Do you think that increased familiarity among ranks is a sign of the times, or based on something else?

We are becoming more efficient. If done right it isn't an issue. One should not be offended if another goes right to the source.

I'll throw my two cents since I have been in the enlisted ranks and in finished up on the "dark side" officer ranks. Just kidding about the "dark side". It comes down to training our junior leaders and non-commissioned officers into utilizing that chain of command for what it is. As Commanders and First-Line Supervisors there should always be an "open door policy", but I always asked if they tried to use their chain of command. If they didn't use the chain of command, then they didn't test that chain of command or make it anymore efficient. Once an open door policy was used I always sent everyone through the chain of command to see what he or she could have accomplished without the direct line of approach. I have no problem being confronted by a lower enlisted or junior leaders to answer a question, but the first thing I asked them is: "Did you give your immediate supervisor, squad leader, platoon sergeant, section leader, or non-commissioned officer in the chain of command a chance to answer that as well?" It keeps them on their toes and thinking. Force that chain of command to work and it work wonders! Yes, we are becoming a more familar force due to the level of education and intelligence among our ranks. We have smart individuals in all of the armed forces that want to know and want to ask. They are part of new generation of soldiers that want to be treated respectfully and they will work great together in just about every situation they are faced with. We just need to train them to respect, utilize, test, and force that chain of command to work out their problems and sometimes their solutions. I hope my two cents didn't offend anyone?

The Chain of command exists for a reason, in my opinion. Even 16 years later, I still follow my chain of command. In my opinion it promotes good order and discipline.