Total Military Focus; how much should SMs develop skills outside of the military?

SFC Randy Purham — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 22:37:25 -0400

Being part of many discussion forums and groups through many SMS, I find it daunting that many Soldiers (rank immaterial) seem to have no depth to them outside of the military (whatever branch). Should this mentality be encouraged - to be total military focused - or should there be some coaxing of getting other life experience(s) and knowledge base to be prepared for the post-military life? <div><br></div><div>Now, most leaders are immersed into their profession and probably would say be military focused.  Do you think this will help with transition and adapting anxiety if Soldiers were well versed on both sides of the fence? </div><div><br></div><div>Where does the balancing process begin and what should be the first steps in accomplishing these tasks - whether, for yourself or for others. </div>

Response by SFC Christopher Walker, MAOM, DSL made Apr 21 at 2014 10:42 PM

SFC Christopher Walker, MAOM, DSL — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 22:42:09 -0400

That mentality should not be encouraged. Soldiers need to focus on post military. The military will end some day. The main thing they need to focus on while in the military is college and certifications. This will give them a tremendous head start.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Apr 21 at 2014 10:49 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 22:49:27 -0400

In a day and age when the purpose of the US Army could indulge in total warfare, that mentality was adequate.
Today however, it is impossible. We are expected to consider secondary and tertiary affects of policies and actions that we take in any given environment. Sociopolitical, economic, short term, long term, health, resources, labor pool, native civilians, displaced civilians, Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Conducting scientific studies to measure past, present and future effects of actions.
If and Officer or a Senior NCO are not capable of multi-discipline thought processes, they will be hard pressed to offer the proper or informed advice to maximize their Commanders mission.
The good old days of "Hands across the desert and shoot it if it moves" are gone.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2014 8:39 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 20:39:55 -0400

Battle/ SSG Purham,

Without hessitation I can take a shot at this comment. The more knowledge a Soldier can absorb the more prepared our Army will be. For each level of leadership you should expect a managerial level of preparation and education that perhaps we lack on our current NCOES curriculum. I know that we supplement this education with NCOPD but I have known too many Soldiers that have absolute zero interest in taking a single college class regardless of all the benefits this can provide to themselves, the Soldiers, the unit and the Army. Education is a collection of tools that you carry to make you that much more prepared to deal with different situations. One thing, you cannot substitute mentorship for civilian education because they are both necessary.