Do you support the "Good Ole' Boy" system?

I agree that a “good ol’ boy” system is not conducive to an all-encompasing force. There may be exceptional performers who come from different units or walks of life and aren’t members of this unofficial network. I am a firm believer that one’s actions should dictate their career.

However, while not explicitly tied to promotion, we should also look at the Army’s seventh warfighting function (WFF); engagement. While this WFF is typically oriented towards security force assistance-type missions, I think the core component rings true across the force. If you are unable to demonstrate your value to senior and/or lateral commanders, you will rarely have the opportunity to succeed. It is within the realm of engagement where you effectively “sell” yourself to those who would determine your leadership potential.

To be honest I think I have a bigger issue with the term "good ole' boy system" then I do with the ramifications of it. The reason I say this is because I feel like this is one of those terms that tends to get thrown around a lot by people are less than desirable Soldiers or leaders. I by no means I have an opinion of the OP. Just something that I noticed. It is like the term toxic leader. I have heard that term said by more Soldiers that were just unhappy with the decision that the leaders above them made. Are there probably Soldiers out there who got promoted or an assignment just based on being pals with someone? Sure. I feel more often than not just like some others have stated; it is because an individual has already been assessed as the best option. I have worked with Soldiers and leaders that if I was given the chance to build my ideal team I would call them and say come work for me. Because i know what they have to offer and can get straight to work without having to evaluate their work.

I believe it is extremely damaging to our force. Here's a good example: We had a squad leader in the Company I deployed with who was relieved for utterly failing to do his job. To give you some idea, one of his gun trucks rolled into Iraq without any crew-served ammunition because he failed to do a PCI. Another time they left without a weapons mount for the crew-served. His PSG, who he was buddies with, gave him a glowing NCOER for the deployment. He made the E7 list shortly after we got home and was promoted. Because of the "good ole boy" system that Company now has a PSG who couldn't hack it as an E6 in combat. Hopefully he will retire before they deploy again.

We need the best people possible for the position, bottom line. Our Soldiers lives are too precious for this not to happen.