Not allowed to address IET Privates by their rank.

2014-04-30T08:23:59-04:00

So I was informed this morning that TRADOC says we aren't allowed to address Privates by their rank because it is demeaning... WHO COMES UP WITH THIS STUFF?!

CLARIFICATION: You cannot address them SOLELY by their rank.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 30 at 2014 8:29 AM

2014-04-30T08:29:17-04:00

How are they addressed? Sir/ma'am?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 30 at 2014 8:34 AM

2014-04-30T08:34:50-04:00

Dumb, dumb, and dumb! It's the rank! TRADOC doesn't want the military to use their rank as their title, then come up with a new title for the entry level ranks. IET's are NOT warriors and until they successfully complete their training, they aren't Soldiers! They are Initial Entry Trainees; or better yet PRIVATES. Don't want to be called Private? Then don't enlist or bust your butt at your first duty assignment and get promoted.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 30 at 2014 8:35 AM

2014-04-30T08:35:49-04:00

It's an urban legend/rumor. Here is the policy, straight out of TR 350-6:

2-4. Treatment of IET Soldiers.
a. All Soldiers will be treated IAW Schofield’s definition of discipline and acceptance, understanding, recognition, and appreciation principals (see glossary sec II).

b. Address IET Soldiers by the appropriate grade and last name, "Soldier," or "Warrior."

c. Do not address Soldiers by gender (such as "you females").

d. Treat initial entry Soldiers with the same fairness, respect, and regard for dignity
accorded to all Soldiers. IET Soldiers will wear rank, if authorized, IAW AR 670-1.

e. Create a rigorous environment that places stress between the Soldiers and their ability to
accomplish the task to standard.

Response by SFC James Rigdon made Apr 30 at 2014 8:40 AM

2014-04-30T08:40:46-04:00

All I can say is WOW

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 9:17 AM

2014-04-30T09:17:56-04:00

I think this is bogus. I'm not sure if the Air Force has a similar regulation but honestly, who really cares? Even as a junior enlisted member, if you call out to someone saying "excuse me, airman", I think that is much more appropriate than the alternative "hey you!". In the same manner, if you do know the person, I think it is more respectful to say, excuse me airman so-and-so, but to classify the former as "degrading"? I'm sorry but no. Soldiers commonly refer to other soldiers "sgt, first sgt, command sgt major, etc". We do the same thing in the Air Force with chief, first shirt, LT, and so on. There are too many rules and regs being written for the sole purpose of protecting people's feelings. Aren't we in the military?! This has been done for centuries. I don't get it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 9:21 AM

2014-04-30T09:21:26-04:00

Perhaps the suggestion was you can't just call them private because someone had been offended by that. Though in joining the Army they had to have known it was a rank. If I call someone PVT Snuffy and that's their name and rank nothing to get bothered about.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 9:34 AM

2014-04-30T09:34:20-04:00

Here is my outlook: If you know your Soldiers (as we should) you can call them by their rank accompanied by their last name. Or you can call them warrior/Soldier. That is what TRADOC reg 350-6 really says!

I persoanlly believe where this all came from was probably some Soldier that came in the Army as a SPC and was tired of constantly being called "Private" during training. We live in such an entitled society that these kind of things hurt peoples feelings. We can go back and forth all day long about "if that hurts their feelings they shouldn't be in the Army" or whatever our claims may be. Fact is, we as professionals and leaders need to be up to date with stuff like this and embrace/enforce it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 10:41 AM

2014-04-30T10:41:53-04:00

Oh snap!! When i was a AIT PSG i called them all privates. lol.

My favorite saying to my privates was "privates gonna private" hilarious.

Now i had to fix myself, i since i had so many privates and did know their names i had a bad habbit of calling them "guy" lol. Im laughing now because i still say it in forscom sometimes lol.
Male or female i would say "come on guy" lol.

