"Old Army" -- What's your definition?

2013-11-19T12:41:43-05:00

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</font><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoPlainText"><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><font face="Consolas">I have read this term (in one form or another) since
signing up for Rally Point, what is your definition of "Old Army"? (I really am interested in reading any responses)<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></font></font></font></p><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Times New Roman">

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Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2013 12:45 PM

2013-11-19T12:45:06-05:00

The Old Army, or "my dad's Army" usually refers to the Pre-9/11 Peace-time draw down of the Mid- to late Clinton era.<br>

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2013 12:46 PM

2013-11-19T12:46:37-05:00

Ye Olde Army of Yore (which never was).

Honestly, it's a nostalgized memory of the better days. It's remembering the fun times sans the bad. It's a recreation of what happened.

I've only been in for 6 years so not long enough to remember any "good ol' days."

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 19 at 2013 12:53 PM

2013-11-19T12:53:06-05:00

1775-1882

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Nov 19 at 2013 1:02 PM

2013-11-19T13:02:29-05:00

<p>great story as it relates to "Old Army" </p><p>http://www.west-point.org/academy/malo-wa/archive/OldArmy.html</p><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://www.west-point.org/MMHouse.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a href="http://www.west-point.org/academy/malo-wa/archive/OldArmy.html" target="_blank">Thomas D. MORGAN: The Old Army</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">     The
term Good Old Days of the Army brings back varying nostalgic memories
for old soldiers. For sure, the Old Army was not as it is today. The
Old Army has b...</div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Nov 19 at 2013 1:18 PM

2013-11-19T13:18:57-05:00

"Old Army" to me is that part of my service from 1987 to around 2004 or so, when we ditched BDUs and black leather boots for the ACUs and roughed leather boots of today. It was taking pride in how you looked prior to first formation EVERYDAY, not just Monday mornings. It was when your BN CSM and 1SGs and their NCOs owned their barracks and kept them to a standard. It was when your Drill SGTs tore you down and built you anew as Soldiers, and you didn't have a cell phone PERIOD, at any phase of your training. Individual pride and self-discipline were the norm and not the exception. Promotions went to those individuals that merited them due to their performance and potential and not simply because we are an Army in transition and looking for younger people we can invest time in. You end up with fat too many immature, ill-equipped and ill-prepared leaders both on the Officer and NCO side of the house. "Old Army" is prior to we can't yell at Soldiers because "....this is a smarter, more educated generation and we have to take into account their feelings." It's PLDC for 30-days where young NCOs and future NCOs learned the basics of being an NCO, not a shake and bake 15-day course or on-line training course that leaves them ill-prepared to lead Soldiers. But I digress, having retired after a 26-year career, I just wanted to share my "Old Army" sentiments. "Treat "Em Rough!!"

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 6 at 2013 1:37 PM

2013-12-06T13:37:37-05:00

Less PC and the return to real discipline and standards. Back when NCOs and commands had the power to do what is right and not be controlled and influenced by politics.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Dec 6 at 2013 1:49 PM

2013-12-06T13:49:18-05:00

<p>Great question sir.  I asked something like this a little while ago.  I wanted to know what "getting back to the basics meant."  </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Old Army is defined by me is a period of time that is relevant to the individual asked.  What I mean by that is this.  I came into the Army in 1990.  My experiences back then are considered "Old Army" to many in this forum.  I considered my leadership at that time as "Old Army."  I am sure that there are many a person in this forum who will consider me as "Old Army."</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>To me, I define it as a period of time.  </p>

Response by SPC Gary Basom made Dec 6 at 2013 1:50 PM

2013-12-06T13:50:32-05:00

<p>Sir,</p><p>I guess the best way to explain "old army" is to take or go back into history of the US Army, since the Vietnam war or even further back, policy and regulations were not as they are now, it occurred in changes, like for example, the changes in uniform, OD green, BDU then ACU, the changes and way regs have changed you could say the Cold War US Army was the old army in a way. </p>

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2013 7:15 AM

2013-12-07T07:15:44-05:00

I've only been in for 6 years, myself, so the "old-Army" is the stuff stories are made of... basically before I got in... gradually, though, I'm even starting to look at my first years as the "old Army" as I see changes happening (e.g. the repeal of DADT and the acceptance of same-sex marriages, or the allowance of females into combat arms MOSs)

I catch myself saying "that would have been OK in the old Army, but NOT TODAY..."

Response by SPC Larry Buck made Apr 6 at 2015 11:39 AM

2015-04-06T11:39:11-04:00

I'll state, FUBU (For Us, By Us.)
"We The People, To Form A More Perfect Union."
The Army and The Rest of the U.S. Military are the Main minority of American people who swore to defend the people, not the government, We all Should get back to the "Old Army" S.O.P.( Standard Operating Procedure)... "For The People, By The People.. For Which It Stands, One Nation.... Under God... Indivisible... With Liberty And Justice For All..."