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Arabic made focus for Iraq-bound battalion

This battalion commander definitely “gets it.” Too many service members who consider themselves professional warriors know little about the histories, cultures and languages of Iraq and/or Afghanistan. Most simply know what little they absorbed in poorly taught predeployment briefs that barely covered the basics. Those few who do put in the extra effort by actually reading the books on the various [Professional Military Education] lists and making an earnest attempt to learn and apply the language become far more effective in dealing with the locals.

— ibnEpaminondas

Have recruit incentives reached their limit?

I support incentives, but it’s important to get parents and teachers onboard as well. High schools across the nation are recognized for the number of students they send to college (and that’s a good thing), but what if they were given a $1,500-$2,500 grant for every well-qualified kid that enlisted in the military or was accepted into a NROTC or ROTC program? I mentioned this to a high school principal last week and his eyes lit up.

— marmot123

Housing for the junior enlisted

The troops that need on-base housing are typically E-4s and below that have a family, yet the senior enlisted seem to always get the housing first. Why?! They could afford to rent or even buy a house compared to the E-4 and below. But the lower enlisted are almost forced to go off base. Then, when they are not able to pay their bills due to rising costs, they get jammed for failure to pay their bills.

— Sgt Grandpa