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He is correct on the up or out thing. I knew an E-5, Specialist Five once, who was in transportation. He was an excellent mechanic and heavy equipment operator. The guy genuinely loved to operate the big rigs and heavy equipment. He loved to "play in the dirt" as he put it. He was sent to the Staff Sergeant E-6 board, which he did outstanding. He made E-6 and then got the bad news. He was now a supervisor of the E-5s and below and thus, no longer got to play on the equipment or worked on it. He was to supervise others doing it. Even when he tried to get dirty hands, his motor maintenance officer got on his butt. The guy was crushed. Everything he'd ever wanted to be or do was gone because he was good at it and had been promoted. He said he would gladly have not gone up for E-6 if he had known that he would never get to operate the equipment again. But, he also knew that if he did not GO UP, then he would be OUT. Basically, the Army lost an outstanding operator and mechanic and probably got a poor supervisor because his heart was not in it.

Once there were also career privates. Men who beat the bush and carried the load. The Army did not want those kinds any more and made it up or out. What is wrong with a guy who is a 10 year E4 or E5, but is a damned good E4 or E5. Everyone is not made out to be a supervisor or leader of men/women, yet could still be a totally productive soldier in his/her MOS? These people want to be soldiers and want to do a good job, but might not have the "head space and timing" to be a leader in a critical combat job.

Training is the name of the game. Our people do spend short times together and very shorter time in the field. Actually, I loved to go to the field. But, I knew others who would try any excuse to try to stay out of the field. I know that as my career developed, I learned that there are many things I would have done much different if I had known better. Like most adults, I wanted to get married and have children. Little did I realize how much time I would spend away from those children and my wife. It lead to me not seeing my kids much or being around much. It was bad for me and bad for my kids. I missed out on so much of their young lives, and they did not see much of me from time to time. Makes the mother be almost like a single parent. Would I have stayed single if I had known better or more, probably. But, married troops, with large families, have many distractions. In today's world, what I am saying probably would not work, but would probably be better.

On a side issue, has anyone seen the stupid commercial for MTV where the female sailor says she did not join the Navy and expect to go to war? Jesus, Thelma and Louise, what kind of people do we have on the lines defending this country? People along for the pay check, not people who are there to defend the country. At times like this, I wish I were young enough to put the uniform back on and hit the field again. This is very sad. Sad for our Nation, and someday sad for those who will die because of stupid attitudes like this broad's. (Sorry ladies, that is how I feel. This gal ain't no Lady.)

Once there were also career privates. Men who beat the bush and carried the load. The Army did not want those kinds any more and made it up or out. What is wrong with a guy who is a 10 year E4 or E5, but is a damned good E4 or E5. Everyone is not made out to be a supervisor or leader of men/women, yet could still be a totally productive soldier in his/her MOS? These people want to be soldiers and want to do a good job, but might not have the "head space and timing" to be a leader in a critical combat job.

Don't have any military service, except watching "Heartbreak Ridge" 3 times, but your observations totally square with what I've seen in the fire service. For some reason, we seem to have lost respect for the tradesman who does his job well. BTW, NOTHING is nicer than having 3 experienced hands with you when going into a structure fire.

Have to agree. I have seen many EM, NCO's and Officers who were really great in their rank but who were unable to be promoted to the next higher grade. What would be wrong for example to have a "Career Captain" as a company commander if he is truly suited for the job and has no aspirations to be a Major? Same with other troops. It is a serious shame to give up this experience and ability. Everything in the army happens at UNIT level. Higher headquarters and other personnel exist ONLY to provide for the unit.

Very, very well written. I can tell you have spent a day in the mud and a couple in the office.