"US military morale is reportedly at 'rock bottom' again"

2015-07-01T18:37:05-04:00

From: Business Insider
--
Since 2009, $287 million has been spent on programs aimed at improving morale within the US military, which has shouldered two major overseas combat deployments over the past decade.

But these efforts may have been largely fruitless, as 52% of soldiers across all branches remain "pessimistic about their future in the military," according to an April USA Today report.

For decades, analysts have consistently reported on supposedly declining US military morale, even before the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A Brookings Institution report notes: "Observers regularly fretted over low morale during the defense drawdown of the 1990s, during the start of the Iraq War, during the Iraq Surge, during the Afghanistan Surge; and at practically all the points in between ... After each report of troop morale hitting 'rock bottom,' troop morale seems to slip lower yet and, still, the military soldiers on."

In the past, flagging morale may have been attributable to factors like repeated Iraq or Afghanistan deployments.

But a 2014 Military Times study suggests a financial cause for flagging morale: "In 2009, 87 percent of active-duty troops who participated in Military Times' survey rated their pay and allowances 'good' or 'excellent,'" the newspaper reported. "This year, the figure was just 44 percent."

The US government increased military pay just 1 percent in 2014, the smallest hike in 41 years and down from a 3.9 percent raise in 2009 and a 6.9 percent jump in 2002, according to the Military Times.

Few of the soldiers polled believed their situation would improve: 70 percent of those Military Times surveyed said that they expected quality of life under military employment to decrease further in the future.

Pay and benefits aren't the only cause of pessimism in the ranks. Some in the military worry that the the armed forces aren't being adequately led into the future, and declining morale could signal a general lack of confidence in the military's leadership.

MSNBC reports that in 2011 "only 26 percent of Army leaders who participated agreed with the statement that the Army 'is headed in the right direction to prepare for the challenges of the next 10 years.'"

According to the Military Times, only 27 percent of soldiers thought that leadership had their best interests at heart.

President Obama is unpopular with the armed forces as well, though some of his administration's policies have gained support over the years.

A separate Military Times poll found Obama's popularity at a dismal 15 percent among soldiers in 2014. Morale is bound to decline if soldiers don't believe in their commander-in-chief.

But there's also information in the poll suggesting that that low number actually underestimates the president's approval among military personnel: in the last 5 years, approval for some of Obama's military policies, like ending Don't Ask Don't Tell and opening combat units to women, have gained support, seeing a 30 percent rise in popularity.

There's another possible reason for drooping morale, especially among soldiers who fought in either Iraq or Afghanistan: It may be hard for some military personnel to see their work as effectual while ISIS becomes a deadly and rising force throughout the Middle East.

Whether it's because of stagnant pay, stale leadership, Obama's supposed unpopularity, or the state of global geopolitics, the US military may have a very challenging problem on its hands.

http://www.businessinsider.com/us-military-morale-at-rock-bottom-and-sinking-further-2015-6#ixzz3egLPoREu

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jul 1 at 2015 6:46 PM

2015-07-01T18:46:45-04:00

Not surprising given the current state of affairs - potential RIF, deployments to support various contingency operations plus support other nations wars, stagnating pay, potential of erosion of benefits to meet fiscal constraints, etc..

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 6:47 PM

2015-07-01T18:47:20-04:00

Of course. Realistically, The armed services compensate us less than the rest of the economy, doesn't treat us with much regard on our way out, and they continuously try to cut back on our benefits... Eliminating a very good pension plan, 1.5% pay-raise average over the last 3 years, increasing tri-care costs, talking about cutting dual-bah, and expecting troops to do the jobs of 5 people (due to the draw down) while expecting 20-30% more production/operational tempo. what did you think was going to happen? If they want troops to be happy, start with leadership. Stop promoting people who should not be promoted and recognize genuine leaders. Stop trying to taking away our benefits. It's amazing how our war fighters, who have sacrificed so much for this country, are left with a pat on the back and a shifty welcome into a broken veterans affair system.

I hate the military like no other sometimes... But when it's lead the right way, I will do everything in my power to go above and beyond for my leadership... Just start with treating us right.

