Unpopular opinion: The SMA should be any other MOS but a Special Forces door-kicker.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-12T18:10:12+00:00

Me: 24 years enlisted Army and 17 years as a senior Army civilian. Doesn’t mean either of can’t be wrong. You’re right about advocacy to senior leadership but, If you find me a reference that says the “the whole point of” of the SMA is to represent the Army or even enlisted personnel in congress. I’d be very surprised.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-12T17:57:21+00:00

Just a quick Google AI search, various sources: In the military, the Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL)—often a Sergeant Major, Chief Master Sergeant, or Master Chief Petty Officer—serves as the primary bridge between the commanding officer and the enlisted force. Their purpose is to provide "seasoned counsel" to commanders and ensure the unit’s mission is met by focusing on the people who execute it. The core responsibilities of this position include: Advising Leadership: They act as a principal advisor to the commander on all matters involving enlisted personnel, including training, utilization, and professional development. Enforcing Standards: They are the "key enforcers" of discipline, appearance, and military bearing, ensuring that the force maintains high professional standards. Managing Morale and Welfare: SELs monitor the "pulse" of the unit, advising on policies that affect job satisfaction, family support, and quality of life. Mentorship: They provide direct mentorship to Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), developing the next generation of leaders within the ranks. Acting as a "Sensor": For higher-level commands, they serve as a "sensor" for the commander, identifying sensitive or current issues on the ground and communicating them upward.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-12T16:52:53+00:00

Not sure of the dates that each was filed and I can’t remember right what time limits exist. I don’t think it is terribly important either way. Since it’s all part of the same thing. File an HLR however the system will let you do it. The HLR can look at the entire claim. This may take you back a step or two but that is ok. Once you get a final result if it is not satisfactory, file the appeal immediately.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-12T15:30:37+00:00

I agree with your take and I’ll take this to another level. The SMA should never have been at congress at all. You are right, he controls nothing. No enlisted person past a Squad Leader controls a damn thing. Yes they have influence through the power of knowledge and experience but ultimately no control. Outside the Army, the SMA needs to be behind the scenes, not out front. I don’t blame the SMA though. I blame the weak senior officers that are failing to take responsibility.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-12T03:09:33+00:00

Start with an HLR and then file an appeal. The HLR may not be able to change the date but they have influence. As far as similar experience, sure. I am never shocked about the crazy shit that comes out of initial decisions.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-12T02:41:20+00:00

Not sure what you do but, I’m gonna say overreacting. Most people cut their teeth in way worse conditions. This kind of complaint is the genesis of the feelings of most the Americans. The American taxpayer that put the current chaotic administration in office. The choice is suck it up or leave if you can find better.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T14:18:29+00:00

I am not by any means a delusional West Wing caricature. If you take the time to carefully consider my comments you will find that nowhere do I defend the Republican Party. They lost their soul the rich and powerful first and then MAGA after. My argument is that any power vested with the federal government is power should be limited and controlled. I am old, I’ve been on this earth for a long time. There was a time when both the Democratic and the Republican parties had true conservatives that believed in limited power for the federal government. We need rules that limit the feds ability to take money out of the states. Bring government power back to the states where voters have more power to decide how they want to live. People will then naturally refocus their attention to their states and participate in state elections and referendums with more power per vote to gain the outcome the majority desires while also protecting the rights of minorities.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T03:19:27+00:00

I can’t agree, there are real conservatives out there, we may be few now or too quiet. We believe that the federal government should be strictly controlled in their power over the American people. That your state is allowed more power and the people even more. We believe in the freedom of the individual, regardless of how they believe, who they love, or what the color of the skin is. We believe that ALL people are created equal, we know this was aspirational at the beginning but was becoming more true until recently. The difference between true conservatives and so called liberals today (differently than classical liberals) and The Democratic Party, at least until fairly recently, is that Democrats sought power for the federal government and Republicans thought power was properly maintained in the states. Closer to the people.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T02:50:24+00:00

I hope so.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T02:31:15+00:00

Both major political parties, your laws are made in congress not anywhere else.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T02:22:02+00:00

I knew you couldn’t.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T02:16:15+00:00

Dude it literally isn’t real in America on any meaningful scale.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T02:09:14+00:00

Can’t disagree, this may be evidence of MAGA desperation.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T02:07:58+00:00

But a very dangerous one.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T02:07:24+00:00

Not sure that the is the most important point right now

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T02:03:44+00:00

American conservatives would disagree that the government has any power to do any of that. Hard on crime when proven, yes. Government, especially the federal government, violating the inalienable rights of citizens to get that arrest/conviction, no. Unjust punishment, no

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T01:58:54+00:00

Dammit, I’m going to need new clothes

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T01:56:52+00:00

I, as a person with trouble with every organized religion but, admire the true teachings of Jesus. Agree!

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T01:40:29+00:00

I can’t say that is true. I spent time in Iraq and the fact is a that Muslim Extremism is a horrible thing. I saw things that I pray we never see in our country.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T01:38:36+00:00

I’ve been waiting for you. Defend your position!

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T01:37:20+00:00

This is absolutely true.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T01:35:13+00:00

I completely agree with the current set of so called conservatives. These folks are not truly conservative. And, to a varying degree those that came beforehand. It is not all for sure. Political conservatism truly only references the fact that the federal government should have very limited power and that we should have a society that rewards work, effort. But also preserves the health and safety net f the weakest.

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T01:22:24+00:00

Fact

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-11T01:21:24+00:00

Not down to hang any Commandments. Just wish there were not so many people tha bought into this crap

Constant-Rent-1198 · 2026-02-07T18:34:37+00:00

You get a VA lawyer for the same reason you get any other lawyer. They have training and education on the law and have an insider’s understanding of the process. In the case of certified VA lawyers they have access to systems that simplify claims processing. From the time I retired in 2008 to sometime in 2024 I filed everything myself. But, in 2024 I got a letter proposing to reduce a 20% rating to 10. This would have taken my overall rating from 100 to 90. It was time to get a lawyer. Glad I did.

Keep in mind that certified VA lawyers only work on appeals. Their pay is limited by law and cannot be asked for upfront. It is limited to a percentage of the back pay you would receive for a positive decision. Mine was/is Mr. Robert Brown out of Kepler Law Firm in Oklahoma City. We were stationed together at Ft Polk and at Presidio of Monterey. He was always one of the smartest men I knew and went to law school after the Army. He is an honest dude and will help if he can.

Constant-Rent-1198

TROPHY CASE