1/ I'm choosing violence on the way we select leaders for command. Meet COL (retired) John Bender, and I have permission to tell his story.
He was found unfit for command because during a behavioral screening at the new Commander's Assessment Program (CAP), he was told by a behavioral health "expert" that he "Has a very high tolerance for stress, and that could be a negative thing because your (his) subordinates wouldn't be able to handle stress to the same degree and pace."
Did you read that? A PERSON BEING SCREENED TO COMMAND A BRIGADE IN WAR APPARENTLY HANDLES STRESS TOO WELL. Is this real life?
So who gets selected? Those who are buddy buddy with their subordinates and fold like a wet towel under pressure? I get the intention of CAP to screen for toxic leaders, but this is a wild over correction.
He was one of the highest qualified armor leaders in the Army. So highly qualified that he was selected to serve as the G3 of the First Cavalry Division and was among the first officers to be brevet promoted to full Colonel. (those on the inside know how big a deal this is).
COL Bender actually wanted to learn from his CAP performance and asked for his own file to study. When he tried to get his own records, he was told to FOIA them. He left that assessment with only stories of what happened to him. He was so rightfully angry, he retired in protest and is luckily thriving on the outside.
CAP is relatively new (5 years old) and the process for which they select officers is COMPROMISED. We now have objective proof of this: taskandpurpose.com/news/army-gene…
In the article, a bottom 1% officer was moved into the top 1/8th of all selected commanders because of the shady practices of multiple 4 star generals. She failed CAP multiple times and was still selected for command over those who passed. Even our own Chief of Staff of the Army was involved.
The CAP system has lost all trust and confidence and must be revisited. Amazing warfighters are getting left out of command for nebulous purposes because nobody can see what goes on behind the curtain.
I pray you have someone brief you on cases like COL Bender's. There are dozens more like him who are getting sidelined every day.@PeteHegseth @SecDef @stuartscheller
America, we are apparently denying leaders command because they handle stress too well. How does that make you feel?
He was found unfit for command because during a behavioral screening at the new Commander's Assessment Program (CAP), he was told by a behavioral health "expert" that he "Has a very high tolerance for stress, and that could be a negative thing because your (his) subordinates wouldn't be able to handle stress to the same degree and pace."
Did you read that? A PERSON BEING SCREENED TO COMMAND A BRIGADE IN WAR APPARENTLY HANDLES STRESS TOO WELL. Is this real life?
So who gets selected? Those who are buddy buddy with their subordinates and fold like a wet towel under pressure? I get the intention of CAP to screen for toxic leaders, but this is a wild over correction.
He was one of the highest qualified armor leaders in the Army. So highly qualified that he was selected to serve as the G3 of the First Cavalry Division and was among the first officers to be brevet promoted to full Colonel. (those on the inside know how big a deal this is).
COL Bender actually wanted to learn from his CAP performance and asked for his own file to study. When he tried to get his own records, he was told to FOIA them. He left that assessment with only stories of what happened to him. He was so rightfully angry, he retired in protest and is luckily thriving on the outside.
CAP is relatively new (5 years old) and the process for which they select officers is COMPROMISED. We now have objective proof of this: taskandpurpose.com/news/army-gene…
In the article, a bottom 1% officer was moved into the top 1/8th of all selected commanders because of the shady practices of multiple 4 star generals. She failed CAP multiple times and was still selected for command over those who passed. Even our own Chief of Staff of the Army was involved.
The CAP system has lost all trust and confidence and must be revisited. Amazing warfighters are getting left out of command for nebulous purposes because nobody can see what goes on behind the curtain.
I pray you have someone brief you on cases like COL Bender's. There are dozens more like him who are getting sidelined every day.@PeteHegseth @SecDef @stuartscheller
America, we are apparently denying leaders command because they handle stress too well. How does that make you feel?
2/ I fought with this man in Baghdad in 2008. I also served as his S3 some years later (I'm in the pic with him). I consider this man to be family at this point. He doesn't want to come back in and loves it on the outside.
However, good warriors on the inside are still being cast aside. Suspend CAP now.
However, good warriors on the inside are still being cast aside. Suspend CAP now.
3/ This will not be the last story I highlight on the matter. Since CAP is very shady, there are no receipts for COL Bender. They would have to be FOIAd, and good luck with that. @StolenValor1 knows how painful this is. The GEN Hamilton case is proof enough though.
More stories to follow.
If you’re mad? Good. I am too. I’ve spent so much time with this leader. I KNOW he is the right guy to command. He is a lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way kind of guy. Best of all, he can actually FIGHT.
Too strong for the Army I guess. At least the Army of a few years ago. I pray this will come to an end.
Too strong for the Army I guess. At least the Army of a few years ago. I pray this will come to an end.
I’m sure the SECDEF can get his record right now and confirm what I’m saying. God knows the rest of us can’t.
His own words.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
