The "New Leadership" of the Army... What happened?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 21:59:25 -0400

As leaders we have taken the opportunity to sit back and
denounce every new change that has come out, and complain about privates like
privates. Whatever happened to taking orders, and taking responsibility?
Soldiers are products of their leaders let us not forget that. Yes I do
understand, and even agree with a lack of personal discipline in the Army;
however, let’s be honest with ourselves for a minute. Is this really a new
issue or is it just more in the spot light now? I don’t think for a minute that
any leader had ever had a "perfect" career. So, rather than
complaining like a private use your stripes to make a difference. That’s what makes
us NCOs the backbone of the Army. Why are we always whining about new policy changes?
New 607-1... Who cares? If you were doing and enforcing the right things, not
so much has changed. I have tattoos and don’t think that there is anything
wrong with them; the "Big Army" Leaders have decided otherwise in
regards to what they deem professional. So drink water and move out!! Stop whining
publicly on social media about how your feelings are hurt!! Just my
observation. Hopefully I have, or can remind NCOs everywhere that a SGT doesn’t
whine or complain with their soldiers, they endure.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Apr 6 at 2014 10:06 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 22:06:14 -0400

NCOs are the backbone of the Army. Our mission is the accomplishment of our mission and the welfare of our Soldiers. We are expected to adhere to and enforce standards and we mentor others.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 6 at 2014 10:18 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 22:18:20 -0400

The 'new leadership' you speak of may be the product of the loosening of standards, sometimes setting them aside completely, to raise an Army to fight and win two simultaneous wars. These enlistees are now our NCOs.

Senior NCO's mentorship is needed now more than ever...once our middle level leaders (not all, just some) are reeled in and they start taking care of their own foxholes, everything will get back on track.

Just like any change, it'll take some time and dedicated leaders to right this ship.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2014 6:39 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 06:39:36 -0400

I do agree with your post. Instead of whining and moaning let's make things happen. Volunteered not told to come in.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 9:18 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 09:18:43 -0500

They got promoted.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 11:40 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 11:40:28 -0500

I would like to point out that some degree of criticism is necessary to achieve change, especially if the masses don't like a particular policy or equipment.

The beret, up-armoring light vehicles early on in the war, and change to multicam followed by the eventual army-wide pattern change for the ACU are three examples of this.

Response by SSG Jason Cherry made Nov 14 at 2014 12:39 PM

SSG Jason Cherry — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 12:39:45 -0500

The Army is an evolving organism. The institution itself has to adapt to a changing world in order to provide security, deterrence, and to fight and win wars if necessary.

BLUF: The Army adapts, and so must you.

If you don't like how things are done, then come up with an acceptable alternative and pitch it. Don't just bitch and complain. If you can change it, change it! Whatever your sphere of influence is, you can affect all of those people with your good idea and it will eventually spread over time to the far reaches of the force.

Being a leader means setting the example. Take the bull by the horns. Don't erode your power and authority by complaining to your troops. Listen to their complaints, mentor them, fix what you can, and deal with the rest.