But yeah you can call them private because that is their rank. I havent had any private upset about it or report it to my COC while i was an AIT PSG. They were upset about guy, well the females were so i had to stop saying it.
In 88m it was just my battle buddy and myself and 90-112 privates for 8 weeks then the cycle started over, you will not learn all of those soldiers name and by the time i knew most of them it was graduation time.
I can see why your 1SG said that though SSG McCulley those AIT and BCT dear sir/ma'am letters and those end of the cycle meetings with the BN CDR/CSM and BDE CDR/CSM are no joke. Those privates will say anything. I had one private tell the BDE CDR the barracks were substandard because we didnt have any wifi lol.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 30 at 2014 11:19 AM

2014-04-30T11:19:02-04:00

Compared to some of the things that I was called in OSUT way back in the "Dark Ages", call me private all day long lol!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 11:38 AM

2014-04-30T11:38:37-04:00

I currently have about 25 Soldiers that are PFC or below in my platoon, I call them by their rank and name and nobody has complained about it

Response by SSG Christopher Freeman made Apr 30 at 2014 11:44 AM

2014-04-30T11:44:10-04:00

Yup, certainly do not miss that detachment. This was the same one that said if we said anything to the IET "people" to include correcting them, we would be counseld and dealt with accordingly.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Apr 30 at 2014 12:14 PM

2014-04-30T12:14:57-04:00

Here's my take on it and the thought of this sickens me. Since when did rank, any rank become demeaning? Last time I checked, you were proud of your rank. When a Soldier comes to me and says "excuse me sergeant" the last thing I think of is this Soldier is demeaning me. That is ridiculous. This statement, act, or policy, diminishes rank. The policy is demeaning, not the rank.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 12:31 PM

2014-04-30T12:31:47-04:00

When I went through basic, we were all called "privates." It didn't matter what rank you were, from fuzzy to SPC. Now, I came in as a SPC and was always called private. My rank was only referred to when it was in the interest of the cadre- i.e you are a SPC, show some leadership, etc. I was not offended, because, at the end of the day, I was getting paid as an E4. I also realized that it was like getting called a "recruit" at the Marine depot. While I was a SPC, I really hadn't done anything in the military's eyes to earn my rank. To me, until I passed basic, I wasn't even "in" the Army. I was NEVER referred to as "warrior" or "ninja" or "sniper" or anything else outrageous- I think anytime I heard people being referred to as something along those lines, it was NEVER in a good light. It was always satirical and sarcastic. Now, I am in AIT. I "technically" don't receive my MOS until I complete AIT. I am referred to by my rank now. While, it would have been nice to be referred to as SPC in basic, it really didn't mean anything one way or the other. I didn't lose sleep over it.

Response by SSG Nathan Bryant made Apr 30 at 2014 12:39 PM

2014-04-30T12:39:54-04:00

The problem was that many would say "Hey Private" or even drag out the "Priiiiivvaatte" somehow in such a way that it was deemed inappropriate. It would be similar to a few Sergeants First Class and Staff Sergeants to refer to an E-5 as "Buck-Sergeant".

It's too easy to just refer to a group as "1st Platoon" or "2nd Squad" . . . or an individual as "Private Jones".

I see no problem with it.

Response by MSG Cameron Davis made Apr 30 at 2014 12:59 PM

2014-04-30T12:59:18-04:00

Did a new TRADOC Reg 350-6 come out. When I was a drill sergeant, their rank was one of the few things we could call them along with Soldier.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 30 at 2014 3:01 PM

2014-04-30T15:01:29-04:00

So then do Officers not get to smoke an NCO by yelling "Sergeant!"?

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Apr 30 at 2014 3:01 PM

2014-04-30T15:01:30-04:00

I'm going to find out tomorrow at work because I'm taking command of a basic training unit in a few weeks.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 5:05 PM

2014-04-30T17:05:15-04:00

Total BS. Once again, the Army and the Military is becoming completely pussified. This sort of crap just ticks me off to no end.

If a private is about to have an accident, and his back is to you, how in the hell will you know his friggin name? If they're facing you, you may not necessarily see their name right off the bat. Their rank, is quick, visible, and nearly instant. What are you supposed to yell? "HEY! HEY! YOU! STOP THAT BEFORE YOU KILL SOMEONE!" Yelling "PRIVATE! STOP THAT SH*T BEFORE YOU KILL SOMEONE!" is much more effective - every private out there will hear you and think you're addressing them and stop in place - almost instantly. Yelling the former, they're going to look around to try to figure out who you are yelling at, rather than immediately thinking you're addressing them.

