Have you ever been treated differently when peers find out you have a close relative that's a high ranking officer?

Shortly after the O-6 change of command for the TMDE group at Redstone, I got called to the big man's office. I didn't have the best record at the time, no punishments but some incidents on my record. I reported as ordered. The man just wanted to know if I was my Father's son. He had been a junior officer working for my father in Cambodia. I took a lot of flak for a while, "Teacher's Pet" kind of stuff.

I remember having a guy in my Boot Camp whom it was know that his father was a full bird Colonel. To my recollection, he was a bit of weak link and was not treated one bit differently from anyone else.

Fortunately I didn't have any in the military that I knew of till a few years ago. Then I didn't have to worry, I was in IRR.

General, Admiral, Senator, Governor or Congressman.

MAJ Donald Zlotnik CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
I'm sure there have been many generals who had sons who were much lower ranking and later became generals themselves. I'm sure there's a lot of historical data available on this. Not sure if you have 'my daddy is a General 'Legacy here on rallypoint.

Me, personally , no. However one of my OCS classmates was the son of a four star General. The only person that knew that John's Dad was a four star was his roommate who kept his secret. John Conway's Dad was General Theodore Conway who was the commander for Southern Command. The general had written John a letter that not to expect his Dad's rank or influence to get him out of any situation. General Conway's pan was to flight into Fort Benning and watch John get his diploma. Four star Generals just go into a two star's installation unannounced. :-) The word got out who John's dad was. Suddenly in formation all of the TAC officers surrounded John and started asking him questions. One of the questions was, why didn't John go to West Point?" John's reply was , "Sir, my father doesn't have that much pull". We laughed and it costed us a hundred push ups. At our graduation, General Conway presented us with our diplomas. John was wounded in Viet Nam and unfortunately died in a sky diving accident.

My name in service was "Stilwell" and I was in Ft. Benning in 2004. I was ordered to clean the Stilwell section of the infantry museum. I never brought it up but there was a presumption. The museum director mentioned in front of my sergeant airborne that there seemed to be a striking resemblance but it didn't push it. The last place you want "extra attention" is FT Benning.

Yes. People seem to think that I have some kind of Top Secert clearness because my dad was Company C 5th GRP Abn SF 1st Special Forces Green Beret. I've never been in the military

I am spouse, but in my wife platoon at AIT there was a n issue. A Sgt/SSgt had it out for all of those that lived in housing. She wanted to make them suffer with those in barracks getting checked. This was halted as soon as one of her platoon mates mother called. She was a Col. (Ret)... my only experience. Wife's brother is a Cpt. (O.D, M.D) USAF, and her cousin is a 1sgt USArmy

I had the fun of being a Senior WO son and following his footsteps into the world of MI. I either worked for or with quite a number of folks whom my father dealt with over his career. I found it interesting that I didn’t run into anyone whom there were any disgruntled issues. I say that as I’m sure he pissed one or two off over the years with his ways... Wasn’t the case though!
I cannot say I had it any easier, in fact, I almost feel like I was out in the front leaning test position a few more times... Didn’t hurt my feelings and I wasn’t looking for any favoritism. Was more for educational assistance and pushing me to be my best as a soldier than anything else! Worked with some damn fine NCOs and Officers due to it as only once I proved myself, did I earn their respects!
I thoroughly enjoyed my service time prior to medical retirement. Was blessed with some great assignments and excellent professionalism - and no, didn’t know anyone at PERSCOM, just timing was in my favor with my records. All the best if you are still serving!