What would you do if you were the SMA for a day?

2019-04-17T20:00:39-04:00

not looking for someone to write this for me, just want some help on what they like to hear or just anything helpful

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2019 9:17 PM

2019-04-17T21:17:13-04:00

Make a permanent decision that uniforms will be changed ONLY when necessary and with serious common sense.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2019 12:55 AM

2019-04-18T00:55:32-04:00

First you have to find out what is not working and/ makes sense. There is a system in place but no one knows how or we don't use those systems that are set up in place for us to use. Take for example the missed meal vouchers. If you miss a meal at the DFAC, you get a log you fill out and S1/S4 does all the paperwork to repay your day. Of course there are other paperwork to bring but no one knows about it. I would also make Army websites user friendly and dummy-proof. Most of them are not explanatory and most Soldiers need extra guidance on how to navigate websites. Take for example, GoArmyEd, ALMS, MEDPROS, etc... I would also update the publications websites. There are no manuals that I can find that are easily accessible because they take me to different websites where you need authorization. If so, why doesn't it disclaim that or why even put it on there? I would also change, the female's haircuts. No female will be bald, unless training for say, Ranger or basic training. Other than that, no bald heads for females. Males, if the bangs touches your eyes, it's too long. Cut it. The promotion system (STEP) is a good system but the fact that a Solider has to go to the promotion board when eligible for primary zone, is a flawed system. Just because you've been in X amount of years, does not entitle you to the promotion board. I believe that its a rush to failure. Ensure Soldier is ready, mentally, physically and had the experience to lead, mentor and be the example.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2019 7:38 AM

2019-04-18T07:38:07-04:00

Beards!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2019 8:58 AM

2019-04-18T08:58:24-04:00

I don't know about me, but all the rest of them seem to want to make uniform changes.

Personally, I would advise the Chief of Staff that if it doesn't make the Army better, don't do it.
That goes for much of our online training. Like the dude in BDUs from 2002 that tells me how to avoid accidents with compelling information like slow down and get plenty of rest.
Mandatory briefings.
Staff meetings with no discernible agenda.
Things like that.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2019 9:53 AM

2019-04-18T09:53:58-04:00

let male soldiers have groomed beards

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2019 10:35 AM

2019-04-18T10:35:07-04:00

Recommend immediate authorization of hands in pockets while standing and not moving.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2019 10:24 AM

2019-04-19T10:24:12-04:00

Tough question because the SMA still needs to get stuff approved, he can't just "make changes", he just has a ton of influence over those that do the approvals.
I'd make a direct commission program. We need more NCOs becoming officers. More mission based thinking and less "Gotta get an OER bullet" thinking.
SPC ranks- bring em back. Can pay people more who perhaps suck at leading but are amazing at their job.
Next would be promotion system and RCP. If a Soldier is damn good as a gunner and has no desire to move up, let him be a gunner forever. Stagnation is not a bad thing sometimes. On the other hand, there are people who are natural leaders and tacticians - promote em quick where they can make decisions. What's wrong with a 29 year old SGM? If he can do the job, he can do the job. We used to have 24 year old Generals and they did amazing.
Boards? No, gone, You are testing on your tasks for the job to get promoted. Board nervousness and fear is not the same as combat nervousness and fear so that just needs to go.
The award system......I don't have enough space to write it all but, you know....
Longer training for every MOS AIT
Force the noncombat jobs to stay proficient in common soldier tasks so we don't have people lost in the training areas for a simple, self-correcting land nav course...

Response by SFC Scott Higgins made Apr 19 at 2019 10:54 AM

2019-04-19T10:54:35-04:00

1. Get Rid of CIF - when a soldier gets to Basic , issue them their web gear, Rucksack, Poncho, canteen, etc and have them take it with them from basic. When Soldiers ETS - They turn in their equipment - serviceable equipment can be shipped to the closest basic training site to be re-issued. Alot of time gets wasted in and out processing CIF. For those units with 'special' requirements you can still have CIF - but it wouldn't have to have everything, just the special items.
2. Make the PT test work for every soldier from every unit. Everyone would have their "CIF Gear" - Use that for the test - that way every soldier can train for the test everywhere they are; 0 excuses for not having the right equipment to train with and commands aren't scrambling to find the equipment to run the test.
3. Get rid of the up or out rule - I have seen good soldiers forced out with promotion points set for their MOS at 998 for three years when they were still contributing - doing their job. Why do we want to lose a good soldier because they don't get promoted? If someone wants to do 20 years as a private - and does his/her job why should that matter? As long as they follow the order of those that do get promoted - what is the issue?
4. Don't make uniform changes unless the change makes soldiers safer- got to remember those clothing allowances don't cover squat when a major change is thrust upon the masses.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Apr 20 at 2019 11:38 AM

2019-04-20T11:38:47-04:00

Find something to do besides doodling uniforms and an never ending change to the uniform policies! You have to wonder, what does the SMA do?

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Apr 20 at 2019 12:15 PM

2019-04-20T12:15:18-04:00

I would abolish the position of SMA. It serves no purpose other than a political one. The SMA is a lackey for the Pentagon. Nothing more or less.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2019 6:37 PM

2019-11-14T18:37:16-05:00

I would 100% do away with Dog Tags.