Posted on Jul 1, 2014
What constitutes being "old school" in the military?
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I'm hearing/reading people saying "I'm old school, therefore..." So out of curiosity's sake, where is that ever-moving line?
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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 1808
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It is a generation thing. When the troops get to be 15 years younger than you you are old school. Like it or not
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SPC (Join to see)
MSG Reid Zohfeld - That is so funny. At least this captain had a sense of humor. I had a Colonel who hated being saluted and would scold me if I did it. He also wanted to be called by his first name. He was a character.
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CPT Earl George
When I started ROTC (1967), our SGM had been in the Army since 1943 and he had been in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He made E-9 in 1959. I heard him tell the young major in our ROTC detachment one day," Sir, I have more TIG than you have TIS."
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CPT Earl George
MSG Reid Zohfeld - fall of 1967 When I was in ROTC. The SGM and a major were having an argument and the Major thought he knew it all. The SGM simply said, "Sir I have more time in grade(he made E-9 in 1959) than you have in the service."
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MSG Reid Zohfeld
CPT Earl George awesome
I saw a 2nd Lt chew out a BN CSM in the middle of a court yard in 1976
Never did see that LT again lol
I saw a 2nd Lt chew out a BN CSM in the middle of a court yard in 1976
Never did see that LT again lol
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We just had this discussion a day or so ago. The army is always evolving so old school is a matter of perspective. In the 80s there were 5 key tasks you had to accomplish to be considered successful. That changed to 46 tasks in the 90s and is now up to 176 tasks. A Soldier with 25+ yrs has a completely different perspective on things than a Soldier with 1-10 yrs. It's a sliding scale that changes with the times and technology. Some of my Soldiers consider me old school based on my experiences and how I react to and handle different situations.
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I think "Old School" simply means things have changed from the way the prior service members did things when they were in the military. Old school is thinking in the past and not in the future, the way we use to do it is not always the best way to do things.
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Starched OG107 fatigues, suntan summer uniform, a real steel pot for a helmet.....
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MSG John Wirts
Starched OG107's Class D uniform, with cap toed boots, black sox, and white t-shirt and boxer shorts. AG44 wool Class A uniform with tan poplin shirt, Long sleeve khaki's with tie tucked in between the second and third button, Class B uniform for on or off post, short sleeve Khaki no tie Class C uniform on post or to and from quarters only. Pt uniform White T-shirt, unbloused Fatigue Pants, and combat boots.
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Banana Pants - Grey's don't count! When you had cold weather gear that did not work! Stupid got a hands on experience! Soldiers did what they were told! BASD on or before 1990! Your military license was for a Chevy Blazer or Dodge Truck! Need I go on!
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SSG Selwyn Bodley
Those old blue two wheel drive regular cab dodge trucks (with the red writing). And of course the od green chevy's
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Rolling up t-shirts and underwear 6" and socks individually. Displaying a shaving brush. Khakis with jump boots. C-rations and John Wayne toilette paper.
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MSG John Wirts
I created a stir, I had a shaving brush and soap, I was having skin problems, I got a profile to shave with a straight razor. The !st Sergeant required me to store my razor in the orderly room for one month. I guess he thought I wasn't serious about having to shave with the straight razor. After a month I was allowed to keep it in my locker, until I was shipped home on the USS Rose, the Purser had to keep my razor until I disembarked.
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Used to be accused of this a lot because of my flip phone.... Still don't have a smart phone... I guess I'm not smart enough!!
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1. When you prefer your Kevelar ("K-Pot") to the ACH
2. When you actually had to polish your low quarters, boots and brass
3. When you really didn't care what the DFAC was serving because you were going to eat it anyway.
4. When your first Squad Leader was the nearest thing to God you'd ever known -- until you glimpsed the CSM.
5. When you pressed your BDUs
6. When you lived in those WW II barracks and thought "hey, this ain't all bad"
7. When your Drill Sergeant wore a whistle along with that pistol belt and you thought those were the coolest things since sliced bread.
8. Showing pride in what you do and doing it the best you can.
2. When you actually had to polish your low quarters, boots and brass
3. When you really didn't care what the DFAC was serving because you were going to eat it anyway.
4. When your first Squad Leader was the nearest thing to God you'd ever known -- until you glimpsed the CSM.
5. When you pressed your BDUs
6. When you lived in those WW II barracks and thought "hey, this ain't all bad"
7. When your Drill Sergeant wore a whistle along with that pistol belt and you thought those were the coolest things since sliced bread.
8. Showing pride in what you do and doing it the best you can.
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