Generation "Y" / Generation "WHY". How has the new generation of Soldier strengthened or weakened the force?

2016-08-20T10:46:38-04:00

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 12:07 PM

2016-08-20T12:07:01-04:00

I don't know/care. Here's my reasoning. When I enlisted in 1993 I was told that I was part of the Nintendo generation (I never had one...) and all we do is play video games and have no appreciation for hard work. The Marines I worked with all yearned for the "Old Corps" when things were more difficult for everyone. Those two arguments have not changed much; we substituted Nintendo for Xbox (at least I have a Xbox) and we all think things used to be harder.
People come and go, leaders lead and Soldiers will complain about everything!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2016 12:32 PM

2016-08-20T12:32:16-04:00

Gen Y is clearly a Gen Why!!! Questions everything, and not for the benefit of knowledge, either.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Aug 20 at 2016 2:47 PM

2016-08-20T14:47:55-04:00

This topic is like ground hog day.
https://www.rallypoint.com/search?keyword=generation&search_type=answers

Do you have a real alternative to filling the boots with feet from this generation? That's how they've "strengthened" the force, they're the ones available to it, there really aren't any alternatives.
Also, which age range are you including in your definition of generation ?

Finally: my usual more pithy response:
"This new generation isn't as hard/tough/dedicated/accomplished as ours, or the one that raised us!"
-Every generation ever

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Response by MAJ David Brand made Aug 20 at 2016 9:23 PM

2016-08-20T21:23:43-04:00

When I was young and growing up I was always told not to question or ask why! This worked one time in our country but now we need to ask why! The new generation is no different than any "new" generation in the past. I like critical thinkers who are not afraid to ask why. Perhaps asking why can lead to the question of why not this or that! I have a son who is 27 who had changed the way I think and the way I think about things that I took for granted in the past! Just the thoughts of an old man! Thanks for starting the conversation! Dave

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2016 11:16 AM

2016-08-21T11:16:28-04:00

I am a firm believer in asking Why?.The main reason is too clearly understand the intent of what's being asked and the ending impact of what were working towards. On a more simplistic level when someone ask why ? I think leaders should jump at the opportunity to explain. It raises awareness, keeps the soldiers updated on what's going on and even motivates the soldier to actually want to do it. Its a way to establish effective communication between you and your soldiers.Many of the older generation may not agree but as a Force Striving toward being more functional and education based you should want soldiers to ask questions. As leaders we are all aware something's don't require a Why? But for those that do, answer the questions and continue to encourage your soldiers to make inquiries.

Respectfully to those who don't agree , feel free to reply but be mindful of your responses and let's not use profane language.

Response by SGT David T. made Aug 22 at 2016 8:06 AM

2016-08-22T08:06:16-04:00

Honestly, I don't think they weaken the force. The biggest issue I see with them is the leadership not adjusting their leadership styles to maximize their effectiveness. Many leaders have the "do what I say and don't ask why" mentality. This is ultimately self defeating and will not do any good. Millennial troops need to be led differently than the preceding generation of troops. Typically they work well in groups and will find technological solutions to problems. They also have a tendency to need to understand how what they do fits in to the overall picture. Of course this will vary with some individuals, but there are some common traits that the leaders can leverage.

Another factor is TRADOC changing how they are trained. When I was an intern at FT. Lee I did a stint over at the Petroleum and Water Department where the director had me working on new models of training for the AIT Soldiers. They were being taught to think critically and act more independently than what I was when I attended the school. I did bring up that the NCOES schools were not included in this initiative and as a result would lead to some problems down the road.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2016 9:39 AM

