Does rank still have privileges?

2016-05-30T11:05:19-04:00

I started as a PFC and I am now a LTC. The perceived privileges always seem just out of reach. Once there was a club for Em, NCO, and Officers. When I was enlisted, Officers had much better options for quarters. Every time I get promoted, it's always the next higher rank that "has privileged berthing. The good news is, having served as a Private, I am ok with a canvas roof over my head. There was also separate Dining Facilities. But this strikes me as curious. It could be that these "privileges" only exist on Active Duty and since the large majority of my years have been spent in the Reserve Components, I don't see it. Are my observations incorrect?

Response by SSG William Jones made May 30 at 2016 11:09 AM

2016-05-30T11:09:56-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member Your conclusions are certainly plausible. Probably exceptions are extant.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 11:13 AM

2016-05-30T11:13:55-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member I also heard the infamous "RHIP" for years and years. If it is there I must have missed it. The only privelage I'm aware of is leading, training, and mentoring Soldiers.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 30 at 2016 11:16 AM

2016-05-30T11:16:08-04:00

I have always despised that term because it's inaccurate. It gives a false impression of what is actually going on.

Rank, and more specifically paygrade comes with additionally compensation. However, there is additional Sphere's of Influence and often "latitude" or "discretionary authority" which can be perceived as Privilege.

You mentioned things like the Clubs. Clubs are a great example. They aren't really a privilege, but a "segregation" for ALL ranks. It gives every rank grouping an opportunity to unwind within their peer grouping. Officers and Enlisted need time away from each other. NCO and Junior enlisted NEED time away from each other. Same with the dining facilities. You can't "gripe" about meaningless BS outside your peer group, or in areas where you might be overheard (like a dining facility or club).

Housing is another issue, which has similar issues, however... it becomes complicated because of Dependents. There is cross-pollination when the kids and spouses work and school together. It makes sense to have shared housing, for their benefit.

The other issue is that although we are a hierarchical structure, we are very peer based (like commander and senior enlisted), with hints of meritocracy, so the concept of Privilege does not jive with most of our underlying philosophies.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made May 30 at 2016 11:25 AM

2016-05-30T11:25:13-04:00

Rankism will always exist. However as you are treated different your role changes to make you different. to quote Spiderman with great power comes great responsibility.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 30 at 2016 11:42 AM

2016-05-30T11:42:14-04:00

I saw some difference in the way enlisted and officer service members were treated in my time as an Army Civilian (2007-2013), but I believe the differences are much less than when I started on active duty in the AF in 1969. In the 1970s, many enlisted service members were single and lived in the barracks, some were still open-bay then. Single officers had "quarters" with bed, bath, and kitchen, though the kitchen was often shared. Over time the lot of the enlisted members improved and barracks became dormitories with rooms and shared baths and finally changed to much like the officers had in the 1970s. Married family housing also was different for enlisted and officers. Officers got more square feet per family. I was fortunate enough to live in some very nice on-base housing over the years. Now the civilian managed leased housing is about the same for all grades below O-6.

In the mid-70s I worked at one Base that had three restrooms in the operations building: Women, Men, Officers. Needless to say, there weren't many female officers at that base. That changed by the 1980s as more women became aircrew members. Of course now they could be labeled: Women, Men, Whatever.

The separate clubs disappeared in the 1980s and 90s as AF MWR facilities had to be self supporting and the deglamorization of alcohol took full effect. The enlisted, NCO, and Officers clubs couldn't break even by themselves, so they combined into "all ranks" clubs.

One of the greatest differences I saw was among officer and enlisted aircrew. It was more closely related to jobs than rank. Officers (pilots and navigators) would drop off their bags and equipment at the transport aircraft and go to base operations to get a weather briefing and plan the flight. The enlisted crewmembers (flight engineers and loadmasters) stayed at the aircraft and performed pre-flight duties and loaded the airplane. This is outside work regardless of the weather. The officers returned to the aircraft about an hour prior to takeoff, reviewed the maintenance records, did a walk-around preflight (Count wings, engines, and tires, if it's an even number then we're okay.), reviewed cargo documents and weight and balance (all of which the loadmaster had already reviewed and calculated), gave a quick crew briefing and took their seats for engine start. For the Os it was pretty much an inside job; for the Es, it was outside work. With smaller aircrews these days, some of that may have changed, but I suspect not all that much.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 11:42 AM

2016-05-30T11:42:42-04:00

RHIH - Rank Has Its Headaches lol.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 11:48 AM

2016-05-30T11:48:57-04:00

Rank does have its privileges, but privileges come with responsibilities. One does not earn/ will lose it's privileges if one does not accept the responsibilities. I have seen it a lot in both Active Duty and in The National Guard.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 11:53 AM

2016-05-30T11:53:15-04:00

I can not answer for today's military, but, I can say without a doubt that I was reated differently as I achieved rank.

I can also say that I experienced more negatives as an officer on an Army post than as an enlisted person on an Air Force Base.

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made May 30 at 2016 11:55 AM

2016-05-30T11:55:07-04:00

I was treated better a Staff Seargeant than I was as a Captian, lol

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 30 at 2016 12:07 PM

2016-05-30T12:07:27-04:00

I never pay attention to my billeting and the like. My first, last and only concern is the welfare, morale and combat readiness of my subordinates. The rest is irrelevant

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 12:45 PM

2016-05-30T12:45:54-04:00

I don't know if privilege is the correct word but there is definitely perks officers receive over enlisted. For instance housing. I got it, a PVT is going to get shitty quarters compared to a LT, but on JBLM we have 2nd Lieutenants in the same quarters as CSM's. The one that pisses me off the most, my Soldiers barracks , like the majority of buildings on JBLM have NO AC. They are not allowed to install window units or have a portable AC either. New officer quarters have AC. That has nothing to do with level of education, or anything else that entitles officers to things such a large quarters. That's a luxury and is bullshit my Soldiers are busting their ass all day and have a 80 + degree room to rest and recoup in.
Mandatory training is another thing, all this 350-1 training is thrown on us by individuals who don't even do it. I quit signing passes and leave forms if training wasn't complete. Enlisted just moved out conducted the training, while I have had officers whine and complain about having to do it. Safety days, all the Soldiers are packed int the theatre receiving training while officers are back I the office.

