Ever been embarrassed for your rank? Branch? Both?

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 15:21:55 -0400

The posting about the Army adopting or looking at sleeves on the ACU being rolled up because some folks think that it is hot, a garrison thing or whatever, really made me red in the face and embarrassed to be a warrant officer. I pose to you the survey just so we can keep track, but the issue is that sometimes folks go out of their way to not only embarrass themselves, but everyone associated with the rank in which they wear, their branch or even service.

The 30 June article in the ARMY TIMES was highlighted by a photo of a aviator claimed to be a CW3 in the wording, with a CW2 photo of a aviation army combat uniform, otherwise known as the A2CU. His sleeves were rolled up and he was obviously wearing a Stetson, which in turn eluded to the fact he was Cavalry.

I am not going to dispute the findings of the ARMY TIMES since that article that the officer in question has a very questionable career, integrity and lack of Army Values. What really gets under my skin is his lack of regard for his brothers and sisters first of all in the warrant officer corps, then the aviation branch, followed by the Calvary and finally the Army as a whole.

I must quote his phone interview to the ARMY TIMES with regard to his everyday wearing of the uniform in violation of 670-1, "I basically give them 'the look' - dare them to say something". I was appalled and hit the floor almost passed out that a fellow warrant officer would publicly donate a photo and such words to represent the whole population. The harm is done. The amount of readers and viewers of this obviously will not see the investigation into his service and past to know that this guy is not credible.

So I am embarrassed for my rank (warrant officers) in the branch and the Army. I have to defend our rank because a knucklehead spoke out and no one will look past his comment on 30 June. It already is hard as aviators get to un-blouse their boots when flying and often forget to tuck them back in afterwards. Often aviators push limits on haircuts, sideburns and mustaches, but this was a bit over the top.

Several thing spoke to me in the article. The ARMY TIMES did not research the officer with much detail. The officer whether Guard, Reserve or Active duty is wrong. Rolling up sleeves when not authorized and walking around with an attitude against officers and Soldiers alike is criminal. Surely if an officer told him to roll up his sleeves and he gave that 'look', that he would be charged with UCMJ.

This article and policy, I really don't care about, the Army did me a favor having me wear my sleeves down. I no longer have skin cancer on my forearms! Trust me when I say it stinks having pieces of you cut out for it. If the Army gave the option today, I would only roll them up to be uniformly in a formation with the rest of the Soldiers.

So this gentleman, CW2 or CW3 Calhoun has embarrassed and tarnished the idea of a warrant officer to me. Probably to a lot of others, or he validated a prejudice already of how warrant officers can or may be perceived. He went further wearing the CAV Stetson, saying he was in USASOC, mentioning SOF and being an aviator. None of these grant him immunity from proper wear of the uniform. I would hope he was proud of his rank, branch and service enough to comply.

So the question to you is have you ever been embarrassed for your rank, branch or service?

EXAMPLES: Remember the Airman sticking the tongue out on the POW symbol? The Soldiers on funeral detail and casket? We could go on, but are you affected?

Response by COL Randall C. made Jul 15 at 2014 3:24 PM

COL Randall C. — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 15:24:11 -0400

If we're intellectually honest, all the above at least once applies.

I think I'm more embarrassed for my Service right now because "Army Times" is the one that caused this issue with their lack of fact checking.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 3:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 15:34:11 -0400

I got no reason to be embarrassed, I was not the one looking like a fool by lying, saying that he was going to do whatever he wanted, etc.

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Jul 15 at 2014 3:51 PM

CW2 Jonathan Kantor — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 15:51:34 -0400

I don't get embarrassed by what other people do, but I understand where you are coming from. It would be nice to roll up our sleeves like we used to do in the BDUs, but it doesn't really work with the ACUs... which we should abolish for the Multicam uniform :)

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 5:23 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 17:23:13 -0400

