

Should people be more or less lax on the regulations while deployed?

I have seen people blatantly ignore regulations saying it was good for morale. I have also seen people enforce regulations saying that it is even more important to carry an image of professionalism to the locals.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 20 at 2014 10:00 AM

2014-05-20T10:00:20-04:00

I think the more pertinent question is " if the standard is so irrelevant that it can be ignored downrange with no impact on mission success, does it need to be a standard?".

Response by SGT Charles Vernier made Dec 17 at 2014 11:23 AM

2014-12-17T11:23:47-05:00

The old adage "A combat ready unit will never pass inspection, and an inspection ready unit will never survive combat." Comes to mind as the overly simplistic assessment of this scenario. However, both of the previous responses have already made valid points. Do you expect your troops uniforms to look like they do in garrison after a week in the field...probably not. Do you expect that they will still show respect to others, maintain their bearing, follow the NCO support channel / chain of command, follow the laws of war, maintain their physical fitness & proficiencies definitely. Standards vs. Regulations vs. Discipline.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Dec 17 at 2014 2:58 PM

2014-12-17T14:58:28-05:00

Things in combat are different than in garrison: namely you are fulfilling your primary purpose. you are looking to kill the enemy, and not get killed. This is generally a lower priority in garrison. This means a new primary focus.

The standards that must be enforced first are those relating to how you kill the enemy and don't get killed yourself. Is your weapon clean? Do you know where your leader, buddies, the enemy are? Do you know how to call for help and save your buddies' lives? Have you written, briefed and rehearsed the order, conducted pre-combat checks and inspections? Are you carrying out the right continuing actions? THESE are the regulations that must be enforced first.

Then, and only then can we start quibbling about uniforms, grooming standards, customs and courtesies in the way we do in the rear.

Or as one of my IOC instructors put it: If I see a Marine without a shave I ask him for his weapon, if it's clean I ask him to show me his vehicle (or fighting position) if it's maintained, clean, in working order and properly set I ask him to show me his Marines, or quiz his knowledge. If all of these are tight I commend him on his good work and focus, and tell him to shave (or clean his uniform) at next opportunity. If any of these are lacking I find his next level NCO and we review his time management priorities.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Dec 17 at 2014 4:27 PM

2014-12-17T16:27:01-05:00

Standards are standards and should be enforced at all times. If they are not going to be enforced, they should not exist.

Failure to enforce standards of conduct or appearance, regardless of the reason or location, is a slippery slope that should not be allowed to exist.

If there are to be different standards depending on the situation, location, etc., they should be codified as such and clearly stated in the regulations/standards.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2014 12:45 PM

2014-12-18T12:45:44-05:00

CPT Michael Barden is spot on in discretionary application of rules and regulations. A never ending problem in Afghanistan was for guys to come off a mission and try to grab some chow before the mess hall closed only to be intercepted by some CSM in a clean and fresh uniform and be told they couldn't eat because they were out of uniform, too dirty or something else.

Piss me off to no end! There is a time and place for everything. That is not the time nor the place for enforcing that particular reg. He'll get chow, then he can worry about cleaning his weapon and anything else he needs to do before he gets some rack time, before he gets up and does it again.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2014 11:42 PM

2014-12-18T23:42:05-05:00

Standards need to be enforced. holding soldiers to high standards keeps them focused on the mission while deployed. poor Leaders develop poor leaders. Micro managers also develop micro managers. standards are there for a reason. As a NCO you are not Joes friend your his mentor one day he will take your place. That's what in essence an NCO does, train soldiers to replace them when we get promoted or retire.

The military is loosing its battle with political correctness. we don't shine boots or iron our fatigues any more there designed to become wrinkle free after a short time being worn or hung up. shining shoes and ironing uniforms subconsciously reenforces paying attention to detail and taking pride in how you look and in your unit. the military is relying on high tech equipment more and more. and if we ever go to war with a nation that can take out our power grid were in deep trouble. if you cant communicate you cant fight.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 5:37 AM

2014-12-19T05:37:28-05:00

while on BAF we received sniper fire at the motor pool near the prison but we were forced to wear pt belts. why the hell would you want us to be more visible? I respect officers and have no problem saluting but why in a combat zone?
My company was sent to BAF on TDY orders for what was supposed to be maybe 3 months so we didnt receive a full issue. only 2 sets of ocp to last 3 months and we weren't allowed to remove our tops in the motor pool at all. when we got dirty (which we did almost everyday) there was a 72 hr wait for laundry and we were not allowed to eat chow in dirty uniforms or pt's. our 3 months turned into 6.5 months with only 2 uniforms. we got another 2 sets 2 weeks before leaving.