These are just a few of the examples so to answer your question there is most definitely a separation.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made May 30 at 2016 1:03 PM

2016-05-30T13:03:35-04:00

Let's ask the "ring knockers", (West Pointers), And most of you Mustangs know what I mean.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 2:52 PM

2016-05-30T14:52:30-04:00

All ranks have privileges. It is a matter of whether or not you use/abuse them. As an officer, I will never eat before my guys are all fed - it's a matter of principle. Being a SPC in the E-4 Mafia ALSO has its privileges. Being a SPC is probably the best rank in the Army :)

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 3:29 PM

2016-05-30T15:29:03-04:00

Must be strictly an AF thing, Sir. We have private masseuses, chauffeurs... Oops, I've sad too much... I must go... :)

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 30 at 2016 4:03 PM

2016-05-30T16:03:34-04:00

I suffered from the same thing that you did, LTC Private RallyPoint Member! When I went to BCT and beyond in OCT69, we still performed many details, one of the worst being KP. There was one job though that was coveted by everyone called Dining Room Orderly (DRO). All you had to do was bring trays of food to officers sitting in the separate officers' dining area. Needless to say, I never got to be DRO! By the time I was commissioned in JUN73, the DRO function had been eliminated, and I had to get my own tray!
I found another phenomenon occurred as I got promoted also. The entire time I was a major (but for one assignment) and a lieutenant colonel, I was always in two star commands and one DOD (joint) bureaucratic organization headed by a civilian and a three star. In each instance, majors and lieutenant colonels were a dime a dozen, and I was just one of the guys. Might as well have been a private!
I do believe that RHIP does exist to a greater degree in the Navy than anywhere else, but I could be wrong.

Response by Capt Michael Greene made May 30 at 2016 4:37 PM

2016-05-30T16:37:23-04:00

Depends on your location and service, too. Also, tradition.

In the Navy:
At sea or overseas, there were only a few officers and they had a LOT of responsibility for lives. They lived in Officer Country where enlisted couldn't go, and they actually had servants. One day, I made rank, and suddenly people thought I was a different person, like I knew all the answers.
TRADITIONALLY, we treated Os like Gods. They decided what rules to follow or ignore. Very decentralized decision-making.

In the Air Force:
Overseas, the mission was paramount 24/7, against real commies. Officers were expected to lead.
Stateside, there was rarely a life-and-death environment, and there were a lot of officers, usually with average responsibilities except the commanders. There was much more equality between Os and Es. Mixed housing, mixed clubs. it seemed like an 8-5 JOB. Bored me to tears.
TRADITIONALLY, the USAF kept O and E aircrew together, and expected them to eat, sleep and play together. For that reason, during the entire time I was in, there was never a conviction for fraternization. And enlisted could often question an officer if they thought the officer was wrong.

A brand new colonel once wrote a letter to the editor of the base paper. He said it was amazing how, on the day he pinned on colonel, suddenly he was treated as if he were smarter and his jokes were funnier.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made May 30 at 2016 5:08 PM

2016-05-30T17:08:30-04:00

RHIP...interesting responses. When I was enlisted I like most saw some privileged differences as one rose up the ranks, maybe more evident aboard ship. As an junior officer the differences were a bit more subtle but again as one rose through the ranks a bit more evident.

I think RHIP has some merit but ultimately directly tied to the responsibility of the service member. The more senior I became the more responsibility, longer hours, greater accountability, and the expectations are always pushing you forward to meet the mission.

We certainly live in a different culture and no doubt each service RHIP lives but at different levels with regards to quality of life. As for me, I try not to let it affect me and I take it in stride all the while not forgetting my roots as a Mustang and making sure my troops are well taken care of.

I suppose the culture of RHIP has it's perks albeit service and rank specific. Interesting topic.

Response by SMSgt Roy Dowdy made May 30 at 2016 6:38 PM

2016-05-30T18:38:23-04:00

One need only look at UCMJ punishment levied within the last 36 months and observe that RHIP is indeed alive and well!

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 7:09 PM

2016-05-30T19:09:03-04:00

Always seemed to be the opposite at AUAB. The entire bomb squadron had seven total vehicles for 50~ish aircrew, intel, AFE, and ARMS troops. The vehicles were beaten down, stripped down pickups or 15 pax vans. Meanwhile, sitting out at the bus stop, it was very common to see E-3s and E-4s driving brand new SUVs, alone, no one else in the car.

Response by Maj John Bell made May 30 at 2016 7:34 PM

2016-05-30T19:34:58-04:00

It was always my belief that rank has its privileges ONCE RANK HAS MET ITS RESPONSIBILITIES, not before.

_No leader gets a partial ration until every subordinate gets a full ration.
_No leader rides unless every subordinate rides
_No leader sleeps in a dry fart sack until every subordinate sleeps in a dry fart sack
_No leader secures for the day until every subordinate not on duty secures for the day
_No leader asks a subordinate to do what he will not do himself
_No leader sits in his office smoking and joking, while there is work to be done
_No leader watches work, if there is room, tools, and the knowledge, he joins the detail.
_No leader puts his own interests before a subordinates
_No leader takes credit for the work of subordinates
etc, etc.

I participated in training with every US Branch except the Coast Guard. I went to military schools with foreign officers from at least a dozen nations. I conducted field training with the militaries of 8 nations. As a Marine Officer there were certain responsibilities that were never shorted. And I thought that was universal until I served with other branches or other nations. While I found examples of similar beliefs with all my varied contact it was not the prevalent way of thinking, with two notable, and to me, somewhat surprising exceptions. ROK Marines and The Turkish Army

Response by LTC David Brown made May 30 at 2016 8:47 PM

2016-05-30T20:47:19-04:00

Got to laugh. I spent 12 to 13 years as a reserve officer. They housed me in open bay barracks once with enlisted folks. I got saluted once while on "the throne" . I returned (while still steating and said " carry on". When I was active duty I flew out of Osan Korea on a military 727. All the Air Force enlisted folks had the best seats. So it went. Going through central issue no respect. Once as a second Louie it helped. CIF had just closed. They wouldn't touch my stuff. So I went in the exit door and ran into an old Sargent. Looking confused I said " I'm not sure where to go to return these item". The Sargent looked at me like I had fallen off the turnip truck and ordered a private to get me squared away. I probably confirmed every stereotype image of Second Louie's he had.

Response by CW4 Brian Haas made May 30 at 2016 10:36 PM

2016-05-30T22:36:06-04:00

Of course it does, but not necessarily in a negative way. With rank is responsibility, with responsibility is the freedom to take care of that level of responsibility, and quite a few see that freedom as privilege. I miss the days of O Clubs and NCO Clubs. We shouldn't get stupid in front of subordinates...should do that with peers. I've also seen many leaders that sleep next door to the office...so not really ever taking advantage of supposed better rooms. I am rambling...sorry...