I was embarrassed to be a Noncommissioned Officer last night as I signed in from leave. I was at Staff Duty, and on the desk was the latest copy of the NCO Journal. The cover had a close-up photo of an NCO assigned as OPFOR at JRTC aiming his rifle at [presumably] BLUFOR. The kicker was that he hadn't shaved in about a week, and his face was smeared on the cover like he was some sort of hero. Last time I checked, OPFOR still had to shave because we use Army Soldiers and NCOs to fill those roles, and still subjected to AR 670-1 and UCMJ. The worst part about it was the following photos of the rest of the OPFOR Soldiers who were clean shaven standing there with their NCO "leader" who clearly was not. I personally take offense when Army Times and other publications publish photos of Soldiers "doing the right thing" as per the context of the article, but their uniform is blatantly wrong. Why is it so hard for some people to wear the uniform correctly?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 5:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 17:28:34 -0400

As you can see from my profile I am a Battle Staff instructor and I only instruct NCO's. That being said I am ashamed or embarrassed every class I pickup due to the lack of knowledge of NCO's today.
The reading skills is probably the one that kills me the most because many of these Senior NCO's have the reading skills of a 6th grader.
Then there are the basic soldier skills such as map reading and land navigation that somehow these NCO's do not know how to do.

Response by 1SG David Niles made Jul 15 at 2014 8:06 PM

1SG David Niles — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 20:06:55 -0400

Uhm Never, even as a private, I was proud to have a rank.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 15 at 2014 8:32 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 20:32:54 -0400

I think at some point in our careers we've all had at least one of those moments. I was the HHC Cdr for a Bn Cdr who was punching their command ticket and wanted nothing to do with going to the field. We spent the best 6 months of the years APR-SEP in garrison on drill weekends doing paperwork and maintenance. The XO was on my side, but he couldn't get the boss to budge on even the HQ minus the staff going. The individual made COL 12 months later. WTF?

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jul 15 at 2014 8:43 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 20:43:37 -0400

Yikes

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 11:25 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 23:25:09 -0400

I'm a recruiter...that should explain why I've been embarassed

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 11:26 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 23:26:07 -0400

Maybe not so much embarrassed as disappointed. I've seen increasing instances of the quality of leadership and the quality of soldier in general degrading terribly. I'm afraid that , through this drawdown, those are the types that are going to be held on to and the good ones are going to be the fat that's trimmed leaving us with a completely toxic environment.

Oh, being a former Cavalryman I have to say something. CAVALRY not Calvary. Calvary has something to do with church.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Jul 16 at 2014 8:40 AM

SSG Steven Borders — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 08:40:55 -0400

I voted for my rank E-4 in general. I have seen a lot of E-4's make fools of them selves in Social Media and on the news. Not all of us are dirtbags and hide behind our sham shields as they call it in the Army. I work hard at what I do and do the right thing even when no one is looking. Just shames me that people can't act right or there age for that matter.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2014 8:49 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 08:49:57 -0400

Sir,
Here is another article on this guy, don't know how true it is but it's relatively disturbing.

http://thisainthell.us/blog/?p=53866

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jul 17 at 2014 5:27 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 17:27:52 -0400

As I read my Army Times today, Allegedly, the the 21 July edition (I don't have a time machine, I swear.), they have a follow-up article on page 19.

The short version is:
Army: We kicked this guy out way back in April with an OTH. And He USED to be a CW2.
CW2/3ish: Nuh-uh!
Army: Here are the documents.
CW2/3ish: I'm busy & Out of the country & in the hospital & leave me alone.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Jul 17 at 2014 7:10 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 19:10:28 -0400

The Army is regularly in the news because some solider acted out in a big and horrible way, because there military it is never this person did this, it is A Solider did this, and it is shameful.

Response by CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2014 7:12 PM

CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 19:12:44 -0400

Never, my only regret is that I wasn't born in a Navy hospital.

Response by MSgt Lancia Stewart made Jul 17 at 2014 8:06 PM

MSgt Lancia Stewart — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 20:06:42 -0400

I've also been embarrassed for other services when it was warranted. Like a Marine warrant officer wearing a set of dress blue Alphas that she dug from the bottom of a duffel bag. TO THE BALL. AS ADJUTANT. Yeah, that happened.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Jul 17 at 2014 11:18 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 23:18:14 -0400

Occasionally I see something that can be corrected in the news media or in person

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Jul 17 at 2014 11:22 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 23:22:31 -0400

Not embarrassed by my rank, my branch, or my service. I have however been embarrassed by the leadership that descends from on High. Now more than ever.