I won't go into the full psychology of it, but the latter sentence being yelled out is much more effective.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 30 at 2014 6:25 PM

2014-04-30T18:25:20-04:00

I was none to fond of being called "Recruit" while I was in Boot Camp but that was my title, Seaman Recruit. We loved the last 2 weeks when the CC started calling us Sailors.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 6:57 PM

2014-04-30T18:57:04-04:00

Does this mean that WLC (PLDC when I went) is going to stop using the word 'Sergeant' in such a derogatory manner? Or how about 'Cadet', 'Candidate', and all the other great official titles that can be said in such a way that you get sick of hearing it when you are in school?

I guess i have to agree that it comes down to today's society. Instead of producing young adults who are ready to face adversity and opposition to get where they want/need to go, we hand everything to our next generation on a silver platter! EVERYONE gets an award (i cant wait to see everyone on the Commandant's List just for showing up to WLC) and everyone is special!

Sigh....10 more years....this is should be fun....

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 7:28 PM

2014-04-30T19:28:50-04:00

What a bunch of BS! When I was in IET, The DS didn't even pronounce Private all the way. It sounded more like PRYY-IT! You didn't here us complaining.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 7:51 PM

2014-04-30T19:51:35-04:00

As the frustration grows in my mind I wonder when the insane crap will stop.......
Many have said what was on my mind. Grow up or get out. We are losing ground with keeping up with resiliency and pushing out cry babies.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 9:41 PM

2014-04-30T21:41:01-04:00

I think that I have it figured out. Instead of talking we just nod. Three for an officer, two for an NCO and one for a...

A few years later a person who feels our pain, suggests that nodding is exclusionary and bans nodding, winking and .....

Response by SFC Stephen Hester made May 1 at 2014 8:25 AM

2014-05-01T08:25:28-04:00

When my son was in the 68W course at Fort Sam Houston they were called "Soldier Medic" by the Cadre. It seemed silly to me but not nearly as silly as the notion that it's offensive to address a Private as "Private" instead of "Private __________".

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 9:34 AM

2014-05-01T09:34:35-04:00

If I have to address a lower enlisted for something, it better be positive! I address the PSG over any issues or concerns and he usually won't like it (only if it is negative). If I do address a lower enlisted I always put a last name with the rank because I know my soldiers from A-Z, even the newest! If I slip and call a private, I have 19 in the "mafia" come a run'n! So I limit to using a last name, just to make it easier! Now if it is the case of TRADOC enforcing this issue, to me it is the era we serve in! Embrace the "suck", adjust fire, and keep moving forward!

Response by SGT Ben Keen made May 1 at 2014 9:58 AM

2014-05-01T09:58:10-04:00

Okay so what about addressing them by name only?

When I first got to reception they messed up my paperwork and had my first name down as my last name so for a day I got to wear by first name on my BDUs. The next day I got issued new uniforms. Anyways, I remember be referred to as "KEEN" all the way through SPC and saw nothing wrong with it.

Response by SFC Stephen Carden made May 1 at 2014 12:11 PM

2014-05-01T12:11:37-04:00

Can you see the future?...."Excuse me Private Smith, but if it wouldn't be any trouble, and let me know if I am offending you, but if you feel like it, I would respectfully suggest you take cover. You see, the enemy is now shooting at you, even though I am sure you are aware of that and I don't want to insult your intelligence. Anyway, if you elect not to take cover, there is a good chance you, Private Smith, will become injured by the incoming rounds and I am not allowed to touch you, so I would be unable to render medical aid. It's your choice, however, and I would respectfully urge you to decide quickly (no pressure.")

We have been conditioned over the past 12 or 14 years to treat these young Soldiers with kid gloves because we needed them to fight a war. It is way too easy, when a kid gets his first dose of real world Army, to get out of an enlistment contract and leave IET. Now that the Army is drawing down, and it will be more difficult to enlist, I say we should start treating them all like shit again. The weak will wash out and the strong and resilient will thrive and overcome. Those are the guys and girls I want serving alongside me. Our new slogan should be "US Army. Crybabies need not apply."

