Easing Enlistment standards...again?

SFC A.M. Drake — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 05:42:19 -0400

Pentagon chief may ease enlistment standards
Ash Carter is exploring whether to adjust some of the requirements for certain military jobs, such as those involving cyber or high-tech expertise.

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/careers/enlisted/2015/03/30/pentagon-chief-may-ease-enlistment-standards/70658696/

Pentagon chief may ease enlistment standards

Ash Carter is exploring whether to adjust some of the requirements for certain military jobs, such as those involving cyber or high-tech expertise.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Aug 13 at 2015 5:51 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 05:51:05 -0400

Bad move in my opinion.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 7:57 AM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 07:57:38 -0400

I can see where this would be useful in limited circumstances such as for a priority MOS. Let's be honest, the standards can be somewhat arbitrary. If the standards are in fact standing in the way of the Army obtaining a capability that it needs, a deliberate readjustment might be in order.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Aug 13 at 2015 8:38 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 08:38:01 -0400

I disagree with those that say it might be a good move based on the MOS. The standards are the standards. I'm saying this as an IT professional, the DoD should not reduce the standards. Is good IT knowledge hard to find? Yes, I'm often told that it's hard to find someone like me that has so many skill sets over so many different platforms but does that mean I get any job I want? No, because the company still has a standard they want to keep and the military should do that same.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 10:45 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 10:45:40 -0400

If we have to adjust standards, such as weight, for these positions, do we need Soldiers for these jobs or could we use GS employees instead? When its time to do an action that is considered 'combat' or harmful to another government, then the green suiter can come in the room and hit enter.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 6:28 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 18:28:21 -0400

If minor drug offenses aren't an issue then they aren't an issue. I disagree that they aren't but this definitely shouldn't be applied to a "select few" and not the whole.