Why are leaders focused on making changes in uniforms, policies, etc that have NOTHING to do with training our Soldier Members?

2015-07-17T15:45:39-04:00

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/2015/07/16/sma-surveys-force-eisenhower-jacket/30197517/

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jul 17 at 2015 3:47 PM

2015-07-17T15:47:38-04:00

Sir in this case I think SMA Dailey is listening to much to the rank and file. He probably had some things he didn't like and wanted to change when he was a BN/BDE/DIV CSM and it is now morphing. For the sake of those still serving, I hope it stops soon.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 3:49 PM

2015-07-17T15:49:25-04:00

All of the above...

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 17 at 2015 3:49 PM

2015-07-17T15:49:52-04:00

All leaders want a legacy and the uniform is the most visible, easiest way to have an impact. I am sure they honestly mean well, but these changes are so minor that it seems to be a cultural desire when you reach that leadership level.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 3:54 PM

2015-07-17T15:54:07-04:00

I think it has everything to do with what is "expected" of them by other "leaders" in positions of like-mindedness... if that makes sense. I really think SMA Dailey- out of all the SMA I have seen, still wants what is best for his troops. I worked for him briefly in Carson as a Civilian Employee, and he really does care about his soldiers. But I think that he might have inherited a lot of crap (not to use the blame "bush" ideals on the last SMA) but I do think he is trying to police the Army and make it more uniform again. And really we have the TRADOC command team who, I am sure are advising him on better training.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jul 17 at 2015 4:08 PM

2015-07-17T16:08:42-04:00

It's the ancient art of misdirection and Air Force Senior Leadership has been using it for years.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 4:23 PM

2015-07-17T16:23:14-04:00

Response by PFC Alex Rivers made Jul 17 at 2015 6:00 PM

2015-07-17T18:00:19-04:00

What the public and media sees in the military is usually what we are judged on, most of the internal army is not general knowledge.
Appearance can be everything to non military people.

Response by Capt Michael Halpin made Jul 17 at 2015 7:32 PM

2015-07-17T19:32:24-04:00

Like anything else you make changes until you get it right. The Army's best uniform was the pinks and greens of WWII; although the current blues aren't bad. The USAF should go back to khakis and give up on the bus driver uniforms. The Marines and Navy are fine as is.

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made Jul 17 at 2015 8:02 PM

2015-07-17T20:02:38-04:00

Eisenhower jacket really? Just picture all the muffin top bodies out there wearing it

Response by MSgt Jamie Lyons made Jul 17 at 2015 8:06 PM

2015-07-17T20:06:33-04:00

I think maybe it is because a leader's job is to lead and train those below them to be the most efficient, powerful, technical fighting force....and when you are already that, that gives commanders time to look at the simple stuff.

Response by SFC Walt Littleton made Jul 17 at 2015 11:21 PM

2015-07-17T23:21:56-04:00

Yes kind of like the idiot who wanted to wear a black baret so he changed everyone's headgear to a black baret instead of going and earning one like real Rangers.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 17 at 2015 11:33 PM

2015-07-17T23:33:54-04:00

1LT Edward Krohn, Do the Pentagon water fountains spout "that Kool-Aid" too? Enough uniforms for your generation already. I wore ODs, Greens and Dress Blues. You will need to make a record of the ones you wear in your career. The way things are going, you'd never remember all the ones you may wear!

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jul 18 at 2015 12:01 PM

2015-07-18T12:01:18-04:00

Well from my perspective I see these changes although good as a distraction of what the problem is the Armed forces are shrinking.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 9:37 PM

2015-07-18T21:37:31-04:00

I was thinking the same thing too when I read the Army Times article concerning this. I actually would like the black beret to fall of the side of the earth and I think that I am warming up to the black socks in PFU's. Also, the OCP ACU seems to be a hit although my clothing sales will not seem them for about a year probably. I think every SMA takes a pulse of the Soldier and see what types of changes that they can make to increase morale. I know that this SMA is super big of PT, so I expect to see the APFT events change during his tenure too.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 10:28 PM

2015-07-18T22:28:23-04:00

I would like to say all of the above. I remember the SMA saying specifically that he did not want to be known as the "Uniforms Sergeant Major," but I keep hearing uniform changes from him ranging from black socks for PTs to the new jackets.