Do you think cursing in the Military makes us look unprofessional?

SSG Philip Cotton — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 13:16:10 -0500

Sometimes we all get caught up in the moment and we drop the F-bomb when talking about a situation that just seems to deserve a little more colorful wording. For the most part, it seems that many members of the Military take cursing as just another element of being in the Armed Services. What are your thoughts on when it is okay to? I personally never curse when civilians are around. I think we have a porfessional image to uphold infront of them.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 1:19 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 13:19:15 -0500

SPC(P) Cotton, cursing is extremely unprofessional and I admit, I do get caught in the moment at times. However, I make a strong effort not to use profanity.

Response by CPT Mike M. made Jan 27 at 2014 1:48 PM

CPT Mike M. — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 13:48:35 -0500

I always test the waters before letting anything fly. i.e. - I sit back and listen to the conversations going on to see if people are cursing or not so as not to say something that might offend. Especially so around those senior to me. I will not curse around someone senior to me until I hear them do so and even then, typically only will in conversation, never in something formal such as a briefing. Around civilians I try to watch my tongue and do pretty well at keeping my words PG to PG-13.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jan 27 at 2014 2:08 PM

CMC Robert Young — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 14:08:10 -0500

It's unprofessional; particularly in formal settings or when we (the royal we) encounter civilians. Leaders should be able to articulate their points without colorful language in almost the extreme cases.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 2:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 14:11:58 -0500

I agree with the posts that say in a professional setting it is not appropriate, however there are times and places that cursing can be used to add a little extra "shock value" to the conversation.  I am not advocating dropping a hundred F bombs, but sometimes you need to drop to the lowest common denominator to get your point across.  WIth that being said, those times should be far and few between or you just wind up looking like a foul-mouthed a-hole.  just my 2 cents.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 3:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 15:01:18 -0500

If you are in a professional environment, no. If you are in a relaxed environment, i.e. motor pool, just be ware of your surroundings.

Just my opinion.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Jan 27 at 2014 3:58 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 15:58:38 -0500

Amongst peers, the image of professionalism is less valuable. In front of subordinates, it can build cohesion when used strategically. In front of superiors and external parties (civilians)  it reduces our credibility.<br><br>Like anything, you tailor your message to your audience. Unfortunately, many of us don't know how to turn it off. <br>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 11:31 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 11:31:16 -0400

This is hilarious.
I dont curse when im at home.
But for some reason when i talk to today's Soldier like a Soldier its like i dont have their full attention. As soon as i say all eyes on me. I asked my Soldiers why is that and they just looked at me and said "I dont know Sergeant." lol.
Im trying to work on my cursing, maybe if i didnt come to work i wouldnt curse lol.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Apr 28 at 2014 11:37 AM

LTC Joseph Gross — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 11:37:42 -0400

Personally I don't think it is ever OK, but in today's society you hear profanity everywhere outside of Church. So other pretending, as everyone does, in a job interview, I don't think you shock or bother anyone except guys like me who think that if you can't control what you say, you probably don't deserve to be listened to.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 2:23 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 14:23:44 -0400

Just know yourself and your audience. I never use it with superiors or civilians but, depending on the matter at hand, they sometimes slip out with subordinates.

Response by SGT Shon D. Hill made Apr 28 at 2014 2:41 PM

SGT Shon D. Hill — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 14:41:35 -0400

I certainly believe cursing often, or even occasionally, gives an unprofessional appearance and decreases the intellect. My former spouse worked hard to "de-potty mouth" me, much to my and everyone's benefit!

