Posted on Aug 1, 2014
The Army of the 1989 versus the Army of 2014. If there are any old tymers still on active duty/and former AD please share your thoughts.
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Well to be honest I am at the end of my career 1989-2014. There has been a lot of changes, to remember those days of past years hold a special place in my heart the 1980s and early 1990's. The Army so much different than when I joined. Here are some thoughts.
And there I was PV1 Davis: Panama had just begin when I was in Basic Training at FT. Sill OK
I never thought I would do 25 years and 3 days .
The Army of the 1980s taught me discipline, values, training, morales and beliefs.
Respect of the uniform was a must, spending hours shining your boots, ironing your uniform and getting ready for in-ranks inspection.
I remember marching to and from the motorpool and being locked in with a gaurd.
I remember TRAINING a whole lot in the field, every day in the woods/field during the week and weekends. You never saw the ordely room. If you did you was shaking in your boots. (LOL)
I remember being at parade rest for the E-2 and so forth up the ranks.
I remeber taking home 490 dollars a month as a private, I actually lost money coming into the Army vs. my fast food job in 1989.
I remember the RESPECT OF THE VIETNAM SOLDIERS, the 1980s Soldier teaching me responsibilites of adulthood.
When you saw a Soldier back in those days before Panama with a combat patch, you showed the utmost respect, because conflicts were rare.
I miss them days and just to pay RESPECT TO THE SOLDIERS who are still in from the 1980s or earlier, I DEARLY THANK YA'LL from the bottom of my heart for training me and serving "DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY " for all those years and being a Soldier. I will miss talking ole school fiddle/faddles....etc.. with the old tymers in the formations that are still in 25+ years and up.
WHEN I RETIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 2014, ALL I CAN SAY WAS "I WAS A SOLDIER." The best job I have ever had in my LIFE.
I DEDICATE THE SOLDIER REQUEST TO ALL THE LEADERS WHO MADE ME SFC JOE DAVIS. THIS WAS MY DREAM "THE SOLDIER'S REQUEST!!
A Soldier's Request
Treat me with respect, Sergeant.
For no heart in all the world is more loyal than the heart of an
American soldier. Do not beat my spirit with your words, Sergeant.
For though I will do what you demand, your guidance, patience,
And understanding will more quickly teach me to
“Be, Know, and Do.”
Speak with me often, Sergeant. For the praise and counseling you
give is expected.
I am an American Soldier, expecting to be trained. Discipline must be
a part of my life.
Train me for the elements, Sergeant.
For I must learn to fight and win in the cold, the wet, and the desert.
Those who would be enemies will use these elements.
I must be prepared.
I ask no greater glory, Sergeant, than to defend our country and our way of life, against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. Allow me that privilege, Sergeant…..train me.
Provide me the necessities of food and drink, Sergeant.
Train me to be self sufficient, that I may lead the way, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you, with my life if necessary, should your life be in danger.
Train me, Sergeant, that one day I too can be called Sergeant,
Trainer of soldiers, Backbone of the Army. Train me to accept those responsibilities that are yours.
Train me to train my soldiers to be the greatest defenders of freedom in the world.
Sergeant, train me to be a Sergeant.
I shall leave this Army knowing, with my last step and my last breath, that my fate was always safest in your hands
Sergeant, train me
That I too can earn the title “Sergeant".
http://www.ausa.org/resources/nco/training/armytraditions/prayers/Pages/ASoldier'sRequest.aspx
And there I was PV1 Davis: Panama had just begin when I was in Basic Training at FT. Sill OK
I never thought I would do 25 years and 3 days .
The Army of the 1980s taught me discipline, values, training, morales and beliefs.
Respect of the uniform was a must, spending hours shining your boots, ironing your uniform and getting ready for in-ranks inspection.
I remember marching to and from the motorpool and being locked in with a gaurd.
I remember TRAINING a whole lot in the field, every day in the woods/field during the week and weekends. You never saw the ordely room. If you did you was shaking in your boots. (LOL)
I remember being at parade rest for the E-2 and so forth up the ranks.
I remeber taking home 490 dollars a month as a private, I actually lost money coming into the Army vs. my fast food job in 1989.
I remember the RESPECT OF THE VIETNAM SOLDIERS, the 1980s Soldier teaching me responsibilites of adulthood.
