Posted on Sep 2, 2014
SSgt Vlco
2.03K
16
16
1
1
0
The song reference seemed fitting. We all were at the bottom at one point in time, regardless if you are enlisted or an officer. We have all experienced the pains of the promotion system and earned our way to our current ranks. Yet, it seems that so many of our "leaders" forget their roots. Yes, additional rank comes with additional responsibility. And, yes, pinning on another rank means you leave some of the "rank appropriate" tasks behind. But is it really that hard to remember that you too were once a Corporal? I apologize if this seems like a rant more than a question. I guess what I am getting at is have you experienced this disconnect? If so, what do you think the cause was? And how did you handle it?
Posted in these groups: Star Promotions
Edited 10 y ago
Avatar feed
Responses: 4
SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
1
1
0
SSgt (Join to see) I get you on that and as I get older, I realize that with rank and prestige comes humility and deference to others. So the idea is that with increased responsibility comes service to the ones below us and in some cases those of higher rank or station.

So you are right, a lot of people do forget that. I remember the ROAD. Retired on active duty but I think our legacy really matters and in 50-60 years few will remember what we did and those long-forgotten heroes that paved the path for our successes as modest as they might be. TSgt Terry Hudson
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SGT William B.
1
1
0
I think the song lyric I took most inspiration from was "Pattycake, pattycake, microwave." Truly the work of a lyrical genius.
(1)
Comment
(0)
SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
SSgt (Join to see)
10 y
@SGT Wiiliam Bradley - Genius is all around us. Trust me on that...lol
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SSgt Gregory Guina
1
1
0
Cpl Bennington

I see what you are gettnig at. Sometimes seeing the same mistake made by everyone takes a toll on us old guys. I never forget that I was once a Sgt, Cpl or LCpl. I also try to make sure that I am acting in a honest and respectful manner with my junios as well as with my leaders.
(1)
Comment
(0)
SSgt Vlco
SSgt (Join to see)
10 y
Exactly, SSgt. I'm not saying that all NCOs or Staff NCO's are "bad apples." I just don't see what is so hard about sending respect up and down the chain. Just because you are senior to someone does not mean you can't treat them with respect and dignity. I honestly think that we get in the mindset that we have to instill fear to receive respect when it is actually the exact opposite.
(1)
Reply
(0)
SSgt Gregory Guina
SSgt Gregory Guina
10 y
Well some folks feel that they have to rely on thier rank to get things done. If one needs to bring up what rank they are or hide behind thier rank then they need to look at themselves in the mirror and see why. Do they make the rank or is the rank making them.
SSgt (Join to see)
(3)
Reply
(0)
SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
SSgt (Join to see)
10 y
SSgt Gregory Guina - I love that part about calling yourself old, as I approach 59 and then.........60! ouch! what happened??? LOL
(0)
Reply
(0)
SSgt Gregory Guina
SSgt Gregory Guina
10 y
SSgt (Join to see) No different than me calling LCpls (E3s) kids even when they were older than me. HAHA. All I know is that these past couple of years as I approach retirement haev taken a toll on my body.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close