Response by SMSgt Matthew Hoyer made May 30 at 2016 10:40 PM

2016-05-30T22:40:51-04:00

Not to put too fine a point on it, sir, but if you are out hunting the privileges of your rank, you may have missed the point. Particularly as an O-5, you have the honor and privilege of leading people.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made May 30 at 2016 10:45 PM

2016-05-30T22:45:17-04:00

Of course it does Sir. We can see it in the news. A General Officer like Sinclair, convicted of Serious Sexual Misconduct is allowed to retire with full benefits (I KNOW he was reduced two pay grades, that is NOT the point), while a NCO or Enlisted Soldier, or even a Company Grade Officer would have been strung up, flogged and nailed to a cross. Enlisted Soldiers that are STUPID enough to ask for a mixed board when requesting a trial by Courts Martial normally get fried by Sergeants Major for bringing discredit upon the Service, and many times rightly and deservedly so, while an Officer board looks a bit differently.

SO, yes, it does.

Response by CW2 Christopher Esparza made May 30 at 2016 11:19 PM

2016-05-30T23:19:34-04:00

“All the perks, all the benefits and advantages you may get for the rank or position you hold, they aren’t meant for you. They are meant for the role you fill. And when you leave your role, which eventually you will, they will give the ceramic cup to the person who replaces you. Because you only ever deserved a Styrofoam cup.”
― Simon Sinek, Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 12:31 AM

2016-05-31T00:31:41-04:00

When I enlisted in the Coast Guard as an E-3, my primary cleaning duty was the head (latrine). Every DAY I expressed my sincerest desires to make PO3 so I would never have to clean the head again.

I advanced to PO3 - and was stationed at a tiny unit where I was the junior man... and one of my jobs was to clean the head. I again prayed to make PO2 so I would never have to do it again.

I advanced to PO2 - and was STILL the junior guy... I nearly CHANTED "I wanna make E-6!!"

I advanced to PO1 - and ended up, on a few "special" occasions when short-handed - cleaning the head. I dreamed of making Chief so I'd never clean another head.

I advanced to CPO - and on one momentous occasion, ended up in the head, cleaning away.

I stopped begging to get out of it - and it never happened again - THOUGH it could have at any minute.

In my experience, the more crap you have on your collar, the higher the standards are, and the more people EXPECT you to do/be/know more. The _ONLY_ place I saw RHIP is in the sea-going service chow lines - where the senior person eats first, the junior person eats last (yes, it bothered the hell out of me, and I _ALWAYS_ found a reason to be "late" to chow!).

Response by SPC Michelle Rehman made May 31 at 2016 1:42 AM

2016-05-31T01:42:36-04:00

Of course it does WHEN earned through respect or knowledge. When certain individuals use the term "privilege" they're just using a beef'd up term for "entitlement" and most people know that nothing is given through entitlement but through hard work.

Response by MAJ Michael Pauling made May 31 at 2016 7:39 AM

2016-05-31T07:39:57-04:00

The Army has leveled the playing field, the plane you are on, thats the one that has more of less and the plane you yearn to reach thats the one that is outside your grab but within your sight............

Response by LTC Andrew Addison made May 31 at 2016 7:45 AM

2016-05-31T07:45:22-04:00

Having served as Active, Reserve, Enlisted and Officer...I never expected better accommodations or food or treatment because I had rank. I did sometime feel like I was treated better but not because I asked for it. I ate in the same DFAC with all the other Soldiers/Military personnel and I even made a point of sitting where the lower ranks were sitting because I did not feel as though I was any better. When I got a room in the barracks we were all lumped together with a little "separation" but not because I expected better treatment. I could care less about the clubs so this was never an issue. I started out as enlisted back in 81 so I know what it's like to be like all the other lower enlisted. I always waited till the lower ranks got their chow first and if there was anything left to eat I was at the end of the chow line and I was glad that my Soldiers got to eat first since they did the hard work. I always believed in leading by example.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 8:05 AM

2016-05-31T08:05:32-04:00

In my experience it's related to responsibility and privileges go hand and hand. The more responsibility the more privileges are earned. Also, people don't realize most officers work on staff than command. It is often forgotten that officers don't go from platoon leader to company commander to battalion commander to brigade commander to division commander. It is often multiple years of battalion staff to brigade staff to division staff to echelons above reality staff given brief breaks for command. So it is real the grass is always greener on the other side. I've always told enlisted soldiers never become an officer for the pay raise. The price/responsibility for the privileges aren't always worth the cost.

Response by COL Dave Sims made May 31 at 2016 8:27 AM

2016-05-31T08:27:48-04:00

Rank does have a privilege...the privilege to serve.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 31 at 2016 8:43 AM

2016-05-31T08:43:59-04:00

Many of the "hard privileges" (ie separate clubs, separate DFACs, separate housing) that used to exist in the "Old Army" have gone away. Honestly, most of the things that folks associate with "Officer Privilege" you really don't see anymore until O-6 or higher.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 9:17 AM

2016-05-31T09:17:15-04:00

Sir, I know exactly what you mean. The privileges seem to move up to the next grade every time I get promoted, so I never really see them. I was thinking it was just me - good to know there's others seeing it also.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 9:26 AM

2016-05-31T09:26:06-04:00

Congrats on your rise from PFC to LTC! I'm with you....not sure if it ever really happens...then again, I wasn't a GO so maybe that's when they roll out the real privileges!

Response by COL David Petray made May 31 at 2016 9:43 AM

2016-05-31T09:43:20-04:00

Of course but is that really important? As leaders we should strive to set the example. That means eating last. Ensuring the troops have been adequately billeted before worrying whether or not you have to share your space. Digging your own fighting position. Pitching in with the manual labor with the troops. I was more embarrassed by taking advantage of the privilege than by anything else. We live in democracy and the "royalty" we have in the military has always struck me as counter-intuitive. Of course I'm talking about privileges, not the absolute duty all troops have to obey all legal orders.

Response by COL Jeff Williams made May 31 at 2016 10:10 AM

2016-05-31T10:10:19-04:00

It has the privilege of command. I spent a lot of time TDY to different installations and the difference between field grade and senior leader quarters is vast. But then if you are a GO you sometimes get a cook.

Response by LTC Tom Jones made May 31 at 2016 10:15 AM

2016-05-31T10:15:45-04:00

Drafted; given a job. Promoted; given a bigger job. Commissioned; bigger job yet--as was the case with each subsequent promotion. There came some entitlements with each, perhaps, but the rewards were mostly psychological. That is, I was proud of the promotion/achievements that got me there (with the exception of being drafted) but was always a little nervous about the next, higher level of expectation. Right or wrong, I accepted as a core reality that I was "summer help" and felt I had to work harder or longer than my contemporaries. I also accepted as fact that Rank may indeed have Privileges (RHIP) but much more importantly, Rank had its Responsibilities (RHIR). No serious Cadet I ever instructed ever left my program not understanding the acronym (sic) "RHIR" and the concept behind it. On the other hand, I never gave credence (nor a second thought) to the oft heard remark, "Don't call me Sir, I work for a living."

