Okay everyone, ROE:
I am requesting that this to be a civil discussion and for some productive suggestions to be made. What I am envisioning here is I will post what I see as the problems and I would love for your replies to be proactive suggestions that hopefully some of our leaders that read these boards can induct.
I do understand that Army transformation and recruiting are supposed to fix the numbers in the combat arms (this is quite obviously not Engineer specific) but what do we do in the mean time? How do we keep our trained pers - both young and old?
First, Demographics. Because of the recruiting gap in the 90's and the mass recruitment in the early to mid 80's (YTEP, etc) we have a huge problem with guys serving their 20 and pulling pin. Very understandable of course but these are our senior leaders (officers and NCOs) and we would be wise to do our damndest to retain these assets. How do you go about asking someone who has already given so much of their lives to stay and do more? Are blanket IPS contracts the answer as the Air Force did a few years ago (500 series trades atleast)? Is it enough? Signing bonuses attached to an IPS?
Second, Why are so many young guys pulling pin? I can understand that some guys will get out after their first BE but so many are choosing the door out than their second BE or as some have been offerred, their IE. Guys are joining up, basic isn't hard as we all know, PATS and PARS is necessary but a morale drain as you are in limbo, doing their 3's, maybe getting a tour or just a whack of ex's and then they're out. We put a lot of money into training these guys and they get out and we are screwed. What is causing these guys to leave? Most of the ones I have spoken to say morale. I could start a whole new thread on what is wrong there but I won't. I tend to think that Op tempo and courses (or lack of) are a large part of it too but that is my speculation only.
Lastly, How do we keep guys that are well qualified but in the 5-15 year mark from going to civvy life? This is where I see the largest problem as these are the guys who are being groomed for leadership but are just not willing to sacrifice any more and civvy street as an easier alternative (you could apply remusters to this as well). You can here the grumblings of the disgruntled Cpl-Sgt in any regiment or battalion that I have been in but recently it has seemed to much to bear for far too many soldiers. Does anyone here the grumblings anymore I wonder? Everything I hear is actionable in my eyes. Simple things like 1600 Friday afternoons, the lack of Strong Contender, always the same people on ex and the same people in garrison, officer accountability...you have all heard the same things as me. I am not in a position to action these things or I would (or try atleast!) but only to suggest what I feel are simple morale issues that do not get actioned.
I have droned on enough but look forward to your replies and suggestions. Chimo!
I am requesting that this to be a civil discussion and for some productive suggestions to be made. What I am envisioning here is I will post what I see as the problems and I would love for your replies to be proactive suggestions that hopefully some of our leaders that read these boards can induct.
I do understand that Army transformation and recruiting are supposed to fix the numbers in the combat arms (this is quite obviously not Engineer specific) but what do we do in the mean time? How do we keep our trained pers - both young and old?
First, Demographics. Because of the recruiting gap in the 90's and the mass recruitment in the early to mid 80's (YTEP, etc) we have a huge problem with guys serving their 20 and pulling pin. Very understandable of course but these are our senior leaders (officers and NCOs) and we would be wise to do our damndest to retain these assets. How do you go about asking someone who has already given so much of their lives to stay and do more? Are blanket IPS contracts the answer as the Air Force did a few years ago (500 series trades atleast)? Is it enough? Signing bonuses attached to an IPS?
Second, Why are so many young guys pulling pin? I can understand that some guys will get out after their first BE but so many are choosing the door out than their second BE or as some have been offerred, their IE. Guys are joining up, basic isn't hard as we all know, PATS and PARS is necessary but a morale drain as you are in limbo, doing their 3's, maybe getting a tour or just a whack of ex's and then they're out. We put a lot of money into training these guys and they get out and we are screwed. What is causing these guys to leave? Most of the ones I have spoken to say morale. I could start a whole new thread on what is wrong there but I won't. I tend to think that Op tempo and courses (or lack of) are a large part of it too but that is my speculation only.
Lastly, How do we keep guys that are well qualified but in the 5-15 year mark from going to civvy life? This is where I see the largest problem as these are the guys who are being groomed for leadership but are just not willing to sacrifice any more and civvy street as an easier alternative (you could apply remusters to this as well). You can here the grumblings of the disgruntled Cpl-Sgt in any regiment or battalion that I have been in but recently it has seemed to much to bear for far too many soldiers. Does anyone here the grumblings anymore I wonder? Everything I hear is actionable in my eyes. Simple things like 1600 Friday afternoons, the lack of Strong Contender, always the same people on ex and the same people in garrison, officer accountability...you have all heard the same things as me. I am not in a position to action these things or I would (or try atleast!) but only to suggest what I feel are simple morale issues that do not get actioned.
I have droned on enough but look forward to your replies and suggestions. Chimo!