When you saw a Soldier back in those days before Panama with a combat patch, you showed the utmost respect, because conflicts were rare.
I miss them days and just to pay RESPECT TO THE SOLDIERS who are still in from the 1980s or earlier, I DEARLY THANK YA'LL from the bottom of my heart for training me and serving "DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY " for all those years and being a Soldier. I will miss talking ole school fiddle/faddles....etc.. with the old tymers in the formations that are still in 25+ years and up.
WHEN I RETIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 2014, ALL I CAN SAY WAS "I WAS A SOLDIER." The best job I have ever had in my LIFE.
I DEDICATE THE SOLDIER REQUEST TO ALL THE LEADERS WHO MADE ME SFC JOE DAVIS. THIS WAS MY DREAM "THE SOLDIER'S REQUEST!!
A Soldier's Request
Treat me with respect, Sergeant.
For no heart in all the world is more loyal than the heart of an
American soldier. Do not beat my spirit with your words, Sergeant.
For though I will do what you demand, your guidance, patience,
And understanding will more quickly teach me to
“Be, Know, and Do.”
Speak with me often, Sergeant. For the praise and counseling you
give is expected.
I am an American Soldier, expecting to be trained. Discipline must be
a part of my life.
Train me for the elements, Sergeant.
For I must learn to fight and win in the cold, the wet, and the desert.
Those who would be enemies will use these elements.
I must be prepared.
I ask no greater glory, Sergeant, than to defend our country and our way of life, against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. Allow me that privilege, Sergeant…..train me.
Provide me the necessities of food and drink, Sergeant.
Train me to be self sufficient, that I may lead the way, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you, with my life if necessary, should your life be in danger.
Train me, Sergeant, that one day I too can be called Sergeant,
Trainer of soldiers, Backbone of the Army. Train me to accept those responsibilities that are yours.
Train me to train my soldiers to be the greatest defenders of freedom in the world.
Sergeant, train me to be a Sergeant.
I shall leave this Army knowing, with my last step and my last breath, that my fate was always safest in your hands
Sergeant, train me
That I too can earn the title “Sergeant".
http://www.ausa.org/resources/nco/training/armytraditions/prayers/Pages/ASoldier'sRequest.aspx
Posted in these groups: 
Military Life
Military bearing
Military Life Military bearing
Edited 10 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 27
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SFC Davis, Congratulations on your career and upcoming retirement. The Army is, indeed, much different than it was when you entered in 1989 (and when I entered in 1983), and that's NOT a bad thing.
Remember back when we were young soldiers and we'd hear our seniors talking about how terrible this new group of soldiers (US) were? Well... when THEY were young in service their seniors were saying the same thing. And these young soldiers coming in now?... those who become careerists, they'll be saying the same as well. It's just the natural order of our business.
The Armed Forces MUST remain in a somewhat constant state of change to remain a viable force in the world. Sometimes these changes are evident to us immediately, sometimes these changes are much more subtle, but in either case it's human nature to want to resist those changes and think of them as bad things. (not talking about changes like wearing a beret or getting (yet another) new cammo pattern here; I'm sure most of you understand where I'm going).
We look back at all the things that were with a feeling of nostalgia, and there is nothing wrong with that, but as you near retirement, try a little experiment. Instead of thinking back at what you liked better then, think back to the way things were when you entered and then think forward to the things that are BETTER NOW... there are a lot of them, I assure you.. and guess what? YOU had a part in those changes!
Again, Congratulations on your upcoming retirement, and and early welcome to the ranks of the retirees!
Remember back when we were young soldiers and we'd hear our seniors talking about how terrible this new group of soldiers (US) were? Well... when THEY were young in service their seniors were saying the same thing. And these young soldiers coming in now?... those who become careerists, they'll be saying the same as well. It's just the natural order of our business.
The Armed Forces MUST remain in a somewhat constant state of change to remain a viable force in the world. Sometimes these changes are evident to us immediately, sometimes these changes are much more subtle, but in either case it's human nature to want to resist those changes and think of them as bad things. (not talking about changes like wearing a beret or getting (yet another) new cammo pattern here; I'm sure most of you understand where I'm going).
