Report: Army officers admit to (and defend) their lying

2015-02-20T12:27:46-05:00

The Army Times posted this article. I personally see it happen quite often. Although I readily condemn lies and shortcuts that have the potential to injure soldiers, I can understand why someone would fudge numbers to satisfy some of the myriad requirements placed upon us:

"Did you sit through this entire 4-hour block of EO and SHARP training, and not just sign in and leave?"
"Yes."
"I believe you, because that's exactly what I wanted to hear."

So my question to all of you is if this is acceptable, and to what extent. What have you seen? Do you sometimes tell people what they want to hear in order to make mission happen? To turn a phrase, have you ever given the baby his bottle? Share your stories! Discuss!

A study released Tuesday by two Army War College professors explains how some officers remain in compliance with ever-increasing training

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 20 at 2015 12:31 PM

2015-02-20T12:31:12-05:00

Anyone who has served at any position above Squad Leader has known about this institutional issue for years. In fairness, it's not the Officers, it's the Army that caused this situation. Lying is the only way to have a career that doesn't implode. Honesty means fired.

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Feb 20 at 2015 12:39 PM

2015-02-20T12:39:02-05:00

The guy I took command from... our boss asked during a meeting if a task was completed. He says, "yes!" and then, after the meeting, goes and knocks that out, it having slipped his mind earlier.
I took that as a good lesson in politics.
Was he lying? Yes.
Would telling the truth have been better? In my opinion, no! First, you endure a little scorn from the boss, and then you get a little micromanagement. Not help, but micromanagement.

I dont know that I have done it...but when inprocessing or clearing, I have wanted to (and may have) signed some of the blocks on the form. As a single guy with no kids, I really dont need to go to family advocacy, or some of these other places just to get a damn signature and/or help you justify your pay check...