Is there a need for a new form of mentorship: Thinking Beer Calls?

2015-02-20T13:28:18-05:00

With the death of on-base Officer/NCO clubs and fewer leader beer calls, has a form of informal bonding and mentorship been lost? Some groups are starting "Thinking Beer Calls" that are independent of the chain of command, voluntary, and promote open discourse and mentorship.

https://medium.com/@CCLKOW/thinking-beer-calls-b8e52beb1b81

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 1:31 PM

2015-02-20T13:31:06-05:00

Yes! Bring back the basics.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 20 at 2015 1:31 PM

2015-02-20T13:31:20-05:00

That is an excellent idea it is much like one of the meetup groups in the Raleigh, NC called Beers and Business where local business people get together to network and discuss business opportunities and build networks.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 1:37 PM

2015-02-20T13:37:31-05:00

What events like this do you have near your post/base?

If you are interested in starting one at Ft. Benning, contact me.

Response by CSM Michael Lynch made Feb 20 at 2015 1:39 PM

2015-02-20T13:39:54-05:00

My team used to call it the Adult Learning Mode, you could gain a lot more insight of individuals and they tended to talk more freely during these events. They could learn more over this time than Power point death presentations. I know it worked well for us.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 2:31 PM

2015-02-20T14:31:44-05:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member,

"Thinking Beer Calls" are actually very effective. The OSJA where I work hosts one at least once a month, "SJA Huddle". It's a great opportunity to build relationships with other paralegals, attorneys, and even civilians that I don't see on a day to day basis.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 4:48 PM

2015-02-20T16:48:32-05:00

Now is called NCO call. Without the drinking portion.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Feb 20 at 2015 6:26 PM

2015-02-20T18:26:12-05:00

I routinely pull my section NCOIC's in for lunch (once a month) just to see how they are doing and meet outside of the work environment. Even do the occasional after work off site.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 3:21 PM

2015-02-21T15:21:20-05:00

Doctrine Man (if you're not following him on Facebook/Twitter, you are missing out) has added to the discussion of "Thinking Beer Calls" with an article on Scotch and Cigars:

https://medium.com/the-smoking-gun/scotch-and-cigars-21a43e0f647a

Scotch and Cigars — Beyond the Objective

Leading and Mentoring at the Club

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 8:45 PM

2015-02-25T20:45:01-05:00

Another voice on the death of responsible military socializing.

Carl Forsling asks why on-base clubs are dying. The problem is fear of alcohol-related issues. Did the military overreact and abandon a cultural institution for mentorship?

The Military Has Overkilled Alcohol With Big Collateral Damage

The military needs to acknowledge that responsible alcohol usage is part of the solution, not a problem.

Response by CW5 Jim Steddum made Feb 25 at 2015 8:50 PM

2015-02-25T20:50:03-05:00

My Sergeant Major and I used to get together every Thursday at 1500 for what he called Beer-Thirty. We had a beer or two at the installation golf course and discussed the administrative and personnel issues of the week. After several months, we would asks seniors or juniors to join us if we knew they need extra times to work through some issues. This time, though very informal, was the most productive time during the week for leadership issues.