SRT31B
04-27-2006, 22:19
I apologize in advance because this it a total rant, but I feel that if I don't get it off my chest in gonna snap on someone I "work" with and end up on CNN.
To preface this, for those unfamiliar there is a small compound on BAF that has a really big fence with nice razor wire on top and bright lights that make it show up at night. I have the pleasure of working there for the next 9 months till we're done with our little trip to trashcanistan and get to head back home to reality (or something like it). If you still haven't figured it out, we'll call it "The TIF."
Now, at my workplace we have a variety of differnet services, skill levels, expertise, etc. but we all manage to work together just fine, for the most part. As a matter of fact, most of the trouble comes from people who DON'T work there but poke their heads in from time to time to "check up" on everything.
Sidenote: before I forget, does anyone else have a chian of command board up in their unit that has president karzai at the top? Or are we the only ones? No CSA, no SECDEF, just up to the ADC/S then good 'ol Karzai. Man I love that guy. Nothin like comin in to work everyday and lookin at that knowing you work for him.
Anyway, so I realize that I haven't been in the army too terribly long, but I have an idea of what good leadership is, and I know without a doubt that a good leader would never, in a sensing sesion with all the joes, say, "well, I really like to come down and shake all the soldiers' hands even though I know it's a health risk to me..." Ok, lets try and figure this out. If it's a "health risk" for her to come down and shake a SOLDIER'S hand because of where/who we work with.... what in the world is it considered for me and all the other joes who have to spend 12 hours a day six days a weeks down there ACTUALLY WORKING?!
Now, I realize that after Abu Ghraib everyone is a little ancy when it comes to detention ops. Don't want to be "that guy" that ends up on CNN the next morning, but NEVER EVER EVER, should the safety of the DETAINEES be put before the DETAINERS. I am absolutely fed up with people who are more worried about their careers than with the soldiers they're suppossed to be leading. Does it happen at all levels? No. Does the middle management fight to get those higher ups making rediculous mandates and requirements to change them? Not hard enough I guess cause they're still there.
I'm sick and tired of worrying that I might upset and EC's religious beliefs by one of my actions..... HES AN EC FOR CHRIST'S SAKE!
Anyway, before I get in any more trouble, I would like to say under normal circumstances we all know critisizing your chain of command is a bad thing... but sometimes they just go overboard. Above all, my point is that in the aftermath of Abu Ghraib, we have gone to the opposite end of the spectrum and now people in charge are so gun shy, and afraid to make a decision that the soldiers are paying for it, and thats the wrong answer.
Step up. You've been spending too much time in your air conditioned office drinking gourmet coffee. Get in the mud with us and see for yourself how things really work. You'll be suprised at how much that will inspire the younger ones to follow your example.
Just my opinion.
To preface this, for those unfamiliar there is a small compound on BAF that has a really big fence with nice razor wire on top and bright lights that make it show up at night. I have the pleasure of working there for the next 9 months till we're done with our little trip to trashcanistan and get to head back home to reality (or something like it). If you still haven't figured it out, we'll call it "The TIF."
Now, at my workplace we have a variety of differnet services, skill levels, expertise, etc. but we all manage to work together just fine, for the most part. As a matter of fact, most of the trouble comes from people who DON'T work there but poke their heads in from time to time to "check up" on everything.
Sidenote: before I forget, does anyone else have a chian of command board up in their unit that has president karzai at the top? Or are we the only ones? No CSA, no SECDEF, just up to the ADC/S then good 'ol Karzai. Man I love that guy. Nothin like comin in to work everyday and lookin at that knowing you work for him.
Anyway, so I realize that I haven't been in the army too terribly long, but I have an idea of what good leadership is, and I know without a doubt that a good leader would never, in a sensing sesion with all the joes, say, "well, I really like to come down and shake all the soldiers' hands even though I know it's a health risk to me..." Ok, lets try and figure this out. If it's a "health risk" for her to come down and shake a SOLDIER'S hand because of where/who we work with.... what in the world is it considered for me and all the other joes who have to spend 12 hours a day six days a weeks down there ACTUALLY WORKING?!
Now, I realize that after Abu Ghraib everyone is a little ancy when it comes to detention ops. Don't want to be "that guy" that ends up on CNN the next morning, but NEVER EVER EVER, should the safety of the DETAINEES be put before the DETAINERS. I am absolutely fed up with people who are more worried about their careers than with the soldiers they're suppossed to be leading. Does it happen at all levels? No. Does the middle management fight to get those higher ups making rediculous mandates and requirements to change them? Not hard enough I guess cause they're still there.
I'm sick and tired of worrying that I might upset and EC's religious beliefs by one of my actions..... HES AN EC FOR CHRIST'S SAKE!
Anyway, before I get in any more trouble, I would like to say under normal circumstances we all know critisizing your chain of command is a bad thing... but sometimes they just go overboard. Above all, my point is that in the aftermath of Abu Ghraib, we have gone to the opposite end of the spectrum and now people in charge are so gun shy, and afraid to make a decision that the soldiers are paying for it, and thats the wrong answer.
Step up. You've been spending too much time in your air conditioned office drinking gourmet coffee. Get in the mud with us and see for yourself how things really work. You'll be suprised at how much that will inspire the younger ones to follow your example.
Just my opinion.