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made May 31 at 2016 10:47 AM

2016-05-31T10:47:13-04:00

As a grass to brass officer, quarters for Active Duty Officers are certainly better than what you get as an E4, but I have never been on an Army post that had a separate dining facility for officers, outside of the O Club. At least in the Infantry, Company grade officers traditionally eat with the troops and eat at the end of the line. Oh, we get the privilege of paying for our meals too.

Response by LTC James Bozeman made May 31 at 2016 10:57 AM

2016-05-31T10:57:08-04:00

Hi John - I went kind of the same route starting as an Enlisted Soldier in 1982 and obtaining my commission by 85 and retiring by 2009. I remember being a young LT and wanting to make CPT so I could have more influence...and do a better job. When I was in junior officer housing, the field grades had the better housing, now the housing is all contract and based on family size. At our current post they wanted a full LTC's BAH for an apartment equivalent, whereas young CPTs who had 2 children and paid half get the big houses. As a young NCO I wanted to go to the Officer club, but as a LT found the NCOs had the rocking clubs. Then the club system moved to an all-ranks environment and made fraternization a very bad thing. As an Officer I have always been a back of the line person - make sure your Soldiers and their families are fed first. So even on Active Duty I didn't see the "privileges" other than being saluted. But of course our vision at each level is tainted as we look at things from the 30,000 foot level and compare ourselves to those above us - instead of looking at the rise from the privates level. I guess I would say at this point - the grass is always greener - but in the end does it really matter - just be proud that you are part of less than 5% that have made it to LTC of a 1% that chose to serve their country in the military. Thank you for your service!

Response by Lt Col David Nadeau made May 31 at 2016 11:00 AM

2016-05-31T11:00:04-04:00

Your vision is 20/20 John... The grand illusion is the higher you go, the better your life will be. I chased the dream for 30+ years on active duty and never found it. In fact, there were times I felt I had a better life as a lowly buck sergeant (yes, I was one of those in the AF) than I did as a Lt Col.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made May 31 at 2016 11:17 AM

2016-05-31T11:17:07-04:00

One of my first lessons in the art of RHIP came in Basic Training when we discovered that we outnumbered the officers. A brand new 2LT who served as the BCT company XO took the brunt of our experimentations. For example, we kept lookout for his arrival each morning and lined up with just enough gap between us to force his to return our salutes one-at-a-time. Wherever he parked his car each morning, he found the same reception.

Response by LTC Mark Beattie made May 31 at 2016 11:21 AM

2016-05-31T11:21:56-04:00

Right or wrong, it does. My perspective and comments are having enlisted and going from PFC to a Lieutenant Colonel. Some of the so called privileges may be perceived privilege based on knowledge and experience an individual gains with additional time in service. Leaders of all ranks must be aware of perceived privilege in their units, and leader abuse of privilege. I don't advocate a leader trying to become "one of the guys," but do advocate sharing in the long hours and any hardship demanded of soldiers. Relying on "privilege" to exclude oneself from hardship is the quickest way to destroy unit morale, and loss of any loyalty that soldiers might have had for a leader or leaders.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 12:15 PM

2016-05-31T12:15:13-04:00

RHIP - Privileges and Responsibility. Yes it still exists. You can see it every day when a command has a Private taken away in Hand irons and a Senor Leader accused of the same crime allowed to quietly retire.
as 1SG Blount said- In a field environment Seniors eat last, get the least sleep and should be up first.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 12:33 PM

2016-05-31T12:33:33-04:00

SgtMaj Davis hit the nail on the head I think.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made May 31 at 2016 12:42 PM

2016-05-31T12:42:03-04:00

Much of it is ceremonial. The pay is the big difference.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 1:06 PM

2016-05-31T13:06:29-04:00

Almost no privileges but lots of responsibility. The regular Army is not much different. As a Battalion Commander, I can't even get a designated parking space anymore but must fight with the masses and still make it to meetings on time. I have a second house and use it as my own private officer club, gym, and theater.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 1:15 PM

2016-05-31T13:15:14-04:00

Your experiences similarly reflect mine. I haven't had nearly as much time in, but as a reservist, I've perceived that most of us are not treated with extra privilages: we bunk in the same tent, we eat in the same chow hall, we train in the same weather. As an LT, I want to be next to my soldiers so I know what they're suffering through; it's better than hearing it after the fact.
In regards to privilages that are always just out of reach: I feel the same way, but it seems like it's that way for everyone, so it makes me wonder if it's just the way it's always been. That doesn't stop me from reminding myself, if you're doing it for the "rewards," you're not doing it for the right reasons.

Response by Lt Col David George made May 31 at 2016 2:19 PM

2016-05-31T14:19:17-04:00

Like you I began as an E-1 and can say that various privileges that once constituted the RHIP label have been reduced noticeably over the years and I'm talking about active duty. God knows what is trending today as I became tired of watching it become RHIEO and have made my own privileges since retirement.

Response by PO2 Kevin LaCroix made May 31 at 2016 3:19 PM

2016-05-31T15:19:00-04:00

Some ranks may have some privileges, but those ranks have more headaches.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 4:02 PM

2016-05-31T16:02:09-04:00

In with you... I joined in 1990 (over a quarter century ago now).. I started as an E-1 and now an O-5... and I can tell you, I see and experience the exact same thing on Active Duty... I too am okay sleeping in a tent (or a ditch) if that's what the mission requires... but I remember days where the were perks for the NCOs that the junior enlisted didn't get, or SNCOs or CGOs or FGOs and each time I work into the next level of duty, I don't see them anymore. I'm currently TDY away from the family for a couple of months and I have two staff sergeants and one master sergeant working for me... our rooms are identical, they live right down the hall from me...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 4:27 PM

2016-05-31T16:27:28-04:00

Sir,

Compare the cases of LTC Gerald Green and CSM Crumple for example of rank priveleges.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 4:43 PM

2016-05-31T16:43:03-04:00

The privileges are eroding on the Active Duty side as well. The only privilege (other than the higher pay and BAH, thank you) that I seem to have is the privilege of being first to arrive at the office, last to leave the office, and weekends alone in the office.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 9:43 PM

2016-05-31T21:43:17-04:00

Reading all of this makes me feel like I am getting away with too much...

Response by LTC Jesse Edwards made May 31 at 2016 9:55 PM

2016-05-31T21:55:32-04:00

I always considered it a privilege to lead. Having first become a SPC before ROTC and my commission, I can relate a bit to what you're saying. However the issues of not having to pull guard duty in shitty weather as a junior enlisted (we did KP at Fort Jackson BCT too) and getting promoted out of having as many Officer of the Day taskings were "perks" in my mind. Then of course there was the pay. Of the things to lament, I'd rank RHIP pretty far below things like higher deployment burn out due to the Weekend Warrior becoming vastly more involved than being a Weekend Warrior.

