Are you hungry for knowledge or waiting to be taught?

2014-04-11T02:43:10-04:00

I had a discussion the other day about authorized combat boots that made me want to ask this question.

The discussion was between myself and another NCO that mentioned the Nike combat boots were authorized simply by "I have been wearing them for 2 years and nobody has corrected me." I mentioned that they are made of synthetic leather and per AR 670-1 are not authorized for wear. This NCO then stated "Does it say specifically Nike boots are unauthorized?". At this point I quoted the specific paragraph where it mentions the requirements for authorized boots.

I say that to say this...Instead of digging into the regs to understand how we are supposed to operate, we rely on someone teaching us, which is not always the correct way, because "that is what we have always done".

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2014 2:59 AM

2014-04-11T02:59:43-04:00

SFC W,

I understand where you are coming from with this, but I would like to point out that training and mentorship is how I would argue the vast majority of military knowledge is passed on. Yes, taking it upon yourself to read regs so you can understand them yourself is important and should be something every soldier looking to make a career out of their profession should do. That said, there are a LOT of regulations out there and some are more strictly enforced than others. Is that right? That's a whole other argument. What I'm getting at is, in a nutshell, sometimes you just need to pick your battles.

Let's go with your nike boot example. Say for the sake of argument that everyone in your chain of command happens to wear boots that are not technically authorized. Are you really going to be the one guy to pick that as your battle to fight?

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 11 at 2014 6:53 AM

2014-04-11T06:53:44-04:00

I would suggest that the answer to your question is that we are all on a continuum of knowledge. Our junior service members, for the most part, are waiting to be taught and it is the responsibility of NCOs to provide that instruction. In addition to providing instruction, we should also be motivating them and instilling the desire to learn, thereby moving them forward along the spectrum towards thirst for knowledge. As a general statement the farther one moves towards the 'thirst for knowledge' end of the spectrum, the more successful they will be; not just in the military, but in life as well... so.... to sum it up.... Stay Thirsty My Friends!!!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2014 7:04 AM

2014-04-11T07:04:26-04:00

I am constantly researching regs and learning new stuff. However, on the topic of the Nike boots, I did not know they were unauthorized until I became a rallypoint member. While I do make it a habit to read regulations, I don't make it a habit to read tags on boots to see what they are made of. That is probably the same across the Army, and is the reason that Soldiers have been "wearing them for two years with nobody saying anything". I have also known Soldiers wearing them and prior to my newly gained knowledge did not correct them.

On a very similar note, I was talked at (not to, but at) when I first got to TRADOC about starching my uniform. Was made to take off my top and read the tag on the inside where it says "do not starch". I knew what it said but humored this leader anyways. Brought one of my old BDU tops in the next day to show them the tag that said the same thing and ask where the difference was (you didn't dream of coming to formation in a non starched BDU uniform) with ignoring one or the other. I was then told to "do as I am told".

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Apr 11 at 2014 9:12 AM

2014-04-11T09:12:23-04:00

I feel like a bit of both should always be employed. When you are attempting to answer your own questions in relation to the wear of the uniform, how you are to conduct yourself, etc then personal research is best.

When you are attempting to advance in your specialty I feel that both can hold equal weight as you can continue to adapt your own knowledge by research and asking questions, but should also be open to listening when others speak.

I mostly try to follow the aggressive pursuit of knowledge, but one must never let that blind them to the receipt of knowledge from those attempting to assist.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2014 9:45 AM

2014-04-11T09:45:19-04:00

To clarify, I am by no means saying being taught isn't a good thing. It is a very good tool to educate our ranks especially with our vast amounts of knowledge and experience. However, those that just sit back and expect to be spoon fed everything are the ones I am trying to get at within this discussion.