Response by SFC(P) Aaron Fore made Jul 1 at 2015 8:05 PM

2015-07-01T20:05:41-04:00

Our benefits are constantly cut back, to include retirement which gives us little desire to stay. World travel use to be a perk but now it has dwindled to almost nothing. The draw down has taught us that we are dispensable. The massive on line mandatory training is seen for what it is, a CYA for the government. There seems to be more emphasis for all the HRO functions rather than war fighting functions. Too many senior leaders that have forgotten that the troops should be their priority and finally, take a look at the media propagating the division of America into all the various special interest groups which seemingly has all the political powers in DC in their hands. We are struggling to remember an Army and an America that is worth serving.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 8:16 PM

2015-07-01T20:16:54-04:00

With the constant threat of sequestration, a commander in chief who doesn't seem to care about his military, and the slashing of both the personnel in the military and their benefits is anyone surprised by this? The first thing people think of when trying to save money is cutting anything that has to do with military. Let's talk about how we are back in Iraq after combat operations were officially ended in 2010? I cannot imagine why we would have low morale!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 1 at 2015 8:39 PM

2015-07-01T20:39:49-04:00

LTC Stephen F. I don't buy it. I would that anytime we go through a downsizing, on the hells of extremely high OPTEMPO, that morale will suffer. I think the main thing impacting morale is the downsizing, which slows promotions and opportunities and causes Soldiers to lose their jobs.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 1 at 2015 10:45 PM

2015-07-01T22:45:28-04:00

"Obama's supposed unpopularity"? What is "supposed" about it?

Nothing boosts morale like good leadership and the US has been lacking that for a long time now. No one suffers from poor leadership like the military. They see their lives and sacrifices wasted. They see hard won ground conceded to the enemy. They see their leaders have no respect for them. How could anyone expect their morale to be good?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 11:04 PM

2015-07-01T23:04:59-04:00

"Pay and benefits aren't the only cause of pessimism in the ranks. Some in the military worry that the the armed forces aren't being adequately led into the future, and declining morale could signal a general lack of confidence in the military's leadership."

But do NOT criticize the President..

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 11:08 PM

2015-07-01T23:08:09-04:00

I tell you. every time I see Veterans bad-mouth Reagan or to a lesser extent W, I think of the pay and the pride. The only pride today is a parade which has nothing to do with the Military. How can any veteran support the likes of Presidents Carter or Obama????

Response by CWO2 Davin Jantzen made Jul 2 at 2015 4:32 AM

2015-07-02T04:32:05-04:00

That money was wasted spent more to look like someone cares when it's obvious that Congress and Senate only care where their next contributions are coming from.

Response by SGT Philip Popa made Jul 2 at 2015 2:13 PM

2015-07-02T14:13:35-04:00

Morale would be affected by downsizing. But if you actually look at things it is a lot more than that. People treated unfairly and the "untouchable" ranks doing whatever they want affects it also. But I have yet to see anything really put in motion to actually change things. The military isn't for everyone and any part of it will cause moral loss. I see units where E1 thru E7 either doing things to get put out or biding their time to ETS. There is no pride in serving left anywhere.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2015 2:50 PM

2015-07-02T14:50:39-04:00

Not only do we have the down sizing going on, the reduction in our benefits, our pay is loosing it's grip on staying close to the private market, ISIS killing people we lost brothers and sisters trying to save; but then you have congress not caring about us. There are many issues with home that need to be fixed but instead congress is too busy acting like spoiled five year olds.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jul 2 at 2015 3:19 PM

2015-07-02T15:19:21-04:00

Nothing irritates me more than someone wearing the Marne patch incorrectly!!!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2015 3:35 PM

2015-07-02T15:35:24-04:00

I see every day soldiers that aren't taken care of. Either through lack of leadership, or bad leadership. We see so much CYA and check the block.

I understand that the Barracks are better than they were 10-15 years ago, but what we have are falling apart. For example, Laundry facilities that are a quarter broke. With 10 machines each, even 2 going down makes it that much harder for a possible 150 soldiers to keep up.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2015 3:39 PM

2015-07-02T15:39:43-04:00

$287 million has been spent on programs aimed at improving morale, estimated $233 billion for a failing F-35 which then loses fight to decades old fighter http://thediplomat.com/2015/07/f-35-loses-dogfight-to-fighter-jet-from-the-1980s/ and countless other wastes of taxpayer money. Countless problems with the VA that are never truly addressed in a manner that will solve them. Almost zero funding for training. Schools that are canceled due to lack of money (I have had two canceled and fellow SSGs have had two or more canceled). The morale is low because the elected leaders have forgotten the people of the US and the US military. I have two years till retirement and every day is a struggle to not just quit. I struggle to come up with realistic training for the Jr. enlisted because we have no money to do any real training. We cannot turn on our equipment and run for any length of time because we cannot afford gas. So yes morale is low. It is low because like a beaten puppy we are hiding our heads for fear of getting another beating by Congress and or the President.