2016-08-22T09:39:53-04:00

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member I see that not many have answered your question directly, so I will try to do my best from an Air Force perspective. I believe the new generation of Soldier has strengthened the military overall. I cannot speak across the board for other branches or even units but this is how I view it within mine. As the new wave of Soldiers, or for us - Airmen, come in we are eager to learn. We have been instilled with the knowledge that coming to work and doing our job is not enough. Some may think this is a negative thing but personally I believe it can be good. As I'm sure many know, because of Air Force rollbacks and cuts we are expected to do more with less. We are being pushed to be more than just a "worker." With each task accomplished, I see peers who are eager to get on to the next, to grow and to take on responsibility. We jump at opportunities to train on things we don't know and on the never ending advancements that take place in the military. The mission comes first, but after we have made sure the mission is taken care of flawlessly we set our sights on what is next. These things may also not be work oriented. It also includes things such as education, volunteering, fundraising, and getting involved within our branches. Some view these as a burden, but I also believe that they create a more well rounded individual, and enables us to be the best when performing at work. It may seem that the military currently is held to a larger standard than previously what seemed to be solely work focused. Also, with the forever changing times and advancements in technology the new generation embraces these. We are eager to improve on things and willing to learn and adapt to new equipment, technology, processes, and etc. Some may use the term "never satisfied." Usually this is correlated with negativity, but as for the Air Force... the peers that I work with want to be the best. We want to be known as the best and are willing to do what it takes to get there...

When it comes to all branches, as much as we love to focus on overweight members and what we need to do about that, I consistently see 10x more who are dedicated heavily to fitness in ways that I don't believe previous generations were. And lastly, as a whole the military has become a million times more accepting. Even with tensions between races in current times, or issues on same-sex relations or transgender members the military has chosen to ignore the bullshit, and set it all aside to work together to serve our nation. I am proud to be affiliated with a group that does not see race, ethniticy, heritage, gender, sexual orientation and etc... but rather brothers, sisters and fellow service members.

I realize this is entirely too long, but once I started rambling I couldn't stop.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2016 1:09 PM

2016-08-22T13:09:11-04:00

Here's my $0.02. The "Y"/"WHY" generation (of which I am a part, both strengthens AND weakens the force. here is why:

First, with the vast resources that we now have at our fingertips, we are able to find, learn and become competent in almost anything we desire. And with this resource hoard that we have comes a deep desire for more. Which brings in the "WHY" factor. So we constantly crave more. More information, more resources, more knowledge. In most aspects, this desire for further learning is an asset. However, the new get into the dark side of the "WHY" issue. You get in a firefight. PSG tells you to duck your head. You ask "why?" You hesitate. You're dead. The desire to want more and know all of the "why?" answers can be both contributory, as well as detrimental, depending on the situation. So with the availability of resources increasing, the need for situational awareness rises with it.

The other drawback is that with all of the "why" questions come that fine line between seeking greater learning and being insubordinate. But that in and of itself is in the eye of the leaders themselves.

Response by SSG Stephan Pendarvis made Aug 29 at 2016 7:47 PM

2016-08-29T19:47:12-04:00

This is a really tough and sensitive question. Millennials or what I call the "Every one gets a trophy" generation as a whole feel entitled to just have things given to them and not work hard. Now I said as a whole.....not individually. I am sure there are some hard working military members out there and that gives me hope. But as a whole...whew...I still work for the DOD and I must say it is hard to be around the military at times. I try not to be judgmental...I too was a soldier that was at times lazy. I liked hard work and teamwork but those things seem to be gone now. And it comes down to leadership. It really is what it is. Times have changed to produce the type of people we have now.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2016 12:21 PM

2016-10-14T12:21:26-04:00

Who cares? It always happens. When you are senior in high school, you look at the freshman and say "wow. There's no way I was that small." I bet the current SGMs and senior officers heard the same thing about their generation when they were coming in. Just take it for what it is and don't get too butt hurt. Just prove them wrong.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2017 7:59 AM

2017-03-15T07:59:31-04:00

Where else would you get new soldiers from? also it's on leaders to adapt and overcome.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2017 8:08 AM

2017-03-15T08:08:43-04:00

It's always a good idea for troops to question orders, especially in combat.