| In this particular case I will have to disagree with Sun Tzu, while a viable military leader and theorist in his day some of his writings and thoughts are obsolete.
If you came into my unit and tried to treat my fellow officers as your children youŽd be in for a world of hurt.
Todays soldiers and officers are too enlightened to be treated as children.
THEY also knew the deal when they signed the contract or they shouldnŽt have signed in the first place.
That would be down to poor as **** information.
There is an old cavalry saying that goes something like this: "Horse, Saddle, Soldier"
The variant that is applied to this day is:
Mission, Troops, Self.
There are of course a lot of sub categories to that saying, but it is still very much viable in todays military operations in my opinion.
Furthermore, the only retention problem we have is the pay.
Not that personnel wants to start a family.
Most personnel that are attractive for contracting work have been downrange enough to know they wonŽt have a bigger chance keeping a marriage together if they are sent to a hot spot in civilian clothes rather then a uniform.
Having said that here is a disclaimer.
I can only speak for our situation, not for the various other allied country,s forces.
But maybe, just maybe you might have picked the wrong career if you want to spend three years back home sitting on your arse for every one you have done your job?
This is just my opinion, but I did not sign a contract to sit it out at home.
I am quite sure the majority of troops AND officers feel the same way.
Respectfully,
KJ.
__________________
"We are the pilgrims, Master
We shall go always a little further,
it may be beyond the last blue mountain barred with snow,
Across that angry or glimmering sea..."
|