Are Soldiers Making too Much Time for Complaining and Not Enough Time to Recognize Accomplishments?

2015-10-07T01:41:07-04:00

In my experience I have recognized more and more, that we spend too much time complaining without solution... Complaining and gripping as though we are just so miserable as Soldiers, and the United States Army is torturing us.

Let me re-inform you of your engagement in the United States Army...

It's not the organization, it's the people... It's us... And the United States Army screened our records, accepted us, delegated responsibility to take charge, follow & lead, and defend the United States of America along side every other military organization.

We were trained to face fear, danger, and adversity. To be adaptive, trainable, and mentally tough...

We are hurting ourselves, talking about each other and putting the organization down, wether openly or behind closed doors.

Is it fair to provide this solution??? if there are areas of improvement that you recognize, look forward to solutions and remain optimistic that you and your Soldiers can accomplish and be patient. Never forget to always be consistent.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Oct 7 at 2015 1:52 AM

2015-10-07T01:52:30-04:00

Good points! However, griping was a way of life when I was in. My 1SGT said that if the men were not bitching, they weren't happy.

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Oct 7 at 2015 2:14 AM

2015-10-07T02:14:16-04:00

That has been going on since day one and not just in our military.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 2:21 AM

2015-10-07T02:21:38-04:00

Agreed, some people do complain to much without a solution. Soldiers should be taught to look at themselves first and also recognize what is good about the Army. The Army has changed a lot of lives and many people would be worse off without it.

In my experience many of them are to young to understand how to seek solutions. I think just like constructive criticism there is also constructive complaining. When I was a PSG, I didn't mind Soldiers complaining to me as long as it was the right place, the right time and about a real problem. Sometimes as a leader, you are the only one in your Squad, Platoon, Company, etc; that can come up with a solution.

Response by SFC Donald Neal made Oct 7 at 2015 2:51 AM

2015-10-07T02:51:12-04:00

I've always been an advocate that your hands better be occupied (working) while beating your gums, but have been told and told others, "That's great, but it doesn't mean much if you can't provide a solution too." (this was paraphrased to the gist of how the line was used on me, since this a public forum)

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 3:29 AM

2015-10-07T03:29:20-04:00

It has been that way and will not stop from what I see... But as leaders we have to see what type of soldiers you might have in your rank and make a call of what type of leadership works with him or her.... I have soldiers that might complain but get the mission done... Then you have the others that want to bring everyone down with them... So I found out that some need that verbal boost to get it rolling right and others shut down if they get yelled at so I had to find a way to get them to do the same and with doing this it has helped the output and less complaining. Yes, everyone had their own leadership style and no one should change that just look at different avenues of approach and this goes for some of the young NCOs. Then do things that help build that solid cohesiveness to get them to work together so they don't feel like they are always the ones doing the different tasks or why they didn't get to go on a mission

Response by SSG Jesus Sijalbo made Oct 7 at 2015 3:48 AM

2015-10-07T03:48:16-04:00

Its a all volunteer Service Now and We all could use less of it. Also its our job as NCOs to address the whinning and issues that we dealt with that the recruiter slip in. I know for sure that we all get old too fast from dealing with the whine and cheese. Soldiers dont get paid to whine and dine, as the world turns! Best of Luck to you SSG and God Bless Us All.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Oct 7 at 2015 4:50 AM

2015-10-07T04:50:51-04:00

Yes but I have to say this, the reason for it is it's the military culture that leadership is currently bringing people up in. I won't point fingers at anyone specific but nothing infuriates me more than people of higher rank complaining about problems with junior enlisted as if it is our fault the military is becoming what it is when the complainers are the ones that have the rank and position to make the changes needed to make things better.

If I have one more NCO in life tell me that my plan to separate is what's wrong with the AF because I am not making the effort to stay in, make rank and change things; I am giving up all hope in what the AF will become. When an NCO is so lazy that they recognize the problem but make no effort to fix it and instead pushes it off on the generation they are supposed to be leading then the problem isn't the newer members of the military, it's those NCOs and Officers who see the problem and do literally nothing about it.

(Again this is pointing fingers at no-one. I make these statements based off of what I have seen in person not what I see here.)

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 6:16 AM

2015-10-07T06:16:04-04:00

It's simply part of the military culture to complain. The funny thing is at the end of the day things get done and memories about the experience remain and when you retrospect then you realize some of the issues weren't issues at all, it was just us being immature (regardless of age and time in service) and had nothing better to do except complain. If you believe you can make change at the unit level, give a solution to the problem apply it and if it fails then you know it doesn't work.

