Constant Complaining

It's human nature to complain - Military or Civilian.  I'm coming up on 17 years of service and I can't imagine a day without hearing at least one gripe/complaint - it wouldn't feel right. 

That being said - I complain too...but I'm odd, I try to think of better resolutions to my complaints.

General Powell or SEC Powell, whichever is correct, once said that "just because something is not broke doesn't mean it can't be improved on", or something similar to that.  There is no perfect system in the military or anywhere for that matter.  There is always room for improvement.  Most instances the decisions were made for the "greater good" and not each individual.  Soldiers always complain.  We all have at one time or another.  I have been told not to fret over a Soldier who is "B*#chin", start to worry when they stop. 

You will never be able to please everyone all the time.  Why try.  As leaders, we at times have to make the best of bad situations.  The decision you make will not be "liked" by all it affects.  If these are your Soldiers complaining all the time as you say, I would suggest you look past the complaints and fine the true issue.  I would also suggest that if they are complaining to you all the time, they see you as an approachable leader who addresses issues for their welfare.  Many leaders are clueless as to their Soldiers true issues because troops simply do not speak openly with them.  Let them complain.  Those complaints you can affect or improve on, take on as a new task for your Soldiers.  Those issues you can't affect, as long as it does not violate Good Order and Discipline, let them vent.  Exercise those "Listening" skills we talk about in all the NCOES courses on leadership and counseling.