Posted on Oct 29, 2013
Why do you think we are not enforcing appearance standards? By that I mean and target the overweight and overweight looking in uniform.
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Let's face it. We see so many people in uniform that are clearly overweight, and if not that, at least they look like they're overweight! My mother told me she was in shock when she saw a Soldier that was big. She's a civilian and is very proud of the Service and what all service members do. I just couldn't understand how as the First Responders that we are in times of conflict, we can represent such an unhealthy image.
"And you wanna be a Soldier?"
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 21
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NCOs enforce standards, period.
If standards in a unit are lax, it is because there is a culture of lax standards.
I can't think of a single time that I corrected an issue or fixed something substandard and got overruled by my boss. Not once. In 22 1/2 years in this man's Army.
If people are not enforcing the standard, it is because they lack the courage to do so.
If standards in a unit are lax, it is because there is a culture of lax standards.
I can't think of a single time that I corrected an issue or fixed something substandard and got overruled by my boss. Not once. In 22 1/2 years in this man's Army.
If people are not enforcing the standard, it is because they lack the courage to do so.
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SSG (Join to see)
Well said Top. Here's my argument. If I am the only, per sae, doing this when will my peers, superiors and junior NCOs get on board?
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SSG (Join to see)
SGT Wike there is no exception to the rule. Injuries are covered by a profile, however the profile doesn't state you are allowed to disregard the standard. You are stilled to maintain a military appearance while you are on profile. This mentality is part of the reason standards are deminishing. A profile is not an excuse
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Unfortunately, some of those Soldiers that "look overweight" are the same ones that can ruck for days and pull a vehicle out of the ditch with a tow strap and their bare hands. There's a difference between looking big and looking overweight.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
I believe that a revision in the ABCP program is sorely needed. It has shown that a tape test is ineffective at accurately determining body fat composition. A water displacement test is a more accurate means, but highly cost and time prohibitive. A body fat caliper is a more accurate measure, and can help to reduce some of the inappropriate standards.
I personally knew a super star solier that was taped every time he was wieghed. He consistenly scored on the extended scale, and had 9% body fat, but, by Army standards, he was overweight at 5'6 and 185lbs. It evevtually was resolved through the use of the "good-old boy" system, as the 1SG was tired of seeing him get taped and knew that while in violation of the ABCP, he didn't need to be harassed for his weight. He was a physically fit and compotent NCO.
I personally knew a super star solier that was taped every time he was wieghed. He consistenly scored on the extended scale, and had 9% body fat, but, by Army standards, he was overweight at 5'6 and 185lbs. It evevtually was resolved through the use of the "good-old boy" system, as the 1SG was tired of seeing him get taped and knew that while in violation of the ABCP, he didn't need to be harassed for his weight. He was a physically fit and compotent NCO.
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I think a lot of that is going to change. I won't make excuses but I remember my commander and 1SG's frustration when they tried to chapter some of our overweight Soldiers. Now that the Army is downsizing I think you will find it easier to Chapter those APFT and AWCP failures. I think we will also see a spike in ART 15's and NCO will be more empowered to make corrections instead of fearing the SHARP/EO reps.
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SFC (Join to see)
Sir, that last statement you made is exactly what I would like to address as taking it 'too far'. As leaders we should know that we have the authority to mentor those that don't meet the standards. Fearing SHARP/EO reps is completely ridiculous! As long as you have all the facts there should be no room for fearing those sources. Leaders that are NOT confident, fear.
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CPT Aaron Kletzing
This is well said. In times of peak manning needs during OIF/OEF, company-level leaders had to be very careful with when/how to pursue disciplinary action against individuals in violation of the standards you speak of. That doesn't mean they didn't try to mentor them. The situation was just so delicate, and the burden of evidence you'd need as a leader to appropriately create consequences for violators was challenging to meet. I can see a change coming with this as the military reshapes itself in the coming years. Just to be clear, I always advocate trying to mentor personnel in violation of these standards, but sometimes despite your best efforts as a leader the individual just does not have the will to improve and progress.
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