Does rank still have privileges?

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

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.