What's the most demoralizing experience you had in the military?

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 11:41:06 -0400

At the risk of running perilously close to the line of good conduct, what is the single thing that had the biggest negative impact on your morale during your military career?

I'll tell you what mine is (so far): Attending a speech by the CMSAF.

2 hours of my life that will never be returned to me, where all the junior enlisted sat in the base theater as Chief Cody (Retired) stood above us all asking for questions, but only so that he could play at being Socrates.

After that event, I understood why the Greeks made Socrates drink Hemlock. He never took a single stance, he never shared a personal opinion, he was unwilling to show that he stood for or believed in anything except asking questions of the Airmen to make them answer their own questions and/or make them look foolish. Junior Enlisted know they're foolish (or should already know), they don't need the top Enlisted memeber in the Branch grinding it into their faces.

Fortunately I had the opportunity to hear a Command Chief speech (I thin it was the 25th AF Command Chief) and the difference was night and day between them. Those two events were a large part of why I decided that I am going to be working to make the AF into a full career. The first left me saying, "I can do better than that!" and the the second left me sayin, "There are still people to look up to, learn from, and work with and for." They showed me that there was plenty of garbage here, but that there was enough good to make it worth fighting for.

So what's your story?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2017 11:43 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 11:43:10 -0400

When my ex-wife left me.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2017 11:47 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 11:47:01 -0400

When I got a counseling chit for being 'too mopey in the office' after my fiancé left me on Christmas.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2017 11:47 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 11:47:05 -0400

Honestly, after doing this for a very, very long time, there has really not been anything that has been completely demoralizing...there have been some low spots to be sure, but nothing that has completely broken me. A couple of the low points would be back in 1992 I attended SFAS and was not selected after making it through the course. Although I had the opportunity to return, I PCS'ed to Korea and when I got back to the states after a year my priorities had changed. Another was in 2006 when a good friend of mine was killed in an IED attack in Baghdad...about four hours after we had lunch together. I would say that those two events were probably the only ones that left me with that WTF feeling, but I learned from each and moved on. All in all, the military, for me at least, has been an amazing experience.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 5 at 2017 11:53 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 11:53:27 -0400

While deployed in 2003, things had settled down and units were beginning to send soldiers out for schools and such. Our situation was different (USAR), when we activated we became part of V Corps STB, our unit no longer was and our Commander was no longer our commander, yet I kept him advised on unit member's and such. I went to him stating I wanted to send as many of my newly promoted SGTs out to NCOES as I knew when we got ofF A.D., many would be back at their jobs and not be able to get time off. I had already talked to the V Corps Tng NCO and he told me to get an OML up and he would get them done. I then went to our "commander" and told him. He stood and laughed at me, and said,"If you think you can, just go ahead and try, but you will not be able to". He then told me we were not deployed to go to school we were deployed to do a job. I told him I wouldn't be a SGM if I didn't try. It really pissed me off he couldn't understand my wanting to take care of my soldiers and back me up. In the end I did get 2 SGTs sent out to complete their required NCOES.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Apr 5 at 2017 11:56 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 11:56:05 -0400

That's easy to answer. It was the day I learned that I was being RIF'd. I had applied to return to Vietnam for a second tour after completing a tour in Hawaii and was told that my services were no longer needed. That was demoralizing.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Apr 5 at 2017 12:00 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 12:00:59 -0400

I had a Sgt brand new to my unit scream at me for "not knowing how to use a broom" because he didn't like the manner in which I was sweeping. This wasn't in boot camp either. This was in the Fleet.

I also had a do nothing Cpl who needed to throw her rank around and put the little LCpl in his place. Despite the fact that I was running my own shop as a Junior Marine, they needed an NCO in the shop for appearance sake. So this NCO would consistently remind me that I was beneath her. My favorite incident was when I had a heavy flow of work on my desk, she would walk over to me (and walk by 5 different hole punchers) and then say "LCpl Goolsby, I need you to hole punch this and put it on my desk right now".

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Apr 5 at 2017 12:12 PM

SSgt Ryan Sylvester — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 12:12:51 -0400

The day I had gotten diagnosed with a severe heart condition. Why was this demoralizing? Because after the Air Force had gone back to standard PT tests (no more bike test), I hadn't managed to pass any. I had LOCs and LORs out the yang for PT failure. I had tried my hardest to get into better shape and pass, to improve, and nothing seemed to be working. I'd had chest pains, shortness of breath, fatigue during runs and strenuous physical activity before, but the only thing that had garnered when I brought them up was my commander preparing to bring me up on Malingering charges. Then I came damned near close to falling out during a run (nurses on station thought I was crashing when I was brought in), wound up in the ER, and went through a battery of tests to confirm that I had a heart condition.

After the diagnosis, I'd been profusely apologized to by my flight chief, PTLs, leadership, because they were quite literally pushing me to the brink of death just to pass that damned test. I'd dropped orders before with how bad the paperwork had gotten, now I was looking at a 4K, and I didn't have the heart in me to fight it. I just wanted out at that point.

