Army Iraq Study Released

[Basenshukai]

I found out about this study by watching the news this morning.

I went to the Official Army Website (www.army.mil) to see the Army's report on the study. However, the MSNBC news report had added that there was a perception of poor officer leadership, at battalion-level, that the Army link did not show. I found the statement here, however, as well as on some other links:

Washington Post

Edited: Must register to site for link. Scroll down to next post to see the Washington Post report.

From the Washinton Post report"A slim majority of Army soldiers in Iraq -- 52 percent -- reported that their morale was low, and three-fourths of them said they felt poorly led by their officers, according to a survey taken at the end of the summer and released yesterday by the Army. "

Some months ago, a trusted friend who enlisted into the Army to serve his country in this crisis, echoed the same feelings to me in a letter. I'll have to add that he comes from a wealthy New York family and also has a master's degree from a well respected university. He didn't join to escape a bad set of circumstances. He joined out of a sense of patriotism and still wants to make the service a career. "It seems that they [the officers] don't care about what is going on here anymore", he wrote, "as long as it briefs well."

What is driving this perception among soldiers in regular units? Generally, it seems, that the elite units bypass these issues. Better leadership (officer and NCO), better training, tight cohesion, and more of a sense of purpose might be the distinction between the elite units and most conventional units. Or, I might be totally wrong. Well, let's discuss it.

[Basenshukai]

Apparently, the link for the Washington Post did not work. Here's the full report.

In Army Survey, Troops in Iraq Report Low Morale

By Thomas E. Ricks
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, March 26, 2004; Page A18


A slim majority of Army soldiers in Iraq -- 52 percent -- reported that their morale was low, and three-fourths of them said they felt poorly led by their officers, according to a survey taken at the end of the summer and released yesterday by the Army.



In addition, seven in 10 of those surveyed characterized the morale of their fellow soldiers as low or very low. The problems were most pronounced among lower-ranking troops and those in reserve units.

"Nearly 75% of the groups reported that their battalion-level command leadership was poor" and showed "a lack of concern" for their soldiers, said an Army report accompanying the data. "Unit cohesion was also reported to be low."

The survey was part of a study initiated by the Army last summer after a number of suicides provoked concern about the mental well-being of soldiers in Iraq. The report faulted the Army for how it handled mental health problems, saying some counselors felt inadequately trained and citing problems in distribution of antidepressant medication and sleeping pills.

But perhaps the most surprising findings were the grim conclusions about troop morale, which indicate that Iraq is taking a toll that goes beyond casualty figures.

The Pentagon has been intensely worried that more frequent and longer combat tours will prompt more soldiers to get out of the Army rather than reenlist, especially if it means a second stint in Iraq or Afghanistan. Army insiders say it is likely that brigades from three divisions that served in Iraq over the past year -- the 101st Airborne, the 3rd Infantry and the 4th Infantry -- are likely to be sent back in 2005.

The Pentagon data on morale also appear to give official confirmation to a more informal survey conducted last summer by Stars and Stripes, the military newspaper. That survey found about half of troops who filled out questionnaires described their unit's morale as low and their training as insufficient, and said they did not plan to reenlist.

Col. Virgil Patterson, who oversaw the Army survey, said he was "somewhat surprised" by the findings on troop morale. He noted that when the survey was taken, soldiers were still feeling the effects of a brutally hot Iraqi summer, and that since then troops have better living conditions and are better able to communicate with their families.

"It was a pretty miserable set of circumstances at the time," he said. "We speculate that all of those contributed to the factor of low morale."

Patterson said he could not place the numbers in historical context because similar surveys have not been conducted before. "This is the first time we've ever gone into an active combat theater and asked soldiers how they are doing, so we have no comparative data," he said. The study, conducted from late August through early October 2003, surveyed 756 Army soldiers in Iraq and Kuwait, focusing on units that had engaged in combat.

Reaction to the Army's survey was mixed among several experts.

Retired Army Col. Robert Killebrew, a Vietnam War veteran, said, "It's not particularly surprising, especially given the frustrating nature of the combat they're facing now, with patrols and bombs going off."