F-35 Loses Dogfight to Fighter Jet From the 1980s

A new report alleges that an F-35A was defeated by the very aircraft it is meant to replace.

Response by CPO Paul Barnes made Jul 2 at 2015 4:29 PM

2015-07-02T16:29:30-04:00

I have to wonder what has changed since I retired back in 2000. Seems the troops are more unhappy than ever...makes me sad - we need a government and a president who have all served in the military rather than these politicians who know nothing about what it's like to be in country on the front line

Response by CPO Paul Barnes made Jul 2 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-07-02T16:32:00-04:00

Very sad indeed - seems it has only gotten worse since I retired back in 2000. I wish it were a requirement that for a person to hold an office in politics no matter what that a mandatory enlistment be served with a full tour in the service. I wonder then if they could understand.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jul 2 at 2015 4:55 PM

2015-07-02T16:55:33-04:00

Wanna raise moral? How about not having every Soldier feel like they are being held on the chopping block waiting for a back ground check to say they screwed up in 5th grade and it really was on their "permanent record".

Response by CN Kristen Ruder made Jul 2 at 2015 4:59 PM

2015-07-02T16:59:21-04:00

Not to mention the lack of care and treatment for Veterans when they visit the Veteran's hospitals and clinics after they get out of the Military. Drugging our Veteran's rather than dealing with the real issues is NOT the answer.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2015 5:23 PM

2015-07-02T17:23:59-04:00

I just blame poor leadership at all levels. We don't know what the next few years are going to bring. Our leaders from all the way at the top don't have the welfare of the soldier at the top of their mind. They are fighting over politics rather than the soldier. All the way on down to the lower level of leadership that are poorly prepared to lead troops in this era. You see officers that are more concerned about their Career than the soldiers. The mission is to do what it takes to promote than to win a war. It is a failure on so many levels. We never had this much of an issue in the past. We didn't need all of the perks when you had good leadership. I think the SMA will help with this.

Response by SP6 Daniel Witmer made Jul 2 at 2015 6:01 PM

2015-07-02T18:01:36-04:00

Lets see...back to back to back Combat tours, pay raises below the rate of inflation while our civilian counterparts are fat and happy GS 10 step 5, doing the same job I am for double what a E7 makes...Oh did I mention civilians writing NCOER's, how can they rate on competency, training? "SFC S0andSO attended all mandatory military training"...A new generation of yes men, yes men so spineless they cant make a decision without contacting two attorneys the EO office and HRO, what use to be a E5's job takes O-1 to complete with a O-3 micromanaging him. Fear...Fear of a black mark...WHOA!!! I mean...Fear of a black CHECK mark on the OER/NCOER...And simply fear of speaking ones mind as your Sr Leadership may take offense, appoint you as Casey Jones and railroad your career...I could go on and on but I dont want to contribute to the decline of the moral of the Armed Forces. I was so disillusioned during my last three years...I almost quit several times...Staying now, I couldnt do it.

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Jul 2 at 2015 6:03 PM

2015-07-02T18:03:59-04:00

I know i'm over stepping my boundaries here, but how about we start treating our subordinates better. How about we stop bothering our subordinates over stupid and trivial things. It seems like the Army's solution to everything is to throw money at it. No one wants to change, lets just throw money around and hope something works. Lol you ever did that disaster of a program MRT, Master Resiliency Training? Its the most ridiculous training program ever, all of the soldiers laugh at how stupid it is. I cant even yell at them, because Im laughing at how stupid it is. Everyone is laughing at how ridiculous it is, but the Army keeps throwing money at U Penn (I believe that's who developed it), and they keep it running....