Any currently serving leadership out there, I'll say this to you now. If you have a troop struggling with PT when there is no reason they should be struggling, and showing active participation to improve, but presenting with symptoms during strenuous activity... get them tested. Don't just let the paperwork build. Get it addressed by Medical. There may be something serious going on.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Apr 5 at 2017 12:20 PM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 12:20:48 -0400

Stationed in Korea I was given MARCH ORDER my HOWITZER as section and we left the CAMMO net about 100 yards from our last position with Paladin M109A6 as SSG my Platoon Sergeant/ SFC made me and my section walk back to the last position recovery the net and roll it up and carry it back to our howitzer and set it up again and let me tell what you saw fire works on the that firing point between a smoke and chief. I never did any dump shit like that again in my life. I don't think he made it too far in his career after that either.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2017 12:40 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 12:40:40 -0400

every time i see a good airman get blackballed, passed up for recognition for a personal favorite, leave the service too soon due to poor mentoring, or when i see someone destroy their career they worked hard for. drives me through the floor to see so much wasted potential. i've loved my 4 years in so far, i just wish everyone could know how awesome it really is without all the bullshit.

side note: junior enlisted are not foolish. foolish junior enlisted are foolish. i've made it this far without signing a single disciplinary action by keeping my mouth shut and doing what my leaders tell me to do.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Apr 5 at 2017 1:22 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 13:22:00 -0400

One of my more demoralizing experiences would inspire motivation in me.

For reasons not worth getting into, one PT test day my head just wasn't in the game and I failed the run by only 4 or 5 seconds. Other than failing an optional diagnostic PT test done while in recovery from a medial issue a few years prior, I had never come close to failing before. I'm no PT Stud, but even with my mind elsewhere I should have done well enough to pass and I didn't. Oh I was so disappointed. That burned me deeply; but I didn't wallow in it for long. I went to my PSG and told him that that wasn't acceptable to me, and I'd be back the next day and do it again when the graders did their test. And that was precisely what I did, only this time, I not only passed the run, but cut more than 2 full minutes off the time I had the day before.

So while I was very demoralized--courtesy of my own damn self--to begin with, I wasn't going to let that failure stand, and used it to push me on.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Apr 5 at 2017 1:36 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 13:36:52 -0400

Well, I've had three commanders relieved for cause, which is never pleasant if you are in the chain of command. The only one that really bothered me is the CO that slammed me on my OER, it was the only time in the Army that I saw the Company NCO's ready to mutiny. I think every NCO over the rank of E5 placed a formal complaint with the CSM. He got pulled shortly after, my Senior Rater bailed me out with nice statements like "performed to the highest standard under extremely adverse conditions" (we were no in combat either).

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 5 at 2017 1:40 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 13:40:28 -0400

They can vary by time in and seniority so for me they are the Gag Orders, especially ones associated with people you know. Second place goes to the fear of speaking out knowing you'll get hammered for it. Unfortunately the second can lead to the first.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2017 1:52 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 13:52:23 -0400

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member I had left Vietnam and was at Okinawa for three or four days before returning stateside. A Marine that left country a couple of days after me, told me that my best friend had been killed the day after I left country. Back in the states, I was at LAX in uniform so that I could fly military standby. I was confronted by people that wanted to give me a hard time. One female asked me how many babies had I killed, and another female told me to repent for my sins. The hardest thing I have ever done, is maintaining control and not attacking these females and some of the males.

Response by 1LT Vance Titus made Apr 5 at 2017 2:20 PM

1LT Vance Titus — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 14:20:57 -0400

The morning an over zealous and totally insensitive journalist stuck a microphone in my face and asked, "How do you feel?" I had just gone through an early morning close quarters ground battle. I had lost 4 men KIA and everyone else in my command was WIA. I looked at the person and simply told them to get that thing out of my face or I would stick it up their .....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2017 2:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 14:25:59 -0400

Being late to work after my "friend" who was driving decided to make a "pit stop" at his girlfriends house while on our way to work. Was smoked for hours and forced to stand out front of the barracks in full battle rattle with a big sign around my neck stating next formation time the next day. Stood out there until 2330 with 10 min breaks every half an hour.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Apr 5 at 2017 3:07 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 15:07:45 -0400

Getting back home on combat leave from good ole Vietnam and finding out nobody really gave a shit about the war,it was a long thirty days,only felt comfortable when I got back to my Brothers in green,imagine wanting to go back to the Army,strange,but true

Response by SSgt Boyd Welch made Apr 5 at 2017 3:47 PM

SSgt Boyd Welch — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 15:47:28 -0400

Having an a**hat shop chief that belittled and punished everyone in his shop because he had been passed over for SMSgt 3 times. Didn't inform me that I was Squadron NCO for a previous month. Let me believe that I wasn't selected and then waiting till 5 minutes before I met with the NCO of the Quarter Board to tell me "Oh by the way.." Needless to say I couldn't appear in Blues and had to appear in fatigues. My Chief asked why I wasn't dressed to appear and I had to tell him which landed the Shop Chief in hot water. So I had to put up with more crap. Just when I was about to reenlist, I got orders to an overseas assignment. Almost did it, until I found out he was going to that assignment as what....? You guessed it...Shop Chief....