Response by SSG Thomas Gallegos made Oct 7 at 2015 6:45 AM

2015-10-07T06:45:19-04:00

Absolutely! I believe the biggest complaint was having to stay later than the usual COB. In the end we signed up to defend our nation 24/7.
I agree with Rollie, it has gone on since day 1. But in the end to me all of us Soldiers, present or retired have things going on that leaders need to find out. I don't mean fix but understand.
With the reported drawdown I believe you will see leaders again who care. The best thing for me still today is when the Soldiers that I had a chance to lead still call and ask for advice.

Response by SSG David McPherson made Oct 7 at 2015 7:32 AM

2015-10-07T07:32:31-04:00

Soldier's will always complain, that hasn't changed since the birth of the Army in 1775

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 9:10 AM

2015-10-07T09:10:30-04:00

If no one is complaining, then they aren't working. lol. This is nothing new. It's always been this way.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 9:23 AM

2015-10-07T09:23:10-04:00

If you don't hear them complaining or gossiping, then you are the one they complain and gossip about.
SSG, you are a leader. Your Soldiers will complain, no exceptions. Your job as a leader is to inspire them to look for solutions rather than complain or find the person to blame. What I like to do is task people with solving problems they did not create. They will complain almost immediately, just say "do you want the guy who f***ed this up, to fix it? Because then it will just end up more f***ed up. So are you gonna be the guy known for complaining? or do you want to be known as the guy who solves it for everybody?"

Response by CW3 Eric W. S. made Oct 7 at 2015 9:33 AM

2015-10-07T09:33:08-04:00

I thought it was a soldier's job to complain. Sure, they ALWAYS get the job done, but there is never a lack of bitc#ing while it is happening...

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Oct 7 at 2015 9:34 AM

2015-10-07T09:34:08-04:00

If you ain't complianing you ain't training...

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Oct 7 at 2015 1:04 PM

2015-10-07T13:04:35-04:00

Excellent post, I remember being a young lower enlisted and thinking, "What are these NCO's thinking?" It sometimes doesn't make sense to them why decisions are made. Now understand, that in all cases, explanation is not required nor is there time to provide it, however occasionally I will sit down with the lower enlisted to explain the why. Sometimes this will help them better understand. It will not stop the complaining, as I always said, "A bitching Soldier is a happy Soldier." but it give them an insight as to what we at the upper echelons are basing our decisions on. I do at every instance ask if they have a better idea or what their solution is. Most of the time I get the blank stare as if they never thought of anything else but to complain about what there are tasked with. Bring forward another option show me personally that you have thought out the situation and I will listen to your idea, doesn't mean I will go with that idea, but I will listen and tack that course of action into advisement while I make decisions or offer it so the Commander can use it as an option. Just because you have voiced an option and it wasn't taken does not mean it was not considered.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-10-07T13:42:08-04:00

SSG Tyshaun Carter, unfortunately you will have griping regardless of the situation in our ranks. What leaders sometimes forget to emphasize to their troopers is that yes some tasks while they may seem irrational, irrelevant, boring, or just a way to kill time is that there is a bigger picture that they are a piece of that they don't see at their level but what they are tasked to do is there for a reason to reach the end state of the Common Operating Picture, or Vision that, that particular Commander has set in motion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-10-07T13:42:44-04:00

I admit to being guilty to maybe providing my complaints to others as well when they are complaining to me. I need to remain more positive and stick up more for the Chain of Command and for any unit I am with. I take faith away from other's when I simply agree with them on certain issues.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 9:47 PM

2015-10-07T21:47:37-04:00

I believe the greatest contributor to this is the consistent belief, in our younger generation of Soldier, that the military is a simple job. They have yet to realize that once you enter the armed forces you have completely taken on an entirely new life focused around supporting and defending our nation. Whatever reason a person had for enlisting is completely obsolete once they are engrossed in this lifestyle. If we, as leaders, can somehow portray this to our Soldiers I believe we can greatly affect how they view the military and their duties to this nation.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2015 1:14 PM

2015-10-09T13:14:43-04:00

I agree...I used to think complaining was coping mechanism or a form a therapeutic release. I guess it is because we hear it so much and it is a reaction to perceived stress. It is also unproductive, usually unprofessional and toxic.