Response by CPT Chris Newport made May 31 at 2016 9:59 PM

2016-05-31T21:59:45-04:00

I always found that rank had more responsibilities and burdens than privileges.

Response by LCDR Fred Natkin made May 31 at 2016 10:49 PM

2016-05-31T22:49:03-04:00

You are correct that views are skewed. Example, health care for a LTC has privileges such as choice of hospital for military to perform an operation of "major" nature versus choices for E-1. Second "privilege" is transportation of autoimobile if called to active duty.

Response by LTC Terry Markle made May 31 at 2016 11:37 PM

2016-05-31T23:37:01-04:00

I, like you began my career as a PFC and retired a LTC. From my experience any privileges (if they existed) were more position based as opposed to rank.

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Jun 1 at 2016 9:41 AM

2016-06-01T09:41:29-04:00

Yes it does and it will always have Privileges! I believe it should! Especially if it was EARNED and not GIVEN!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jun 1 at 2016 2:23 PM

2016-06-01T14:23:57-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member Priviledges are in the eyes of the beholder. W/o some privilege to aspire to ---. Before basic, I was privileged to go to the head of the chow line! That was because I had seniority, 3 days in the Army and had laundered my HBT fatigues in the mop sink!

Response by LCpl John Lewis made Jun 1 at 2016 4:24 PM

2016-06-01T16:24:39-04:00

LTC's are the privates of the officer corps

Response by PO1 Shawn Blalock made Jun 1 at 2016 6:32 PM

2016-06-01T18:32:56-04:00

Yes I do, in the Navy as E4 I had share berthing. But as E5 I had my own room, but with rank privileged comes responsible.

Response by MAJ David Parr made Jun 1 at 2016 6:52 PM

2016-06-01T18:52:25-04:00

I, too, started out as an E-1, and later earned a commission and retired as a Major, O-4. I have seen active duty NCO's who failed to show respect for commissioned officers! I remember when the Army started referring to Warrant Officers as 'commissioned'. I served on both active duty, and in the Reserve and National Guard. The active Army has always treated Guard and Reserve as second class soldiers, even though the active Army has depended heavily on Guard and Reserve troops to get the job done! Times have changed, and not necessarily for the better. Just my personal opinion.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 7:04 PM

2016-06-01T19:04:24-04:00

I've never been enlisted, but in my experience, on-base billeting sucks just as bad as it did when I was a Butter Bar, but now as a FGO, I get to appreciate the crappy accommodations all by myself. Also, now that I should be promoting to LtCol soon, I'll get even more responsiblites... I miss when I could play dumb, shrug, and offer up a "Butter Bar" salute. Having deployed to Navy bases overseas, I can say that rank definitely had its advantages there... not so much in the Air Force (private masseuses, chauffeurs, and chefs aside).

Response by PO1 Jack Howell made Jun 1 at 2016 7:58 PM

2016-06-01T19:58:45-04:00

Yes and no. It depends on the circumstances.

Response by 1SG Billye Jackson made Jun 1 at 2016 8:02 PM

2016-06-01T20:02:49-04:00

The perceived privileges was the reason I strived to get Promoted. I soon Learned that along with these privileges came more Reasonability and More eyes on you. One of the First things I did as a New Buck Sgt was to Join the NCO Club, only to Find that the E7,8,9 had their own little AO in same Club. It wasn't till I made First Sgt. that I Found what the Biggest privileges were ,that was the Ability to have a Lasting Effect on the Lives of Young Men, Make sure they were Trained, had the Resources to do their Jobs, and Look Out for Them. I always Thought the most important part of my Job was the Heath and Welfare of My Troops. They all Knew I had their Backs and I Knew they Had Mine.

Response by Sgt Jimmy Skuce made Jun 1 at 2016 9:30 PM

2016-06-01T21:30:30-04:00

The privilege of Rank is the opportunity to lead Men and mentor them through their time in the service in this proud SGT of Marines opinion.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Jun 2 at 2016 1:18 AM

2016-06-02T01:18:45-04:00

It's all a matter of perception.

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Jun 2 at 2016 7:30 AM

2016-06-02T07:30:52-04:00

RHIP does exist but to what degree depends on how much you want to take advantage of. As my kids grew I would show up at the work center(s) on Christmas Eve or Thanksgiving day and send a troop home who I knew had young ones at home and would show the others that the old sergeant still knew how to do the job. Once while at Keesler a hurricane was coming in and I saw a family who had been staying at a hotel in town while the member was in an advanced school preparing to hunker down in the hallway of billeting for the duration. I instead gave them my room and bunked with another senior noncom down the hall and others followed and did the same. I always made a point of taking care of all the troops first and just not my own.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2016 10:24 AM

2016-06-02T10:24:06-04:00

As a reservist, you only see the benefits of your rank a few days a month. And the military isn't your lifestyle, so the benefits of your rank are not recognized. As an experienced NCO, my concern is that you feel as though you don't have enough "privilege." What are you expecting? What do you feel your career and/or lifestyle in uniform is lacking?
I am going to have a hard time training a millennial Soldier to work hard for appropriate rewards when a field grade officer doesn't believe he is receiving the "privilege" associated with his rank after what I can only assume is a 20 plus year career.

Response by COL John McClellan made Jun 2 at 2016 5:01 PM

2016-06-02T17:01:23-04:00

Certainly! I thought about this on and off while serving and I always thought that one of the biggest was: more control over my own time. as an officer, I had more freedom and flexibility in where I was and what I was doing much of the time. I was expected to be in the right place at the right time, of course, and doing the things necessary to make my unit effective or complete the mission at hand... but a Soldier is usually told where and when to come and go and under much more direct supervision. Far fewer personal freedoms, and especially, time.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Jun 10 at 2016 4:27 AM

2016-06-10T04:27:12-04:00

There were certainly times of you were an officer and therefore right and I was an enlisted and therefore wrong even though the regs were on my side, and I knew a number of officers who were right especially when they were wrong, I never tried to e that way to lower enlisted, it's a failing of mine

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2016 9:43 AM

2016-08-16T09:43:59-04:00

I've notice more respect and fewer expectations of menial tasks. I recently came back from JRTC and share the barracks from PVT to LTC. I wasn't expected to be cleaning the showers and other common areas. I did pitch in every so often but, my name was never places on the cleaning roster. So we may have lost the separate clubs and dining facilities but, haven't been tasked with shoveling s*** in Louisiana.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2016 2:04 PM

2016-08-16T14:04:03-04:00

To a certain extent, there has been a cultural change. I think you could make a fair argument that excesses in perks/privileges were more often overlooked than not in the past. Today that is generally not the case. There are still perks associated with rank, but I believe they are generally commensurate with the increase in responsibility.

