Bridging generational differences in Army culture

Standards set the foundation for any professional organization. The baseline for professionalism in the US Army is Army Regulation 670-1; Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. This regulation dictates the standard for every Soldier, regardless of rank or position. AR 670-1 has long been a hot topic of discussion among Soldiers and leaders at every level; and too often left open to interpretation. Until now…

At the direction of senior Army leadership, Army Directive 670-1 has been released to clarify these standards and provide shared understanding between Soldiers and leaders to know what ‘right’ looks like.

To explain the changes and how they will affect every member of the Army, Fran Racioppi sat down with Sergeant Major of the Army Mike Weimer, SGM Laurin Nabors and SGM Alex Kupratty. The SMA shares the “why” behind personal grooming standards and the importance of doing the little things that develop a culture of commitment from compliance. SGM Kupratty breaks down the definition of professional soldier from the experienced warriors of 75th Ranger Regiment to the new Privates of 4th Infantry Division. SGM Nabors provides the details on what’s changing, when and how the new standards are expected to be enforced. She also shares her journey from an Army Reserve heavy equipment operator to the halls of the Pentagon. 

This episode is about redefining what it means to serve in the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen and why development of a war fighting culture starts with how a Soldier presents themself each and every day.

Highlights

• 0:00 Welcome to the Jedburgh Podcast
• 3:26 Army Directive vs Regulation in 670-1
• 5:30 Why Now
• 8:49 Closing Gaps
• 12:55 Changes to 670-1
• 21:08 Why Standards Matter
• 28:25 Analyzing Data
• 29:42 Beards
• 34:30 Preparing soldiers
• 38:10 Active Guard Reserve
• 44:30 Joining the Ranger Battalion
• 49:42 The Grace Period
• 50:33 Daily Habits

Quotes

• “Part of the problem is our process is too slow.”
• “The first thing I had to figure out is are they educated?”
• “Do they understand the standards as they are written?”
• “Once you are emplaced in a leadership position, that’s where the commitment piece has to be rock solid.”
• "If you can’t do the simple things I’m asking you to do, how are you going to do the hard things in combat?”
• “We had to come in and really define “What is military appearance?”
• “It’s a direct reflection of your willingness to be compliant to a standard in your leaders.”
• “The why reinforces one uniformity.”
• “We’re part of something bigger than all of us."
• “Really understanding the generational differences that exist is arguably the most challenging thing that I found as a senior leader in the Army.”
• “I don’t think anybody knows what large scale combat will look like.”
• “The camaraderie that exists in that formation is unlike anything I’ve seen before.”
• “Leadership’s not about 'What did I do here today?' It’s 'What did I do for everyone else here to be successful?'"
• “You’re only as good as the time you put in.”

The Jedburgh Podcast is brought to you by University of Health & Performance, providing our Veterans world-class education and training as fitness and nutrition entrepreneurs.

Follow the Jedburgh Podcast and the Green Beret Foundation on social media. Listen on your favorite podcast platform, read on our website, and watch the full video version on YouTube as we show why America must continue to lead from the front, no matter the challenge.