Proactive, not reactive - Army Community - Army Discussions - Army Times

Quick Links

Print Email
Bookmark and Share
http://www.armytimes.com/community/opinion/army_editorial_leadership_051908/

Proactive, not reactive



The mad scramble to fix rotten, moldy barracks after a soldier’s father posted a video on YouTube underscores a troubling pattern in Army leadership.

First, problems are ignored. Then they are exposed by someone else. And only then are they finally fixed.

Last week, the Army redirected $248 million to rush fixes to dilapidated barracks at eight posts.

Little more than a year earlier, similarly crumbling facilities were exposed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. After this newspaper and the Washington Post identified the problem, Army leaders expressed shock and dismay and ordered immediate fixes.

Similarly, shortly after the invasion of Afghanistan, the Army deployed troops without full sets of body armor for every soldier. Units didn’t complain. But when parents started complaining that they were footing the bill for body armor for their kids, Congress had to get involved.

A few years later, it took a question from Spc. Thomas Wilson to then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to change the way the Army looked at vehicles in Iraq. His question about why troops were scrounging scrap metal to armor their vehicles unwittingly set off an uproar that led to accelerated up-armoring programs for all Army vehicles.

Wilson showed the kind of leadership that should be expected of NCOs and officers. But too often, Army leaders tell their troops to “embrace the suck” and accept the hand they’ve been dealt.

That, however, isn’t leadership. Leaders must see it as their responsibility to look after their troops’ needs, make clear to their superiors what those needs are and demand better if America is failing its soldiers.

As the emergency release of $248 million for barracks repairs demonstrates, the resources can be found to fix critical needs.

But first, leaders have to recognize what is and isn’t acceptable. Too often, it seems, they set the bar too low.

DISCUSS: Troubles with leadership?

Videos You May Be Interested In

Leave a Comment





Contests and Promotions


promo Enter our 2012 Red Carpet Contest!
Predict who will get the statues on Hollywood's big night and win a $200 Fandango Gift Card!

Click Here To Enter.
promo Win Tactical Night Vision Goggles!
Enter to Win the Military Times Sweepstakes!

Click Here To Enter.

Free Stickers


promo Click here and we'll send you a FREE AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ, VIETNAM, or DESERT STORM sticker.

Marketplace

Mil-Mall


VALOR and VISION: Heroes * Leaders * Innovation
This commemorative Military Times magazine, tells, in pictures and short essays, the story of our past decade at war.

Military Discounts


Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.

Shoplocal

  Shop Local
Local Online Deals
Find the best deals at your local stores.