JUST AN OPINION

I received a great comment to my last post about ending stop loss from a man who knows what he is talking about.
You can go back and read the comment.
I didn't ask permission to re-post his comment, so I won't.
I will post my answer to him, because that's my right.
I only hope that this doesn't ruin the short communication relationship we have started.
I respect his opinions, and him for choosing to make the Army his career.
And I truly enjoy hearing from him.
I'm certain that we will have several great conversations during his present deployment.

Now my answer...

Sarge,
Call me John.
Mr Infantry Dad sounds kinda weird.
Ok. First, you are absolutely, positively welcome to your opinion, and to express it on my blog, in my comments, or anywhere else you would like. You fight for all of our right to do that. I respect you for it. And would never think anything less of you or anyone for disagreeing with me.
BUT, here's were I think your point is flawed.
If the Army is so grossly under manned with battle seasoned soldiers, then they need to make the hitch longer... When you sign up, you sign up for four years or five years. Don't have contracts with obscure clauses in them AND recruiters fluffing the clauses by telling individuals that there is little chance of it ever happening.
Next, give soldiers decent living quarters on base when home.
And teach all NCOS to stop soothing their egos by berating cherries. What sense does yelling and screaming at someone because they don't execute a perfect salute, or stand at a book perfect parade rest.
Now my qualifications to say this.
I completed basic training and AIT at Ft. Jackson in 1972. I also completed the Third Army Leadership Academy, and graduated the Third Army Drill Sargent Academy.
Never in all of that training was there a session on how to call recruits shit birds and piss ants.
Or to get in their face and scream, just because you can.
Nor was there instruction on what violations warranted push ups, or how many.
And yet, this has gone on since the the second world war.
I can understand the right of passage through basic training. But once a soldier becomes a member of a regular unit, that crap should stop. It serves no purpose. I understand that there are great NCOs, and it would seem that you are one. The great NCOs need to straighten out the ego maniacs, and teach them to lead by example. And create a better environment for all.
Now regarding extended tours of duty. (note, not Stop Loss).
During WWII there were soldiers that served for five years, some never getting leave at all. They lived in deplorable conditions. Sleeping outside in freezing weather, without shelter, for days and weeks on end.
During war time it should be understood that if you are in a battle unit, you are in until you are no longer needed.
Just make that known up front.
Don't let soldiers think that they are getting out, then pull the switch.
That's why I want to see stop loss ended.
I'm not angry about it just because my son got stop lossed, and no action I take now can stop it.
I understand that.
Hopefully I can make a difference for soldiers of the future.

I will continue to work to promote the petition I started to get the military to come up with a better way of staffing than forcing soldiers that complete their hitch to stay past their ETS.
I do not oppose soldiers being re-called in the event that a war escalates and they are needed to ensure that all soldiers aren't put in a worse situation by being under manned.
The fact that a soldier is on in-active reserve for a certain number of years after their initial commitment is well know by all.
It is made clear, along with the criteria that could constitute a recall.

And now a little promotion of the cause.
The petition can be found here, Online petition - End Stop Loss
Please consider helping with this cause...

God bless our soldiers serving in harms way, and keep them safe.