But a senior Army commander who spoke on the condition of anonymity expressed alarm.

"I'd be extremely worried by these numbers," said the officer, who specializes in morale issues. Having more than half the soldiers surveyed say they are unhappy should "set off alarm bells," the officer said.

Jonathan Shay, a Veterans Affairs psychiatrist, called it "a painful report to read." Shay, who wrote two books on cohesion and leadership problems in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, said the report shows morale and cohesion were "seriously low" among troops in Iraq.

The report faulted the Army's handling of mental health issues for troops and called for appointment of a "czar" to coordinate such services in Iraq and Kuwait. Patterson said a medical specialist would fill that new position next month.

In its findings on suicide, the report confirmed data previously released by the Army that the rate among soldiers in Iraq in 2003 was higher than for the Army generally, but lower than that of U.S. men of a similar age range. There were 23 confirmed suicides among Army troops in Iraq in 2003, for a rate of 15.6 per 100,000 soldiers, the report said. That compares with an Army average in recent years of 11.9, they said.

Col. Bruce Crow, an Army psychologist and an expert in suicide prevention who served as a member of the study group, said there were few clear patterns to the suicides, such as a persistent correlation with how long the troops had been deployed or what type of work they were doing. But he said soldiers who killed themselves generally tended to be younger, unmarried men.

[QRQ 30]

Things are looking up. I remember when close to 100% EM felt they were led astray by ossifers. As for morale remember: "A bitching troop is a happy troop!"

Of course the article is fodder for the swine who want to make hay of nothing.

[Basenshukai]

So, I guess what you are saying is that morale has improved over the years and that all soldiers complain about something and that, therefore, there is nothing wrong with "us" officers and we are doing just fine with our leadership.

I don't know. I'm a bit skeptical.

In as much as I believe in the objectives laid out for the GWOT, I don't want to refuse to look at what soldiers are saying and feeling, in an attempt to protect the "cause" from outside criticism. Sure, the "libs" are going to "go to town" with this issue. They will blow it way out of proportion and make the GWOT seem misdirected and foolish. Nevertheless, this does not mean that there is no issue. Maybe you are right. But, the results of nearly 1,000 troops interviewed, 86% of which have been engaged by enemy forces in Iraq, are significant enough to me to warrant a hard look.

[QRQ 30]

Well shucks Base... I guess I need a smiley for "Tongue in Cheek". perhaps "sarcastic will due.

However I still contend that the raw data from any survey can be spun to fit any particular agenda.

Don't be so sensitive. I once had a 1Lt for an RTO on my RT. He was the best I ever had and I even let him talk on the radio.

[The Reaper]

That wasn't what they said.

They said their battalion command leadership was poor. That means the LTCs in BN Command who were selected by DA, and probably the CSMs as well, as part of the "command team".

I would like to see what they said about their PLT and CO command leadership. Probably not enough contact with the BDE and DIV leadership to comment on them.

As far as morale goes, soldiers will gripe to anyone who will listen, and anyone who asks them will get an earful. The real issue will be seen in the retention rates, given the almost certainty that the same soldiers will be back again (or in Afghanistan) within a few years.

To be truly useful, the survey would have to ask a lot better, more detailed questions.

TR

[Kyobanim]

Here's an email from a friends kid who is in Iraq. I received it 2 days ago.