Response by SGT Marvin "Dave" Bigham made Jul 18 at 2014 11:23 AM

SGT Marvin "Dave" Bigham — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 11:23:58 -0400

Never... well, okay , but only after the Army/Navy games. I have never felt shame for someone else, but I can see many (including the subject of that article) that should feel it. ...and maybe a few choice college-age football players.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2014 2:46 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 14:46:23 -0400

Being in the national guard I have been embarrassed several times by things some guards men have done and when talking to a retiree or an active duty person I have been embarrassed for my service for the fact of when I deployed I deployed with my infantry company yet I was a mechanic because we needed another mechanic and I had the MOS. So I didn't do all that my brothers did even though thank god non one got seriously injured or we lost anyone in our deployment.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2014 12:20 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 00:20:55 -0400

http://thisainthell.us/blog/?p=53866

I just read this about guy. He was a bit off in the Army times article.

Jim Calhoun; fakery costs WO2 his job

Kevin sends us a link from the Army Times "Warrant officer separated after claiming unearned rank, badges" (I guess I don't have access to the Times, becaus

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2014 1:00 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 01:00:36 -0400

I remember an admiral's gig line that was jacked up during a promotion ceremony...

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 18 at 2014 1:29 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 01:29:08 -0400

I' m just embarrassed that he was air cav.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2014 10:33 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 22:33:22 -0400

I'm a LT. I have never been embarrassed by anyone of my rank.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 23 at 2014 5:14 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 05:14:27 -0400

CW5 Sam R. Baker I needed a Private to show me how to send a fax back in 1997. Not many faxes going out in infantry vs aviation as a reclass. I'm sure there are many other examples that I have repressed.........

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2014 8:01 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 08:01:02 -0400

I was highly embarassed to have served in the Air Force after the disgraceful casket posing photos of Airmen were released. Utterly disgusting behavior!

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Sep 23 at 2014 8:51 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 08:51:39 -0400

I'm Air Force....that should say it all. We do some really stupid things very publicly at times.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2014 1:29 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 01:29:11 -0400

CW5 Sam R. Baker , I voted for all of the above for a multitude of reasons. Before I go into that though, I will preface it by stating it's okay for any of us to have these feelings BUT it the poor actions of others is not indicative of the rank, branch or service.

For me, I am a 23 yr TIS Army Quartermaster (I'm out and retired in 6 days). My specific MOS is 92Y, which is a Supply SGT. Throughout my career, I have seen a plethora of horrible SSGs, horrible supply personnel and horrible Army personnel. I do blame each of those individuals for their actions but I know many will do blanket judgements. For example, I hear a lot of garbage about how awful supply sergeants are with the supply rooms. Yes, there are some idiotic ones but there are also some great ones too. We have to take each situation as it is and not blame an entire group for the dumb actions of one or a few. I have met dumb individuals from every single rank across the military, as well as idiots in just about every MOS. I can honestly say the individual in this article is an idiot and I surely don't blame ALL Warrants or aviators.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2014 8:15 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 08:15:20 -0400

Roger that, I joined late in life so as a 33 year old PFC I am constantly embarrassed by my peers lol

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Sep 24 at 2014 8:22 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 08:22:17 -0400

Just an update as of today (the 24th of September 2014), with 74 votes in we have a 53% response to "ALL THE ABOVE AT LEAST ONCE". I do not feel so alone anymore.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Sep 24 at 2014 8:23 AM

SSG Maurice P. — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 08:23:41 -0400

THAT SOLDIERS SLEEVES ARENT ROLLED UP PROPERLY THERE BELOW THE ELBOW WHAT IS THE USE OF THAT...THE MARINES AND SAILORS HAVE THEIRS CENTERED ON THE BI-CEP IF MEMORY SERVES ME RIGHT, 26 YEARS AGO I GOT OUT OF THE MARINES, SO I MIGHT BE A LITTLE FUZZY THERE BUT I DONT THINK SO....

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Sep 24 at 2014 8:23 AM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 08:23:54 -0400

I was an LT. Embarrassment was issued at OCS.

And it resurfaces EVERY time someone mentions the 2LTs saluting 1LTs thread...

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 24 at 2014 8:27 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 08:27:21 -0400

I used to get upset when I saw new pictures or stories of Soldiers being disrespectful, racist, ignorant, violating laws or regulations etc... on Facebook or the news.