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 28 at 2014 2:49 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 14:49:41 -0400

My view of youngsters today is they must be caught up in a lot of those 'moments.' It is especially offensive when I hear a young woman speak that way. (Belies the term lady)

We should all try to clean it up for the sake of civility and respect. It has lost its effect since it has become so prolific.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Apr 28 at 2014 5:43 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 17:43:59 -0400

It has its place like most have said. It is easy for me to not curse when I am briefing or talking with my Bn CO. However when talking with peers I really don't filter what I am saying.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 28 at 2014 6:52 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 18:52:50 -0400

Short Answer Yes! We are professionals and should conduct ourselves as such. I understand we are a Microcosm of Society as a whole and some of our members are not as well educated or come from situations where that might be the only language they understand but I remember my CC in Boot Camp could dress down anyone with no trouble and being a good religious man, I never heard him curse. Don't get me wrong. I don't want to be a Hypocrite, I'm a sailor and I do cuss but I try and keep myself in check.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2014 12:53 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 12:53:35 -0400

My take is that an effective leader can easily get their point across without cursing or degrading an individual or situation. If you cant speak without cursing, you automatically lose credibility in my book and it makes me question the intellect of the individual. It is easy to be just another leader that curses when they are mad but it is far more rewarding to be viewed as a leader who genuinely cares about his/her Soldiers and wants to mentor and lead/build up and not degrade and tear down with "colorful" language. The Army is a profession and it is extremely unprofessional to use profanity in the workplace, regardless of the audience or environement.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2014 3:17 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 15:17:03 -0400

Personally, I think it makes you look unprofessional. Furthermore I believe it displays a lack of intelligence and an inability to properly communicate with others.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jan 12 at 2015 7:10 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 19:10:17 -0500

I think there is a time and place for everything. I won't lie, I use profanity. If I were to give a class I would not use profanity. I do not use profanity around folks I don't know well.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2015 9:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 21:50:33 -0500

I have been working very hard over the last few years to try and completely remove foul language from my vocabulary. A Professional and Personal choice.

It is funny though as y peers say I get more frustrated trying not to curse at all.

This new generation of Soldiers is extremely sensitive and every little thing offends them. Either that or they try to remove the spotlight from themselves in order to try and get a Leader in trouble.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 12 at 2015 3:11 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 15:11:01 -0400

According to the UCMJ, it's never OK...

http://www.armfor.uscourts.gov/newcaaf/digest/IIIA89.htm

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 12 at 2015 3:53 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 15:53:26 -0400

I only cussed when the door was closed.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2017 7:54 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 19:54:58 -0400

Patton coined it "barracks speak" makes ya seem more human and normal

Response by SGT Eric Knutson made Jul 14 at 2017 9:38 PM

SGT Eric Knutson — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 21:38:17 -0400

It is a part of the life in the system that is the Military, MOST of us do try to keep it in the "family" so to speak, but around the house (unit) we are much more relaxed and let our guard down. when we have company visiting or out in public, we should be encouraged to mind our P's & Q's and show our manners.

Response by Jayden Manning made Jul 14 at 2017 10:45 PM

Jayden Manning — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 22:45:35 -0400

Depends on the curcumststances if your in a life or death situation then fine

Response by Maj John Bell made Jul 15 at 2017 3:54 PM

Maj John Bell — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 15:54:13 -0400

On one occasion, I a recently promoted 1stLt delivered a very heartfelt, foul mouthed, foaming at the mouth ass chewing to a company that had collectively "screwed the pooch." The greatest leader I have ever encountered. SgtMaj Kacjeswki called me over afterwards and asked me what I thought I had communicated to the Marines. I told him. He then very succinctly corrected me. What I really communicated was that at a time of "SNAFU" I did not keep a cool, calm, rational head, and "who wants to follow that into combat?" I never again swore in uniform, and the only time I ever yelled was to be heard over background noise or a great distance; or to prevent injury or property damage. Months later, my Company 1stSgt complimented me; he told me the Marines knew they had really screwed up when I spoke slowly, deliberately, clearly, and calmly, while dropping my chin and staring from under my eyebrows. He said it was much more difficult to put me on "temp disregard."

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Jul 15 at 2017 4:59 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 16:59:04 -0400

Cursing definitely makes the military and civilians look unprofessional in any circle. Like others that have commented before, it is difficult to turn off. Now, instead of saying it out loud, people are now texting their profanity...don't they realize, what is texted or emailed stays in cyber space.