Hi Everybody,
> Sorry for the mass e-mail, but this is just to good
> not to tell. For starters, I am outta here in less than 5 days. The
light
> at the end of the tunnel did in fact turn out to be freight train, and it
> hurts, but it will all be a funny story in a month or two. I work in one
of
> the palaces now, and it is pretty cool, both literally and figuratively.
It
> feels alot like a movie set, and is made about as well. I have a feeling
> this place will fall apart with the next stiff wind that comes through.
> Looks pretty, as long as you don't look real close. Ok, now the really
cool
> part. The center of the place is a three story tall hall, all marble and
> shine, and I work on one side of it. The other day, I sitting at my desk,
> working dilligetly <cough>, when I hear something odd. Now, mind you, I
am
> in Iraq, and while strange things happen everyday, I never expected to
hear
> bagpipes. Yes, bagpipes, played by authentic Scotsmen. 8 pipers and 3
> drummers played for about 15 minutes and then marched out. Another
positive
> aspect of coalition operations, at least for me. The coolest/oddest part
> was the closing song. I had never heard the Marine Corps anthem on
bagpipes
> before. Most likely never will again, but it was neat. I should have
some
> photos to show off, provided I remember to snag them from a buddy of mine
> who owns a digital camera.
> This should be my last big e-mail from Iraq. That statement
alone
> brightens my day. The last 4 months have been alot of hard work and a lot
> of fun. Part of me wants to stay, but I haev beaten that irrational
portion
> of my brain into submission with thoughts of Subway and driving all over
> Texas. I can say for sure that things are better here now than when I got
> here, and I am very glad I have been here. I hope all of you are well.
> Thank you for everything.
>
> Dave

He arrived in Iraq a few weeks after the major fighting ended, IIRC.

Another perspective is from my son. He's making the army a career. 28, married 1 newborn child when he deployed to Kuwait before it started, E5 Army. I spoken extensively to him since he got back but I do have letters and emails that he senet while over there.

Initially, he was gungho to go, charging around making sure everything worked, etc. He was with a commo CO. His attitude seemed, IMO, up beat until they moved into the palace by the airport after the major fighting was over.

His biggest complaint was inept leadership from the senior NCOs with the exception of the 1st SGT. (there was a large proportion of aged NCOs in his company) His second biggest was lack of combat training. They traveled from the airport palace to downtown bagdhad for duty. He said they were shot at on every trip, but were issued only 1 30rd magazine per day when they were on duty. Prior to deployment they had only used their weapons for yearly qualification in Germany. By the end of his tour he was ready to get out. After several months at home and then PCSing to the States his attitude turned around again. Now he's the same guy he was before he left, with one exception.

He's now E6. The unit he's in now is overrun with E6s and more than their share of E7s. He tells me that most of them are over 40 and are ready to retire. And his complaining about the inept leadership is driving ME crazy. That's all about to change as they are prepping for a change of command for a new CO. The NCOs should be cycling within the next year or so.

Granted, this is only one person's opinion but he's been hard core since he graduated ABN school. First unit was Bragg. He's always wanted to make it his career so I don't think he's just complaining to complain. Maybe getting stuck in leg units all the time has jaded his view cause he really likes to jump, I really don't know.

I know this isn't an answer or an opinion but it's how it is in a commo BN. At least these ones.

[Basenshukai]

A couple of points.

1. First of all, it would be really useful to actually read the full report (minus any "classified" information) as opposed to the PAO approved report, or some civilian newspaper's version of the facts of said report. Where would a report like that be available?

2. Taking into account what TR mentioned, I will write that it is very easy for the soldier at platoon-level to rest blame for any and all events upon the battalion leadership. The average BN CDR rarely gets to walk and talk with the soldiers on a daily basis. Chances are that they don't really know much about their "old man" except for what others say about him. I've seen fellow officers shrug-off responsibility for any negative event (tasking, mission, ect) by simply saying "we are doing it because the BN CDR/SGM said for us to do it". When company-level officers don't take ownership of unpopular orders, it degrades their soldiers' trust in their leadership at levels above their platoon leader/company commander.

BN CDRs/SGMs have some pretty heavy pressures on them as well. They know they are ultimately responsible. The average soldier doesn't get to see the work and personal sacrifices that their leadership make on a daily basis. The missing link here, seems to be communication.

[ktek01]

Originally posted by Basenshukai


What is driving this perception among soldiers in regular units? Generally, it seems, that the elite units bypass these issues. Better leadership (officer and NCO), better training, tight cohesion, and more of a sense of purpose might be the distinction between the elite units and most conventional units. Or, I might be totally wrong. Well, let's discuss it.

