Does rank still have privileges?

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.

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.

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.

All due respect sir, quit making pearls.

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

With rank there is always privileges

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.

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

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.

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.