An Expose on the Military
Dimension
Also go fight in Andalucia and help out Brozil: http://www.erepublik.com/en/military/battlefield/3993
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When I sat down to write this, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted the outcome to be. Change, of course, has always been one of the reasons behind this, but there are other reasons. Mostly the fact that I’ve been a part of the military for about twenty months now, and I don’t want to see it go down the road it’s on. I wouldn’t trade the time I spent there for the world. The experiences were one of a kind and many of the people I met are great examples of what the military should be.
“What is this?”, you’re probably asking. I guess you could consider it an exposé, of sorts, on the military. My time in the military has come to an end, but I want it to be enjoyable to the people who come after me. As an eagle scout (sup J?), I am of the belief that you should leave things better than you found them. These are some of my suggestions.
I don’t know where to start with this, but I basically just want to present you with a list of what I believe the major opportunities the military currently has to improve and possible ways to go about improving on them. If you’re reading this because you want to see a blood bath you’ve come to the wrong place.
The examples I present in this article are all going to be fairly recent because you cannot judge anything by things that occurred months ago.
1) The leadership is too set in its ways and you cannot even question what those ways are.
The major flaw in any organization comes when the leaders do not allow you to openly question their actions. Understandably, insubordination cannot be allowed, but there is a difference between insubordination and a question of policy.
There are three major examples that I have run into recently.
The first one came when I realized that XOs were not listed as JCS anymore. I started a thread on the forums (http://eusmil.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=966). That is, actually, the second thread I started on those forums, because immediately after posting the first one, it was removed with no warning given.
Basically, for those of you who can’t see it, it went like this:
Dimension: What is considered JCS?
Bia Pandora: Talk to your Branch CO. (Follow CoC)
Dimension: (I went and talked to Goalie and nothing of value came from it.) That didn’t help. Who is above the CO in the CoC?
GoalieBCSC: I’m glad you find me no help. Next time, don’t be a douchebag.
This thread is now locked. Anyone who posts will receive a DD.
Telling me to talk to my CO is fine, and following CoC is good practice, but shutting down threads on a forum is absolutely asinine. The fact that no one is allowed to openly, and respectfully, question the policies of the JCS is absolutely uncalled for.
The second example is almost exactly like the first.
I started a thread asking about whether or not JCS are allowed to participate in politics. (http://eusmil.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=1591) It goes like this:
These are very basic questions, and I could understand locking the thread if I was being disrespectful, but what are they trying to hide? Why can basic JCS policy not be known to the forum goers?
Last but not least, is what happens when I do actually follow my Chain of Command. The current CO of the MI, whose name I will not put here (but it’s not Goalie anymore), seems to be unapproachable with any questions at all.
He recently held a Q&A with the officers, where we were invited to ask questions we had.
Here’s the log of how it went:
[19:55:13] i have a question
[19:55:33] very basic, but following CoC, how is ABCDwp being ordered to handle iNCi requests?
[19:57:40] I have a wait and see attitude with INCI
[19:58:01] Everyone was running around crying about the sky falling
[19:58:17] but I have yet to see any real issues
[19:58:21] they were welcomed about two months ago by Gov
[19:58:38] Besides the fact that they make terrible workers in my private companies
[19:58:40] executive branch that is
[19:58:43] redacted i'm being informed that Jankems has stated that iNCi are considered a PTO threat and not allowed into the military?
[19:59:03] redacted has set mode +b *!~Dimension@*.Original.Thief
[19:59:03] Dimension [~Dimension@The.Original.Thief] has been kicked from #redacted by redacted
I was then informed via PM:
Feb 08 21:59:17
Feb 08 21:59:22
Feb 08 21:59:29
Feb 08 21:59:58
Feb 08 22:00:09
Feb 08 22:00:15
Feb 08 22:0
😇2
There are more logs like this where he threatens me but these two do the best to show just how far it has come that you do not question your superiors.
I kept the names out of these logs because I’m not targeting the individual, but the organization. It should never reach a point where someone is afraid to ask questions, or be threatened with a DD for countering an argument given by a superior.
How can we fix this? Encouraging discussion on the forums is one way. Maybe the JCS could also post a list of their policies, or start a thread where members of the military can ask any questions they might have.
2) Money could be spent more wisely
I can’t get into huge specifics here because I do recognize that giving out too much information does violate OPSEC, but the fact is that at the time I was in the Marines, they were wasting a calculated 116 gold a week. This was calculated back in January, so 50 USD = 1 Gold, but I’ve been informed that very little has changed.
The backstory to this: I left the Mobile Infantry on Dec 23rd, 2010, and rejoined the Mobile Infantry January 7th, 2011. Why the short stay? Because I realized that I could do more damage without having to work in a commune if I was in the MI than I could do being forced to work for $6 a day at a marine commune.
About a month ago, I wrote up a short analysis where I explained that the Marines could increase damage by 35% and decrease spending by 45%. This could all be done by just changing where each marine worked, and I even wrote up an exact list of where to place the individual marines.
