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Old 02-03-2014, 18:37   #6
35NCO
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: CONUS
Posts: 403
In my personal experience of my time in I have noticed there does not seem to be many, or perhaps any hard chargers left. (Note I am not Combat arms, so YMMV.)

I agree that it's about the kool-aid drinkers and the politically correct. Going with the flow to any level just to make sure they (the officer) does not get anything negative on notice for them. All this to perpetuate their career and reach a good pension. That perhaps sounds bad, but in one way I almost do not blame them. I can see for them as well that those whom go against the grain have a very short career these days. Often ended with some public humiliation and deformation of character to simply make those of higher authorities point clear. (IMO)

I have witnessed numerous instances where soldiers had various injustices against them that had an obvious right answer. Only to have officers refuse to sign this or that, or even address the issues, because it was against the grain or embarrassing to their command. Again, even though there was clearly a right answer. Now that sounds cryptic yes, but I am not referring to political matters or article 15's, I am talking about simple things, like pay issues, family issues,..ext. It has become a clear negligence to humility that has been stripped from modern leadership.

More and more, I have become slightly disappointed with that type of leadership. When I joined I was disillusioned in that I expected to meet General Pattons whom could execute tough and decisive decisions to victory. In the very least, instead I received what seems to be the selfish and close minded. The "win" no longer seems to be about winning the fight in combat or the health and welfare of soldiers. Its more about the career and the retirement. This is often covered up by more and more meetings, and more and more power point slides to instill further sterility of leadership.

My perspective is often shared in other writings, it seems to be the modern consensus of the problem.

I must recognize that my experience is new, modern and relatively short. Because the Officer Corp has always been political, has anyone whom served extended periods in the Army, IE, those whom served in since Vietnam and just got out in the last 20 or so years noticed this change? Has it really always been this way, or is it a new matter of leadership thinking? I agree with the statistics that there may be a smaller percentage of bad ones in the larger picture. That aside, whats the actual trend of modern leadership? What exactly IS the Officer Corp becoming?
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