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 6:34 PM

2014-05-01T18:34:07-04:00

Great topic SSG. In training I was called Private and much worse. I believe its not demeaning. Its simply a rank. Would it be degrading if some one kept calling an NCO "Sergeant" all the time. No, they are simply showing courtesy. Same thing with Drill Sergeants, or AIT instructors. They see too many faces and names. Calling them "private" is simply easier.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 8:09 PM

2014-05-01T20:09:01-04:00

This really comes as no surprise. I'm sure any feel the same way. We always knew things would change, but not to the extent we have to cater to kids and walk on egg shells to avoid hurting someone's feelings. These Soldiers will never really understand the true meaning of what and our predecessors have laid forth for them via blood, sweat, and tears (not tears because we didn't get our way or we got smoked). I think I'm one of the fortunate with a little over two years left. I feel for my peers and junior NCO that have to continue to deal with all of these horrific changes.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 8:20 PM

2014-05-01T20:20:15-04:00

I guarantee they don't have a problem when they go home and someone calls them private!! I guarantee it!!! It was an honor to me when I was addressed that way.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2014 1:08 AM

2014-05-03T01:08:37-04:00

You fools must be high

Response by SPC Daniel Edwards made May 6 at 2014 8:12 AM

2014-05-06T08:12:21-04:00

this is what happens when we have whiny, bitchy civilians running the military

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2014 10:11 PM

2014-05-07T22:11:35-04:00

Well for one its TRADOC. TRADOC is not the real Army and have for years had unusual policies, rules, regulations, etc. that you wouldnt find anywhere else outside of TRADOC. From my time in IET and NCOES I have always had issues with some of the policies that they would enforce. As long as this nonsense stays in TRADOC I dont see the problem with it aside from when Soldiers report to their first duty station they will be overly sensitive and will be all emotional if you call them just by their rank. I been in for seven years and earned my rank and when I was a PFC I did everything possible to become a SPC and so forth. If they feel some kind of way about being called PVT then maybe they should focus on how to change that. But at the end of the day its TRADOC Im not going to stress it.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made May 7 at 2014 10:15 PM

2014-05-07T22:15:04-04:00

I asked this question today with the outgoing CDR and 1SG. They are to be addressed as Warriors or rank/name.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2014 4:37 PM

2014-06-17T16:37:57-04:00

I heard the same thing. my question is when did be addressed by your rank become demeaning? I was happier than a pig in mud when my Drills called me Private. This foolishness is what really degrades the NCO Corps by useless and ill-thought rules such as this. So I guess when we address them by their rank when they show up to the operational army they are going to have a serious case of WTF then right? As long as you are professional when addressing a soldier there should be no static at all............Of course TRADOC has the best interest of the soldiers at heart and nevermind the opinions of the NCO's who train and lead them everyday. Just my 2 cents.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2014 3:02 PM

2014-07-16T15:02:31-04:00

You tag this conversation with the thought of crumbling NCO corps, and I think that is a valid point. During my reclassification (or the addition of the Broadcast side of the house to my Print side skills), there were new rules or guidelines to how a "Re-class" treated an IET. Now, I understand the dynamics of 'protecting' new Soldiers from older Soldiers from a woodline-education. But, when an NCO gets counseled for correcting an IET for their attitude and disrespect of a senior NCO; there is a serious issue here. Babying or coddling a Soldier's feelings does no prepare them for release into the military, or any job for that matter. And, everyone starts at the same position--the bottom.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Apr 20 at 2015 11:13 AM

2015-04-20T11:13:04-04:00

sigh

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Apr 20 at 2015 11:19 AM

2015-04-20T11:19:19-04:00

It depends on the context. I have had some senior military members address me by Airman when I had some great ideas, however they addressed me by Airman to show I don't know anything. Now, if you're going to address me by Airman because that's what I am, it's not demeaning.

Demeaning is how it is addressed, not the term itself.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 20 at 2015 11:20 AM

2015-04-20T11:20:01-04:00

I am curious as to the context of this conversation .. are you shouting across a quad? Are you in their face? Are you passing instruments in surgery? Is this during PT?

