Posted on Dec 16, 2013
Should Okinawa, Japan be a Soldier's first station?
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Should Okinawa, Japan (Kadena AFB) be a Soldiers first duty station? There are so many things that is done over here that does not go on in the states that would allow a Soldier to become complacent ex. when Soldiers go to the field they are not allowed to sleep out over night on sight. Should Soldiers be introduced to this coming out of AIT?
Soldiers
Duty Stations
Japan
Okinawa
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 2
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I said the same thing about Germany when I first got here, but I realized that units need soldiers. If we're going to have a unit someplace it's going to need the boots. That and if we can entrust that soldier to raise their hand and swear an oath, we need to trust that they'll be able to make it wherever they're stationed. Leadership is the problem when new soldiers have "adjustment" issues at duty stations that aren't "typical".
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MSG Martinis Butler
OK I can see that but I still think the discipline starts and the entry level lets not wait until things are so far gone to try to get things in line take care of those issues in the lowest stage. When I was an instructor I made sure of that!!!!
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SSG (Join to see)
I agree completely SFC Butler! Discipline starts as soon as you step off of transpo at BCT/OSUT. The duty station should not be where new soldiers are learning discipline, but exercising it.
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I'm a little confused by this question. Is it your recommendation that new Soldiers should not be sent overseas for their first duty assignment? I read and understand what you are saying about weeding out issues with Soldiers as soon as possible, but to change a Soldier's assignment because he/she is having personal issues seems counter-productive. Soldiers have and will continue to have issues. That's called being human. Sure, dealing with their issues while dealing with your own issues is not one of the prettiest things about being an NCO but it needs to be done.
As part of my onboarding process when I got a new Soldier start out of AIT was to sit down with him and talk. I got to know my Soldiers and my Soldiers got to know me. If they were married, I would try to meet with both of them. I told them we have a job to do and because of that, they had to keep their house in order. I expected them to be ready and on point when called upon and they expected the same from me. If they had an issue going on while we were out in the field training, guess what, they still went out with us. They did their job, came home and dealt with the issue. Sure it wasn't always easy, but it is what has to be done.
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MSG Martinis Butler
Don't want to confuse you, but my intent was not to stop all new Soldiers from coming overseas as their first duty station. I was only speaking of Okinawa, Japan simply because it is a forward deployed station as Soldiers are expected to come over here hitting the ground running. The tempo over here is pretty fast pace and we are only a battalion with minimal assistance on an AFB. We answer to individuals over in Hawaii when we need info. So when I say we should screen these soldiers more careful and be cognizant of who we send because its a hassle to focus on the mission, trouble soldiers , invest in those doing the right thing , taking care of trouble family issues, as well as adjust to any last minute frago's that come down from higher. I give 110% when it comes to taking care of the Soldier but as a Senior NCO I have to prioritize my time and focus on why I'm here and that's to accomplish the mission.
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