The 25th Dimension started to implement mandatory sensitivity training in the early '90s.  Training like this and the then newly-implemented BOSS program in which Joe wielded more power than the NCO Corps were instrumental in my decision to pop smoke in '96.  While these programs may be appropriate in the civilian sector, it is astounding that civilian social engineers were able, let alone permitted, to initiate these "feel good" programs in the service.

I got out of the Army in '91 just after DS. One of my main reasons for getting out was because of what we are discussing here. I came back into the Guard in '02 and have now been on Active Duty with Reserves for a couple of years now. I can honestly say that what we are discussing has gotten worse (two fold). I am not just speaking from observing N.G. and Reservist. I presently work with AD soldiers as an OC/T. When an individual assumes a "LEADERSHIP" position, they have/need to understand that they are "LEADERS"! That understanding has gone to the wayside and the mentality now (for the most part) is about the power they have. More and more they abuse it and get away with it because that has become what is "normal". It's a damn shame to see a SNCO who thinks that if a soldier can tolerate his petty harassment, he must be a good soldier. It's a shame to see a SNCO openly show favortism and get away with it. I could go on and on here but my point is, some NCO's have forgotten that they are "LEADERS" and with that comes the responsibilty of "LEADING" not being obsessed with your power and abusing it.

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 "Never argue with an idiot; they'll drag you down to their level and beat
you with experience." ~ Anonymous

When I was with 1/505 ABG and 2/509 at Mainz in 59-63 rank was almost impossibile to make.  We had the slots filled at TOE rates by folks on other SD(rifle team, football team, boxing team) and there weren't any blood stripes.  We sent PFCs back to CONUS with over 2 years in grade and no disipinary problems.  In D 1/505 we had 44 E-4s and 42 were drawing pro pay in what is now 11B(which went to the top 10% in that pay grade).  When I made E-5 I had over 4 years in grade.  I finished 1st on a board that had over 40 people competing for stripes when they came down, at the time there were no allocations for promotions in our unit.  We eventually got 3 allocations for E-5 about 4 months later.

In peacetime promoting the unqualified can see if they can hack it if not bust em and give the blood stripe to a junior qualifed troop.  In combat situtations usually the unqualified are found out.  The hope is some troop or troops don't die due to incompetence.

As far as strength most rifle companies I served in were up to up to TOE for about 6 months and then the steady loss of troops to SD meant most rifle companies operated at about 50%.  Sometimes we went to the field with 2 understrength rifle squad and a weapons sqd.  The only thing more difficult to understand than manning levels was why every poncho leaked.

However in places like RVN and Iraq there isn't  a front so you can't hide weak sisters.