"...Making the Military a Real Meritocracy."

[Marauder06]

http://blogs.cfr.org/davidson/2014/...rt-by-making-the-military-a-real-meritocracy/

An intern at the Council for Foreign Relations wrote an article dealing with recruiting, retention, and retirement in the US military. What do you think about her suggestions?

 

[AWP]

Interesting article. I think this dovetails nicely with it (and even proposes counterarguments though one isn't addressing the other).

http://www.army.mil/article/129846/CSA_taps_captains_for_talent_management_ideas/

Anyway, there are some striking parallels in thinking between the two as well as some divergence. I think tracking someone into a "career staff" position is an excellent idea. I also think the current system of checking positional blocks before you can command a BN or BDE is stupid beyond words. Yes, you want those commanders to have a certain amount of experience, but in doing so the system bogs down. There are too many ways to sidetrack a career.

I love this quote from the army.mil article. I see it as a thinly veiled jab at SOF, but I admittedly have zero use for Odierno:

"Certain units have a history of drawing good officers," Odierno said, adding that "as chief, I want to spread talent across the Army."

The Abrams Charter didn't exactly work out or at best it has limitations. Did you ever think those units draw good officers because of something other units don't have? Mission? Morale? Good NCO's? A good DFAC? Hmm, there's a study group idea, General, if you have the courage to read the results.

 

[DA SWO]

Certain units have a history of drawing good officers," Odierno said, adding that "as chief, I want to spread talent across the Army."

Proof the Army loves mediocrity.

The mission attracts many of those great officers, but getting treated like an adult is also a good draw.

Increase Green to Gold, start flushing ROTC/OCS/USMA sourced officers who can't act like adults.

He ignores the exodus of high quality officers at the 4-6 year marks.

Stop rotating guys (gals) every two years and let them enjoy an assignment.
Soldiers work 10-12 hour days, often for no reason.
Slow the promotion gates so you can career broaden without damaging your career.

 

[AWP]

What should trouble the Army is that the problem is so large and so obvious a freaking INTERN with zero military experience can write about it....AND MAKE SENSE. That paper didn't come from a CGO on his/ her way out, that came from a civilian only a year out of college.

If Odierno had any soul, any shread of leadership or accountibility in his bones, any....any positive emotion whatsoever, seeing that paper should cause him to dip his M9 in honey. Pull his ACE card, his watch has ended.