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Regular Joe
 
Group: Registered User
Last Login: 3/27/2007 11:22 AM
Posts: 76,
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Delta,
Agree about the types of outspokeness, but there are two types of outspokeness once one leaves the service as well.
1. Outspoken, but in an attempt to make things better for the military
2. Outspoken, but for personal gain, merely bashing an organization which one abandoned, and has no useful intent of helping the organization by providing solution isntead of just highlighting problems.
As I said in my second post on this thread, I read CSM Purdy's letter about the Army of One after I read this one, and in my ignorance of not knowing about this trooper, gave a misinformed opinion. Having read both now, I can state I wish I could have served with the man as he seems like a great NCO.
As for #2 above, ie HACKWORTH - there is a guy that has no value to the Army today whatsoever. All he is concerned with is pointing out problems, writing books and looking good in his black turtle neck as he comments on evening news programs. Definitley not the way to do it.
C
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Seasoned Vet
Group: Past PNET Supporter
Last Login: 9/7/2005 7:22 PM
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quote:
As for #2 above, ie HACKWORTH - there is a guy that has no value to the Army today whatsoever. All he is concerned with is pointing out problems, writing books and looking good in his black turtle neck as he comments on evening news programs. Definitley not the way to do it.
I agree, but as the old saying goes, a blind squirell can find an acorn every now and then. I don't agree with Hack's motives but he does, for better or worse, have access to active duty personel that reveal 'the real deal' that the Army won't tell you.
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Regular Joe
Group: Registered User
Last Login: 3/27/2007 11:22 AM
Posts: 76,
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Just refuse to listen to anything Hack ever has to say or pay a dime for any of his books...by all accounts, his last one was nothing more than a self proclomation of greatness and a bunch of chest beating.
He knows so much, and has such vast experience, yet all he does is bad mouth...if he just gave some suggestions or tried to help I would be all ears...
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Trooper
Group: Past PNET Supporter
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Jarhead
Group: Community Supporter
Last Login: 12/15/2007 1:24 PM
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quote:
1. Outspoken, but in an attempt to make things better for the military
IMO, both of these hardchargers fall into this category. They definately go about it different ways and Hack has been at it a lot longer. If they didn't care, they wouldn't bother or they would be hanging out on the VAIW site. That is if they could get someone to sponsor their membership.
CSM Purdy and Hack both have ideas about they way the military should be run. I disagree with the idea that you say they abandoned the military. Don't think that is necessarily the case. Everyone knows that when push comes to shove(even in the military)you do your job as you're told or find a different job. Retiring is not abandonment. I do not think either one of these gentlemen's intent is to cause problems within the military. Rather, as you say, point out problems. How many times would you as a soldier let some civilian tell you how to run your squad or platoon. I have read some of Hack's articles and I don't believe that all he ever does is point out problems. I do however believe that some of his proposals are a bit extreme. The issue is that no one that is high enough in the military to do anything about the problems would ever implement one of the solutions just because of the person it came from. It doesn' matter how good or feasible it may be.
Go back to the Stryker shortcomings on this very forum. Do you think that if we printed and sent it to Shinseki, he would change his mind?
That thread pointed out some very valid arguments and he has the authority to at least get the ball rolling, but I doubt that would happen because of the gents who disagree with it. Namely US the users.
There are far too many "Yes" men in the military today who don't want to call em like they see em. It might cause a problem down the road. It isn't only reserved for officers though, I have seen some senior NCOs who wouldn't say shiit if they had a mouthful. Must be worried about that next NCOER.
 "Your Marines having been under my command for nearly six months, I feel that I can give you a discriminating report as to their excellent standing with their brothers of the Army and their general good conduct."-General John J. Pershing, U.S. Army
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Stare Master
Group: Community Supporter
Last Login: Yesterday @ 3:00 PM
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Tom, my assessment of Hackworth has been from the start that he has a chip on his shoulder. I feel that a lot of his criticism of the brass is nothing more than sniping at those who attained more rank than he did, although some of his criticism does seem to be on the mark. As a combat leader he seems to stand out. But an article I once read by a retired officer that knew him cautioned that one should believe about half of what Hackworth says.
Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American GI. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
"History teaches that when you become indifferent and lose the will to fight someone who has the will to fight will take over." COLONEL BULL SIMONS
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Regular Joe
Group: Registered User
Last Login: 3/27/2007 11:22 AM
Posts: 76,
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missed one critical thing in my deliniation of CSM Purdy and Hack...
After reading Purdy's first letter I admitted I was obviously wrong about him and have nothing but respect for how he handled himself, both in and now out of uniform.
As for Hack, his name is perfect for him. he is nothing but a Hack. And while I have nothing but respect for his achievements and accomplishments in uniform, out of uniform he is a disgrace that is all aobu tpumping up his own commercial value, saying how he could do it all better, but not giving concrete examples of how that would happen.
C
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