Posted on Dec 17, 2013
SFC Randy Purham
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What
does “Take it back to the basics.” really mean? I often hear this phrase of
CSMs in NCOPDs, but what does that mean to today’s NCOs? Let’s think about
this. 2001 – 9-11 happened. 2003 the Invasion to Iraq happened. 2003-2008 was
the surge to support two war-fronts. In the meanwhile, retirements, deaths and
ETS still happened. PVT Joe/Jane Snuffy who came in during 2001-2003 were
essentially shoveled through Basic/AIT to fill “Boots-on-Ground” numbers;
standards and training were relaxed or simply thrown out the window. 2011-2013
they are now SGTs, SSGs and some SFCs – who progressed through the ranks and
filled the shoes of those that died, retired and/or ETSd. Now, the question
remains – in new form – how can the basics be enforced when they were never
taught it?
Posted in these groups: 5f4d5dbb NCOPDChecklist icon 2 Standards
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Responses: 5
SSG Robert Burns
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Edited 11 y ago
I think the question is WHY does someone say that?  Not just in the Army but in all things, sports, etc. you hear this when people have gotten too complex, doing their own things, or have lost the fundamentals.  Something they're doing isn't working like it should.  So what do we do?  We reset get back to the foundation and start building on it again.
You can't start trying to shoot trick shots on the pool table if you can't hold the pool stick properly.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
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When said by senior personnel, it means "we need to start emphasizing this particular standard(s) that I feel is particularly important at this time".
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SFC Randy Purham
SFC Randy Purham
11 y
I can understand that, but why not just teach what the standard is so everyone is on one accord versus making a blanket statement and leaving it to Google and YouTube to teach it?
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SFC Michael Hasbun
SFC Michael Hasbun
11 y

I think subjectivity is an issue there. Most regulations are left somewhat vague, to make room for Commanders discretion. Even regulations that are "matter of fact" are frequently debated in terms of intent, scope and meaning.

 

The intent is ften lost in the verbage and over analysis...

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1SG Steven Stankovich
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<p>I asked this question not too long ago.&nbsp; Got a few responses...</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>https://www.rallypoint.com/questions/2858-what-does-getting-back-to-the-basics-mean-to-you</p><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="https://www.rallypoint.com/assets/fb_share_logo.png"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a href="https://www.rallypoint.com/questions/2858-what-does-getting-back-to-the-basics-mean-to-you" target="_blank">What does "getting back to the basics" mean to you?</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">We hear our senior leaders,&amp;nbsp;specifically in the Army, talk about getting back to the "basics."&amp;nbsp; What exactly does that mean to you?&amp;nbsp; I have been in the Army for 23 years and my definiti...</div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>
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SFC Randy Purham
SFC Randy Purham
11 y

I must have missed that post, but thanks for sharing. I guess great minds do think alike.

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