STPA

[Anonymous]

I am in the Texas Army National Guard,SSG (E-6). I am interested in your opinions pertaining to the (fairly new) STPA (Select, Train, Promote, Assign) programs that have been implemented in the National Guard. I am pretty familiar with the program in Texas (until someone changes the rules to suit them). How is the program being accepted in other states? Do you thing the "home-town" soldier aspect of the Guard will be degraded? Will only the full-time (AGR) personnel get the E7-E9 positions because they are willing to move to hold on to their jobs? This probably isn't such a big problem for states in the East, but, members here in Texas frequently travel 300 -500 miles to attend drill. Example: If an E-4 is eligible for promotion to E-5, but a slot is not available in his home town unit, he must agree to travel to another unit which could possible be over 300 miles away at his own expense. On an E-5's pay, it is hardly worth the expense of two nights in a hotel or sleeping at the armory (If it is allowed); leaving his family for the entire week-end or "she" paying for child care for the weekend. Traditionaly, the National Guard is a home-town force, but is willing to be called to active duty when needed. Another aspect of STPA: No money for retraining so you can retrain and stay in your home-town unit; Living in a town where only men can apply because it is a "combat" unit; E-7 and E-8 position MOSs are llB (combat) no female need apply. And one more question: When new units are organized, are the high ranking position MOSs by looking at the actual work that will be done, or whether a combat or non-combat MOS should be chosen. (It has been my experience that MOS designators has been used as a subtle way of gender descrimination) What do you think?

msnyder1@elp.rr.com