Additionally, I believe the fiscal environment has contributed greatly to the decrease in perks/privileges as commanders have had to decide where best to use limited dollars.

Response by CPT Earl George made Aug 16 at 2016 9:52 PM

2016-08-16T21:52:56-04:00

and in leading, training and mentoring these soldiers, the Army considers 2 shelter halves buttoned together adequate quarters, then so be it.

Response by LTC Brian Croteau made Aug 17 at 2016 6:27 AM

2016-08-17T06:27:05-04:00

While I did not start as enlisted as you did, I agree with your perception that "privilege" distinctions are much more prevalent and distinct on active duty vs. in the reserves. The professional connections and associations you can make as a reservist with all ranks, in my mind, far outweigh the "privilege" options missing in the reserve component.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2016 9:21 AM

2016-08-17T09:21:32-04:00

All I know is that when I was in Kuwait as a CPT I lived in a PCB while I saw PFC's coming out of the permanent quarters where they had 2-man rooms, private baths, and cable television. The "reason" was that we (the "reservists") were only there for 9 months while those Soldiers ("regular army") were there for 12. Like you, Sir, I expected things to get better. I was enlisted for 26 years.. made it to the rank of E8. As an E4 I saw the disparity based on rank and accepted it as normal, expected, and something to look forward to.

Response by CPT W Brown made Aug 17 at 2016 10:32 AM

2016-08-17T10:32:53-04:00

Interesting that a leader would ask that question.

I don't know but it seems that a leader should not have any privileges. Privileges are trappings of corporate management, be it in the civilian or military worlds. Hierarchical benefits such as privileges erode America today. I never was comfortable eating at the Officers' tables in the mess hall. I better liked the model where the 1SG and I as CO would not eat a bite until every soldier had their fill.

Response by MAJ Seth Goldstein made Aug 17 at 2016 10:36 AM

2016-08-17T10:36:28-04:00

I retired after 23 years in the Army retired major with prior service experience and I am still waiting for my, "privileges." On my last deployment, I shared a walk in closet size room with three other officers and still had to clean the barracks and latrine. You want privilege, join the Air Force.

Response by MAJ David Parr made Aug 17 at 2016 5:43 PM

2016-08-17T17:43:39-04:00

Unfortunately, Reserve Officers have been/are being treated like second class citizens! The "One Army Concept" has never been enforced, and as such, doesn't work. Even though I have prior active duty service, I have experienced a lack of respect by active duty EM's. For the sake of professionalism in the active ranks, there has to be more training and enforcement of respect for higher ranks by the lower rank soldiers. Just my personal opinion...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2016 8:49 PM

2016-08-17T20:49:45-04:00

Largely I've seen the same thing but even on active I didn't see any privileges but I am a lowly O4. Perhaps they start at 0-5 lol

Response by SP5 Ronald R Glaeseman made Sep 18 at 2017 1:24 PM

2017-09-18T13:24:04-04:00

I admire anyone who "mustang'd" it. My old CO was a mustang. Terrific leader. Officers should know through experience how the other half lives.

Response by SGT Brandon Newman made Nov 8 at 2017 11:46 PM

2017-11-08T23:46:45-05:00

With rank there is always privileges

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Aug 2 at 2018 3:00 PM

2018-08-02T15:00:55-04:00

it's who you know now, should I say ass you kiss now

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Aug 4 at 2018 3:37 PM

2018-08-04T15:37:03-04:00

Duh ha! I will tell you a little training story Colonel. The Unit went to the Aussie Jungle School near Townsville back in the early 80s. We all stayed in the OR barracks, Our Squadron Commander, Troop Commanders and Sergeants Major, We always stayed together on missions and training operations. We obeyed military courtesy but were an elite unit used first names when it was appropiate. The Aussie Commandant had a fit which he made a complaint that went all the way up his chain of command that officers and what they consider Warrants (SGM) were sleeping and messing with other ranks; In the OR Mess and barracks that were open bay! We drank up all their milk and shot up their jungle which A Squadron, 1st SFOD-D was banned from the country. Believe it or nor, it was an international incident. The Aussies only put milk in tea and have limited supplies, no one told us! Our CAR15s would not function with 22 LR conversion kits. The HALO Jump over the ocean was a blast, you could see the hammerhead sharks waiting for one of us to land in the water. Lobster tail bar snacks and beer for Hobby & me was dinner. The Townsville Bars reminded me of a sceen from Star Wars which I will not eloborate. The countries of the UK have a military class system which RHIP is strictly enforced. Don't feel bad, you earned it! Officers are not suppose to assoiate with lowly sergeants or privates. I did not like their system and they the same with ours. Enough said..

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Aug 4 at 2018 4:31 PM

2018-08-04T16:31:04-04:00

Yes Sir!...and carries over as a Retiree too.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Dec 14 at 2018 10:57 PM

2018-12-14T22:57:02-05:00

Go check out how your grunts are living. Everything is relative. Personally, I think that you are whining.

Response by PV2 Michael Whiddon made Dec 16 at 2018 12:10 AM

2018-12-16T00:10:43-05:00

All due respect sir, quit making pearls.

Response by LTC James Washington made Dec 16 at 2018 2:17 PM

2018-12-16T14:17:24-05:00

The erosion really started 32-35 years ago and has accelerated. It may just be my imagination but it seems to occur more during Democrat Administrations.

Response by SFC Preston Sr made Dec 17 at 2018 11:16 AM

2018-12-17T11:16:10-05:00

As an old 28 years retired SFC, I make my comments based on my observations. E-1 to E4, the privileges do vary, but not to that great of a degree. I was a SP5, so I battled the you're not a NCO mind set, but I wouldn't tolerate it. As an E-6, I did enjoy some privileges that were not afforded the Juniors (one such privilege was to keep your pass in your wallet). But I did note there were some things that were reserved for the SNCOs and above (gov't qtrs, pov policies, and being able to telephonically sign out/in on passes and leaves).
So, in every organization or industry, rank has its privileges. While I didn't always like it because seniors seemed to get perks that were not available to me, I would have been really dissatisfied if PFCs had the same privileges as I did as a SNCO. In short, it's called paying your dues.