For every complaint you encounter--ask them what the plan is to solve it or improve it. If that person is sitting around complaining about things that is not within the purview of the organization, you might ask them if he/she just enjoys complaining and/or worrying about other organization's problems more than their own.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2015 8:32 AM

2015-10-10T08:32:47-04:00

Soldiers will probably never be happy until they get to do what they want, when they want. I've always believed in the saying that if you're going to complain about it then you best damn have a solution that works to improve it. I've been a NG soldier and a AR soldier my whole career and the complaining has always amazed me. It's the same story no matter where you go. Most things involve leadership not being realistic or even out of touch with their unit. We are in an Army that refuses to fail even if failing would make them a better Army. Time and time again soldiers go above and beyond the simplest of tasks to accomplish what needs to be done. But by refusing to fail the leadership only sees that the task was given and completed. Thus the planning never improves and even more so maybe the next time less priority or support is given to that task. I know I'm generalizing but it should carry for just about every mission. We need to get back to the basics and learn to improve where improvement is needed.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2015 8:46 PM

2015-10-10T20:46:02-04:00

Good Evening SSG Carter:

I agree and thanks for sharing your insight with others there is always a solution to a barrier, we as trained Soldier needs to put our general ideals together to come up with a workable solution.

My biggest barrier right now is fighting friendly enemies on United States of America soil ie VA and SSI. There is no Godly reason why are comrades should ever be HOMELESS!!!!

Warmest regards,
MSG Baisden
A Loving, Praying Mother & Heartbroken Grandmother
http://www.facebook.com/BaisdensHealthzone

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Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2015 9:07 PM

2015-10-10T21:07:02-04:00

Unfortunately that's a way of life people do need to vent to OR get stuff off their mind. There is a time and a place for everything.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2015 7:32 AM

2015-10-15T07:32:21-04:00

You are correct that this is a systemic problem across the force. Unfortunately it will always be simply because it is far easier to complain than contribute. Be of good heart though, because you recognize it you can influence your sector of fire. Shape and mold those around you you, subordinates, peers, and sometimes seniors. It is the career Soldier that will shape the future force. We have the most impact on the atmosphere and climate in which we operate. Remember haters are going to hate. There are two types of Soldiers, contenders and pretenders.

Response by SFC Terry Murphy made Oct 16 at 2015 10:24 AM

2015-10-16T10:24:21-04:00

When I was an E-4, I had my Squad Leader ask me why I was always bitching about a detail or whatever I was doing at the time. My answer was that it just kept my mind off whatever mindless task we were doing, and if I stopped bitching, look out because I was going to knock someone out! However, I did remind him that I was doing whatever job he gave me at the best of my ability and it was always done well above the standards! When I became a leader, I would tell my guys that they could bitch about whatever job they were doing, but they better be doing it while they were bitching! Don't like digging a fox hole? Fine, bitch about it all you want, but you better have that shovel moving while you are bitching.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2015 10:31 AM

2015-10-16T10:31:24-04:00

IMO, those in the military tend to be put into leadership positions before their time, they probably did not have proper mentoring and if placed into a rank and position without being ready will go quickly to their heads. They will then spend more time working from a position of authority instead of empowering and inspiring their people. They will be more concerned about being made to look bad and making sure you know about and what you did wrong in their eyes and always seem to fail to recognize the good that has been accomplished which may have gotten them an attaboy from higher ups. Leaders or in this case managers forget that it is the people that work under them that make things happen it is their job to give them the guidelines they need to get things done and be there if they need help. Too many have become task masters.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2015 9:17 AM

2015-10-17T09:17:29-04:00

I think because everyone is becoming leaders without a mind for change. I'm a strong believer in being a change agent. When I see a problem or some thing I would complain about I spend time thinking up solutions. Funny how people complain about working past COB or nothing getting their training holiday off. But when we are down range together, we work hours on end refuse to leave your battle buddy and help get a slacking battle buddy up to speed. They leave that attitude down range with them.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2015 12:22 PM

2015-10-17T12:22:15-04:00

We all complain about something but there's a time a place for it, and at the end of the day if we don't have a solution to the complaint we are hurting our mission and failing our Soldiers

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2015 4:40 PM

2015-10-17T16:40:44-04:00

Alot of gripes comes from lack of good leadership. The army is no longer an NCO'S led entity officers have more control igneous the soldiers where at one time NCO'S were the standard bearers and gave a positive image of what a leader should be. But with mentorship and leadership lasking it will continue to be an issue until NCO's starry strong up and doing their jobs.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2015 11:14 AM

2015-10-24T11:14:09-04:00

If you complain about the way things are done, but cannot come up with aa better way to do it, you're wasting oxegyn. That said, sometimes things just get to you and you've gotta vent.