Do you believe that MOS skills have atrophied or become convoluted?

2015-03-16T23:16:51-04:00

This is not a critique on generational differences in a us versus them sort of way. Instead, this is a question of rather training focus has been negatively affected by environmental distractions.

What comes to mind when someone states their MOS?
Has a serious of wars following Desert Storm convoluted the specialization of MOS?
Does misapplication of technology hamper training?
Has lack of adherence to SOP disabled NCOs and Officers from planning and executing consistent and efficient training?
Has all of this degraded the skills that define an MOS?
Active duty has an abundance of time but the Reserve Component has much less. Whats more important the EO classes or basic skills?
When I think MOS capabilities
11B ruck march, rifle ranges and highly effective maneuver.
12B emplace or reduce an obstacle while keeping up with 11B
13F fire support while keeping up with 11B.
19K recon and intel collection while staying forward of 11Bs.

The Alpha (Officers) capable of doing the same. I am not daming any unit but I am asking in general are we specialized or generalized?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 11:23 PM

2015-03-16T23:23:37-04:00

I think there is a trap of seniors to discuss lack of institutional knowledge among junior leaders. I think the knife cuts both was. While a Senior leader is far more experienced than a junior leader. However one should ask themselves are they as good as their predecessors and what effect do I have on the problem.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 11:39 PM

2015-03-16T23:39:52-04:00

As a CBRN soldier I have had to deal with this problem for many years. In fact, the last time I saw the training taken seriously was when I was active duty with a heavy construction unit during the Cold War. When we went on a FTX, I was part of advance party. My chemical recon teams would conduct a site survey, I would deploy the chemical agent alarm systems, and you can bet that at least once during the exercise there would be a chemical or even nuclear event.

I have not been active for the last 9 years, so I have no reference point, but I have an exceptionally hard time convincing the leadership to include CBRN during any sort of AT. Part of the reason is I have always been with training or training support units, and our mission has that support focus. But, other then annual or bi-annual 3 -4hour instructional blocks, the only MOS training I get is practicing notional attacks on my own while manning the TOC.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2015 5:12 AM

2015-03-17T05:12:59-04:00

Some specialized CMFs/MOSs will be under utilized depending on the operational environment, others will be over utilized or utilized outside their CMF/MOS i.e. Field Artillery, Armor, Cavalry, Military Police, etc. "owning" battle space and conducting Infantry type operations within that area.

I believe that some CMF/MOS skills do degrade because of the above but can be "shored" up through the three training domains once operations have ended. Commanders are responsible for training and must ensure that all CMFs/MOSs under their command receive the training required to accomplish the mission and remain proficient. If you follow the principles of training outlined in ADP 7-0 regardless of type of unit you should be successful.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Mar 17 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-03-17T13:12:10-04:00

Short answer yes, looking forward to amplifying when able.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 9:30 PM

2015-03-18T21:30:09-04:00

I'm currently a Guardsman, 91F MOS for the past three years as part of a forward support company. After AIT can say I've only done my job/practiced fixing weapons, actually finding a problem and get the proper parts to replace out do tweaking, twice. Both of those times were at AT and our Warrant managed to pull strings for the parts. I promise you that once I get past the field strip of a weapon, with the exception of M4s and M16s, I need the TM to go step by step. And if you put a M777 in front of me I wouldn't even know where to begin at that point.

I'm sure it's different for AD working in shops all day, but I never see any MOS training during regular drill days, let alone any under stress situations. Most of AT I fill out paperwork and tell the 11Bs to send it up to the next level for simple things I should be fixing.