I am going to put this bluntly here, so there is no confusion: The only thing the Marines had to do is shuffle members around companies they already owned, and they could end up saving about 116 gold a week. (Remember at this time 50 USD = 1 Gold, but assuming that product prices changed in proportion to currency prices we can still assume it's about 100 gold. If the Military were open to an audit, we could confirm this.)
I told the entirety of the Marine Corps this around December 30th (I don’t remember the exact date) and the majority agreed that it was a good idea. However, nothing happened, so I went back to the Mobile Infantry. I told GoalieBCSC about this, and he told Jankems. That was about January 10th, iirc. Jankems has yet to do anything. When I ask him about it, he tells me that something is being done about it, but he cannot tell me what that is.
What can we do to fix it? Well, I’m actually fairly sure that the only reason this hasn’t changed is because of who the CO of the Marine Corps is. If we remove him I know that Kell Draygo will do what he thinks is best for the Marines.
3) Blacklists are way too hard to get off.
As of this posting, Publius, Xtasia, and Dishmcds have all been denied access to the mobile infantry. Why? Because they have been blacklisted, even though everyone else trusts them. Hell, Publius is one of the two guys who controls all of the money that is in the US. Xtasia is an admin of the game, and Dish is a past CP who is back in the US and actually being a contributing member of society. There is also Syrup, but no one cares about Syrup.
😉
Seriously, the military takes it way too far with security sometimes. Syrup is not a threat. Dish is not a threat. Xtasia is not a threat, and Publius is absolutely not a threat. Not one of these people will leak orders to the enemy. And it wouldn’t matter if they did, since our orders are so basic as to just list where to fight upon last login and give the time for the Mass Attacks. If the enemy is stupid enough not to know when our Mass Attacks are, why the hell did we lose all those RW’s last week?
These people are not a threat, but we treat them like they are. How can we fix it? Treat this game like it’s a game, and get over some of the petty crap that you’re stuck on. So what if Publius tanked for Dio? So what if Syrup let in Zoli? So what if Dish was in the UK for awhile? We let PrincessMedyPi back in. We let GladDOS back in. They aren’t threats.
4) The military thinks it can dictate foreign policy
Quit doing that. It’s not our job. It’s fine to say “Hey, what you’re saying might have these ramifications with this country because of this reason.” but it is not okay to say “I will not order troops to fight there.” If the President tells you to fight somewhere, you need to convince him it’s a bad idea or order damage there.
Also, this whole business with INCI. Let them in. It’s stupid to keep them out. Everyone recognizes this but you. There might be a problem with logistics, but that is no reason to keep them out. Have you even tried talking with them about this? From HR’s last thread it doesn’t seem like it, and when I follow my CoC I get threatened with another kick ban.
In fact, I started a thread on milforums that asked “Do you know what INCI is? Yes or No only please.” I was surprised by the number of military members who actually did know what it was, but what was more surprising was that the moment I suggested the military accept INCI as members, the thread was locked and I was not informed.
That’s about it guys.
The military is not what it used to be, but it’s not difficult to get it back to where it belongs.
Really, all that needs to be done is change the way communication is handled within the military. Allow people to ask questions, allow people to question policy, allow people to be people. Just because you have been raised to the rank of JCS does not give you the right to treat people like they are worth less than you. (This isn’t pointed at all of the JCS, since some of you are actually useful.) If the JCS would listen to its members, I think the military would fair much better.
Also: DIO DIO DIO
(You can’t say that in eusmil and especially in the MI)
Comments
My vote worked that time. And to repost my comments...
Maybe I'm just an old schooler, and while I do have respect for jankems I feel the JCS has a poor turnover rate. Things were great when Harlot & Lucky ran the show, and even GJ. However everything seemed to go down hill during NX's term (again, no offense, NX helped me out and I helped him out) and now I just feel as a whole it's in a state of disrepair. I seldom see new blood, new opinions get their voices heard and everyone and their mother that retires gets to keep a JCS advisory role which is b/s and some of them go on power trips over an imaginary title with imaginary power.
selam panpa.
Votat.
I miss Harlot 😨
That is all.
voted wooohooooo xD
Agreed Spartan. Even when Branch head's retire, they still stick around as advisors.
vototed
just write more articles, more evidence that you are spamming.
what is this I don't even
stop spamming dude
votato panpa.
you can spam this all day, I'll vote harder.
HEY, IDIOT, STOP SPAMMING YOUR STUPID NEWSPAPER.
Power to militias.
What Dimension sad. : P
Özet geç amk
how did you get 160 votes already?
Hydroloc, i assume someone had the article orgvoted.
interesting read
http://i.imgur.com/g36V1.jpg
I am astonished by the lack of common sense redacted shows.
im un-happy about the lack of support that the us military is giving to thier allies
Interesting read. Voted and subscribed.
