Questions my kids would like to ask big Army: Why make us move so much? (15 yr old) Why does the Army make you work so much? (11 year old)

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 15:58:04 -0400

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 4:00 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 16:00:00 -0400

Part of what we do or did.

Response by SGT Nia Chiaraluce made May 8 at 2015 4:04 PM

SGT Nia Chiaraluce — Fri, 08 May 2015 16:04:23 -0400

My answer would be because being a Chaplin is one of the hardest jobs in the military. Also, if you are great at your job Sir, which I am sure you are then you are revered over your peers and sought after by soldiers that aren't even your unit anymore. Being like this makes it difficult to get off early in any field of the military. As far as the moving I always try to reenlist for stability, however; deployments take me away to the great fight. Where as we fight the bad guys, you Sir help us fight to stay spiritually grounded and balanced. Until we are at peace this is the sacrifice we have made for our families and nation. Taking a risk on something you love so you can share the light of God everyday to others is something they can be proud of daily to have in their lives.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 8 at 2015 4:32 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 08 May 2015 16:32:25 -0400

Why make you move so much...Staying one place makes you lazy and moss grow on your back. You don't want moss growing on your back?

Why does the Army make you work so much... CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member what are you telling your children? Just because dad is not at home, does not mean he is working. Even golfers...especially after their language missing that short putt...need forgiveness and the good word. (Sir, for the record, I am sure you are hard working and I hope you can see the comments were made in a light hearted fashion).

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 8 at 2015 5:21 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 08 May 2015 17:21:48 -0400

1) Moving lets us learn AND teach.

2) Learning and teaching is hard, but it's also rewarding.

Response by SFC Joseph James made May 8 at 2015 6:04 PM

SFC Joseph James — Fri, 08 May 2015 18:04:36 -0400

Oddly those were the same questions i asked when i was a Private. Oh, that and why can't i drink legally?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 7:14 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 19:14:56 -0400

1.) Movement teaches you how to work with many different people and with many different resources. This helps us prepare when we are sent overseas or pulled up for mobilizations to work with other staff. When we are called up, we need to have experience in different roles. This also helps us to cross-level so that one area of the military is not seriously understaffed while others have surplus personnel.

2.) We work because the Army never quits. In roles like healthcare, chaplaincy, and combat, there is never an end to it. We are there for our Soldiers when they are truly in need, and when we are at that point where we are in need ourselves, they will be there to help us.

Best I got....lol. Honestly, some of the questions are difficult for even adults to understand.
v/r,
CPT Butler

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 1:38 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2015 01:38:13 -0400

To be honest I have asked myself that question before. Its a part of the job and it gives SM and families an opportunity to travel and see the world. Does it suck for kids? It does, because of the friends situation. I have three kids (4,3,1 yrs) and I do not look forward to the conversations about why we move so much, but I am preparing myself for it. The only thing my kids dislike is when i have staff duty, because I lose almost two days of hanging with my boys. Other than that they know I have to work and most days I'm home for dinner.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 1:41 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2015 01:41:19 -0400

1. The Army makes you move so much because there is a need for your skill set/job at new locations all the time. The Army wants you to share your leadership and experience with Soldiers that need it.

2. The Army makes us work so much because we get paid 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. There are no set hours, we are on the clock all the time...even when we sleep. I don't think you can find another job that pays you to sleep.