What's the most important thing the military should do while going through this downsizing period?

Disclaimer: I consider myself a newer Soldier and believe humbly that I have more than enough to still learn about the Army and the US Military as a whole. So, if my thoughts are too basic or if I am misinformed here in my discussion here I apologize in advance and ask that Soldiers of great knowledge, experience, and wisdom educate me.

I completely agree with 1LT Fritz!

I do not however agree with 1LT Fernandez in practice. In theory you're correct Sir. Respectfully, I have met Soldiers (generally-Enlisted and Officers) that have no business carrying a loaded M9 pistol in garrison let alone a sling shot. Just because a Soldier has the basic education in marksmanship doesn't mean that they completely understand the ROE's or the macro picture of the responsibility and liability of strapping on a sidearm.

Now, after reading just about every post here I have to say that I'm online with MAJ Collado. I believe where he is going with his ideas is that during the downsizing the load of excess should be lightened and the Army should get back to the basics of Soldiering. There may be a need for DA Civilian Contractors in certain positions, but in places like the motor pool there might not be. Thus lets reduce the MIC's size and complexity. It'll cut costs and get more bang for the buck out of the already existent Soldiers (of all ranks). Where there is a sincere need for civilian contractors and it is more cost effective, then okay, keep the contractors in place.

SGT Lorelli also touched on this two in his comparison of the contractor versus the LCPL.

I am also a firm believer that we need to tighten up the time NOT spent by Soldiers performing their assigned/MOS duties. Looking at the time off illustrated by SGT Lorelli, using the 94 days off/away from Lance Corporal Schmuck's duties... If LCPL Schmuck (a USMC rank) is an Army Solider with the MOS of 31B (Military Police Officer), and they are in garrison assigned to law and order duties, are we as a Country really getting the best bank for our buck if that Soldier is spending roughly 26% of their time away from serving in their assigned capacity?

Making a comparison between a Soldier with the MOS of 31B and his/her civilian counterpart you're going to see that the civilian police officer doesn't get that much time away from their actual duties. Soldiers should be honored and taken care of, but not to the sacrifice of their actual duty.

Also, I have to chime in with this: I don't think that I've read one person here speak of the state and condition of the Reserve Components. I personally believe that they should be held to the exact same standards of productivity and fiscal expense as the Active Duty Components. Furthermore, I'm in a Reserve Component. And I have seen waste and excess. I have seen a lack of military bearing, customs and traditions. Those that wish to serve should be allowed to remain and those that are merely taking up space should be allowed to leave.

Isn't the military based on performance?

I am an American Soldier. As such I serve the people of the United States. I feel that I have the personal responsibility to give them the Citizens of the United States the best Soldier that I can be. A Warrior and a Professional. I expect the Soldiers around me to comport themselves the same.

That being said, regardless of what changes we all feel need to be made, change always comes from within. From within each and every Soldier.