Response by COL John McClellan made Dec 17 at 2018 11:37 AM

2018-12-17T11:37:19-05:00

You think that life gets easier as you move up in rank - but actually, it only gets harder. This was a notion that I always impressed on my Cadets - you move up in rank to assume more responsibility - a greater burden, in the leadership and stewardship of our Army! I do think that two things at play though (1) Many of the "privileges" that were imagined actually never existed; and (2) Yes - at the same time, some "old Army" privileges that did exist have gone by the wayside in light of deployments and "belt-tightening" budget cuts in administrative / non-essential areas during multiple cycles of expansion, deployment and draw-down in the last 30-40 years, across all components. Certainly senior officers have always been accorded certain privileges - but most of them had to do with saving time... and keeping senior people focused on operational and strategic issues consistent with their pay grades. So for example, when I was a MAJ working in the USAEUR engineer staff - the Director (a BG) or top engineer for USAREUR had (a) a secretary, (b) a government vehicle and a driver. As a flag officer, he also had an 1LT as an Aide-de-camp. Years later when I served in essentially the same position for USARPAC - the job was a COL billet (one grade down), so - no aide; there was no designated vehicle, no driver, (no E-4 / below Soldiers of any kind in my Directorate) and my predecessor had the last DCSENG civilian secretary - the position was cut and discontinued when she departed. Now - the absence of these former "privileges" didn't effect my conduct of my duties in any great measure. I drove myself around for duty as needed, and the staff assumed "gate-keeping duties" and perhaps the only effect was I didn't have personal assistance with some correspondence and with stuff like travel arrangements. I simply made my official trips into missions and assigned the mission to one of my CPTs to plan :) But certainly things did change. When I entered the Army in the 1980s, you would never have seen a Colonel driving themselves on duty!

Response by CPT Jeff Robinette made Dec 17 at 2018 11:46 AM

2018-12-17T11:46:51-05:00

Being INFANTRY I'm used to the canvas ceiling.
I never served in the reserves, but while on Active Duty I saw some crappy posts. Fun places like Grafenwohr, Hohenfels Wildflicken and Miesau come to mind.
Privileges of Rank, in my opinion, are what you make of them. I got 2 Shelter Halfs. I ate after my troops. 9 times out of 10 a had a cold meal.
Garrison priveledge are or were a bit better. I could go to the club and pay at the end of the month for my meal.

Response by WO1 Mike Dwyer made Dec 17 at 2018 12:45 PM

2018-12-17T12:45:49-05:00

The only privilege I can recall at the moment was when I was a Sergeant in the National Guard. We were a small CID detachment, a major, several warrant officers, and and us enlisted types. We went on a three day drill at Fort McClellan, Alabama. Our commander, Major Rice, was a fairly wealthy guy, owning a gas and oil distributorship. He set up a very nice steak dinner at the Officer's Club. He said to our senior enlisted guy that our meal was on him. Our least inspiring warrant starting thanking the major and he quickly replied, "You're an officer, I'm only paying for the enlisted folks!" And that's what he did, he paid for all the enlisted meals out of his pocket.

Response by Lt Col George Roll made Dec 17 at 2018 1:52 PM

2018-12-17T13:52:20-05:00

I too was enlisted (10.5 years) prior to becoming a 2nd lt. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with being an Officer.
The Privelage is that of serving the troops, Not of special quarters, better food or more time off. If you command you get to be last in the chow line ( to insure all your people got enough food) when new equip.ent arrives you insure everyone get it issued to them before you accept it for your self. You getless sleep because you are checking on your troops who are working graveyard shift or are on posts. On Holidays you come in to work relieve someone working so they can get a hot meal or you stand the gate guard post so the guys and girls who are stuck there guarding the base 24/7 can celebrate withtheir buddies for a couple hours. Ifyourunit has unit level sports teams youare ther for most of the pratice sessions and all of the games to support them.
When there is a blood drive you are at the head of the donor line. When the unit deployesyou are at the mobility point early. You go thrugh the processing line get your shots and stay till all are ready. Then you deploy on the first plane or truck. You don't accept any comfort or privelage not availible to your lowest ranking troop. If you are airborn you lead the stick out the door, if its a scuba op youdrag your full load swim the distance and help your weaker troops to accomplish their mission.
When your troops suceed and there is praise you pas it on to the troops give them the credit, if something screws up you take full responsibility for whatever it was that occurred. That is the privelage that comes with rank anything else is not leadership!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2018 1:53 PM

2018-12-17T13:53:09-05:00

Yes, rank has its privileges but certainly not the ones you think. From what I can see, enlisted service members might have privileges once they make E9; special operators being the exception. Officers on the other hand, get the red carpet rolled out for them.

Response by LT Don Mead made Dec 17 at 2018 2:42 PM

2018-12-17T14:42:32-05:00

As I explained to my son, you will get promoted to the point where the job isn't fun anymore. Better pay, better food and a little more space but less day to day fun.

Response by TSgt John LaBelle made Dec 17 at 2018 3:34 PM

2018-12-17T15:34:16-05:00

Active Army, Reserve, Guard, retired Air Force reserve. The Air Force rank made a difference depending on where you were. Other than officer/enlisted quarters in Germany. I had reservations at Wright Pat and got a officer room, was a E-6. The rest of the group I was with got the holiday inn off base down the street. Sometimes it’s better to be nice to the inn staff since they have control over the rooms.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2018 8:14 PM

2018-12-17T20:14:00-05:00

The only privilege my rank has given me is to better take care of my Sailors.

Response by CSM Patrick Durr made Dec 17 at 2018 8:15 PM

2018-12-17T20:15:05-05:00

Sometimes privilege is obstructed by responsibility. E1 thru E9, I always sensed some privilege with promotion. But, sometimes the responsibility had me saying to myself, it was easier as a private. Wouldn't have changed a thing over 32 years.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2018 7:56 AM

2018-12-18T07:56:33-05:00

This is one of the biggest on going problems in our formations. Please Sir, don't take it the wrong way, but a LTC being more concerned about the privileges he deserves over the maintenance budget, time for his troops to train, time off for his troops after good training, proper development of subordinate leaders, coaching teaching mentoring, combat readiness. Who cares what DFAC you eat in? Priorities Sir.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Dec 18 at 2018 8:45 AM

2018-12-18T08:45:43-05:00

Do you occupy your current position to receive privileges?

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Dec 18 at 2018 9:03 AM

2018-12-18T09:03:29-05:00

If rank didn't have its privileges, no one would leave the E4 Mafia.

Just sayin'.

;-)

Response by SGT Randall Smith made Dec 18 at 2018 9:16 AM

2018-12-18T09:16:48-05:00

When I made Spc 4 I earned some privilege, when I made Sgt E-5 I had more privilege. This was in Germany and Nam. When offered 2nd Lt bars I said no. The pay was about the same, less respect from officers and with 2years if college I knew what would happen after Vietnam. I was an Army Brat and knew about the RIFT.

Response by MAJ Bob Firth made Dec 19 at 2018 12:16 PM

2018-12-19T12:16:20-05:00

With higher rank comes increased privileges but also increased responsibilities. As Soldiers progress through the ranks, whether it be officer or enlisted, they should be rewarded with better pay, quarters, etc. This is a crucial retention function. If you and your families lives did not improve, then the most would vote with their feet. This becomes critical during frequent deployments, as Soldiers and their families need quality time and space. You need to care for everyone, at every level, but removing incentives to stay in is counterproductive.

