Quote Originally Posted by Eden View Post
Examination boards: Tell people they must pass a board to get promoted and they will acquire the knowledge on their own. Tell people they must have a working knowledge of Pashto before assuming command of 1-23 battalion, and they will acquire it. You might not have to send people to formal schools as much. It might also focus the minds of those who consider schooling as a great chance to sharpen their golf game.
Hi Eden,

Your post has some valuable points. I've been working Army training for the past 13 years and have met some great trainers/educators during that time. Twelve years ago, I had a long conservation with Dr. Rick Brown, LTG, Ret, a truly great trainer that was ahead of his time when it came to training individuals and units (probably learned most from Gorman.) The thrust of the discussion was this. Prior to assignement out of CGSC, have that major go to a CTC for a week observing a unit rotation, and getting a true sense and feel for the XO/S3 responsibilities. Upon return that major will need to pass an examination to see if he/she qualifies to be posted as a XO/S3. Thoughout the CGSC time period that major has been assigned a mentor whose ultimate goal is to shape that major into a XO/S3 and ensure he/she passes the examination. This has never materialized probably because of cost in both manpower and dollars, but the idea was passed up the CoC. Examination of the officer corps is probably why the old Officer Foundation Standards STPs went by the wayside.

Best,
Kreker