Response by SFC Joseph Lumpkins made Jul 18 at 2017 4:22 PM

SFC Joseph Lumpkins — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 16:22:40 -0400

I really think you have to be aware of your audience, but for me it was always about trying to stay professional and using bad language was never good, but that was just me and how I felt. I know a lot of other people feel it's okay where I didn't because I can't tell you how many times walking around post Inwould hear a group of soldiers letting the F bombs fly.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Jul 18 at 2017 4:44 PM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 16:44:35 -0400

Profanity - are we raising sheltered, coddled, emotionally stunted children, or are we building a fighting force to protect our nation or national interests? pretty sure the insurgents were not talking nicely to us or about us when they planted those IED's or shot at us, If mere words are enough to send our soldiers to their safe spaces, what will they do when someone is actually trying to harm them? We build not only physically strong soldiers, but soldiers who need to have the mental and emotional fortitude to persevere, and that includes some profanity and harsh words.

Response by MSgt Kerry Lundy made Jul 18 at 2017 5:43 PM

MSgt Kerry Lundy — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 17:43:24 -0400

I usually tried to hold my tongue but sometimes going into a tirade of profanity was a better alternative to barbed wire hotel. One particular time comes to mind when I was at Seymour Johnson AFB, NC. We had just finished a major exercise and the equipment was being returned to various bases. There was one piece that had to be loaded level on a C130. It was raining and I had told the guys in Air Freight leave the engine running, lock the brakes and chock all 8 drive wheels whatever you do don't shut it down. The condensation from the rain storm and hot engine will drown the electrical system and you will not be able to start it again until it dries. Call me before you shut it down should someone say shut it down. They didn't! The way it sat against the C130 ramp and the way the C130 was park to load it could not move or be towed. It was about to miss block time when they called me. I had to crawl between the frame and deck, lay on top of a hot engine burn both arms drying out the ignition system. Did I start cursing yes I did, didn't call any names but all knew who I was talking about. C130 made block time,cost me burns on both arms and destroyed fatigues and did not even get a thank you. Yeah I cursed a little bit and everybody stayed clear of me. That time cursing was better than the alternative. During monsoon season we kept the decks of 40 k loader raised on the supports for that very reason.

Response by PFC Bradley Campbell made Jul 18 at 2017 7:11 PM

PFC Bradley Campbell — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 19:11:00 -0400

it makes zero difference. i am much more offended when a person in leadership uses poor english. NCO development should include mandatory english writing classes with a high passing grade. hopefully better writing skills will help speaking skills. and some activities to help people in public speaking. nothing worse than a low talker with a 30 word vocabulary addressing a platoon .are there any regs concerning mandatory reading?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2017 9:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 21:40:38 -0400

Being in the military we tend to curse a lot but through time I have learned to use replacement words to avoid cursing. Some examples are MF for Mother F**ker, POS for Piece of S*T, Son of a gun for Son of a B**ch... I am sure we all have different terms we use

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2018 1:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Jun 2018 13:23:57 -0400

Avoid profanity like the plague; because you are held to higher standards than the low-lifes in the hood. You can get your point across to anyone without using vulgar and obscene language. Many senior leaders avoid profanity all time; even under stressful situation. It shows that you have self-control, character, and intelligence. Besides, service members have poor judgement in knowing their audience. Not every soldier, sailor, marine, or airman grew up in low-life, ghettos, hoods, and other sub-cultures. And if we stoop low like other nations in profanity; then we make them our role model and leader. When you selectively use profanity for one audience but not the other; then you are showing that you have no respect for the audience that you chose to call a motherf***er and to f**k with. When I was growing up, when someone call you a motherf***er, he was insulting you in the most perverse and sexual way. The same goes for the F-bomb; they were insulting you in the most gross way imagineable. Today, low-lifes from the ghettos, hood, and wastelands are trying to spread this filthy language into, not only the military, but everywhere in society. I find it disappointing when I avoid the use of profanity only to hear leaders using it like a song; thinking it is a badge of honor. Inside, I lose respect for such a person. There will come a day that the next generations will use much worse profanity to the point where they will say it more in the civilian world. Patch up this dam now; while the leaks can be fixed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2021 6:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 18:28:10 -0500

I was given a corrective writing assigned for using the word dammit during a conference call