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Apr 5 at 2017 4:50 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 16:50:10 -0400

Before answering your question, I'll give you my two cents on the CMSAF position. It's all about the politics. To get there a Chief needs to give up the hard hitting, get the job done right, work hard, play hard attitude and trade it in for a the touchy-feely, never make a mistake that you can't blame on someone else, while protecting your career attitude. The best you can hope for in someone that reaches that lofty height these days is a person who still believes in basic primacy of right over wrong and who has enough guts to speak the truth to his boss.

I was never "demoralized" in my 20 years although I did get ground down by the bureaucracy a time or two. Just after the first Gulf War started, I called 9th Air Force and volunteered to deploy with the first wave. As expected, I was put on a waiting list for the 2nd rotation in country. A month or so later, I received a call in the morning that my father was in the hospital with a ruptured left ventricle and was going to die! He was in a hospital about 6 hours drive away, so I told my boss, who said to just leave and drive safely, "we'll do the paperwork while you are gone" or "straighten it all out when you get back" . Two days later my Dad died and the very next next day I got a call from my boss saying that orders just showed up on my desk for me to deploy to Dhahran the next week. When I called TAC, I was told "Hey...It was my fault, if things were so bad, I should have filled out the proper emergency leave paperwork." Even when presented with a volunteer (from my base and of the same rank and AFSC) who was willing to take my place, the AS* HOLE civilian at TAC HQ refused to change the orders. His exact words to me were "Tough luck! He had to go to Vietnam...So I have to go to Saudi Arabia". In my world there's a special place in hell for people like that! So, I buried my Dad, drove back to base the next day and deployed two days later (leaving my mother to fend for herself). And to top it all off, I was on an "Educational Deferment" from assignments while working on a Bachelor's Degree...which AFPC canceled...the day I deployed and the very same day they hit me with a short notice assignment to South Korea. It wasn't all bad though, Valdosta State College worked with me so I was able to finish my degree and was even able to attend a Graduation Ceremony the week before going to Korea.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Apr 5 at 2017 5:21 PM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 17:21:43 -0400

Not as much demoralizing as disappointing. A junior enlisted reported she was being sexually harassed by a senior chief and a LCDR. After following all protocol to ensure all rules had been followed, I forwarded the complaint to the appropriate authority. I was advised by that authority that I should not have forwarded the complaint. The junior enlisted was transferred and I received the worst performance review of my career. Would I do it again. Yes But this time I would have reported the senior authority for his actions. TSgt Private RallyPoint Member

Response by CPO Bill Penrod made Apr 5 at 2017 6:07 PM

CPO Bill Penrod — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 18:07:54 -0400

Still searching my archives really nothing I didn't over come. The closest thing to disappoint was when I washed out of submarine school but got a really great orders plus made chief less than two years later. My disappointment lasted every minute of ten days...................

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2017 6:19 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 18:19:53 -0400

being promoted into a new unit, with one platoon being mobilized, and the left overs AFU, CO looking for retirement, new full time AGR's, that did things by the book, and nco's and officers that couldn't handle the new changes or what the regs really stated, ended up in EO complaint, and investigation, but I had seen the signs and already retired, I counselled, held meetings and even reached out to bn, nothing changed, had it not been for that experience I would have stayed but that's water under the bridge and I don't look back

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2017 7:25 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 19:25:17 -0400

Training as a Paralegal, I got home and was happy to hang out with friends and family. That time ends and it's time to get back to work at my new unit. I never once did anything involving my job. After 6 months I was starting to wonder if I should request Active Duty or find a way to switch to another MOS because I thought this was it. Setting up Tents. My NCO's tried to give me training and give me advice and were generally good NCO's and I appreciated their effort but it still wasn't what I was trained for.

Finally got out of there and am now doing my job.

Response by SGT Steve Hines-Saich B.S. M.S. Cybersecurity made Apr 5 at 2017 8:39 PM

SGT Steve Hines-Saich B.S. M.S. Cybersecurity — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 20:39:01 -0400

When I came "out"in my unit and the senior leaders began treating me different and were actively working to undermine my career. Each day was like walking on egg shells. After ten years I said I deserve better and decided to leave service.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2017 9:06 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 21:06:39 -0400

Each person's teaching style is different; I'd be hard-pressed to believe your service's SEL got there by mistake. Maybe you could use more reflection in your daily routine.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Apr 6 at 2017 6:04 PM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 18:04:21 -0400

Last year I got in a car accident on the way to work that in any other circumstance would've killed me or left me permanently handicapped. Fell off a bridge and the drop was 100 ft from what I was told. I had to relearn how to do almost anything physical, and my job requires a fair bit of physical activity; unit PT notwithstanding.

