Future Soldiers need a reality check!

With all due respect to CSM Uhlig, I agree with SGT Caprio's comment above. My first thought regarding CSM's response was of a jab, albeit maybe inadvertently, towards someone working in DC. Just because someone works in DC or in a TRADOC environment doesn't mean their thoughts don't count.

It is easy to be removed from a situation (in this case asking for a Soldier to be broken, while not being stationed in the training base - e.g. A Drill Seegeant) and someone else do the work for you. Before you continue the road your heading, I suggest you read the comments once again - from my point of view, the pointed remarks (while directed at my response) support that a leader that wants a Soldier to be broken or thrown out for being a non-hacker would be the indicator of a toxic leader. These new Soldiers joined our ranks knowing we were at war and knew they would deploy - in my eyes that tells me a little about their character already. Until you've been that Drill Sergeant or lived that life as a leader in the Basic Combat Training environment having to enforce and train civilians, turning them into Soldiers (while following the 350-6 to the letter) then you don't have the knowledge of what happens in the Basic Training and the role of our trainers. I ask you, have you lived the red phase or the witnessed the dedication of those professionals that are molding the new Soldier. And, now I ask you to evaluate your statements as well....and if you are certain you are correct, I suggest you apply yourself and YOU put your Drill Sergeant packet in. See, the real problem is, regardless of location, we have too many that want to stand on the sidelines and complain, while there are others doing work. Don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution. And, for the record, make it public right here....do you have what it takes, you personally, to become a Drill Sergeant? I am asking you, are you all talk? if you are able to, I can help you get there.....are you going to continue complaining or be part of the solution?

CSM,<br>I am not sure who this was addressed to, but I definitely was not complaining. I simply responded to having my character attacked by a leader who knows nothing about me. I actually believe it to be quite the contrary as my comments were not even addressed. I am quite certain they were understood, so I am left to read the response as yet more condescending rhetoric that seems more and more typical of SGM's and CSM's as of late. Generic Army answers that lack true depth.&nbsp; With respect, I don't need to read the thread again. I understand wholeheartedly. I see someone who is not interested in the viewpoints of others, and this trait completely overshadows any sound advice that could be given. Sadly this really does seem to be the trend in our Army. Agree or not, to me the response reads like we have no right to have an opinion about the issue. Since we have not been a drill sergeants we have no grasp on what the training environment is like? Maybe not directly, but simply cause and effect logic would indicate that there are some things that are lacking to a degree, given that a number of soldiers are showing up to units lacking discipline and general military bearing. As with everything the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle ground, but one thing is certain: no real solution will be reached if senior leaders continue to brush aside the views of the lower enlisted, and I am quite sure there are more that share these same sentiments in regards to soldiers. Coming from a training environment where I literally had to educate the schoolhouse on the standard in a situation that could have had career impacts has left me asking some serious questions on just how good of a grasp even the senior enlisted have on the issues. This conversation (which I will no longer participate in) has not helped my concerns in the least. It is truly mind boggling. I sincerely hope this is not what the Army is shaping out to be like. My advice to senior leadership would be this: You tenure does not make you any more intelligent or better than the next soldier. Believe me, We all have credentials that we can throw around, whether it be in the Army or the civilian world. ESPECIALLY after working in Washington. What good does this do if we are not willing to humble ourselves and listen to our subordinates. The respect for rank will, and should always be given. For me though, you have one chance to EARN my respect as a leader and an individual during your initial impression (and yes it is EARNED). Take caution in writing your soldiers off. If you do it enough, they will start to do it to you as well. Always remember, without our soldiers, our effectiveness as NCO's takes a major hit. It truly baffles me that this is still not standard data. This has been eye opening to say the least....<br><br>"The test of a leader lies in the reaction and response of his followers. He should not have to impose authority. Bossiness in itself never made a leader. He must make his influence felt by example and the instilling of confidence in his followers. The greatness of a leader is measured by the achievements of the led. This is the ultimate test of his effectiveness" -General Omar Bradley<br><br><br>

<p>SGT Caprio, after reading your replies I can't help but to wonder to whom the original post was directed (this is a literal statement, not a pointed one.)&nbsp; Specifically, from you, I'm interested in knowing your thoughts for whom the following message was directed as well as the approach you would take to correct the situation from the original post:</p><p><br></p><p>"I have never seen so many Soldiers that think they are "owed" something. The Army needs to break these Soldiers down more in basic and quit treating them like babies and kids."</p><p><br></p><p>I ask that you not manipulating words here and get back onto the original post (e.g. I did not refer to you or any other person here as a "lower enlisted", that is your language - you use that language,&nbsp;you own those condescending words and anyone that knows me can tell you that is not my choice for Soldiers on my team.)&nbsp; And I took the time to read my post, it does sound as if&nbsp;I took&nbsp;a jab at those in DC.</p><p><br></p><p>I am anxiously awaiting your reply to my question above, and look forward to reading&nbsp;how you pontificate on&nbsp;this part of&nbsp;the original post:</p><p><br></p><p>"I have never seen so many Soldiers that think they are "owed" something. The Army needs to break these Soldiers down more in basic and quit treating them like babies and kids."</p><p><br></p>

<p>MSG(P),</p><p>You are correct, but if their parents couldn't do the job and the Army allowed them to join, then the Army needs to become their parents and break them down more and build them back up the right way. </p>

Enforce the standards, teach, coach, mentor, and counsel. All to often do I see NCOs who show fear or lack of ability to Lead. Soldiers with no leadership tend to be undisciplined because no one is their to instill the discipline. As a young Soldier I was counseled regularly on both positive and negative events, not just once a month in a cookie cutter blah, blah, blah 4856, but at least once a week my Team Leader would let me know that I did something great, or I did something wrong.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>Hold NCOs feet to the fire because I see NCOs complain about their Soldiers, and when I ask to see the counseling packet, its always lacking substantial counseling's.&nbsp;</div>

SFC Keith,<div><br></div><div>And that's where NCOs, like you and your NCOs, come into play...can't be a zero tolerance Army; that's the easy way out.</div>

I concur.