Response by PV2 Michael Whiddon made Dec 22 at 2018 3:58 AM

2018-12-22T03:58:00-05:00

It looks like my original comment got deleted by mistake. Not to worry, as I have no problem repeating myself. With all due respect sir, stop making pearls. That means take the sand out of your apparently very sandy vagina. It's about oysters.

Response by SSG Thomas Trutt made Dec 28 at 2018 12:40 PM

2018-12-28T12:40:01-05:00

I was a Sergeant sitting in on a planning meeting for annual training for my reserve unit. At one point, S4 mentioned that e5 and below would be in tents and e6 and above would be in barracks. Our commander immediately said that "that isn't right" and insisted that if the weren't barracks rooms for everyone then everyone would be in tents.
During exercises with that unit, our senior leaders were always out with the troops setting up tents, digging trenches with us when rain started to leak into the tents, breaking down the site and losing trucks at end-ex, and if they went to the PX they brought things back for the troops.

Other units I was in the senior leaders would stay in hotels while the soldiers were in tent city, went to burger King for lunch, left after their shift and went to the bar, and never helped during set-up/tear-down.

You can guess which unit had better morale and retention.

So yes, rank has its privileges, but good leaders will never abuse that right.

Response by CW5 Dennis Stewart made Dec 30 at 2018 9:39 AM

2018-12-30T09:39:46-05:00

I went from captain to warrant and was immediately struck with how WO was treated differently. Having been enlisted as well it was easy to adjust. As a W5 In Iraq it was hit or miss. Bottom line you make the best of what you got and move on. It’s the army not the Air Force

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2019 11:47 PM

2019-01-07T23:47:42-05:00

As best I can tell, the jump to hyperspace occurs when one promotes to a General officer. Other than that, it's just a matter of space availability for billeting. Of course, as Officers, we do have the privilege of buying our own uniforms....

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Feb 9 at 2019 6:15 PM

2019-02-09T18:15:11-05:00

There are times to exercise those privileges and times not to. I never exercised privileges if my people were exposed to hardship. Yes, it would have been my privilege, but it was also my privilege and my responsibility to decline privileges in the interest of good leadership. Rank may have its privileges, but, above all, RHIR: Rank Has Its Responsibilities.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Feb 11 at 2019 12:05 AM

2019-02-11T00:05:50-05:00

I would say yes and no, in my last two billets in the USCG, I was a PO-1 (E-6). I was respectively XPO of an 10 man support unity and Electronics LPO on a 210' cutter. As XPO, I did not stand duty on a regular basis, however I carried a pager and was on call 24/7 if help was needed. On the ship, the PO-1s had their own little berthing area, sort of a mini goat locker with better racks, larger lockers, and a small lounge area. However most of us also had administrative duties for their departments. So that little lunge area saw an awful lot of ship's business in port and underway. The closest thing we got to a perk was head of the line privileges at mess.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2019 1:24 AM

2019-03-18T01:24:11-04:00

In 1974, Camp Lejeune NC had a beach for only officers, we from the 82nd were asked to leave due to there were enlisted on the beach.
Our battalion was there for war games with the marines, when asked to move off the beach, the battalion CO had UH1's pick us off the beach. It was a site to see with solders loading UH1"s in swimming shorts. Lol

Response by SPC(P) Mike Conley Jr. made Mar 28 at 2019 4:04 PM

2019-03-28T16:04:46-04:00

Always

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2019 10:37 AM

2019-08-05T10:37:34-04:00

When I was enlisted it was "rank has its privileges". When I became an officer is was suddenly "taking care of soldiers". lol

Response by SGM Gerald Fife made Jul 13 at 2020 8:02 PM

2020-07-13T20:02:06-04:00

I know this post is 4 years old but would like to respond. The only "privileges" I see are the ones at the PX or Commissary. Being separate in the Dining Facility isn't a "privilege." It is keeping the Leaders from fraternizing with the troops. That is how I see it.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 13 at 2020 8:58 PM

2020-07-13T20:58:29-04:00

Yes rank has privileges. The military is not an egalitarian society and it will never be. That is the nature of the beast. That isn't to say I never rolled up my sleeves and got in the mud with the soldiers and NCOs. I went out of my way to improve morale and try to make the soldiers feel special, because they were to me.

I arranged helicopter rides for them. Passed down dinner gift certificates. Played sports on Fridays. We did a long run with hot chow and TMP vehicles waiting for us at the finish line. Gave them framed autographed pictures with me with something special in the back of the picture. They got a cake and their birthdays off. Sometimes I would grill good food for them. Our door prizes for the Christmas parties started with TV and boom boxes. We were Echo Company so I found a big flat rock. When someone did something funny and stupid, we put their name on the rock and date. Someone did an reenactment. One was for a driver who took off with his camo net still attached to his vehicle. One was for a soldier who tripped on a tent peg and fell face flat into the deep snow. One was me, I had accidently ran into the women's YMCA dressing room. I regret not looking at the women. lol If I expected world class performance from them, I figured I should I treat them in a world class way.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2021 1:33 PM

2021-02-18T13:33:16-05:00

I served from 73 to 06 and also felt the perks were disappearing just ahead of promotion but looking back, many old traditions disappear such as officers field mess kits, separate eating tables, separate quarters and others but having served from E1 to O-6, these changes were inevitable due to the other drastic changes in military structure. Having worked with several branches it is noted that some privileges disappear in some before others. Working with the Marines over seas only O-6s got hard roofs. Now my wife and I travel with a CB Master Chief and his wife so we get to best of everything. God Bless America and all her Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines and Coasties.

Response by CW5 Mark Smith made Jun 17 at 2021 4:31 PM

2021-06-17T16:31:27-04:00

An RHIP (I think) abuse that always bugged me. Tell me if I'm wrong. There was one (1) reserved parking for CW4/5. I constantly came across the same vehicle parked there with an O-6 decal. I approached him and asked why he was parked there. He said his spouse was a CW5 which gave him the right to park there. I countered by reversing the situation; CW5 decal parked in a reserved spot for COL/0-6. He had no comment. I'm not one for RHIP, but this really ticked me off. He told me to salute him and address him as Sir. I told him to go F himself and stated that in my 35 years of service from Viet Nam to Iraq, that I had never encountered such arrogance from an officer. He didn't like it but never said a word.

Response by SFC Kevin Childers made Oct 30 at 2023 7:51 AM

2023-10-30T07:51:59-04:00

The privilege of rank is the opportunity to make harder decisions.