Does the military have compassion?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 12:31:00 -0400

The military is very rigid, no matter of branch. We are hard hitting and expected to get things done quick and without question. Does this type of environment preclude compassion for other military members, civilians and even citizens of the countries that we are located in? As a military, do we show empathy to those around us?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 12:33 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 12:33:14 -0400

I'm a compassionate person by nature, but the mission will always come first - feelings notwithstanding.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 9 at 2015 1:06 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:06:44 -0400

The military itself no, however it has built in tolerances which allow the people to show compassion.

The Military is a system. A tool. Tools are only as good as those that wield them.

From the micro level, I've seen countless levels of compassion. From the Macro level, I have seen nearly as many in the form of Humanitarian operations, Firefighting, Floods, you name it.

How the tool is wielded. Mission accomplishment, Troop Welfare.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 1:18 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:18:13 -0400

I think things are getting better. As an Air Force member things were more strict 15 years ago when I first joined. Now, it seems like an understanding of compassion has been demonstrated in my experience on numerous occasions. In my opinion, there is a time and a place for no holds barred military bearing and discipline, and then there are times when compassion needs to be utilized. Compassion doesn't indicate weakness, instead it indicates that leadership understands the needs of their personnel and the personnel are the ones who complete the mission. Folks need to be able to focus on the mission with no personal distractions with the understanding that it's their duty to eliminate distraction, but sometimes they need assistance. Just my 2 cents.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Apr 9 at 2015 5:16 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 17:16:16 -0400

The people direct compassion and/or empathy. The DoD or (insert branch here), may not have a lot of either one....but the people that make up both may have a lot. Allowing people short notice leave to get home BEFORE the Red Cross makes a notification, letting folks off early to care for sick child...there are hundreds or thousands of examples of compassion and empathy at the local/individual levels. At the Branch and DoD level, there is additional evidence of compassion and empathy.... Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). This allows the service members to pick organizations to donate to. Think about how much money is given to organizations through this campaign done every year. During Deployments: Situation drives compassion and/or empathy. While engaged with the enemy...we destroy them. When not actively engaged with the enemy, people donate time to help build schools, dig wells, care for sick/injured....the list goes on!

Is the military compassionate? Yes. When not actively engaging the enemy, we are. Why? I think it is because we know how well we can destroy things, that we also like to show what we can do to help build also.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Apr 9 at 2015 6:26 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 18:26:14 -0400

Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't, depends on the time, place, and people involved. Some people that I have seen were 100% "suck it up buttercup, I don't care if your mom was hit by a train and is in the hospital." other times it was very much the opposite and people would go out of their way and expense to help someone. I dont think there is any static answer to this.

Response by SSG John Erny made Apr 9 at 2015 6:30 PM

SSG John Erny — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 18:30:34 -0400

There is always the Chaplain to talk to, after all that is his/her job.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Apr 9 at 2015 7:04 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 19:04:41 -0400

The hard part about being in the military is knowing when to be hard and knowing when to be soft, because there is a time and place for both.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Apr 9 at 2015 7:17 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 19:17:57 -0400

Our motto, "DE OPPRESSO LIBER", not meet them, then kill them!

Response by TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn made Apr 13 at 2015 3:21 PM

TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 15:21:11 -0400

If you have no compassion, you need to make some life changes.

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