Q: How do you think the Army will be able to maintain its manpower needs in relation to war and it’s impact on recruiting?
A: This is well above my pay grade but I will reflect what I see from my level which is retention rates are very high. I think the retention rate has a direct correlation to soldiers enjoying their jobs actually getting to perform to their utmost while deployed. Far too often in a garrison setting junior leadership does not have the same authority that it does when deployed. Also a lot of “skilled” specialties such as linguists and interrogators get to perform their duties to extent that really can’t be trained during training exercises.
Q: What do you think about the new ‘force stabilization initiative’ which is trying to keep soldiers at one duty assignment longer than in the past?
A: I believe this is a good program. It stabilizes families and units simultaneously so it is a win-win situation.
Q: Joe, many thanks for your time. It’s much appreciated.
A: Not at all, my pleasure.
SimHQ would like to thank Joe Davidson for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish him all the best for the future. Stay safe, Joe.
Photo References
All images are courtesy of the U.S. Army web site.
1 – Stryker by Spc. Clinton Tarzia. Image taken on December 17, 2003. Soldiers of Battle Company, 5th Battalion – 20 Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) – conduct route reconnaissance, a presence patrol, a civilian assessment, and combat operations contributing to the stability of Samarra, Iraq, on Dec. 15. Link.
2 – M1 Abrams by Staff Sgt. Klaus Baesu. Image taken on July 1, 2004. Soldiers head back to their base in M1 Abrams tanks after fighting with insurgents in several encounters. The Soldiers are assigned to the 1st Infantry Division’s 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. Link.
3 – Bradley by U.S. Army Sgt. Derek Gaines. Image taken on September 15, 2003. A Bradley Fighting Vehicle transports Soldiers searching for weapons caches in the desert northeast of Falluja, Iraq. The troopers are assigned to Troop E, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, which is participating in a mission to scour Iraq for illegal munitions. Link.
4 – Stryker by U.S. Army Sgt. Lisa Jendry. Image taken July 31, 2003. Stryker infantry carrier vehicles from 3rd platoon, Company C., 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade., 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) landed at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 31 aboard C-17 Globemasters from McChord Air Force Base, Wash. This marks the first overseas movement of a Stryker unit and demonstrates the long-range, rapid-movement capabilities of the SBCT. A total of six Strykers from Fort Lewis, Wash., will participate in a live fire and Stryker capabilities demonstration next week at the Rodriguez Range Complex in North Kyungki Province. This training continues to demonstrate the commitment to the ROK / US alliance and the ability to rapidly reinforce the Peninsula as needed. Link.
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