For years we have run from Training Centers to deployments. What should we be doing in Garrison? Are we failing or succeeding at this task?

COL Lee Flemming — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 02:46:14 -0400

SM health, reconnecting with families, realistic training, mentorship, sports / activities, et al. How do we get back to the basics of being alright with not preparing for our next trip to Iraq or Afghanistan? Godspeed to those of you who are doing or are training to do our Nations bidding in the fight! Your comments are welcome too...

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2016 3:38 AM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 03:38:04 -0400

Time to unwind and focus on moral is very important. A lot can be learned by looking at Special Warfare Teams. These men are gone more than anyone else. They are always given plenty of time to unwind, away from work, with family - even to the point of "phone / text" mustering to adhere to Naval policy. Trust your men, know your men, and ensure that they have enough time to heal physically and emotionally. Family time is important and so is time away from the stresses of war. Training is very important, but units only get out of training what they put into it. If your men are only 60%.. 40% of that training is wasted.

Response by 1stLt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2016 7:01 AM

1stLt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 07:01:26 -0400

From a training perspective, our Marines are shooting less rounds, conducting less dismounted movements, running less ranges: overall readiness is lower from being deployed. I would say that tough realistic training is paramount to all.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2016 8:15 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 08:15:55 -0400

Stop all that the TDY nonsense! Train Soldiers at their duty stations. Let them see their families and save the tax payers some money too.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Aug 12 at 2016 9:22 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 09:22:46 -0400

Great thread topic here

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2016 11:22 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 11:22:42 -0400

I'll let you know when it stops.
Been preparing for deployment every other year without fail for 15 years now, with more on the horizon.
The better question is how do we get the "less ready" units up to speed, so that the same units don't get repeatedly tasked for operational deployments.
I'd recommend an exchange program where more ready units share best practices with guests from a sister unit, and send one of their best people to help with what ails the other unit.
Sometimes the culture needs a shakeup in order to move forward.

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Aug 15 at 2016 11:50 AM

SGT Mark Rhodes — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 11:50:18 -0400

COL Lee Fleming this is an excellent question that should be addressed by all higher Ups. There are so many things we lose while being deployed and need to learn to live our lives especially with our loved ones who suffer from our loses and deployments. Keep them close to you to help us improve our piece of mind.