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made Apr 6 at 2017 9:24 PM

Capt Dwayne Conyers — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 21:24:32 -0400

My military career was one painful episode after another. But perhaps the worst occurred after a Lt Colonel at Headquarters Air Force in the Pentagon saw the quality of my work as the lead officer in charge of a team that produced briefings disseminated throughout the USAF, two US Army Direct Reporting Units, and the US Navy Caribbean fleet. After several months of written, electronic, and even telephonic discussions between myself and the Lt Colonel, he finally arrived at Kelly AFB. I was busy directing two airmen in the configuration of our new Wang OIS/VS Minicomputer when someone came down to our office and announced his arrival. I dropped what I was doing and double-timed it along the long narrow corridor connecting our work space with the front office.
As I got within a couple yards, someone looked in my direction and said, “There’s Lieutenant Conyers!” The Lt Colonel turned, a beaming smile on his face. He initially looked past me, to see if someone was coming up behind me. His eyes widened and bounced from my face, to my name tag, and back to my face. It was as if an announcer had broadcast commentary into my consciousness, “Oh, dear… the Colonel didn’t realize that I wasn’t white.” He ordered a single-wide trailer to be placed in the parking lot in front of our building, proclaiming that he didn’t want me in the same building. He then sabotaged my Captains boards. My honorable discharge followed. On the brght side, General Downs (MAJCOM Commander) heard about it and restored me to active duty, issuing my Captain bars and giving me a below-the-zone promotion to Major with a pin-on date one year afterwards. That year, however, was the start of Desert Shield... and I could not pin-on as there was no available billet for me. A DD-256 followed.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Apr 6 at 2017 10:21 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 22:21:08 -0400

I saw a native get hit by a vehicle. It launched him like Superman. I was in the passenger side. Dude was in the road on a dark night. The driver tried to miss him. Clipped the dumb wank.
The next hour was insane.
M. Morris RVT

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 7 at 2017 3:01 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 15:01:09 -0400

For me it was the day I realized that no matter how long I stayed in, how much money I spent on it, how many late hours I worked, how many relationships I fed it, no matter how many of my sons or wife's birthdays I missed, no matter all the worked holidays or how many times I deployed, the Army was never going to love me back. It would never return my loyalty. I was never going to be more than an expendable number to the Army. Easily replaceable. That was a heartbreaking revelation after spending the entirety of my adulthood in the military...

Response by SSG Ray Murphy made Apr 7 at 2017 6:26 PM

SSG Ray Murphy — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 18:26:37 -0400

Getting injured on a jump, coming off status; bittersweet with a larger hint of bitter.

Response by TSgt Tommy Amparano made Apr 7 at 2017 6:34 PM

TSgt Tommy Amparano — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 18:34:04 -0400

The day a co-worker was brought into my lab for a urinalysis in an orange jumpsuit, handcuffs, and shackles because some dorm b*tch accused him of rape and later recanted.

Response by Cpl Zach Wellborn made Apr 7 at 2017 8:04 PM

Cpl Zach Wellborn — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 20:04:45 -0400

Got to my MOS school, I was hot shit. 3 miles in 19 mins, I was a damn jack rabbit. One day I got smoked, by a female who did a 15min 3 mile. I don't care that she was female, I care because she was army. That never happened again lol

Response by SSG Lisa Rendina made Apr 7 at 2017 8:06 PM

SSG Lisa Rendina — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 20:06:39 -0400

Our "welcome home" speech by then VP Biden. We were ADVON for HQ XVIII ABN CORPS and both left and returned 3 months before HQ did. We ended up standing in formation with weapons for 3 hours, after rehearsal. Every time he said "you know" because it reminded him of another story you heard a collective 300 person sigh. When we finally were called back to attention for the closing of the ceremony, my foot moved but my arm didn't because I had been standing at parade rest for so long. It's also interesting to note, our weapons were issued without bolts for that ceremony.

Response by SFC Don Ward made Apr 7 at 2017 11:05 PM

SFC Don Ward — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 23:05:32 -0400

1. Being in Somalia, our 1SG traded out his M16 for a M9 with the MP's. He climbed the ladder to the lookout tower on the wall, firing two shots out of the M9 and just missing the guard - nothing happens.

2. I was Platoon Sgt in a unit deployed to Bosnia - had a rear d soldier sent downrange because of a contest between him and CO. They went after this SGT like he was the worst dirt bag ever. I had to stand between this SGT and the 1SG and CO. Really showed what misuse of power meant. SGT ended up pushing article 138 and winning.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2017 1:09 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 01:09:22 -0400

Finding out that if you join the Air Force Band, you automatically get E-6 at age 19.
I'm actually not being snarky, I'm pissed off at that. I worked for ten and a half years for my rank, I'm damn proud of it. Then I see some girl who was on American Idol flap her throat membranes and, "Holy crap, here are your stripes ma'am!" No. Just no.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2017 8:40 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 08:40:20 -0400

Seeing soldiers that just don't care to improve their skills or lack the basic military etiquette that we are taught, and the higher ups that turn a blind eye to it. That's the only "bummer" I run into now and then

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2017 11:43 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 11:43:17 -0400

Isn't he the one responsible for uniform changes every three months?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2017 1:11 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 13:11:45 -0400

My experience with Chief Cody: during force reduction in 2013 people were asking him legitimate questions about the process and the way forward. His answer (in a nut shell): suck it up. Not a fan.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2017 2:13 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 14:13:42 -0400

Day one at Hotel Company, 3rd BN, MCRD Parris Island 1978. Day 77 was graduation and made it all worthwhile. To your saga, the moral of the story is that you learn something from all your leaders. Some teach you how to do things, and others how not to, but you've already figured that out.

