Comments on: Why Isn’t the Army Broken?

By: Consul-At-Arms

Consul-At-Arms — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:37:58 +0000

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:44:33 +0000

We are tired and stretched. But we also have a sense of purpose. Still, the Army has made some very significant changes in how it operates in war. We no longer cycle soldiers thru in individual deployments, we deploy units. The Army provides funds to deploying units to see use on items that Commanders deem important. They have a rapid soldier fielding program to issue some "good to haves" (like ballistic eye-wear and insulated synthetic underwear). And they invest in training you in realistic scenarios so you feel you are better prepared.

And that the Army has invested in leadership training which is 180 degrees from what was done during Viet Nam. Any one item isn't critical but the cumulative impact is profound.

By: another matt

another matt — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:33:33 +0000

"They are a different breed of cat and like doing what they do."

I have yet to meet any breed of cat that doesn't enjoy doing what it does.

By: markm

markm — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:05:26 +0000

"Ultimately, though, soldiers like to soldier."

This is a truism. They are a different breed of cat and like doing what they do.

By: mike

mike — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:45:21 +0000

How do you define "broken". Lower enlistment standards, lower ASVAB scores, lower PT tests, lower unit readiness levels, fratricide, mutiny? I don't think we are ever going to see a "broken" army b/c there are too many professionals of all ranks in the army. Is the army strained? Of course? Are there problems b/c the deployments? Of course. Then again, we also have a whole lot of Soldiers of all ranks with combat experience which is something that we haven't had in 20 + years. before folks start with the labels, I am not a fan of the president's execution of the war.