Don't forget the weeding out process. SOF units get to DX the unmotivated slugs, what few they may ever see, and guess where they get sent. Most of those types wouldn't even try to get into a unit like that. In the line units we were stuck with them. We had our hard chargers, some units had a lot of them, some units had hardly any. Those kind of guys usually would try out for an SOF slot, get fed up and ETS, or turn into slugs themselves. Constant battle in the line units to keep motivation high and not let the slugs take over. Ive been in line units where they were winning that battle, and in one where they didn't even try.

[NousDefionsDoc]

I saw a report on the report. It said that living conditions had improved significantly since this survey was taken. I would guess that is part of the bitching. Troops have a tendency to:

1. Think the BCs and above live significantly better than they do. In some conventional units this may be the case. I was pissed for a week when the C Team kicked us out of Pineapple Face's beach house, but I got over it.

2. Underestimate what the leadership does on a daily basis. Like TR said, they may not be getting enough face time to realize that the "Old Man" is actually working for a living. Remember that program they had years ago where the private sat in for the BC for a day? I can't remember the name of it, but I think that was a lame attempt to show the other side.

3. The burden of command has to be experienced first hand to be understood. You can't explain it to somebody that never had command.

4. The command may be getting wrapped up in minutia and not taking time out to lead. BCs only talking to CCs is, IMO, management not leadership.

5. I've said it several times and I'll say it again - where the hell is the NCO Corps - especially at senior levels?

6. Its been a couple of months since they had a big catch. frustration starts to set in.

Like others have said, I wouldn't read too much into this. They are mostly 3Fd and bitchin'. Its when they get quiet that you have to worry.

[Basenshukai]

Originally posted by NousDefionsDoc

4. The command may be getting wrapped up in minutia and not taking time out to lead. BCs only talking to CCs is, IMO, management not leadership.

Great point. I'm going to write this one down.

[NousDefionsDoc]

Originally posted by Basenshukai
Great point. I'm going to write this one down.

Don't listen to me, what the hell do I know?

I worked in an office with about 50-60 people that worked for me. Accountants, Radio operators, lawyers, etc. Every afternoon about 1500, I would get up, get a dip and go find somebody to mess with. Junior people. Just ask them about their jobs, families, etc. At first, it scared the piss out of them, but they got used to it and even complained when I didn't get around to it.

Most people value face time with the boss, especially positive, more than most of us realize. A CSM troopin' the line and not being negative can do wonders for morale. People also like to show off their knowledge. If I was CSM of CENTCOM, I would be getting a class on something every day. "Doc, how does this Ascherman doodad work?" "Specialist, teach me how to tear down this M2." "Team Sergeant, show me how to fill out this TDY voucher."

People need praise a lot.

IMO, its also a VERY good way to get a feel for what's really going on.

But I'm just a hillbilly. I don't know any other way to do it.

[Roguish Lawyer]

Originally posted by NousDefionsDoc
I worked in an office with about 50-60 people that worked for me. Accountants, Radio operators, lawyers, etc. Every afternoon about 1500, I would get up, get a dip and go find somebody to mess with. Junior people. Just ask them about their jobs, families, etc. At first, it scared the piss out of them, but they got used to it and even complained when I didn't get around to it.

Most people value face time with the boss, especially positive, more than most of us realize. A CSM troopin' the line and not being negative can do wonders for morale. People also like to show off their knowledge. If I was CSM of CENTCOM, I would be getting a class on something every day. "Doc, how does this Ascherman doodad work?" "Specialist, teach me how to tear down this M2." "Team Sergeant, show me how to fill out this TDY voucher."

People need praise a lot.

IMO, its also a VERY good way to get a feel for what's really going on.

But I'm just a hillbilly. I don't know any other way to do it.

Excellent advice.

[NousDefionsDoc]

PLDC, Great Teammates and Managing for Dummies

[Basenshukai]

NDD,

Actually, you are totally correct. I have first hand experience in a situation where that very style of leadership is exactly what is needed. But, in an effort to be proper, I'll tell you all about it via PM. You know, dirty laundry and all. De Oppresso Liber.