That changed when, one day, while I was creating a meme for another discussion, I started a collage of all the photos involved in all these stories. With all the pictures right next to each other for comparison, I realized that, almost without exception (there are a few exceptions), every single Soldier who has publicly disgraced the Army was a Quartermaster Soldier.

So now I don't get upset. I just look at their MOS or regimental crest in the photo and, about 90% of the time, instead of getting angry, I can just say "oh well, F'in Quartermaster...

(Being stationed at Fort Lee for a few years, I do get it though... Walking from the Ordnance campus to the Quartermaster side of the house is like walking to the bad side of the tracks. That is an institution in desperate need of overhaul.)

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 24 at 2014 1:06 PM

SGT Richard H. — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:06:29 -0400

Right now I'm embarrassed for the entire Armed Forces, after seeing our Commander in Chief salute with a coffee cup.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Sep 26 at 2014 12:20 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 00:20:12 -0400

Both times while deployed to Iraq:
04-05 Camp Fallujah - this SPC (I think) came waddling into the DFAC and immediately drew the attention of everyone in the room. Easily as wide as he was tall, this guy proceeded to sit down to a triple helping of ICE CREAM! Really?

Summer 08 Camp Slayer - During a post-wide fun run, there were at least 5-6 Soldiers who walked the course. Again - really? These people are supposed to be the cream of the crop. I was about to spit nails I was so angry. Not sure who I should have been angry at - the Soldiers or their NCOs who obviously ignored standards of physical fitness.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 5:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 17:54:03 -0500

Like USAWTFM on Facebook and you'll be embarrassed every day. Most of all lately is the NCO corp. I'm saddened when I see drill sergeants posing inappropriately with trainees. Don't get me wrong, I've done plenty that from the wrong perspective could be taken poorly, but for the love of God, don't take pictures.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 10:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 May 2015 22:46:45 -0400

we have all seen/known that person that you just wonder how they got there and how they can be associated with you. Happens everywhere. but the goal should be to keep it few and far between.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 10 at 2015 10:48 PM

PFC Tuan Trang — Sun, 10 May 2015 22:48:38 -0400

It look bad.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 4:47 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 16:47:13 -0400

... Chief (Army calls them that, right? We call them "Warrant" ... or, in my case, "Sir," because there's no damn way I'm taking chances with a CWO5)...
Just...
Well. I'm an O-2. I think your question must've been rhetorical for me.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 10:03 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 10:03:19 -0400

I am a prior-enlisted man, turned officer. The old NCO cringes in me at some of the behavior I have seen displayed by my 2LT/1LT colleagues. I try to police them up before they make a fool of themselves or destroy their rapport. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 12:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 May 2015 12:50:58 -0400

I will never let the actions of another person embarrass me. There's no reason to take up for your rank or service. This is one man that went FULLLLL.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fwJo3bA05Q

Never Go Full Retard (HD)

All copyrights to original owners. Clip is from the movie ''Tropic Thunder''.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made May 14 at 2015 1:44 PM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Thu, 14 May 2015 13:44:14 -0400

I have several times been embarrassed for the NCO Corps and the Army at different ranks. Doing my careers we had Drill Sergeants abusing Soldiers physically and sexually. Recruiters cheating to meet mission requirements, sleeping with recruits, and committing other infractions. Instructors relieved and prosecuted for raping Soldiers. These positions are held by ranks SGT-SFC (E-5-E7). NCOs took creditability hits over the years.
However, those were a few horrific instances where individuals made decisions and engaged in criminal and morally objectionable activity. Not a true representation of the thousands of active and previous NCOs who tirelessly dedicated their time/effort into making the US Army the best in the world.

Response by SFC Istvan Nagy made May 14 at 2015 1:47 PM

SFC Istvan Nagy — Thu, 14 May 2015 13:47:33 -0400

Rank - No Way! It' good to be a/an (Senior) NCO, especially is you stay squared away.

Branch - Engineer Branch. No Way! Engineer Branch is one of the most versatile of the branches out there. There are a 1001 things you can do on a daily bases. Me being a 12C and 12B, I see no limit! Essayons!