Response by SGM Joel Cook made Apr 9 at 2017 1:08 AM

SGM Joel Cook — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 01:08:21 -0400

I was a SSG in charge of a Commo Section in an Aviation Co. Great job, location, experience etc. I got in a new SPC that right away proved to be allergic to any type of physical labor. I wrote her up on counseling statements a couple of times for malingering, failure to complete a job properly to standard, and reporting to work at our office after company formation, 30 minutes late with no valid reason. I told her one more bad counseling statement I would report her to the 1SG for apathy and malingering. So the next morning she files a sexual harassment charge on me with the IG office. It came back unsubstantiated after 30 days, but the regulation said if a female charges sexual harassment against her NCOIC she can never work for that NCO again. So I went to the IG and did a counter complaint of her filing a known false report in order to get out of work. Meanwhile so goes to work for the 1SG as his orderly room clerk. She then proceeds to mess up everything she puts her hands on. I begin to notice all my paperwork to the orderly gets lost every time, multiple times, like leave and pass requests etc. I wind up on every duty roster on virtually every holiday or long weekend. I have use the CDR's open door policy to make a complaint to the Company CDR because the 1SG doesn't believe the evidence I show him of me getting screwed on the duty rosters she types up. It turns out the 1SG was letting her run the DA Form 6 on most of the duty rosters. 1SG gets a GOMOR, that ends his carreer because she was in fact screwing me on duty. She did finally get chaptered out of the Army but it took over a year and she ended a 1SGs career and made my life miserable for over a year. Plus I carried that unsubstantiated sexual harressment record for the rest of my career. It seems they never go away.

Response by SSG Dale London made Apr 9 at 2017 10:10 PM

SSG Dale London — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 22:10:12 -0400

No brainer for me. It was when I was med-boarded, given a permanent profile and told I was non-deployable.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Apr 10 at 2017 1:02 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 13:02:25 -0400

This is one is going to take awhile.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2017 11:36 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 23:36:39 -0400

We were given M14s to stand guard duty around our com center in Siagon. Only problem was that the CO would not issue any ammo. Go figure...

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Apr 12 at 2017 7:38 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 07:38:52 -0400

Not me personally, well indirectly, but when troops work their butts off and receive no recognition for their hard work. Saw the frustration come out in the men's room in a hanger at Pease AFB in the 70s. Posed above a urinal was a brass plaque that read "On the 6th of April 1973 (date not right but rest is) a general officer actually used this latrine. All the work was worth it."

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2017 4:58 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 16:58:16 -0400

While in Germany we got a new flight chief, E-8. About 6 months later people were complaining like hell about this guy. So, I went to his office to talk to him, I was an E-6. Leaders are always complained about, but this was getting ridiculous. He knew nothing about helicopters. He micro managed everything. He decides to have a meeting to talk to everyone. No one, not one person spoke. Made me look like a real idiot.

Response by SFC Don Ward made Apr 12 at 2017 10:20 PM

SFC Don Ward — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 22:20:44 -0400

What is becoming more and more demoralizing - the status of the English language in the forces. Seems like even the CSM and Colonel have to drop the f bomb every other word. Seems like no one can communicate anymore in a civilized manner, everything has to be an r or x rated conversation. In the 1980's, the Army came out with a statement that swearing was the language of the ignorant, what happened??

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 13 at 2017 10:40 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 10:40:11 -0400

For me it was being passed over for Colonel. Despite doing everything I thought the Air Force wanted officers to do to continue on the path to promotion, I wasn't selected. I was "down" for several days, but then resolved to use the year or so between promotion boards (second pass meant rapid retirement) to seek civilian employment. I found a job and dropped my retirement papers, then DESERT SHIELD/STORM happened. I stayed about a year supporting a relatively new command (USTRANSCOM) and working for a general I respected and liked, General Walt Kross. Looking back I realize it was my lack of command experience that did me in. My civilian employment worked out great and retirement improved my family situation a lot. Once again proving God's plans are far better than man's plans.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Apr 14 at 2017 1:32 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 13:32:57 -0400

I had a commander who would conduct monthly Commander Information time on paydays in the classroom. He brought us to attention, then had the XO read the orders and demoted to SPC-4's (1983), he proceeded to un pin their rank, and just embarrass the crap out of them. The Commander was third generation West Point, was brought up the old school way. True story happened in 1983 at the 83rd USAFAD.

Response by SSG Jerrold English made Apr 20 at 2017 3:58 PM

SSG Jerrold English — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 15:58:38 -0400

In 1975 I was in Viet Nom. We loaded douce and a halfs, 5 Tons, Jeeps, etc., with medical equipment. From X-rays machines to bandages. We drove them to a ship that took them our 25 miles or so and dumped them. For 8 months I did this. What a waist!! We should have left everything to them. We would still be making money on parts and they needed the medical equipment.

