Army STEP
Introduction
The Army STEP (Select, Train, Educate, and Promote) program is an initiative aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of the U.S. Army's non-commissioned officer (NCO) corps. The NCO corps is a critical component of the Army, responsible for leading and training soldiers at the squad and platoon level. However, in recent years, there have been concerns about the readiness and capabilities of the NCO corps, particularly in the areas of education, training, and professional development.
Previous attempts to address these issues have included a variety of initiatives, such as the NCO 2020 Strategy and the NCO Professional Development System (NCOPDS). While these efforts have had some success, they have not fully addressed the underlying problems facing the NCO corps.
Assertion: If nothing is done to address the deficiencies in the Army STEP program, the readiness and effectiveness of the NCO corps will continue to decline, undermining the overall readiness and capabilities of the U.S. Army.
Thesis Statement: To address these deficiencies, a renewed focus on education, training, and professional development is needed, as well as increased resources and funding can help NCOs build cohesive teams that are highly trained, disciplined, and fit that are ready to fight and win, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and develop Soldiers for Life certified in the Armys Profession of Arms (TRADOC Enlisted Initiative Group, 2022).
As Elder and Davenport (2018) explain, For much of the Armys nearly 243-year history, NCOs and enlisted soldiers were trained in the unit, by unit-level leaders. Early on, tactics first developed by a Prussian officer named Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben were used after he inspected the Continental line.From that time on, it has always been understood that selection, training, and development are part of a successful Army.The Army STEP program was introduced as a framework to improve the quality and effectiveness of the NCO corps. The program was designed to provide NCOs with the education, training, and professional development opportunities needed to succeed in their roles. Elder and Davenport (2018) note that the STEP framework is a critical component that assigns and balances training and education responsibilities across those learning domains for development and advancement within the corps of the professional NCO.
Subtopic 1: Evolution of the Army STEP program
The Army STEP program has undergone several changes and updates over the years, with a focus on aligning the program with the needs of the NCO corps and the Army as a whole. This evolution has led to the program being refined and improved to better serve the needs of the NCOs. For instance, there is the NCO Strategy This is My Squad (TiMS). TiMS fosters an environment of cohesive teams in which Soldiers want to train and grow together; everyone has a squad. Additionally, TiMS focuses on enhancing the education and technological tools leaders need to care for, train, and resource their units (TRADOC Enlisted Initiative Group, 2022). However, to succeed at TiMS, NCOs still need adequate training and education and must be selected with a view towards...
…1: Increase funding and resources for the Army STEP programTo improve the education, training, and professional development opportunities available to NCOs, the Army STEP program needs to be provided with increased funding and resources. This could include an increase in funding for education and training programs, as well as the hiring of additional personnel to support the program.
Subtopic 2: Develop a comprehensive education and training program for NCOs
To address the lack of education and training opportunities for NCOs, the Army STEP program needs to develop more comprehensive education and training programs for NCOs. This could include a focus on leadership development, technical expertise, and critical thinking, as well as opportunities for NCOs to acquire additional education and training.
Subtopic 3: Improve the professional development opportunities for NCOs
To address the inadequate professional development of NCOs, the Army STEP program needs to improve the professional development opportunities for NCOs. This could include a focus on mentorship, leadership development, and career advancement. This will help NCOs to have a clear path to growth and advancement in their careers.
Conclusion
The Army STEP program is an important initiative that is aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of the U.S. Army's non-commissioned officer corps. However, despite the efforts of the program, there remain significant deficiencies in the education, training, and professional development of the NCO corps. To address these deficiencies, a renewed focus on education, training, and professional development is needed, as well as increased resources and funding. By addressing these issues, the Army STEP program can help to improve the…
References
Elder, D. & Davenport, D. (2018). Step by step: NCO training has evolved since Army’s creation. Retrieved from https://www.ausa.org/articles/step-step-nco-training-has-evolved-army%E2%80%99s-creation
Reinsch, M. (2021). UPDATE: Army to extend temporary promotion policy for all NCO ranks. Retrieved from https://www.army.mil/article/251772/update_army_to_extend_temporary_promotion_policy_for_all_nco_ranks
STEP Design. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/assets/directorate/tagd/step_design_slides.pdf
TRADOC Enlisted Initiative Group. (2022). Army NCO Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.army.mil/article/253354/army_nco_strategy
Vergun, D. (2016). STEP provides noncommissioned officers roadmap to promotion. Retrieved from https://www.army.mil/article/162606/step_provides_noncommissioned_officers_roadmap_to_promotion
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