What do you think contributes to the decline/lack of leadership within our formations?

Officers - There is a lack of development from NCOs at the platoon leader level. There is a zero defect mentality that requires "self-preservation" in order to climb the ladder. The "two levels down" model is not followed, BN CDRs do a poor job of counseling/mentoring their platoon leaders, BDE CDRs do a poor job of counseling/mentoring their CO CDRs, etc, etc. There is a lack of knowledge on how to properly use/relate to the NCO (lack of development at the platoon level). Lack of understanding of, or improperly implementing the mission command philosophy.

NCOs - There is a lack of development at the platoon sergeant level from the CSM (two levels down model). "It's all about me mentality", Soldiers come after I get airborne, air assault, ranger schools. etc. Very young and inexperienced SSGs, SFCs, 1SGs that know combat duties extremely well but lack training management/taking care of Soldier skills. A general lack of "seeing the bigger picture".

What both Corps have in common that is leading to poor leadership is a serious lack in discipline and enforcing standards. The increasing inability to work together toward a common goal (The Profession of Arms) is counterproductive to the Army's mission. It reminds me a lot of the Democratic and Republican political parties, almost to the point of making me sick to my stomach.

"For the want of a nail the shoe was lost,
For the want of a shoe the horse was lost,
For the want of a horse the rider was lost,
For the want of a rider the battle was lost,
For the want of a battle the kingdom was lost,
And all for the want of a horseshoe-nail.”
- Ben Franklin

Little things add up to big things. Standards and discipline lost in one generation equals leadership challenges and failure in the next. Just look back over time and ask yourself what is different today versus 30-50-75 years ago.

I see many posts about NCO's not being able to get undisciplined troops in line, a lack of standards, discipline and focus in the ranks. This did not happen overnight, it happened because leaders years ago let standards slip, then slip again and again. A blind eye was turned and here we are complaining about the outcome.

The fix is not easy. It will require going back to harder standards, more discipline and more rigor. A dog that has been on a long leash never wants to go back to a short one.

Post on here such as the one about not having your pockets unbuttoned is a prime example. A standard is a standard. While some may seem small and we may not agree with all of them it's our job as NCOs to enforce them. If you leave your back pocket unbuttoned because you are in and out of it all day to get your wallet what other standards are you willing to let slide for convenience. Leaders looked at me like I was crazy performing an in ranks inspection after first formation Monday morning. I don't do it to be a dick, I do it because Soldiers respect the fact that you care and they take pride in knowing they can now conduct an in ranks inspection to standard better than the majority of the SSGs in the unit.

Am I always right, absolutely not but I damn sure don't want a Soldier let alone a Senior NCO who finds the need to justify leaving pockets unbuttoned leading troops. It's these same individuals who are quick to jump all over someone for something such as a hair cut. 670-1 does not prioritize standards so enforce them all to the best of your ability.