In regards to Rank Has Its Privileges or Perks (RHIP), what was your most valued privilege during any assignment and why?

LTC Robert Chaucierre — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 22:38:09 -0500

Privileges are more tangible to some than others. I know what my favorite is. I have also known a variety of people, who would create drama to get a special claim or exemption before other peers.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2014 10:58 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 22:58:08 -0500

Having my own parking spot and not having to fight to get it back if I leave in the middle of the day to go somewhere sir.

Response by Maj Walter Kilar made Jan 20 at 2014 10:58 PM

Maj Walter Kilar — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 22:58:16 -0500

My favorite perk was just earning the respect of my subordinates. When I was enlisted, I hated watching officers get perks, and I sure as heck found it hard to truly respect many of them for showing off a few bennies. When I became an officer, I refused to accept any perks that I feel I did not earn and I consider it a privilege that I sincerely earned their respect.<div><br></div><div>One simple perk that is prevalent in the Air Force is that officers travel so much by air that they earn points towards first class rather quickly. I would feel like a total jerk sitting in first class if there were a dozen enlisted returning from overseas sitting in the back, so I never accepted the free upgrade. Actually, I did accept it once, but only after I noted that there were only two enlisted Soldiers in uniform on the flight and I convinced another civilian in first class to have us both switch seats and give our first class seats to the two that had just returned from the Middle East.</div>

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 12:35 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 00:35:24 -0500

Actually getting to have my own room during a deployment and not having to share with a bunch of others. Open squad bays and two man shelter half's in the Marines to open squad bays and ten plus individuals in tents in the USAF. It took until I had been in the military for over 15 years - so I was really happy when it finally happened.

Response by CPT Mike M. made Jan 22 at 2014 7:58 AM

CPT Mike M. — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 07:58:55 -0500

Sir, no more staff duty was a nice one! While deployed and in command and being on a decent FOB, having my own CHU was a huge bonus. A little privacy at the end of the day helps immensely to wind down and think. On the leadership side, key leaders having private quarters helps in that if a Soldier has an issue they want to address or get help on, they know they can stop by their leadership's room and talk about it and know that what they say will remain private which goes a long way. My CHU open door policy helped a few times for cases like that.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 22 at 2014 8:59 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 08:59:03 -0500

Sir, no more staff duty was a big plus. As I'm sure you have also witnessed during your career, I've also seen instances where rank unfortunately brings inappropriate privileges. Two examples that come to mind are the best scopes/lasers going to staff O-4s who did not go on patrol in Iraq (perhaps those could have been pushed out to the line companies), and also a senior officer having a junior soldier install his cable TV as a first priority of work when battalion staff moved out to our JSS in Iraq for a brief period. I understand that I may not have the full perspective on these situations, but thought I'd share nonetheless. Thanks for posting the thread!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 10:00 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 22:00:46 -0500

A wet CHU. Most other perks that I have ever wanted are always those reserved for the next rank. Then when I get there, it gets moved to the next rank.

Response by CW5 Russell D Campbell made Jan 22 at 2014 10:55 PM

CW5 Russell D Campbell — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 22:55:19 -0500

I worked for a LTC years ago and he use to tell us that 'rank has it's privileges', there are many, but the greatest one is to lead! I didn't really like him that much for many reasons, but I always respected that comment, and I have tried to live by that statement as well.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 7:42 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 07:42:18 -0500

The best privilege I received as a company commander was not the parking space, a government issued cell phone, or the private CHU on deployment it was the ability to lead, mentor, and positively (hopefully) impact the lives of 160 people on a daily basis. There are not many jobs where you get to wake up everyday and have that kind of impact on that caliber of people on a routine basis. Some of the "privileges" that come with higher rank serve a purpose; i.e. to make the command more effective in command. If they don't serve a purpose then quite frankly they probably shouldn't be there.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 10:47 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 22:47:18 -0500

I despised "RHIP". Standing in a Battalion formation at FBNC, GEN (then LTC) Jacoby stood on the PLF platform and clearly stated he put his pants on the same way each of his paratroopers did. As a PFC that has resonated with me for a long time and have always worked hard to be approachable and level-headed.

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Jan 23 at 2014 11:06 PM

Lt Col Luis A. Rojas — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 23:06:41 -0500

I personally have always seen "RHIP" as not a reward for your rank, but as a way to help an individual with increased responsibilities do their job. For example a senior leader gets a parking spot because of having to go to multiple meetings or events throughout the day and not having the time to look for a parking spot or having to walk from one end of the parking lot to the other. A perfect example that we can probably all relate to is when we go to the BX or Commissary during the week in the middle of the day...military personnel in uniform are allowed to go to the front of the line. This is not a reward for being a military member, but to avoid unnecessary delays in returning to work to perform the mission.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 12:56 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 12:56:04 -0500

Leading the Quartermaster Run with BG Bingham and MG Leonard during the Quartermaster Symposium Week in 2011 at Fort Lee, VA.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2014 10:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 22:03:11 -0500

Sir,

I'm only a SSG, but the one perk I love, is the continued increase in responsibility. I love challenges, and always trying to better myself as a leader.

Response by Lt Col Steven Irish made Jan 25 at 2014 12:35 PM

Lt Col Steven Irish — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 12:35:46 -0500

I'll allow that retirement is an "assignment" so I can answer this question. For me, the perks really came after retirement, which are afforded to all retirees regardless of rank, i.e. Commissary, BX, outdoor recreation activities, base lodging and campgrounds, etc. Shades of Green in Florida and the Hale Koa in Oahu are exceptional resort facilities sharing real estate occupied by five star resorts. My wife and I travel a lot in our RV and have found that military campgrounds are often unrivaled by commercial campgrounds and at much better prices. And just in case some of you were not aware, the Air Force opened up dining halls to retirees a few years ago. I was pleasantly surprised by the food quality and selection at very low prices.

Response by SSG Christopher Freeman made Jan 27 at 2014 5:21 PM

SSG Christopher Freeman — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 17:21:07 -0500

For me, it was the growing responsibility that came with the next rank. I started as a team leader as an E4 and it opened my eyes to leadership. Once I pinned E5, I became the squad leader and I loved leading Soldiers. It is one of the greatest things about the military. I continue to push myself to not be a great example, but a good mentor.

Response by CSM Stuart C. O'Black made Jan 27 at 2014 9:20 PM

CSM Stuart C. O'Black — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 21:20:24 -0500

As a CSM I hate the thought - however there are no privileges just requirements. With that in mind the two most precious resources are our Soldiers and time. Having drivers and/or staff free up time to be where you need to be, visit Soldiers and important training events then finally do the research you need to develop guidance. The are many competing requirements that we all to well understand. As you increase in rank these competing requirements multiply. So I would have to say the greatest perks are having the help I need and to free up time. I believe these perks/requirements are a win win for all involved.

Again, a lot view this as a perk but with all the demands etc... I now feel it is a necessity and understand why Generals have aids.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 8:02 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 20:02:23 -0400

Having my own rack on the boat and no longer having to hot rack!! It's the greatest thing since sliced bread if you've ever been in the situation. I had to earn it though, in my particular situation it wasn't rank that afforded you the lone bed, it was qualifications and duty title, made putting in the extra effort to reach the highest level of qualification even more gratifying.