Has constant change been a theme during your career?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 14:25:49 -0400

I’ve always wondered why “things” in the DoD are in a seemingly constant state of change. Has it always been this way? Adaptability is key and of course we must always improve, but I’d like to understand the reason behind a lot of the changes that seem superfluous at first glance.

Two examples off the top of my head:
- PT is now “PRT”
- Full Spectrum Operations is now Unified Land Operations

I can think of a few more, but what similar changes can you remember from your experience in the military?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 2:30 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 14:30:04 -0400

AO to OE

BDUs to ACU to what we will have next year

PT sweats to what we have now to what we will have next year

PLDC to WLC

BNCOC to ALC

ANCOC to SLC

Dress Greens to ASUs

I could go on and on Sir.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 3:07 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 15:07:40 -0400

Flexibility is the key to success :)

Response by SSgt Stephanie Luck made Aug 21 at 2014 3:23 PM

SSgt Stephanie Luck — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 15:23:38 -0400

My biggest complaints are all the new polices we have to implement but we aren't getting rid of any old ones. I can't keep track any more. It's never-ending! So many higher ups feel the need to make their mark instead of simplifying the processes. So frustrating!

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 22 at 2014 12:01 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 12:01:03 -0400

The number of changes encountered are too numerous to even contemplate! Change is a constant, both in service, and in the civilian sector. One thing remains true, when faced with change you have only two choices; adapt, or become extinct. The choice is yours and yours alone.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2014 12:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 12:07:23 -0400

Sir, I am not bothered by most of the changes. I do believe that some of the changes are influenced by our own society/ military culture. How people see the military as a whole, the names of our programs to even our uniforms. You can observe it the most in our young Soldiers because the culture has changed so much in the military. You have a lot of older leaders that have issues reaching these new Soldiers not because they are not trying. The way that they learned to impart information to others does not work with the newer generation.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 22 at 2014 1:43 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 13:43:00 -0400

Call me Gumby! I've seen 3 changes in PT uniforms, 3 changes in duty uniforms, 2 changes in dress uniforms, stupidity in the chapeau department, 4 different electronic forms software packages, OOTWA, asymmetrical warfare, MDMP, the disappearance of the FEBA, the retirement of the Fulda Gap Scenario, and that doesn't count all the equipment evolutions in electronics in 20 years as a Signal Officer.

Army of One, my a$$. More like Army of Change - don't blink, you might miss one.

...And the Army, keeps rolling, along