Submitted 10.12.11
I work for a unit that test new weapons for the Army to see if they are worth buying. Before every testing cycle we go to classes to learn how to use the equipment. One piece that we were slotted to test was a night vision camera that was portable and supposed to be set up on a small tower to further the range of vision. The system weighed in around 45lbs and cost over $120k a set. Keep in mind this is was designed to be carried up mountains for additional surveillance and security. During the general briefing on the equipment I asked the instructor, "Sir this only gives us 3 meters (about 10 feet) more visibility than the night vision scope our snipers use. In addition your camera system is 43lbs heavier, 8 times the size and cost, and is a huge signal to others that we are in the area when it is in use. Why should we even test this system?" The instructor really had no good answer to this question. I informed my command of all the time, money, and tired soldiers we could save by just not testing it as it is more of a liability than it is a help. But for some reason the officers in the high ranks (cough cough Col and above) seem to be very friendly with some of the contractors. Rumor has it that somebody is getting something out of forcing us to test such useless gear.
Showing posts with label Fort Bliss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fort Bliss. Show all posts
who's listening?
Submitted 10.12.11
I am stationed out of Ft Bliss and work for a unit that does weapons testing. One of the NCOs in the unit who had just come home from a tour in Iraq, and was having some personal troubles reached out for help from the behavior health clinic. After waiting two weeks for his appointment date to arrive he is told 2 hours before his appointment that he has a class to learn about new equipment. This class was one he had already attended and passed. He told his command of the problem and was told to go to the class and tell the instructor he would miss part of it. The soldier ended up going to his appointment missing just 2 of the 9 hours of the class. At the end of the day the soldier was repeatedly scolded for his missing part of the class, written up, and put in for a reduction in rank under UCMJ. Afterwords I overheard a conversation that this NCO was having with one of his soldiers. The soldier asked "Sergeant, doesn't this just basically tell everyone that if you reach out for help at an inconvenient time for the unit you will be punished?" The NCO as professionally as possible said "Yes, but it also shows soldiers that if you know you need help it is ok to ask for it. I hope that you all do what you follow my example and do not let anyone tell you that you can't get help." This NCO is a prime example of fine leadership and also of what can happen to you when your rank does not out match the person you upset.
I am stationed out of Ft Bliss and work for a unit that does weapons testing. One of the NCOs in the unit who had just come home from a tour in Iraq, and was having some personal troubles reached out for help from the behavior health clinic. After waiting two weeks for his appointment date to arrive he is told 2 hours before his appointment that he has a class to learn about new equipment. This class was one he had already attended and passed. He told his command of the problem and was told to go to the class and tell the instructor he would miss part of it. The soldier ended up going to his appointment missing just 2 of the 9 hours of the class. At the end of the day the soldier was repeatedly scolded for his missing part of the class, written up, and put in for a reduction in rank under UCMJ. Afterwords I overheard a conversation that this NCO was having with one of his soldiers. The soldier asked "Sergeant, doesn't this just basically tell everyone that if you reach out for help at an inconvenient time for the unit you will be punished?" The NCO as professionally as possible said "Yes, but it also shows soldiers that if you know you need help it is ok to ask for it. I hope that you all do what you follow my example and do not let anyone tell you that you can't get help." This NCO is a prime example of fine leadership and also of what can happen to you when your rank does not out match the person you upset.
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