Maggie's Farm

RE: why our best officers are leaving the Military.

I can relate to that. I was an Army NCO in the late '90's, and felt that way too, the way the current crop of leaders are feeling. What pushed me over the top was the APG issue, and the institution of Concideration of Others training forced upon us by the hand-wringers.

That, and the (then) crop of recruits freshly minted from basic training. Out of shape, non trained for their jobs, and little more than whinners in tree suits ("I need more free time than I get"). I did an on the spot correction to one, when he pulled out a 'stress card', and held it up. Amazed, I looked at it, and questioned what the hell he was doing. After explaining, I was totally amazed this ACTUALLY was happening in our training units.

After talking with many of my fellow NCO's, they saw the same things, felt the same way, and many were either retiring, taking early-outs, or just not re-enlisting (which, was my case). Too much Bureaucracy, not enough real-world reality (fight/train for wars, not PC issues), and little support from the higher leadership.

I looked forward to being an NCO comming up the ranks, after doing my time, earning my way, then doing the middle management of the Army. It went from fear/respect of the Sergeants and their authority, to being a nurse-maid and wiping their underlings noses when they ran too hard.

I see where the current fighting hasn't changed much, but given us experenced vets, and highlighted our shortcommings.