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Letters

WHAT MOTIVATES SOLDIERS

In the Oct. 12 issue there was an entry titled “Forget R-E-S-P-E-C-T” and I would like to comment on the views expressed.

The quintessential definition of leadership is motivating people to accomplish a task. It’s true that the basic provision for authority of rank is provided by the Army. However, the idea that one can simply rely on the fact that soldiers have to do what you tell them does not make you a leader, it makes you a slave driver. Anybody can tell someone what to do — there is no skill involved or judgment required.

“It's called Leadership, not like-ership”? No, leadership should not be turned into a popularity contest. But there is a difference between respecting someone and liking someone.

A true leader is someone who soldiers want to follow, because they trust him or her. Most of the time that means they’ll work harder and more effectively. Earning your soldiers’ trust and therefore respect is an essential part of the ability to motivate them to accomplish the mission. That’s what respect is about.

Relying on your rank alone does not constitute you motivating soldiers. It constitutes the Army motivating soldiers. A disconnected attitude that is not concerned with soldier and leader development but rather ego and self-righteousness will erode the culture and morale of the unit and potentially the Army.

— 2nd Lt. Tristan Betts, Honolulu

WARDROBE MALFUNCTION

I have to agree that the Army Combat Uniform digital pattern is more confusing than concealing. I would further say it is generally ineffective in every environment except for metro areas (not necessarily urban) and that popular gray rock used to pave most camps.

Although I can’t raise an opinion about the Multicam, which does look more effective than the universal camouflage patterns, I will say we need to find a better solution than the current ACU.

— Staff Sgt. Zachary B. Gengler, Fort McCoy, Wis.

UNIFORMS TOO LIMITED

After reading the article in the Sept. 28 issue [“Army ignored camo tests”], I wondered if PEO Soldier used the same methodology in designing the new Army Service Uniform.

Although a noble idea, to minimize the numbers of uniforms a soldier might need for different occasions, in practice, is neither functional nor attractive.

I totally agree with the need to update the current Army greens, however a replacement should maintain the martial esprit.

Also, since the implementation of the tan suede boots and elimination of the black combat boots, how can I tell my soldiers to wear all-leather boots with either the Army greens or ASU? I cannot force my soldiers to buy them since they are not part of the clothing issue bag.

— Maj. Javier Rivera, Fort Benning, Ga.

SMELLS LIKE VICTORY

There is no alternative to victory.

The last time our United States decided to truly engage in a war, our leaders designated Gen. Norman Schwartzkopf, known as a patriot and a warrior, to plan, gather his troops, equipment and supplies and with determination, take us to war to win and he did win.

Since that time, our leaders have “played” at war, spending money and American lives without the determination to win. Warriors do not play war, they fight to win.

There is no substitute for victory.

Americans are tired of our civilian and military leaders “playing” war, wasting American money and lives. When America’s true leaders decide to stop playing war and decide to win this war, they will send not a few battalions for six months to a year, but sufficient numbers of Army and Marine divisions with sufficient equipment and supplies to fight as long as it takes to win the war. To do less is criminal, cowardly and un-American.

— Capt. Joseph A. Edwards (ret.), Oceanside, Calif.

POINTING FINGERS

According to the article [“Beating cheating,” Oct. 5], cheating for points has been an open secret since at least 1999.

I find it amazing that pressure to stop it came from the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, who himself was thrown out of Harvard for cheating. Hypocrisy reigns.

— Col. Alan C. Saunders, Springfield, Va.