Voted....again O>
Wow. This seems loaded with the sauce of truth, which is quite sad actually. I personally think once a JCS retires, they should retire, not become an advisor and be like "HERPDERP IM NOT GIVIN UP MAH POWERS"
Voted and Subbed.
You got balls and I respect that.
Read the whole thing. It was very well written, Dim.
The Chain of Commands and role-playing has always been a serious problem with the military. The way that some of the upper staff treats regular citizens is ridiculous, and it makes me think that they're not doing it to help America, they're doing it because they're power hungry. They're selfish and they don't want to have to explain themselves because they feel they're better then everyone else. The average JCS's ego is beyond comparison of anyone in eRepublik, except for maybe Ajay and Ostin.
Did this one get orgvoted?
Power to militias. X2
Justin McCravok you clearly have delusions about the military. For one thing, if the military were so selfish we wouldn't be accepting piss for daily pay ($1, $0.77 after taxes) just to save the country money. Also I'd have to say that eUS's military is the last group to role-play this game. Some are e😜olifgts who are sick of the role-players in politics. As for the Chain of Command and whether Dim followed it or not, I have to wonder if the excerpted conversations weren't edited for more than just privacy.
And the average JCS is often there for a long time and has had enough decisions criticized by people without the information or experience they have. Maybe they're defensive but given my time in the military I haven't known an 'average' amount to be egotistical. I would assume though that you wouldn't mind listing the ones that are coming to your mind, unless you can't think of any.
As for not having to explain themselves, I think you forget the class of idiot that they deal with, namely the President and his cabinet. I can think of quite a few Presidents who were clearly incompetent and should never have been elected. That's a different point of discussion though, isn't it?
If the military isn't selfish then why does command hate sending troops to help PANAM?
and i wonder why i never joined the military. uptight dipshits forgot this is a game
Exactly The Kendrick, its sad that people take this GAME so seriously.
Were not all uptigh kendrick. There are some of us that dont RP and actually treat this as a game.
Good read. Some friends were having a similar discussion last night, but with more emphasis on the lack of external accountability, as well as the lack of systematic personnel turnover and objective standards.
The military *is* elitist. There is little room for personal growth. People complain when a president is in power for more than a month or two and complain that theres too much "old blood" in the government and that it drives away new players from feeling like they can achieve anything. On the flipside, noone has the balls to bring up the fact that the current CJCS has been in power since June 2010, and that theres no term limits on any positions in the eUS mil to promote turnover and promoting retention via "new blood" there.
And lets not pretend that the military needs a "great strategist" involved and that experience is everything. Its a giant bureaucracy~
Ian, stop being ridiculous. The net gain you receive from the military is higher than in the private sector.
honestly, i feel there should be imposed limits to military leadership. This will avoid burnout and poor performance, keep an elite few from benefiting through abuse/misuse of the many, and keep the military answerable to the president and ultimately the people that pay for it.
I'm not saying this targeted at anyone but just that in general that would be my preference as an operational framework. Otherwise, I fear it would be too easily turned into an frat group. When anything is run in a "good ol' boys network" problems are endemic.
Dimension, props to you for speaking your peace.
Good, this shitstorm will keep me entertained all weekend. I was worried about that since football is gone.
I like how Justin tries to pain the JCS as nothing but power hungry egomaniacs. Of course its the furthest thing from the truth but I'm sure he felt good saying it.
Hey Ian, ask me how much I'm earning working in a commune for my militia, and keep on pretending that the majority of Americans aren't working in communes for some greater organization.
Are things really as corrupt as he makes them out to be?
Yes. But it's like the 800 pound gorilla in the corner of the room. Nobody wants to talk about it.
damn
From the Milforum :
Dimension
Civilian
I guess that answers the " will this article get you kicked out of the military " question. Oh well, I dont imagine that you will miss it after reading the article.
Well tbh Dim resigned by his own accord last night to jankems.
I'm glad somebody had the balls to say what many of us were thinking/wondering.
Sounds like someone needs a hug.
... so what exactly you want (quote: "The military is not what it used to be, but it’s not difficult to get it back to where it belongs.")
1. to take Jankems spot ... and fix all ...
2. to look smart
...
Summarize: In most of this article it's obvious that you don't know how to ask, who to ask, when to ask ... and when to stop asking.
The problem of such people as you is this: They think they know everything ... but when/if they got the power to actually "fix" things according to their words ... they fail in epic proportions
... oooooooooooooooooooooooo ... I got it in the end of this: You quit because you want to be free to post stupid "DIO DIO DIO" thing?
Props to you for having balls.
Also, Harvester, chillax.
@TheHarvester: "but when/if they got the power to actually "fix" things according to their words ... they fail in epic proportions"
How would we know, the current CJCS has been in power for 9 months iirc
I agree and disagree with parts in this article
but I voted for balls
Meh - Dim posted this article and quit (or quit shortly before he posted). It doesn't take balls to do that. It takes balls to stick around and keep working to change something you think is wrong.