Posted on Feb 17, 2015
How do we lead in a changing Army of Entitled Soldiers?
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In my last discussion, a 1SG stated that he would love to see a discussion about entitled soldiers, so here it is.
Throughout my 15 years of service spanning 3 branches of the military, I have seen the face of the military as a whole changing as the millenials filter into our ranks. This new generation of Soldiers, Marines, Seamen and Airmen feel as if they are entitled, and everyone owes them something. They feel that they are entitled to awards for simply doing their job and not getting in trouble, and are upset when they don't receive a high award when they did nothing above and beyond to deserve it. The want to get paid for doing nothing, and complain about having to do work instead of checking out Facebook or playing candy crush on their phones. They believe that serving their country is a right and not a privilege.
What can we as leaders do to stifle this way of thinking, and prevent these entitled Soldiers from becoming entitled NCO's and officers. As these millenials go up through the ranks they will become toxic leaders and destroy the organization and profession of arms as a whole.
Throughout my 15 years of service spanning 3 branches of the military, I have seen the face of the military as a whole changing as the millenials filter into our ranks. This new generation of Soldiers, Marines, Seamen and Airmen feel as if they are entitled, and everyone owes them something. They feel that they are entitled to awards for simply doing their job and not getting in trouble, and are upset when they don't receive a high award when they did nothing above and beyond to deserve it. The want to get paid for doing nothing, and complain about having to do work instead of checking out Facebook or playing candy crush on their phones. They believe that serving their country is a right and not a privilege.
What can we as leaders do to stifle this way of thinking, and prevent these entitled Soldiers from becoming entitled NCO's and officers. As these millenials go up through the ranks they will become toxic leaders and destroy the organization and profession of arms as a whole.
Posted in these groups: 
Leadership
Entitlements
Leadership Entitlements
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 34
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I am a huge fan of devouring their souls. The souls of the millennial Soldiers keep me young and immortal. Once you devour their souls they become steely eyed killers ready to go forth and destroy the enemies of our country!
On a serious note, I devour their souls!
On a serious note, I devour their souls!
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CSM (Join to see)
1SG (Join to see) , there are several of us - SGM Mikel Dawson is another that comes to mind, that would probably scare the shit out of a bunch of young troopers, but then again, as much as I would love to, I can sleep peacefully knowing people like CSM (Join to see) have got the reins, and I need my sleep!
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1SG (Join to see)
CSM (Join to see) LOL! So true. But what came to mind when I read your post was when during Desert Storm about 0200 hrs one morning when out checking the perimeter and one of my young Soldiers ask me, "1SG, don't you ever sleep?" My come back was, "If I sleep, who is going to check up on you guys and keep you striaght...besides, who needs sleep, I'll sleep when I die!" With that said, I'll note, it's late, past midnight...and like me, you're still up....we don't need that much sleep! LOL!
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SGM Mikel Dawson
In Baghdad I came across a SGT on guard duty who was sitting in a chair asleep, with locals waking around her. As I was in the middle of the enlightenment of her life, the SFC who was SOG came around. He was was standing behind her, her not knowing he was there. I really made her piss her pants when I told her she needed to notify her CSM and if he didn't contact me I would hunt her down. I knew her CSM and I understood why she was scared speechless and crying. Then the SOG had his turn. I don't think she will ever sleep again on duty.
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"This new generation isn't as great as us, or the one that raised us"
-Every Generation Ever
-Every Generation Ever
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SPC DeAnna Calderon
They have guides for Millenials how to interact in perosn with other people, because all they do is talk to each other on social media or texting. Teachers and professors complaining that they cannot write properly, because they write how they text message others. If that's not different from previous generations, than I don't know what is?
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I have been retired (from the Marine Corps) too long to comment on the "new" generation of military personnel. However, I can say that the "sense of entitlement" is not unique to the military . . . I deal with this same issue in the positions I have held in the private sector and in the federal government since leaving active duty. My point is that the military is, as it should be, a reflection of the larger society. Frankly, I share the concerns expressed about the future as the entitled generation moves up the ranks in both the military and civilian worlds.
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SSG (Join to see)
It is actually a class now that they teach at the AIT Platoon Sergeant course, The millenials. Great class that I feel every leader should have access to.
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