Response by PFC George Schneider made Apr 21 at 2017 4:35 PM

PFC George Schneider — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 16:35:25 -0400

December, 1944 at the Battle of the Bulge. After one week of land battles without air support, the skys cleared on Dec.23 and the Airforce could now provide support. Our Regiment, the120 of the 30th Div was in the city of Malmedy, Belgium when we were bombed by our own Airforce. We could not convince them that we occupied the city so they returned on Dec 24. This time with B24s and almost destroyed the city. On the third day, Christmas, 1944 we were delivered our Christmas present - bombs again, this time from A20s and B26s. This is the most memorable Christmas I can recall. George F. Schneider, 3rd Bn., 120th Inf., 120th Inf. Reg., 30th Inf. Div.

Response by CW4 Abdulaziz Bulling made Apr 27 at 2017 1:39 PM

CW4 Abdulaziz Bulling — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 13:39:42 -0400

I would have to say that the most demoralizing was when the Army established the W5 rank and began managing the Warrant Officer assignments by grade. When all positions were coded as W4 positions Warrant Officers did not have to be concerned with saying what was politically correct. There are just not enough CW5 positions to accommodate the great quality people available. Warrant Officers were there to be highly skilled technicians that were held to know everything there was to know about the scope of their job plus more, not third lieutenants. That is no small feat since there are so many technically proficient NCOs. The days when LTC, Col, and Generals would say, “I heard what everyone else says, now tell me what is really going on Chief,” are gone. Now it appears that the CW5 rank even looks like a 3rd lieutenant. It is a real shame and a loss for the services.

Response by SPC Anna Larson made May 1 at 2017 10:25 AM

SPC Anna Larson — Mon, 01 May 2017 10:25:19 -0400

I've actually had a couple.
1. Being reprimanded for being overweight even though I passed every single tape test with around 20-25% body fat (less than required at the time). My profile photo was taken during my service. As you can see I'm not a "large" person. My issue was a very large chest. I really didn't have much body fat except my overabundant chest. In the end, it was determined that a reduction was "medically necessary." But I was harassed for not being able to pass the weight portion of the physical without a tape test.
2. My second Captain tried to get me ejected from the military for malingering due to a chronic cough that the Dr's couldn't figure out. I had even had an allergy test where I tested NOT allergic to any of the most common allergens of the area. However, immediately after getting out, the VA did an MRI of my head and found indications of chronic allergic rhinitis. Since the Dr's couldn't figure out what was wrong with me, they sided with my Captain and refused to look for a deeper cause. Turns out I have very uncommon allergies including a life-threatening anaphalytic reaction to any capsasin. All they needed to have done was to suggest allergy medications, and I would have been much better. But my allergies also presented a but uncommon. Post nasal drip creating a cough and sore throat instead of watery eyes and sneezing etc.

Response by SPC Pamela Rosser made May 2 at 2017 3:06 PM

SPC Pamela Rosser — Tue, 02 May 2017 15:06:20 -0400

When I got injured and was treated badly by my SGT, doctors, etc cause they thought I was faking. If only they had done an MRI they would have caught the bone spur that is now growing into my spinal cord and the spinal stenosis that is causing my spine to collapse on itself.

Response by SFC Ronald Moore made May 2 at 2017 6:42 PM

SFC Ronald Moore — Tue, 02 May 2017 18:42:47 -0400

At the completion of OIF4 serving as an IRR soldier involunteerly recalled back to active duty and ended up serving with a SOF guard unit. During our DEMOB the the CSM gave us a speech of how useless we POGES were. We all served with great professionaism and like myself being an Electrical Engineer designed and built networks that far surpassed the standards, After this demoralizing speach I knew his high speeds would of been a world of hurt without our support.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2017 11:31 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 May 2017 11:31:40 -0400

Being medically dropped from Sapper School. I was dropped because they found blood in my urine. I was physically fine and could continue by the doctors said they were not comfortable letting me continue.

Response by SFC William Jones made May 5 at 2017 9:21 PM

SFC William Jones — Fri, 05 May 2017 21:21:53 -0400

During my first week of deployment, I was threatened with an Article 15 for refusing to play volleyball. Fortunately, after the year was over, we all we went our separate ways. It was a very strange deployment.

Response by PO2 Clay Mosby made May 8 at 2017 9:31 PM

PO2 Clay Mosby — Mon, 08 May 2017 21:31:17 -0400

I was a student at Defense Information School at Ft. Benjamin Harrison learning how to be a military journalist. During the photojournalism course, I was assigned to take photos during a speech at the base auditorium. I can't remember who the speaker was, but it was someone notable and relatively famous--a civilian. My instructor gave me a brick of film and told me to shoot it all to make sure I got a great shot. During the speech, I was following my instructor's orders, popping off shot after shot. After shooting 2 rolls of film, I was deep into the third when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I brought down my camera and turned around. The base commander was standing behind me. "I think you've got the shot, shipmate," he said. I sat down. Embarrassed in front of all the brass and an auditorium full of soldiers and sailors. I did get a few good shots though.