Response by SSG Jeffery Haynes made May 15 at 2015 5:41 PM

SSG Jeffery Haynes — Fri, 15 May 2015 17:41:20 -0400

You have to realize that these Soldiers do not represent everyone, so you can think what you want about them, but to me it's an individual's responsibility and discipline as in this article. That CW3 made the conscious decision not to follow regulations, and when I see something like that I don't think that's how every warrant officer acts. You have to separate the individual from the whole.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 6:13 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 18:13:54 -0400

I doubt anything could make me embarrassed of my Regiment/Branch

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made May 15 at 2015 11:58 PM

SSgt Charles Edwards — Fri, 15 May 2015 23:58:20 -0400

I try not to let the negative actions of the few, define the majority. I can't speak on the uniform issue that you've presented because I'm unfamiliar with Army regs as it pertains to the uniform. However, I am familiar with the Air Force cop who was photographed kissing the POW/MIA logo. As a former cop and a NCO, that really bothered me. What she did was blatantly disrespectful to those who have been held as prisoners of war or are missing in action and her antics made light of something we veterans and service members hold in high regard. I never once felt she embarrassed the badge or the Air Force, but I do believe she embarrassed herself. I have faith that her leadership addressed her ill-advised actions to the letter and that she caught hell from those around her about what she did.

Response by MAJ Philip Crabtree made May 16 at 2015 12:49 AM

MAJ Philip Crabtree — Sat, 16 May 2015 00:49:47 -0400

This is not the same Army I came into. There's no room to breathe, and highly trained killers have been ordered to become social workers and more " thenthative". I've never been ashamed of my branch or rank. Of course, I'm a CAV Scout turned Tanker by way of OCS.

Response by MAJ Philip Crabtree made May 16 at 2015 12:50 AM

MAJ Philip Crabtree — Sat, 16 May 2015 00:50:12 -0400

Response by SPC George Adkins made May 16 at 2015 4:19 PM

SPC George Adkins — Sat, 16 May 2015 16:19:47 -0400

I've been out of uniform since 1993. I had never been embarrassed until 2008. I was sitting at an outdoor restaurant in Weiden, Germany on business for my employer. This was a business dinner in every sense of the word as we were hashing out over dinner the final pre-delivery punch-list on a $26 million piece of equipment. With a heavy US military presence in the area, the square had a lot of obvious soldiers walking around. They were so easy to spot, it was pathetic. They were loud, rowdy, and generally obnoxious as hell. I was embarrassed in front of my German friends and colleagues. They knew I had been in the Army stationed in Germany. Somehow, I felt judged by the actions of these guys, knowing I too probably was a jerkoff to the local populace when I was stationed there.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2015 12:39 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 May 2015 00:39:00 -0400

There are certain individuals (unfortunately, many who have made it to senior ranks) who do not believe in the Army values... other than telling everyone else that they need to know them, or carry a card. There is a reason that the NCOER talks about "Be, Know, Do", but for some reason there are individuals who have absolutely no clue what any of that means; it's all "do as I say, not as I do" and "I got mine, you need to try to get yours".

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 10:18 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 10:18:04 -0400

I was constantly getting embarrassed by NCO's in the Air Force and how most of us were not leading or setting any examples for our junior enlisted. Sure, I may have sucked at PT, but I put 110% effort into it.

AF Security Forces is supposed to exceed the standard and enforce all standards, policies, and guidelines. In general we fail at enforcing. We enforce when it is convient and not all of the time.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 10:30 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 10:30:36 -0400

I usually get upset not embarrassed because I always have facts and the other 99% of the Force for my rebuttal.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 20 at 2015 11:33 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 20 May 2015 11:33:54 -0400

1. The Air Force demonstrated poor security, operational discipline, and maintenance of nuclear weapons a few years ago. The AF is entrusted with this immense destructive power. To provide anything less than the most professional and expert security, operational and logistical capabilities is very embarrassing.
2. The three-button uniform blouse with Navy-like officer rank on the sleeves, circa 1994, was a terrible embarrassment for the Air Force. This uniform lasted only a few years, but the three-button uniform blouse continues on today. It doesn't project the image of a professional military organization and is the justifiable source of a lot of teasing from the other Services.
3. The F-35 program. This is an example of DOD procurement process gone amuck. The aircraft is very expensive and doesn't currently meet the mission capabilities that the Air Force and the DOD need. After several successful procurement programs, such as the C-17, the Air Force has done very poorly on the F-35 in almost every conceivable way. Probably more of an embarrassment for the DOD overall, but the Air Force is the primary air power Service, so most of the blame falls on them. Coming in a close second is the replacement for the venerable KC-135. The next-generation tanker program has been operating for about 20 years and never produced a viable replacement for an aircraft that is well over 40 years old.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jul 11 at 2015 11:26 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 11:26:25 -0400

If you never embarrassed yourself, you're a liar. 3 times it happened to me.

