Are service members gaining a sense of entitlement?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 17:32:21 -0400

I have served this country for the last 18 years with the Marines and the Army National Guard. I have always served for my own reasons and have never wanted, needed, or expected anything in return. I see people who thank me for my service and I will accept a military discount when one is offered but I never go anywhere expecting to be rewarded or thanked for my service. Over the last few years I have begun to see more and more Soldiers expect to be rewarded by others for their service. Soldiers who get upset when a discount is not offered by a restaurant who will even refuse to return to a place that does not offer one. I even saw a Soldier tell a fast food worker that he fought for her freedom and was owed a discount. I proceeded to enlighten him as to where he went wrong. I am seeing this more and more and I do not like it at all. I understand it is nice to receive a little gratitude for what you do but I definitely do not think it should be expected. Does anyone else see this? I am beginning to think that the worlds finest fighting force is acting like a bunch of spoiled teenagers.

Response by PV2 Alaina Norman made Mar 20 at 2015 5:39 PM

PV2 Alaina Norman — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 17:39:50 -0400

Im the same way, but whats really funny, this situation happened to me once with a friend of mine and i didn't say anything to her but I wasn't so happy of it. We were at a store shopping (this might have been veterans day weekend or something) and she stated that i don't understand why they don't give military and families discounts all year long, soldiers don't only service half the time. What got to me the most was she just divorced the guy not long back and still expects to get the "good treatment".
Its still weird for someone to say thank you or praise and i do like my discounts but im not going to throw myself at them.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Mar 20 at 2015 5:44 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 17:44:33 -0400

I will agree with you, I came in the service in 1974 and at that time got use to the insults that were directed act the Vietnam Vets and Soldiers, and was shocked by the hugs and hand shakes when I came home on leave from Afghanistan in 2005. I was very grateful for that home coming compared to the one in 1985 from an away mission. Times sure have changed I am not use to hugs, nor hand shakes, but would never demand any special treatment.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Mar 20 at 2015 5:47 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 17:47:48 -0400

We are not entitled to anything. We took the oath and served.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 20 at 2015 5:53 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 17:53:21 -0400

Gaining? No. It's been in full swing for over a decade..

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 20 at 2015 6:01 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 18:01:01 -0400

I do not get offended when I see a Service Member asking for a military discount....they typically present their identification card which shows they truly are a member of the armed forces. What get's my goat is seeing the posers that dress up as if they are/were in the service and scamming businesses for free and/or discounted merchandise.

So again, I don't see it as them feeling entitled, I see it as our younger service members trying to stretch their paychecks - while the posers/imposters being the crooks and feeling entitled because they bought/borrowed a uniform.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 20 at 2015 8:22 PM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 20:22:48 -0400

I don't think so.... I think we just wanted to be appreciated.

Response by Cpl Justin Sowell made Mar 21 at 2015 12:36 AM

Cpl Justin Sowell — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 00:36:42 -0400

The only thing I feel veterans should be entitled to is healthcare benefits. To an extent every service member has worn down their body in the defense of this nation so I strongly believe that the nation should in return assist us in getting proper medical help for service related issues. Which to a point they do with the VA. I do agree that a lot of service members go out of their way to get things they believe they are entitled to. I've never been one to ask, but if it is offered I do accept. I've never stormed out of a business because they didn't offer anything. I'm not sure where it comes from, but society in general feels entitled to things they have not earned.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2015 12:41 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 00:41:53 -0400

I didn't join the military for all the great discounts I can get on carwashes I joined because I wanted to be part of a brotherhood, still to this day I forget to ask for the military discount when buying a quart of paint from home Depot, my wife has to remind me of such trivial things. I always attempt to remind myself of the soldiers living fighting and dying in the trenches in world War 1 before I bitch about things like only getting 3 hours of sleep or only getting 2 MRE'S a day this job isn't about what you can get out of it it's how much can you give.anything else is disgusting

Response by SPC Tim Stewart made Nov 17 at 2016 3:43 PM

SPC Tim Stewart — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 15:43:56 -0500

I feel that yes they do have a sense of entitlement.

Response by SSG Dian Sloniger made Sep 7 at 2022 8:04 PM

SSG Dian Sloniger — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 20:04:17 -0400

I ALWAYS ask if they have a military discount ONLY bc I appreciate the discount IF available- but I do not expect it. It is very helpful when living on a meager retirement that’s considerably under the poverty level and when every penny is pinched tighter than a PF of 10 and raising children & grandchildren. When I’ve seen someone act an ass over or because of it I always apologize to the workers, thank them for their patience with said asshats and politely correct the service member being an asshat. It is not an earned or deserved discount- I signed up to serve no matter the pay the job or the benefits. I am very thankful when it’s available but it’s BS when people make us look like entitled jerks- they should be thankful we aren’t still able to smoke them anymore

Response by SPC Vonnie Jones made Mar 11 at 2023 6:17 AM

SPC Vonnie Jones — Sat, 11 Mar 2023 06:17:18 -0500

I git out in 1989, just in the last couple of years has anyone said thanks for your service. It's a nicetie but shouldn't be pushed