Response by CPT William Fahey made May 11 at 2017 5:53 PM

CPT William Fahey — Thu, 11 May 2017 17:53:35 -0400

Vietnam Era Vet - 2 airport incidents. Spit at in one and he missed... I let it go... In the other, only officer with several enlisted warriors. Young, long-haired group started talking about baby killing. The troops were cool and I wasn't... Got in the face of one person and seriously was thinking about how I would cripple him, if not put out his lights. The troops with me saved me from embarrassing my self as an officer and gentleman. I apologized to the troops, told them not to do what I did, and we moved on. They bought me a drink and I got some hugs.....

Response by PO3 Christopher Jonah Nelson made May 11 at 2017 6:21 PM

PO3 Christopher Jonah Nelson — Thu, 11 May 2017 18:21:59 -0400

I was assaulted by a junior NCO who used her rank to attempt to force a situation. I reported the incident up my chain of command and to the EEOC. My chain of command told me that they would make sure I never saw a promotion board again if I didn't retract and apologize. That was the point that I realised that my entire division was rotten to the core. From that point on, I did only the absolute minimum I could for every person in the command and refused all collateral duties that would involve me staying at the division, while jumping on every collateral I could that would require me to be away from the division.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2017 4:51 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 May 2017 16:51:34 -0400

Anytime I interact with Tricare or try to make an appointment.

The providers and staff are great, but when I called yesterday for the 7th time in 3 weeks to get a cortisone injection in my hip (they didn't answer or return my message the other 6 times) and now have to wait another 6 weeks, it's pretty demoralizing.

Response by PO1 Don Rowan made May 13 at 2017 11:12 AM

PO1 Don Rowan — Sat, 13 May 2017 11:12:35 -0400

Zumwault.

Response by SPC Sean Martin made May 14 at 2017 11:14 AM

SPC Sean Martin — Sun, 14 May 2017 11:14:26 -0400

The level of racism I saw in the ARMY was demoralizing.

Response by SPC Patrick McKeon made May 16 at 2017 8:43 AM

SPC Patrick McKeon — Tue, 16 May 2017 08:43:54 -0400

Not being able to stay in. I had a problem in my right knee that the army doctors could not diagnose correctly, I had civilian doctors look at it and it was a fairly simple problem to fix, but the army would not approve me to see an outside doctor for the surgery, so I was medically retired.

Response by SGT Lee Hopkins made May 16 at 2017 12:36 PM

SGT Lee Hopkins — Tue, 16 May 2017 12:36:11 -0400

As an E5 i was working as a squad leader when we, got a new West Point LT. The first words out of his mouth was "I am an officer and i deserves respect"

Response by LTC Charles Spangler made May 18 at 2017 8:14 PM

LTC Charles Spangler — Thu, 18 May 2017 20:14:26 -0400

There's a long story, but the Cliffnotes version is that as a LTC I was given an illegal order by my superior. The "conversation" lasted maybe a minute+. I refused his request multiple times. I'm thinking what the heck? I can't believe this! He got red in the face, clearly really pissed and marched off to his office. I guess he thought he had me "in his pocket" for some reason. Not so. A couple of weeks later he apologized, but that experience has stuck with me for over 22 years. Under no circumstances, violate your integrity. I didn't though in the end it really makes you wonder what some people are made of (regardless of rank).

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2017 1:56 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 May 2017 01:56:35 -0400

Getting close to retirement my supervisor told me he was writing a medal for me. Several months later, a coworker received a medal with all MY accomplishments on it. When I went to the orderly room and started asking questions, it turned out that my supervisor never even started the paperwork for me.
Demoralized? Yeah, just a little. Eighteen years later it till galls me.

Response by SPC James Fauber made May 30 at 2017 1:24 AM

SPC James Fauber — Tue, 30 May 2017 01:24:05 -0400

For me, it was being accused of malingering after a failed suicide attempt.

Response by SCPO William Garnett made May 30 at 2017 9:53 AM

SCPO William Garnett — Tue, 30 May 2017 09:53:37 -0400

When I didn't pick up Master Chief! I retired at 20 years shortly after that!

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made May 30 at 2017 1:45 PM

Maj Kim Patterson — Tue, 30 May 2017 13:45:24 -0400

Coming back to conciousness after being drugged and raped by two pilots in training who kept a grey recipe card box of all the women they had done this to, each card complete with details.

Response by LCDR Michael Gordon made May 30 at 2017 10:11 PM

LCDR Michael Gordon — Tue, 30 May 2017 22:11:48 -0400

I have two to share. The second one is worse. Here's the first: It happened in the USN's Nuclear Power School, on the officer side (yes, I did it twice, once as an MM3, then as an ENS.) You see, I graduated college with an honors degree in mathematics. Mathematics was one of the first subjects taught at NPS. Well, I failed it. My advisor asked me how someone with an honors degree in pure mathematics could fail NPS math. "Well, you stupid ****, this wasn't math. It was memorizing a bunch of formulas," I thought. My attitude began to sour.
The second, and the worst, was in NPS Prototype in Idaho. I managed to fail my final oral exam, and the training LT ... well, I'll just say that *nothing* good came out of his mouth. He called me stupid. He called me incompetent. He was actually yelling. He also, believe it or not, called into question my wisdom in joining the Navy, and then questioned why my parents would have let me make such a foolish decision!
So there you are, dear readers. Not pleasant, by any stretch of the imagination.
There were more, too, but these two top the heap, and I've already gone on too long.
Best,
LCDR G

Response by SSG David Fetty made May 31 at 2017 5:14 AM

SSG David Fetty — Wed, 31 May 2017 05:14:07 -0400

I was pinned E-6 in June of 76, along with two others, although my orders had not come down yet. Cutoff score had been met and published in Army Times, and it was also a nod to Gen Dyke who had been instrumental in my promotion, but was now Deputy Cdr, 8th ID for him to pin our new rank on. "Just go with it, your orders will be here soon" from the Bn Cdr. July, Aug, Sep passed, still no orders, and the Bn Cdr and Co Cdr had both changed commands. I'm wearing 6 stripes on verbal orders from officers who were no longer there.