I'm beginning to wonder how the military is getting anything done when it takes rank / fname / lname every time you need to get a conversation.

Downward - Last name
Upward - Rank
Peer2Peer - whatever

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 20 at 2015 11:30 AM

2015-04-20T11:30:42-04:00

Question: What is the proper way of addressing an E-4

Answer: Well .. since there is little chance of you actually finding one ...

E-4 Mafia strikes again!

Response by MSgt Manuel Diaz made Apr 20 at 2015 11:48 AM

2015-04-20T11:48:18-04:00

Why is it demeaning? Is it demeaning to call a lieutenant, lieutenant also. Political correctness is purely the government's way of socialistic control by limiting freedom of speech in miniscule form. Until you are to fearful of making any vocal utterances without consequences. Where's the US Constitution, TRADOC forgot this is America and they need to purge out the socialist controlling them and be reminded private is a rank and not a private part or sexual inuendo... this is the Military.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Apr 20 at 2015 11:56 AM

2015-04-20T11:56:34-04:00

Ridiculous.... When I was in basic, I thought that was my name! No disrespect was given or felt by me. PC is out of control!

Response by SGT John Wesley made Apr 20 at 2015 11:59 AM

2015-04-20T11:59:37-04:00

Btw, when a Drill Sgt could pronounce your name or it was incredibly long they'd call you "Private Alphabet" you just gotta see the humor.

Response by SSG John Erny made Apr 20 at 2015 12:18 PM

2015-04-20T12:18:43-04:00

SSG Robert Burns, SSG Nathan Bryant

Wow, I do not even believe what I am reading hear! When I was in basic training we were lucky to be called Private! D**K Face was the most common term I remember, as well as B***h. In fact every other word was some sort of insult. Then there was getting hit in the head with the Brown Round when the DI would get in your face screaming at the top of his lungs. Then there was being put in the leaning rest for several hours at a time. Other fun things to do with a basic trainee:

The Duck Walk
The Crab Walk
The Dying Cockroach
Siting in a pretend chair
Holing your arms strait in font of yourself for an extended time
Front leaning rest with your feet elevated on a chair or wall
Getting smoked in the latrine with all showers running hot water
Getting smoked in MOPP 4

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 20 at 2015 12:28 PM

2015-04-20T12:28:26-04:00

I remember the term "Flip Chart" being banned as insensitive to our Filipino shipmates at the Trident Training Facility. Think the new term was "VAP" which meant vertical appliance or something similar.

It seems like the liberal universities, the training side spends a lot of time on sensitivity issues.

In the day E-3 and below were called by their last name only. Since it was universal, nobody thought anything was strange about it.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 20 at 2015 12:37 PM

2015-04-20T12:37:58-04:00

I guess think have changed a bit...I would have been very happy to be addressed simply by my rank during my IET training? Some of the things we were called are still not in any dictionaries.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2015 1:20 PM

2015-04-20T13:20:51-04:00

This is ridiculous. It's a rank. I see this happening more and more and it kills me. There is a sense of entitlement among junior soldiers that must be counteracted. As a junior soldier I was reminded everyday that I was a private, the labor force so to speak. I grew up with the infantry and was spoken too in a very "special" way. It made me who in am today. I was a private then...I'm a Sergeant now. No last name needed.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2015 1:56 PM

2015-04-20T13:56:05-04:00

You can say "Seam

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2015 1:59 PM

2015-04-20T13:59:24-04:00

You can say Seaman in the Navy(E3 PFC) or Seaman Apprentice (E2) What is wrong with saying Private. That their rank/grade.( Pardon my last post I hit send be4 finished typing)

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2015 2:14 PM

2015-04-20T14:14:08-04:00

Everything is demeaning or offensive these days.

Someone once told me that you cannot give offense - one can only take offense.

I Think that pretty much sets the tone for the current state of affairs in the Military.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Aug 19 at 2015 12:12 PM

2015-08-19T12:12:01-04:00

SSG Kevin McCulley This seems not only odd, but not well thought out. History and tradition are two of the most important factors for indoctrinating someone into the Military (Army) family. Being called Private, Specialist, Corporal, Sergeant, etc is a large part of our right of passage from Soldier to NCO and SNCO. I don't get it.

