Posted on Apr 7, 2021
How could one back into the fully loaded costs it takes to train a new soldier to meet the required Marksmanship Standard?
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I am exploring the idea of writing a paper supporting marksmanship programs and policies with the main pillar of justification being economic benefit (because that's what anyone ever really cares about).
There is a fully loaded economic cost to train a soldier from the ground up to reach the Army standard, and then the cost of continued qualification and training. What is that cost? I suppose if I was tied into the the annual budgeting for TRADOC at the micro level I could pull those numbers out (as a finance professional) but I don't have access to said data.
As a competitive shooter, I do not get anything from the Army by way of my hobby, but the Army still benefits from the fact I can show up to any range qual any time with any pistol or rifle and I will crush the Army standard. Thousands of soldiers that competitively shoot on their own time do so as well.
So if a program was more open to supporting a soldier's participation in local shooting venues the direct economic benefit of that would be the cost the Army would have incurred itself to get him to that level of skill.
There is a fully loaded economic cost to train a soldier from the ground up to reach the Army standard, and then the cost of continued qualification and training. What is that cost? I suppose if I was tied into the the annual budgeting for TRADOC at the micro level I could pull those numbers out (as a finance professional) but I don't have access to said data.
As a competitive shooter, I do not get anything from the Army by way of my hobby, but the Army still benefits from the fact I can show up to any range qual any time with any pistol or rifle and I will crush the Army standard. Thousands of soldiers that competitively shoot on their own time do so as well.
So if a program was more open to supporting a soldier's participation in local shooting venues the direct economic benefit of that would be the cost the Army would have incurred itself to get him to that level of skill.
Marksmanship
Basic Training
Military Budget
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
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All they care about is metrics. If somehow...some...way someone could prove a pilot program increased lethality while saving money (does DOD actually care about that?) then I'm sure it could be expanded across the force.
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I don't even need a pilot program. I want to quantify the economic benefit the army saves by say just letting soldiers go to matches on their own dime.
Army Regulation 350-66 gives me all the teeth I need. But no one that matters knows, and I want to convince them quantitatively with $$$.
AR350-66
2-1
a. Army personnel of all components will be provided opportunities to prepare for, and participate in, small arms marksmanship competitions. These preparations, which include those for international competitions, are classified as training.
Army Regulation 350-66 gives me all the teeth I need. But no one that matters knows, and I want to convince them quantitatively with $$$.
AR350-66
2-1
a. Army personnel of all components will be provided opportunities to prepare for, and participate in, small arms marksmanship competitions. These preparations, which include those for international competitions, are classified as training.
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England came to greatness in part due to the long bow and the men who trained mostly by themselves from a very early age. From the president on down legislators are doing their very best to remove that same advantage from the American Army.
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Great intentions and I support your intent. You are aware of the political quagmire that you will be entering...
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Yes, but I anticipate needing a research paper for ILE (my military education after Captains course). So while I might be spinning my wheels, if I can use it toward ILE it is not a total waste of time.
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