As a PFC, it was my first time putting Alpha's on to go check in to TME-32. The MGySgt there was an old salt. I looked impeccable and he said to me, "Marine, go outside, look over your uniform and come back in when you figured out what's wrong with it." I was outside looking in the mirror a good 5 minutes and couldn't see anything wrong. I had my rifle expert badge 1/8" and centered over the correct pocket. I wasn't missing anything. My uniform fit properly and I had no double creases. My brass was shined and not smudged. My spit shines were so shiny you could see yourself in them. My belt buckle was the proper length. Finally he came out and told me that I had my EGA's on backward. The anchors are supposed to point in, not out. Duhhhh! I always gave everything 110% and to this day I don't understand how I did that, but I did. I was more embarrased than he was. He was a good sport about it and laughed and then welcomed me to the command after I got myself straightened out.

As a Sgt, I was running a little bit late for work in the morning and my wife, wanting to be helpful asked me what she could do for me. I needed to put my rank on the collar of my rain jacket and so she did that for me. I ASSUMED she knew which way they went on since she had seen me put them on so many times, but she forgot and made the same mistake I did when I was a PFC... and in BAMCIS, I failed to implement that last troop leading step -- SUPERVISE! I just glanced and saw that they were on and threw the jacket on and ran out the door. It didn't occur to me that they might be on backward! I got to work right on the minute, which is essentially late if you're not between 5-10 min early, and briskly walked up the hall, then casually walked into the classroom of students I was to teach so as not to alert them that I was running late. I was right on time, but they caught the EGA's right away. If I would have been quicker thinking, I could have passed it off like I was testing them to see if they'd notice, but I couldn't contain my embarrassment. I thanked them for having the attention to detail to spot that right away and for having the courtesy to point that out before my boss saw it. For me, that was even more embarrassing than when I was as a PFC checking in. NCO's should know better. Thankfully, that was the last time I ever made that mistake, because after that incident with the students, I got in the habit of having everything done and set out the night before and always double checked it the next morning.

I would love to say that was last time I had an issue with my uniform but it wasn't. I was a 2LT at flight school in Pensacola and George H.W. Bush was coming to speak. The Navy put out a message that stated the uniform was Service Dress Blues. So I put on my Blues. At the time I was in between schools and was staying home and just mustering by phone in the morning so I wasn't getting much in the way of word passed down to me.

I got there early only to discover that all the Marines were wearing their Alpha's. WTF Over? The message stated Service Dress Blues -- but that was for the Navy. It didn't mention anything about what the Marines were supposed to wear, and I was expected to know that Navy Service Dress Blues = Marine Alphas? Hell, the Sailors half the time didn't even know what to wear even when it was spelled out for them.

I went early just in case, and had more than enough time to go home and put on my Alpha's (which I always kept ready) and come back, but the Major in charge of the Marines saw an opportunity to use me to seat the VIP's. ??? You're not supposed to wear a higher uniform than the most senior guy, but the Major decided to break that tradition with me. I reiterated to him that I still had time to change, but he liked the idea of me in Blues seating the VIPs.