We look back at all the things that were with a feeling of nostalgia, and there is nothing wrong with that, but as you near retirement, try a little experiment. Instead of thinking back at what you liked better then, think back to the way things were when you entered and then think forward to the things that are BETTER NOW... there are a lot of them, I assure you.. and guess what? YOU had a part in those changes!
Again, Congratulations on your upcoming retirement, and and early welcome to the ranks of the retirees!
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SFC Robin Gates, I appreciate your service, it was Soldiers in your era, that taught me the basics of Soldering. I never will forgot the times. I really appreciate your steadfast determination to navigate through uncertain times through the NCO Corps.
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SFC Kenneth Hunnell
It seems like yesterday that I enlisted in the Army. Its been real. I have been in the Military since 79. At that time I was the Newby. Now I am the oldest one in my unit. I came across a full Bird that is in my age bracket. She called a few LTC's young men. That told me I was in forever
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1LT William Clardy
SFC Robin Gates, it's good to see another soul who helped bring the Army through the VOLAR days.
By the way, SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, I remember being excited when my pay as a buck sergeant finally took me over $6,000 a year. I was rich!
By the way, SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, I remember being excited when my pay as a buck sergeant finally took me over $6,000 a year. I was rich!
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SFC Joe Davis,
VERY well said and I know EXACTLY how you feel. I first joined is Jan 1981. Did 1 year in the reserves cause I was only 17 when I signed up. After 1 year in the reserves I transferred to Active duty in 1982 and became a 15E (Pershing Missile Crewman). Spent 8 GLORIOUS years in that MOS before it was terminated due to the SALT II treaty. Spent 3 more years on AD then got out in 1993 with the VSI/SSB draw down. I chose SSB and 3 yr's in the National Guard. THAT turned into 12 yrs in the guard and my First deployment during OIF III. Upon DEMOB at FT Polk in 05, found out I could request transfer back to AD and did just that. Spent 7 yrs with 1st CAV (HOOAH) and now after all this time closing it out here at Fort Leonard Wood. On 1 APR 2015 I will be retiring after 34 yrs in uniform (24 Active). I've meet some amazing people in my travels and served with some great SOLDIERS. I've gone from Vietnam era OD uniforms to ACU's, From the Bannana Suit to the APFU.
Many things have changed in the Army, and many things will. But the one thing I have learned is that THe ARMY, is one of the Greatest Organizations in the World and the life lessons you receive make you THE top 1% of the Human race.
We all have our reasons for serving. I am HONORED by your service and All Soldiers Past, Present, Future. Enjoy your retirement and remember, NO ONE is ever "Really" retired.
VERY well said and I know EXACTLY how you feel. I first joined is Jan 1981. Did 1 year in the reserves cause I was only 17 when I signed up. After 1 year in the reserves I transferred to Active duty in 1982 and became a 15E (Pershing Missile Crewman). Spent 8 GLORIOUS years in that MOS before it was terminated due to the SALT II treaty. Spent 3 more years on AD then got out in 1993 with the VSI/SSB draw down. I chose SSB and 3 yr's in the National Guard. THAT turned into 12 yrs in the guard and my First deployment during OIF III. Upon DEMOB at FT Polk in 05, found out I could request transfer back to AD and did just that. Spent 7 yrs with 1st CAV (HOOAH) and now after all this time closing it out here at Fort Leonard Wood. On 1 APR 2015 I will be retiring after 34 yrs in uniform (24 Active). I've meet some amazing people in my travels and served with some great SOLDIERS. I've gone from Vietnam era OD uniforms to ACU's, From the Bannana Suit to the APFU.
Many things have changed in the Army, and many things will. But the one thing I have learned is that THe ARMY, is one of the Greatest Organizations in the World and the life lessons you receive make you THE top 1% of the Human race.
We all have our reasons for serving. I am HONORED by your service and All Soldiers Past, Present, Future. Enjoy your retirement and remember, NO ONE is ever "Really" retired.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SFC James Verdejo, much respect, I appreciate your memories and steadfast commitment to duty. There is nothing like being a Soldier. I consider it to be the NOBLEST JOB in the WORLD.
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I have always respected ALL SM, no matter what year they came in. But I do have to admit, I thought the Soldiers from the 70s and 80s were a lot cooler than the ones of today. I think the Soldiers of today need to have a sitdown chat with the Soldiers of yesterday so they can truly appreciate all they have
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