We need to grow Soldiers with more history and tradition than ever before. Removing even a small piece could have long standing results.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 27 at 2015 4:05 PM

2015-08-27T16:05:37-04:00

SSG Kevin McCulley, Another sip of their "Kool Aid" will ease the distress this PC BS causes! You must swallow to attain relief!

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 27 at 2015 4:13 PM

2015-08-27T16:13:56-04:00

Time out cards, PT belts, and now this. Oh boy - what's next PC jody calls, you can jump "when your ready", unicorns and pixie dust... Bad policy as it devalues the rank.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2015 4:53 PM

2015-08-27T16:53:23-04:00

So how would you respond? Excuse me your royal anus ... I mean heiness would you please get your rucksack on pretty please

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 27 at 2015 6:53 PM

2015-08-27T18:53:42-04:00

SSG Kevin McCulley, I must admit; when on Police Call in BCT, I seldom responded tohearing 'Private'.

Response by SFC Walter Mack made Aug 27 at 2015 9:09 PM

2015-08-27T21:09:28-04:00

I'm at a point in my career that I'll address most people however I darn well please. If it's that big a problem, fire me. I've been in the military long enough to decide what to call those around me, and frankly, it's never been a problem. It could be because it's not in my nature to be a jerk about it. I can be though.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 9:45 AM

2015-08-28T09:45:16-04:00

What happens is when enough people complain because they are butt hurt the military sometimes changes it. I never saw anything wrong with being called private. It falls under 25-50 that your title is private. Which is why I find it funny when I say private to an E-3 when two have the same last name and they tell me I'm supposed to address them as PFC.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Aug 29 at 2015 11:38 AM

2015-08-29T11:38:19-04:00

Really?? It's demeaning??? Bless their hearts...-_-. You know how many times I have been called "Airman"? Or I have called another member "Soldier" or "Marine" or "Seaman"? Mostly because a name was unknown or not visible but I needed to get their attention. This is ridiculous. Its getting so frustrating when THIS becomes our military's major concern. Let's not focus on things like how can we amend our budget to the best possible use for our equipment, supplies, and troops instead let's focus on feelings.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2015 4:33 PM

2015-08-29T16:33:45-04:00

I don't have any problem being called an "Airman" I am proud to be in the military and in every branch we have a specific general title. There's nothing wrong with being a "soldier" , "marine", "seaman" ect. My rank matters to me but I am also proud to represent the Air Force as an Airman. Even if I was an officer I would still be proud to be called an Airman regardless of my rank. People get too wrapped up in the little details rather than the bigger picture that we are all defending this country. The military is getting too soft in some aspects, it's called the military for a reason.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Aug 29 at 2015 11:47 PM

2015-08-29T23:47:35-04:00

Is "my majesty" more appropriate?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2015 10:42 AM

2015-09-07T10:42:04-04:00

Simple: Weak leaders produce weak soldiers, and the policies of weak leadership destroys the moral or the strong soldiers. These ridiculous cowardly policies are the result of fear. Fearful weak leaders who hate the stronger leader. I would go so far as say they are jealous to their core, knowing they are weak and afraid of everything, and instead of being a man, they create policies they themselves do not have to enforce, but get others to do so IOT make themselves feel like a real leader. This becomes, in their own perverted leadership way, a method to be equal to the stronger leader by destroying him rather than muster the inner courage required to be a leader, live the standard and hold others accountable accordingly. Bad soldiers make bad future leaders, and this is why I preach hard about identifying weak and potential future toxic leaders early, and getting them out of the military by using the Bar to Re-enlistment program. I always ask myself when evaluating every soldier this: "Would this soldier be a leader who inspires and raises the standard, or one who would destroy great works in order to lower the standard."

I will let my actions of calling a soldier by their rank IAW Army regulations be my attorneys opening remarks at my trial.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2015 10:45 PM

2015-09-07T22:45:45-04:00

I think this comes from the top in an effort further diminish pride, loyalty and position. They better codify that....lol