Well, I stuck out like a sore thumb and was the ONLY Marine in Dress Blues there. The people I was seating seemed to like having someone special seat them... They asked why I was in blues, and I told them that it was because they were VIPs and they wanted someone in blues to seat them. (I told the truth! and they felt doubly honored LOL!) President George HW Bush stared at me for awhile and seemed to be trying to figure out who I was. Even he (a former Navy Officer) knew that something wasn't right. Well, I got to meet Erskine Bowles, who was a total condescending _____ fill in the blank. I had no idea who he was... just some suck-up politician, who clearly didn't think much of the military. I gathered that much from his attitude and the stuff that was coming out of his mouth. He came without the proper credentials to sit in VIP seating and I wouldn't seat him. So he complained that he wasn't given special privileges. I directed him to the Major, who was in charge of seating, and he muttered some comment about me not being able to make decisions. Suffice it to say, he whined so much that they decided to let him sit in VIP seating even though he had a General Admission ticket... so I went and sat him in his seat. He was all smug in his arrogance and gave me a look like, "Ha, I told you so!" And then I took my seat in VIP seating -- right next to his greatness. If you could have seen the look on his face! It was -- priceless!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 11:30 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 11:30:28 -0400

Well, when he's paddling his douche-canoe to AR670-1 land he won't get his sleeves wet.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 11 at 2015 11:56 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 11:56:53 -0400

All. The. Time. Especially in this digital age where everybody has Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You do one stupid thing in uniform and it's memorialized forever. Just check out the various Facebook groups for good examples. There's U.S. Army WTF! moments, U.S. Navy Shit My LPO Says, and many others for good (no pun intended) examples of how not to conduct yourself in uniform.

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 11 at 2015 12:11 PM

SSG Izzy Abbass — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 12:11:14 -0400

Not really. Love being Army Infantry (doesn't everyone in the military think they do what we do) and loved being an E-6 - our humor has to be the best.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 15 at 2015 1:13 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 01:13:32 -0400

No, but I don't feel that way about anything.
I don't feel ashamed or embarrassed that some gun owners do horrible or just plan stupid things.. They do, I do not.
I don't feel ashamed or embarrassed that some motorcycle owners do horrible or just plan stupid things.. They do, I do not.
I don't feel ashamed or embarrassed that some car owners do horrible or just plan stupid things.. They do, I do not.
I don't feel ashamed or embarrassed that some pet owners do horrible or just plan stupid things.. They do, I do not.
I simply do not allow the mistakes or intentionally cruel, inhuman, illegal, or stupid stuff of others effect me in any way.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Aug 15 at 2015 4:54 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 16:54:57 -0400

I recall this guy getting embarrassed on Facebook a while ago. Justly deserved IMHO. The problem is younger soldiers will follow his example.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2015 6:27 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 18:27:02 -0400

At the airport in Atlanta, I saw two DS' walking through the airport in uniform. It caught my attention. I had a long layover I saw them pass by me several times, finally I asked them what they were doing. They told me they were at the Airport to ensure none of the newly minted Soldiers/PVTs did anything embarrassing. The fact that they were doing this left me feeling embarrassed for the entire military.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2015 8:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 20:09:45 -0400

This soldier is a jack wagon I'm not embarrassed , he should be embarrassed of himself. We should bring rolled sleeves back though.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2015 6:27 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 06:27:38 -0400

I am a former Combat Engineer turned Supply... POG life for me!!

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2015 8:54 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 08:54:10 -0400

Of course, every service has some shmuck that spouts off about something they know little or nothing about, and it is by no means rank specific.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Aug 18 at 2015 9:04 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 09:04:31 -0400

I will judge this man in the article as an individual and not as a group. I hold WOs in high regard for being highly trained techs and reading the article has not tarnished that for me.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Aug 18 at 2015 9:41 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 09:41:12 -0400

Sadly Yes!

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Aug 18 at 2015 5:48 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 17:48:44 -0400

I WAS embarrassed by my rank and the yoyo effect that I did to my rank. There was a time during active duty when I just didnt give a crap about the military or staying in it. Having said that I will say in my defense that I had gotten a bad chain that wound up going to prison for the things they did while I was assigned to them, again I WAS embarrassed, but only for a short time. I wound up realizing that the Army was not like what I had experienced and that it still deserved the respect I initially gave it. Once that realization was met I accelled and went from a freshly demoted CPL to the rank of PFC right back to SPC and then SGT within a year. This I am VERY proud of!

