tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841819670822716434.post4391392470777113870..comments2023-11-29T16:57:15.811-08:00Comments on PSYOP Regimental Blog: Welcoming New Members To The RegimentLawrence Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04048092221343162724noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841819670822716434.post-76793904311683552472010-09-22T19:56:59.354-07:002010-09-22T19:56:59.354-07:00I could not agree with you more!I could not agree with you more!Lawrence Dietzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04048092221343162724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841819670822716434.post-81431832300618554542010-09-22T19:41:34.625-07:002010-09-22T19:41:34.625-07:00Sorry my comment is coming after the fact, but I t...Sorry my comment is coming after the fact, but I think another thing that young psyopers need to understand is that competency in their craft is something that happens over time. They shouldn't just wing it, but should follow the process outlined in their training until it becomes an automatic reflex for them. <br />I like to think of it like room clearing training for infantry guys. They practice over and over again, and they do it slow and smooth, until it becomes automatic. The biggest mistake that I've made, and I see others make, is people trying to just wing it out there. They have a translator, which gives them time in a conversation that they don't usually have; they should use that time to think. <br /><br />It's true that some people just don't belong, and they shouldn't force it. Some people just don't have strong social skills, or aren't charismatic, etc... but, most of the job isn't intuitive. Even if you're not a natural at building rapport, you can practice and get better. Some people aren't built for infantry either, but there are minimum standards that they must meet. People need to remember that there is a process to follow, and that they shouldn't be out there doing their own thing. <br />The other thing new soldiers need to know is that we aren't the "hearts and minds" guys, unless it serves the desired behavior. Too many people forget that we're in the behavior business, not the belief business. This ain't civil affairs. This isn't going out and randomly talking to people without a predetermined agenda. New graduates need to be told this at the end, just in case they missed the point, which many do. <br /><br />PSYOP SGTAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com