Response by SGT Lawrence Corser made Jul 2 at 2015 6:07 PM

2015-07-02T18:07:14-04:00

this is funny, it is as if they didnt expect it to happen like this. bunch of higher ups that have no clue about how to keep joe and the front line leaders motivated.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2015 6:28 PM

2015-07-02T18:28:08-04:00

Morale has nothing to do with money and programs. It has to do with living and working conditions. If soldiers fear going to work due to underlying issues they have with their chain of command and the NCO support channel isn't helping they will waste away. The Army is updating barracks across numerous posts at all times and it just so happens that there are soldiers who will always live in old, crappy, outdated buildings. There is no excuse for not having heat and hot water in the winter or A/C and Cool water in the summer. Those are just some of the things I notice on FT. Campbell.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2015 7:43 PM

2015-07-02T19:43:59-04:00

There are significant things to be concerned about and many wonderful things about Federal Service
The Bad
The military is under financial attack because we are running out of money; from the Senate (Republican controlled) and the Congress (DEM and REP controlled), the President is not stopping the carnage, the American People are thanking us but not stopping it or expressing outrage, while private military corporations are gaining more and more of the tax dollars which used to support the 1% of our nation who serves, our military leaders are either in favor of these cuts or impotent to stop it and meanwhile we are besieged with issues of favoritism and special interest groups hijacking admission criteria and seats in military schools and programs in favor of special interest projects (qualifications and criteria for inclusion be dammed).
The Good
We are the elite 1% who no matter how corrupt things become we can hold our heads high knowing we are protecting the nation and doing so with honor.

Response by CPO Roy Thornton made Jul 2 at 2015 10:51 PM

2015-07-02T22:51:23-04:00

Look at the economy... if you were a senior enlisted or mid grade officer would you get out now. Of course not! Soooo what does that do to the the rest of... the majority of the the rest of your branch? Well you are at the top of your game you arent getting pushed out which creates a bottle neck for advancement I'm guessing about 50% of the people below those ranks are feeling it. Why would we be confused by the poll results?

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2015 10:04 AM

2015-07-03T10:04:05-04:00

As of late I would say that this does not surprise me. Though at times I greatly enjoy my job and my duties on my watch, I am not doing what I was trained to do for low manning in another rate, constant change to my working hours makes it hard to spend time with my husband. And on top of those small things, we consistently feel the ceiling falling as the Government continues to cut back our BAH, BAS and other benefits. This new bill about cutting BAH from Dual military couples is very stressful, especially for new families (married couples with children) Knowing that we might have to move into military housing (which is also supposed to start charging for utilities aside from the BAH they are already getting) and cancel our current lease because of the bill is a lot of stress. And what exactly is that $287 million going to? I participate in my MWR as often as I can and we are struggling just to raise enough money for our holiday party. But that's besides the point, I don't think that the MILITARY funded morale programs help US military members. When I think fun, I don't think dancing to music with my chief in the same room.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2015 3:18 AM

2015-07-06T03:18:42-04:00

I see it everyday when someone isn't given their bonus or their SSD which is supposed to be automatically enrolled gets deleted halfway through the course. But the civilian contractors making 2/3 more than us and MP's are driving brand new Dodge Chargers with brand new rims pulling people over for going 2kmh over the 20kmh speed limit when there are no signs in sight. The government can't take care of it's own soldiers, but is willing to fucking destroy careers in a heartbeat.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 10 at 2015 5:33 PM

2015-07-10T17:33:48-04:00

These are wars of attrition. Of course morale will be low.

Response by MSG Carolyn Hunter-Drake made Jul 21 at 2015 7:35 PM

2015-07-21T19:35:25-04:00

Too easy; that's got to be an early photo, one can only hope, and they ripped it off after this photo!

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 26 at 2015 1:44 PM

2015-07-26T13:44:31-04:00

It stems from politically correct leadership who are afraid of making mistakes. If further stem from a commander in chief who literally bows to the rest of the world. He has hollowed out a once fine force. When a presidentnplaced more emphasis on the lives of criminals and illegals and doesn't exhibit the same level of compassion and concern for our military it says it all!

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jul 26 at 2015 1:47 PM

2015-07-26T13:47:51-04:00

I think it's pretty obvious that if the moral is down, the beatings need to be increased!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 26 at 2015 3:54 PM

2015-07-26T15:54:34-04:00

Winning cures a lot of things. I also doubt the military has searched for the crux of the matter.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 15 at 2015 8:14 PM

2015-08-15T20:14:05-04:00