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Aug 19 at 2015 1:40 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 13:40:59 -0400

I can only speak for myself because I am the one who worked for my rank and I chose my service. I have no regrets and I am not embarrassed by others foolish behavior. Yeah, I heard all the stories about drunken sailors in liberty ports acting like fools and how everyone perceives that the Navy in general is like that. When I was stationed overseas in Japan and deployed on ships there around Asia I rarely saw my shipmates running around acting like fools, we actually tended to look out for one another so as not to have any liberty incidents. It was when I was stationed in CONUS and my ship pulled into St. Martin that I saw the stereotypical ignorant behavior by all ranks on the ship, guys so drunk that they had to be strapped into stokes stretchers and tilted to the side so they wouldn't choke on their own puke. Disgusting to say the least, especially when you see a Chief like that, but embarrassing? No, not for me because I never put myself in that situation.

Response by CSM Christopher St. Cyr made Aug 19 at 2015 10:08 PM

CSM Christopher St. Cyr — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 22:08:13 -0400

I think humbled is a better word. Britches for E-8s and 9 are rather large and I am not.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 10:28 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 22:28:06 -0400

This question helps me out somewhat and I would honor any feedback,going on two years ago I joined the Tennesse State Guard it was my only way to serve.It is not the national guard but augments them,we are a part of the Tennessee state military department but we don't have all the benefits of other services and that is fine.Due to my background I got put in an E-4 slot 12 Bravo20 and I swore in and took an oath and started my monthly drills and training.We train alongside the national guard and help out all we can.we are only state side deployable and although we work with other soldiers from different places we get laughed at like we are a joke and that is a huge embarrassment to me!Ive had other soldiers tell me to steer clear that it is a militia and they laugh like its nothing so it makes me second guess my decision to join!Any thoughts on this?

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Nov 30 at 2015 12:35 PM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 12:35:30 -0500

When I listen to an O-4 speak at WEPTAC with authority, detailed knowledge, and professional passion for the challenges he faced with OIF command structures and CAS execution, I am proud. Then, when an O-6 follows up with flowery words, PC generalities, and proceeds to stumble around the stage talking for far too long, I am embarrassed. We need to police our own and demand the best of ourselves every time.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 30 at 2015 1:11 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 13:11:03 -0500

I always had young grunts boo me as I rode my 70 tank past them in training.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 4:29 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 04:29:47 -0500

Constantly by other Marines that don't know when to keep their mouths shut, and when personnel from in other services who try and compare themselves to us when it comes to address of ranks, customs & courtesies, responsibilities of ranks, and abbreviation of ranks.

On another note, was this "CW3" ever a part of the 160th and simply wanted to emulate the Soldiers he (supposedly) picked up/dropped off?

Response by Cpl Tom Surdi made Mar 17 at 2017 8:29 PM

Cpl Tom Surdi — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 20:29:07 -0400

I'm very embarrassed for my branch right now. The Marine Corps is being dragged through the mud for the actions of a few. This whole nude photo scandal has put a black eye on the Corps that wont soon be forgotten. And not just the men who passed them around, but the women who took the photos and knowingly put them out for all to see. The women who took nude photos and either had them stolen or shared by someone they trusted are the victims, and so is the Corps. These are not the morals of the Marine Corps, we stand for something greater than this.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Mar 29 at 2019 1:52 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 01:52:10 -0400

I am s quartermaster. Proud of my rank. Worst fullly commissioned officers are qm. Best in logistics are ordnance officers. Worst career civilians are bullet Bender's.

Response by SPC Timothy Spohn made Mar 29 at 2019 2:28 AM

SPC Timothy Spohn — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 02:28:19 -0400

I served 4 active & served 6 reserve usArmy in the 80s one thing the military teaches you is sometimes you dont agree with what someone else does you dont emulate them you speake to them and move on . I certainly would not copy or aprove of there actions, they personally have to take personal responsibility for there actions . 99.9 percent of past veterans i speak with try to live by the lassons we ALL learned while representing our great nation , as far as im concerned theres always gonna be a few jack asses who try 2 make us all look and feel embarrased but THEY and THEM ALONE should be isolated by all military, Active, Guard or Reservist , not to mention all civilians in this country. SPEC-4 SPOHN

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 29 at 2019 8:19 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 08:19:40 -0400

It could be worse. You could be MI. You know how many jokes there are about us? Most of them are true.....

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 29 at 2019 1:25 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 13:25:16 -0400

Gunny did not want to talk to me after I told him I was a Budget Officer lol

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 30 at 2019 12:32 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sat, 30 Mar 2019 12:32:43 -0400

Never had issues with any of it.