In response to "Manipulating regulations," (letter, Aug. 19): Kudos to the letter writer!

I have long been an advocate of doing what has already been agreed upon, instead of making up yet another standard (perfect example: forcing subordinates to spit-shine leather boots when we had them, instead of enforcing Army Regulation 670-1 at the time that said leather boots only had to be highly brush-shined). In my observations, many leaders these days either:

1. Do not know how to research an Army standard.

2. Or have no idea that a standard or regulation already exists and they make up their own standard instead of researching it or asking superiors.

3. Or possess such a high ego that they have to satisfy it by doing something their own way, thus claiming it as their own success story.

4. Or want so badly to look more elite that they unnecessarily raise a standard.

To noncommissioned officers: It’s time to reclaim our Army standards from the sad status quo of the last several years. I can easily argue that there are enough Army regulations and standard procedures out there that can consume the majority of a duty day, when they are done correctly.

To commanders and senior leaders: Please stop pushing agendas that create more standards and workloads in instances where the Army already has sufficient priorities and policies in place. Instead, consult your subject matter experts and senior NCOs and inspect your subordinates to Army standards and regulations while holding them 100 percent accountable. This is what the Command Inspection Program used to accomplish. These days, it’s only a check in a block.

Staff Sgt. Jason LongWiesbaden, Germany

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