What does the Military do right?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 16:58:27 -0400

So often we focus being so critical of the Army. But I will say that there will always be issues. Some may be small or some may be large. But at the end of the today we as an Army always seem to overcome them.

One thing that I feel adamant about is unit history. I just don't think we get enough of it. Is there a shortcoming in this? I believe there is. If you compare our attempt to maintain history in relation to the Marines that do a great job at this we are falling as a whole.

I was however afforded the opportunity to work with another Soldier to develop an event that would be challenging and informative. A twelve mile ruck march would be the means to do this. Along the route there were various signs displaying the great unit history. At the end the soldiers were given a patch as a means to feel their connection as being a member of their unit and its tie to the past.

This was all made possible with the support of the those above me. As a PL I can really only affect the soldiers in my platoon. But if you have the support of others you can reach far beyond that. In this case I had overwhelming support from every pocket of leadership. From the Unit's Ministry Team, other company NCOs and Officers, Staff, and all the way on up to the Battalion Command Team.

This was one of my proudest achievements of my career. This pride is from nothing that I could of done but from working together and from what we all accomplished. This is something the Army got right! I am more than willing to say that to anyone. The leadership did any and everything to make this event happen. For that I am grateful.

What have you seen the Army or the Military do that made you proud? Or that you saw a unit do the what was taking care of a soldier going beyond what is expected of them?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 9 at 2015 5:04 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 17:04:41 -0400

The military is the only organization that can move mountains, and many members realize they are part of something greater than themselves.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Aug 9 at 2015 5:19 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 17:19:00 -0400

We take care of our own. We recently lost a SPC Kennerson, he died 27 July 2015. What other organization will line up at 0300 to pay respects to a fallen "co-worker" as the remains are moved to an airplane? We look out for one another and we take care of our own.

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2015/07/29/army-investigates-death-21st-tsc-soldier/30825281/

Army investigates death of 21st TSC soldier

A 21st Theater Sustainment Command soldier was found dead Monday in his barracks room in Grafenwoehr, Germany.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 5:54 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 17:54:43 -0400

One thing the Air Force does right is take care of their Airmen. Many will talk about how they were screwed over, but many times this is of their own doing. Free medical and currently a pretty good retirement after 20 years of service. What civilian organization gives you 30 days a year of paid time off to start, and you have the chance opportunity to get promoted every couple of years. In my humble opinion there is not another entity where you get the job satisfaction of serving your country and knowing what you do matters.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 7:37 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 19:37:11 -0400

I agree the history of the unit, but also the organization as a whole is important as well. The outstanding leaders, battles and successes. It gives us goals to achieve and surpass.

Response by MSgt Brian Welch made Aug 9 at 2015 8:38 PM

MSgt Brian Welch — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 20:38:03 -0400

I don't believe it comes down to history of a unit or branch, not even for the Marines, it comes down to loyalty, motivation, love of service, love of country, love of the guy serving with you, among other things. The Marines have it down. Sure they hold their history in the highest of regards. They consider any fellow Marine a brother/sister for life. But that bond isn't because of the history. It's because of how they are trained to believe and be. It's because every day from entrance into the service to the day they die they all believe the Marines only succeed because of their common bond. A Marine doesn't question if they can count on another Marine; they know they can. Sure they know they have flaws but they know at the core the other guy will sacrifice all for his fellow Marine. So how do other branches achieve this? I believe you as a leader do all you can to foster and reinforce commitment, excellence and brotherhood. You make moral your top priority behind mission accomplishment. You hold up and showcase your high achievers of a junior rank/skill level while taking a back seat from the spotlight. You become an expert and you openly/humbly pass on all your knowledge. You make a point to know the name of your troops children. Know where they come from. You have them know that at the end of the day and in the middle of the night you are still there for them. Be consistent, an outward move for self gain will start you back at the beginning. When you and everyone else in a unit achieves this you come close to the Marine persona and coming close is still outstanding.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Aug 9 at 2015 9:10 PM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 21:10:47 -0400

Just about everything.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Aug 9 at 2015 10:27 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 22:27:57 -0400

We get our missions accomplished when we do not always have the necessary tools to complete the mission.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 9 at 2015 10:37 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 22:37:49 -0400

It grooms leaders

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Aug 9 at 2015 11:35 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 23:35:45 -0400

The military is very good at leadership development in many instances, though of course there are exceptions anywhere.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 4:19 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 04:19:13 -0400

A simple answer? Provides an alternative.
After high school (in which I did terrible due to lack of motivation), I was struggling with purpose in life. I couldn't afford college, and my rich father wouldn't support me. I felt like I had nowhere to go, nothing to do. I never knew what I would do with my life, if I would even survive the year. It was pretty bad. I was honestly scared. One day, a customer of the dry cleaners I worked at suggested I talk to the recruiters down the street. She told me that her son (my age) really enjoyed the military, and that I should take a look at it. I decided that day, on the spot while talking to the recruiter, to enlist. Sure, the military isn't perfect, but I have yet to regret my decision.