Do we act as an entitled group (current generation); do we understand how this branding as "the one-percent" can actually work against us?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 11:21:20 -0500

I recently addressed these questions and how it affects our "brand" in a recent article on WarriorLodge.com. Have you received unsolicited benefits as a soldier as thanks for serving (nothing wrong with that)? Have you ever thanked and/or given gifts to a veteran from another era for their service?

The link to the article is at http://www.warriorlodge.com/blogs/news/17508864-veteran-s-branding-why-we-shouldn-t-brag-about-being-the-one-percent

WarriorLodge.com Front Page

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2015 11:24 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 11:24:02 -0500

What are your thoughts on this SFC Mark Merino, CSM Private RallyPoint Member and COL Private RallyPoint Member, along with the rest of the team?

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2015 11:46 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 11:46:20 -0500

Couple of issues you bring up here. First is the entitlement theory. While there are certainly those who act this way, I'd like to see some kind of quantifiable "for instance." I tend to find these types are usually younger Soldiers or posers (not actually in the military at all or are retired and are valor thieves). I'd say the majority of the people who have bought into the ideals of the Army don't care one way or the other. Is a SFC going to turn down a free beer...nope...neither will I generally, but that doesn't mean they expect it. Traveling in uniform. That one has been brought up before. I like the idea. If everyone in the service were required to be in uniform while traveling, it wouldn't increase the threat. The people who want to conduct attacks don't care and are looking for soft targets. A Soldier isn't a soft target and may actually reduce the risk. That's why I'm for traveling in uniform everywhere. It's not a security risk, and it isn't about getting upgrades of free crap...I can't remember the last time I got anything for free, have never received an upgrade, and definitely never seek it out. As far as companies and branding ourselves, I'm not sure there's a solution. In trying to brand a Soldier or a veteran a certain way, aren't you playing into the same stereotype? We are veterans...we bring certain things that other people don't have. We are better, stronger, faster, more intellectually agile, etc, etc. Why did teh vets of WWII do well when they came back? Probably has a lot to do with the economy and the jobs that were available for the blue collar worker at the time. Industrial boom and all that. It might also have to do with the love of the Soldier throughout the war and after, but it also may have something to do with the fact that they just blended into society and they worked hard, knowing that what they did in the civilian world had little to do with their military career...and didn't fret about it. They didn't tell war stories and they didn't bring their nightmares to work. They were there. Keeping them up at night, invading their minds at work...but they locked it away. They "man'ed up." Lock it down in a place somewhere and don't let it show. I'm not concerned. The more it becomes a goal, the less attainable it is to "brand" a veteran. Let the actions speak for themselves and damn the torpedoes.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2015 12:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 12:00:07 -0500

LTC Private RallyPoint Member, I really liked the article, sir. I have sometimes received unsolicited gifts or thanks while in uniform and it always seemed to make me slightly uncomfortable. I guess I just never felt it was necessary. I'm just a guy trying to do his job as best as I can, like everyone else. I credit a lot of this to my upbringing by hard working middle class parents and my education (Xaverian Brothers High School and Norwich University) where servant leadership was emphasized. I have always admired how Special Forces try to be the "quiet professionals" and I have tried to serve in the same way. Deeds not words is how I feel Soldiers and leaders should act. My VFW post commander says that he has trouble recruiting younger veterans because they always seem to be asking "what is in it for me" when they should be asking "how can I continue to serve my community." I must agree with him on this point. This generation seems to have an entitlement complex that is holding us back. Being a leader in the military or in business should be about helping the team and taking care of your Soldiers or employees before yourself. This is why officers eat last when in the field. Personally, I hate it when a Lieutenant or worse, a senior leader, is in line for chow with Privates waiting behind him or her. We need to focus on service, not self. It fosters this "one-percent" elitist mentality crap when we put ourselves above the civilian authority we are beholden to. We are no better than the average citizen. We all just serve the nation in different ways. Thanks for sharing, sir!

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Feb 27 at 2015 12:09 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 12:09:31 -0500

LTC Private RallyPoint Member Sir, great article. As a group we need to keep focusing on what we have in common with our fellow Americans and how we can help each-other. We can't rest on our laurels, we have to keep achieving and being capable and humble at once. "What have you done for me lately?!"

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 2:12 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 02:12:46 -0500

I very much enjoyed the article. I have seen the "entitlement" raise it's ugly head in restaurants and bars around the U.S. What's worse is when the spouse chimes in and demands discounts or recognition.

I don't believe it is all the veterans fault, our country definitely did not want another generation of Vietnam era veterans to be treated the way they did. The push to support the troops lit the fire and the not fully mature veterans bought it hook, line, and sinker.

As a senior Infantry NCO I have no expectation of walking out of this job in two years and walking into a civilian job with the same responsibility or pay. I will have to start over, prove myself and work my way up. I have no problem with that.

The majority of my career was served during peace. Every once in a blue moon someone would pick up the lunch check or buy you a beer and it was usually an older veteran. It makes me a little uncomfortable when someone thanks me for my service, I usually reply with thank you for your support and move out smartly.

Great article sir, I shared it on my facebook page. I have a lot of young vets on the page and I am sure it will make it's rounds.

Response by MAJ Chris Ballard made Mar 16 at 2015 9:15 AM

MAJ Chris Ballard — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 09:15:44 -0400

When I was growing up I was always taught to respect veterans, but I think the "thank you for your service" is a very recent phenomenon. I showed respect by doing much the same as the author of the article: asking questions and showing an interest. Almost always, they were pleased and surprised when a young boy/teenager asked them about their time in WWII, Korea, or Vietnam and listened respectfully while they talked.

I am always pleased and surprised (and usually a little embarrassed) when someone offers to buy me a meal/drink/admission when they find out I am a veteran, but I think the article is dead on in that as a group our sense of entitlement is off-putting.

Response by Sgt Chris Lima made Jul 1 at 2016 10:35 AM

Sgt Chris Lima — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 10:35:27 -0400

I enjoyed the article, as I also very much dislike the "entitled" attitude of some vets. It gives the complete opposite impression of "service before self." Since it would be considered by most to be in poor taste to speak badly about veterans (even if they deserve it), most people won't. This only encourages the entitled/untouchable attitude that a few bad apples have adopted.

I have said here before that I never solicit a discount or benefit, but will take one if offered. Case in point: there's a local pub that offers 1/2 off your entire bill (food and drinks) every Saturday for military/cops/vets, etc... I take advantage of it. I always show my ID and encourage the staff to ask others for theirs.

Also, having been a cook and a server in restaurants, I would like to get on my soapbox about tipping. When a customer receives a discount or something free, they should tip on the FULL amount (and then some if you want). It's courteous.

For example, if my bill is $40 before the 1/2 off, a reasonable tip would be $8. Since it's only $20, I leave $12. I still get out of there for $32 vs. $48 and get to "pass on" the kindness. Something to think about. /server rant