I just finished taking IA Refresher Training. It's this neat little internet presentation the Army decided I needed to do to keep from getting kicked off NIPRNet, just one of a multitude of such time wasters championed by the Army. I took the answer sheet and got all the answers right; I didn't even read them. I used to not do that. I used to think that was wrong. I used to read through the entire thing, but have since stopped, because they're so ridiculously stupid. The Army has such programs from everything from chemicals to driving. Some of them are more informative than others, but usually not. As I watched everyone go through with the answer sheet, as I have so many times, I began to wonder about the cost. How much was this company sucking out of the government for a program that isn't really beneficial. Was there a lump sum contract, or perhaps they're paid for every individual who goes through and clicks answers. Perhaps I should start such a company. The Army requires certification and recertification for even the most menial and mundane tasks. The Army touts safety first, but when is it too much? I believe the Army has become far to risk adverse. Safety is all good and well, but at what cost? When mission accomplishment takes a back seat? I wish I could keep track of all my certificates. I could put them on my rsum.
