Would You Support a Longer or Lifetime Military Career?

[JJ_BPK]

Interesting poll.

I support the idea that service members do not need to be kicked out because of age,, BUT,, the services are built on a pyramid structure, fewer jobs as you go up the ladder.

There would need to be many changes to make it work,, stretching out promotions being one major PAIN..

The poll is based on a spousal view, but could equally apply to a grunt..

Would You Support a Longer Military Career?

Some suggest that the key to a better military is to keep experienced folks in the system as long as possible. But would that work for your family?

Pick one:

• Yes. If my service member was happy in the military, I would support a longer career no matter what.
  
• Maybe. If my service member stayed in the military AND we didn't move or deploy, I would support it.
  
• No. The military is the beginning of my service member’s career, but I wouldn’t want him or her to stay in forever.
  
• Not sure. Let me tell you more in the comment section.

http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2014/12/p...ry-career.html

Maybe we could start FOG Infantry Brigades, Minimum age 40??

[Scimitar]

Put simply. Entrenchment.

Study after study has shown that in most situations moving staff on after 3-4 years encourages a flexible and growing organization.

I suspect the issues caused far out way the benefits. However, like in many public sector situations, the military has a unique skill set. Not replaceable by running an advert.

S

[dennisw]

From today's WSJ:

In Canada, Some Rangers Stay at Their Posts a Long, Long Time
An army reserve unit with no mandatory retirement age, the Rangers mix older members—some in their 70’s and even 90’s—with younger ones.

http://online.wsj.com/articles/in-ca...ime-1417475078

RINKER LAKE FIREBASE, Ontario—Deep in a forest in northern Canada, a radio crackles to life and Pvt. Mike Hunter is ordered to stand down and return to base.

“Shame, I was up for it,” said Pvt. Hunter, of this Canadian army training exercise. Pvt. Hunter is aged 79, and on maneuvers.

In a unit with no mandatory retirement limit, Pvt. Hunter’s age is no exception; in January, 92-year-old Abraham Metatawbin was decorated for 27 years of service.

[abc_123]

Originally Posted by Scimitar

Put simply. Entrenchment.

Study after study has shown that in most situations moving staff on after 3-4 years encourages a flexible and growing organization.

S

Funny, when discussing the plethora of GS civilians and contractors on staffs, no one uses the word entrenchment". The most common word is "continuity".

[JJ_BPK]

Originally Posted by abc_123

Funny, when discussing the plethora of GS civilians and contractors on staffs, no one uses the word entrenchment". The most common word is "continuity".

The most common word is "bureaucratic continuity"

??

[Peregrino]

Originally Posted by JJ_BPK

The most common word is "bureaucratic INERTIA".

There - fixed it for you.

[Utah Bob]

No. Atrophy.

[Flagg]

I like the idea of keeping relevant institutional knowledge(SME reservoirs found in long service SNCOs) in house on a part time basis.

I heard an unverified(but trusted) story of how it is handled up there for one unit.

One of the fellas from that unit had a chat with a mentor of mine in an airport lounge and asked him how he's continuing to contribute as a bit of a patriotic challenge.

I've benefitted enormously from that conversation 4-5 years ago which helped put my mentor back on the books and passing on his knowledge and wisdom to me and my peer group.

There's a function I'm going to soon for a highly regarded fella(and a good mate) here with over 30 years experience doing the business. He's offered to keep sharing off the books when I visit him, but I'm hoping to convince him to keep a hand in the training game on his terms if it suits.

In short, I reckon there's a place for it for some carefully selected folks. Those with the right "timeless" mindset/skillset.

"Trust but verify" could be achieved with post training activity student feedback to measure continued efficacy/relevancy perhaps?

I always wondered where the military equivalent of University "tenure track" is for SNCO institutional knowledge.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Hopefully

Personally, I believe that if you can adequately perform the duties associated with your position, age shouldn't be a factor.

Cost

The Military has time in service pay increases.

If all you can be is a private then, cost wise, it makes no sense to pay you to be a private over 20.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Hopefully

True, but if a servicemember wasn't promoted numerous times over the duration of their militarycareer, it ccan't really be said that they were doing their job adequately.

Which is why the military has the up or out policy.

[The Reaper]

Are you familiar with General Winfield Scott?

TR