Society VS Military Culture

2015-02-23T15:33:04-05:00

Is it just me or has anyone else seen the huge impact that society is now making on our military culture? From my point of view Society has no idea what it takes for civilians to be transformed into Soldiers. It is a mind set and physical conditioning to say the least that must take place for a civilian to become a Soldier. I am currently an IET Instructor that has personal experience in this. We are trying to mold Soldiers not some powder puff who can’t handle a field exercise. Rally Point let me know what you think of this.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 23 at 2015 3:36 PM

2015-02-23T15:36:57-05:00

I agree that society for the most part does not know what it takes to shape a Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, or Marine and therefore, they continue to impose upon the military what they believe is right. How do we fix it is another story.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Feb 23 at 2015 3:52 PM

2015-02-23T15:52:43-05:00

The military is a microcosm of our society and reflects its morals and values, good and bad. While I personally believe that the military reinforces the positives and instills moral values at a level higher than society as a whole, the recent efforts of social engineering and political correctness have permeated our military to the point of degrading its readiness and standing within our culture.

Immoral conduct; lack of respect for authority; degradation of standards so everyone can succeed, regardless of individual or biological capabilities; and the multitude of PC/social engineering that has been foisted on the military by people who don't have a clue about the realities of military life and requirements have had a devastating effect on the military and, unless changed, will continue until our military is just another third rate organization.

The military is not for everyone. As it is now, a very small percentage of the American population can qualify for military service. The result will be a lowering of standards to accept them, just to maintain strength levels. I, for one, would rather have a smaller force comprised of the right people than a larger force full of folks who have no business being there.

With the number of politicians who have served in the military dwindling to insignificant numbers, we are on a trend that will not be easily reversed. They simply do not understand the military and, therefore, they are unlikely to do anything to reverse the problems we all see with what is happening.

When you allow former (or current) gang members, people with past (or current) drug use, moral degenerates (and you know who I am speaking about), and people of a certain sex who can't perform the basic functions of a specific job without changing the standards to accommodate them, to serve in the military, it becomes less a military and more of a jobs program.

I know that I am old school and my comments are not PC, but they are true and, unless we get back to the "old school" standards, our military will be in the same sad state of affairs that the rest of society is already in.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 4:03 PM

2015-02-23T16:03:02-05:00

Society, as a whole, has transferred to a "coddle first" attitude. There is no personal responsibility. It is hard to mold someone coming into the service(s) that has grown up in this type of world. Even the gymrats are hard pressed when asked if they would serve. Many give the typical, 'I just don't think I could hack boot' response.

Another segment of society is filled so full of the 'you just need to understand their point of view' mentality that they can't even fathom such as thing as an enemy.

Heck, even one of my friends gave the answer the other day, "You won't see me fighting any of them (in regards to a conversation a group of us were having about ISIS & if they are seeking a presence here) until they come to Columbia (our hometown)."

Response by SPC David S. made Feb 23 at 2015 4:54 PM

2015-02-23T16:54:53-05:00

I feel as if society has already reached a tipping point.

#1 Males account for approximately 70 percent of all D’s and F’s in U.S. public schools.

#2 About two-thirds of all students in “special education programs” are boys.

#3 The average American girl spends 5 hours a week playing video games. The average American boy spends 13 hours a week playing video games.

#4 The average young American will spend 10,000 hours playing video games before the age of 21.

#5 One study discovered that 88 percent of all Americans between the ages of 8 and 18 play video games, and that video game addiction is approximately four times as common among boys as it is among girls.

#6 At this point, 15-year-olds that attend U.S. public schools do not even rank in the top half of all industrialized nations when it comes to math or science literacy.

#7 In 2011, SAT scores for young men were the worst that they had been in 40 years.

#8 According to a survey conducted by the National Geographic Society, only 37 percent of all Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 can find the nation of Iraq on a map.

#9 According to the New York Times, approximately 57 percent of all young people enrolled at U.S. colleges are women.

#10 It is being projected that women will earn 60 percent of all Bachelor’s degrees from U.S. universities by the year 2016.

Pretty soon, if not already, its going to get real hard to find qualified males for military service.
One of the problems I'd like to point out is that back in 1950, 78 percent of all households in the United States contained a married couple. Today, that number has declined to 48 percent. Maybe there's a correlation maybe not. If nothing else its another indicator that this integral part of society is also losing ground. To me its not surprising as we have walled off religion and destroyed the nuclear family; the two prime sources of morals and values. Today kids are being mentored by video games, fast food, and Kim Kardashian's badonkadonk.

Response by SPC Elisabeth Vinal made Feb 24 at 2015 9:08 AM

2015-02-24T09:08:51-05:00

Civilians will never understand the military life.

Response by SSgt Rilene Ann made Feb 26 at 2015 4:56 PM

2015-02-26T16:56:37-05:00

I agree.

Response by PO1 Dave Parks made Sep 12 at 2018 12:20 AM

2018-09-12T00:20:34-04:00

The military is a culture in a culture. We're a reflection of society, but I agree with you that society is too influential where the military is concerned. 'Transformed' is a good word to use. They, civilians, have to learn the language - head, deck, pop tall, etc. - and the process they're involved in. For some it's first time training in being disciplined. Military are taught 'mission' is what matters, where civilians are more concerned about the 'clock'. What's set before us in the military is 'mission', and we go till mission complete. There's a lot to be said on the subject.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 19 at 2019 7:27 PM

2019-08-19T19:27:02-04:00

This one is very challenging and beyond belief!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2019 12:53 AM

2019-08-20T00:53:00-04:00

Can thise who is oppose PC, please clarify.
I understand folks who believe females shouldn't be in certain MOSs, but what elaw.
The lowering of moral standards, and a ridiculous belief that drug use would get a pass to enlist doesn't reflect ground truth. The days of join the Army or go to jail are well gone.
Insist and assist with Army values and standards. Every generation of Soldiers seems to believe the next generation is weaker, or less disciplined.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 20 at 2019 3:20 PM

2019-08-20T15:20:47-04:00

President Regain said this eloquently as I paraphrase his speech: The recruits came from homes, hamlets, villages, towns, and cities. The country was united.

Most Americans don't have skin in these wars.