pbi said:
As we have said many times in many places on this site, we have a long way to go to instill the warrior spirit in some of our people; a spirit which to me includes respect for fallen comrades at all times and not just on Nov 11. We still have too many idle little time servers wandering about.
I remember stopping off by the Spr Holopina Memorial on the side of the road in BiH - all of us snapped off a salute as we approached it; it was just instinctive. The fact that many are not doing the same leads me to think that, as an institution, our eyes are off the ball.
This is bad, real bad.
We've got average Bloggins on the news who look like a gaggle of doofuses trying to march (and doing it poorly), we have Soldiers on the street who dress like dumpy mechanics and we have Soldiers who cannot pay the most basic of military courtesies in the public.
As I said before, it seems the Drill, Dress, and Deportment, those three "D"s that underscore Discipline, the foundation of professionalism and military excellence, have been relegated to the backburners. This needs to change - we talk about how switched on some other Forces are, like the USMC or the RM, but if anyone looks, they are also the most well turned out soldiers on the parade-square or in public. A. Majoor probably has some good points on
changing drill for the times, but this doesn't mean we
ignore it or, worse,
do it poorly.
I have a few suggestions on how to remedy this situation:
- A service dress, basically toned down DEU's, that all soldiers will wear when not in the field or conducting training at the battalion lines. People will probably disagree with me on this point, but I agree with the USMC philosophy that "Combats" are a working uniform and, like a mechanic working with the greasy rig, we shouldn't present ourselves in public in them.
- Strict enforcement of the 3 "D"s. This is the job of the NCO's. If troops aren't doing what they are supposed to, then look to their NCO's. If the NCO's aren't doing their job, move up the chain and question why the Officer's aren't getting a knuckle on their subordinates (and themselves). Accountability has to be pressed up the line. As USMC dress regs say;
"Marines set the example. In any uniform we will maintain the highest standards of appearance -- at all times -- in all places. Exercise good judgment, if there's a doubt -- don't stop" - why can't we apply this to the 3 "D"s? A regulation like this should come from the top and be enforce uniformly from top to bottom (ie: Big bone of mine - if you're above the rank of LtCol, get a haircut; I spend 15 of my own dollars every two weeks to look sharp and not get jacked on parade, so can you - lead by example, right?)
- Finally, the 3 D's along with other things, need to be really hammered on as an essential cornerstone of professionalism; this all starts at the recruit level. Perhaps we are not giving the attention that is required in
"training the trainers"? I remember from my basic I had a drill God marching us around, so we were in good hands - but how can you ensure that this is the case all the time? Food for thought as follows; the Royal Marines take their soldiers through the Commando Course in a Troop (Platoon) that consists of 6 JNCO's (our Sergeant), a SNCO (our Warrant) and an Officer http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/static/pages/2668.html :
You will be divided into sections of about 10 men, each headed by a Corporal who will have been selected for his experience and teaching ability. Each troop will also have a Drill Instructor and Physical Training Instructor who will get to know your strengths and weaknesses. Supervising the Corporals is the Troop Sergeant, who is responsible for the administration of the troop and the training programme. The Troop is commanded by the Troop Commander, usually a Royal Marines Captain. He is responsible for the planning, conduct and supervision of training as well as standards, discipline and welfare.
The Drill Leader is a "Specialist Qualification" (we have these as well) http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/static/pages/5037.html:
Drill Leader (DL)
The instructors who play a key role in the transition from raw recruit to fully trained Royal Marine are Drill Leaders. The tasks of Drill Leaders are the teaching and supervising of all recruits, NCOs and Officers under training in drill, personal husbandry and Corps history. With this role comes a wide-ranging responsibility for ceremonial drill, whether it is a unit inspection or a high profile event, such as a Freedom of a City ceremony, Street Lining or Remembrance Parades.
I'd reckon that the CF would benefit immensely by bringing back the PTI as well:
Physical Training Instructors (PTI)
The primary aim of the Royal Marines Physical Training specialisation is to prepare men for the physical demands of Commando Service. The secondary aim is to develop physical fitness through sport and adventurous training. Individuals are trained in all aspects of Fitness, PT Theory, Adventure Training, Anatomy and Physiology and Coaching Sport.
I think, for the CF, these would make excellent specializations that would earn extra "Spec pay" for those who take on these additional unit responsibilities and upkeep their own SME status - it could be configured like the old "QL4" sub-streams that we used in the Infantry. As well as being assigned to training and operational units, these soldiers should be attached to static headquarters (yes, I'm looking at you, NDHQ) as well.
This would also entail a little change to the way we organize our training, but perhaps it will be a change for the good?
My zwei pfennig
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