Oct comes around, and the 1SG told me to Report to the CO. That was unusual in itself, normally it was something like Sgt Fetty, the CO wants to see you, so I knew something was up. Marched in, snapped a salute and reported. The CO left me at attention and I was starting to really get nervous. I couldn't think of anything I had messed up.... The CO started "Sgt Fetty, it's come to my attention you're wearing E-6 stripes with no orders, and I will not accept that in my command. Remove them". My heart sunk, all I could think of was how humiliating it was going to be to be "demoted", what would be said, would I lose the respect I'd built up? As I was taking the pins off my collar, anger built, and I decided that was it, I quit, and tossed the stripes onto the CO's desk. Lowest point in my life at that time.

Then from behind me, I heard the 1SG........ "Attn to orders, the following personnel are promoted etc....." It was a well planned ambush prank to get even with me for doing so many unorthodox things that had to be explained. My emotions sure changed, but I don't think they ever knew how low I was at that moment.

Response by SSG Dr. John Bell, PhD. made Jun 2 at 2017 10:31 PM

SSG Dr. John Bell, PhD. — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 22:31:13 -0400

My worst time was getting sent to MCAS Beaufort SC. I got their and found the squadron I was filled with Marines that for the most part had avoided any assignment to Vietnam or other overseas bases. Some of the Marines had been there 12 years or more. I was on base less than 6 months and got orders for recruiting school. OK; than those were changed to DI school. OK. Not six weeks later I got a phone call from Group Commander to report to his office. He said SSgt Bell; you are going to go back to Vietnam. Your MOS is short and urgently needed. I said to my self, what? I was at the time a Aviation Supply Sgt. We were over strength when I left 1st Maw in Danang. I asked the SgtMaj what about the Marines in my shop that had never been overseas, his comment was they have family in high places. Reorted to California for flight. Got to Okinawa and was diverted to Iwakuni Japan. Left the Marine corps a year later after spending 7 1/2 years over seas total.

Response by SPC Kristina Robinson made Jun 3 at 2017 4:14 AM

SPC Kristina Robinson — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 04:14:15 -0400

While stationed in Korea, I had an incident with a SGT, I was still a pvt 2, anyway this SGT came to my room "looking"for my roommate after a night on the ville, I told him she hadn't returned and he proceeded to get physical with me in a sexual way, it scared the crap out of me.I was able to ward him off, now months later, I had gone home pn mid tour, married and ended up pregnant. So im having tp do preggo PT, and guess, who they made the NCO of special PT, you guessed it, Mr. Creeper himself, I was told I had to report to him, I had told my 1SG the situation and hpw I didn't feel comfortable having to deal with him. Her words to me where, think about he feels every time he has to see your name. I was flabbergasted, he would have assaulted me if I hadn't got away, but I have to feel sorry for him because he has to be in charge of me?? I miss being in the service so much, but this instance was a time I'll never forget, or miss.

Response by SGT Anna Kleinschmidt made Jun 4 at 2017 2:43 PM

SGT Anna Kleinschmidt — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 14:43:20 -0400

Being treated like I was fat because I had to be taped, it was always humiliating. I had curves, I am tall and I had a very feminine athletic build, I looked overweight in my uniform because I had to wear a larger size too to cover my chest but I was always at a low body fat, actually an unhealthy low because I was trying to get below that level to be taped I exercise more. I would run 6 miles a day and spend my evenings in the gym. but at almost 6ft tall I could never get under what the weight chart said I should be.

Also they couldn't provide a bullet proof vest that fit over my Double D's they make me wear the one they issued me in Saudi but the damned thing would ride up constantly and cover my face! I would get constant jokes about the size of my breasts to the point I altered my body to help with both the weight issue and the fit issue, then right after that happened I was injured and I am now 100% disabled with a body that is not my own.

Response by SFC Bill Snyder made Jun 5 at 2017 11:08 AM

SFC Bill Snyder — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 11:08:56 -0400

Ft Jackson, SC 1978-79. Being told by the School SGM that a far as he was concerned, SFC E-7s are NOT Senior NCO's and as such, along with the rest of the instructor's (E-5 thru E-7) WILL do the Classroom clean-ups daily and participate in Monthly GI Parties at the School Building; because, the Trainees have had a long week/month and need some time off. Now, I am not opposed to a general daily after class clean-up, but full-blown GI parties every Friday Night and Monthly Full-Blown GI parties? Nah, time to retire and get the hell out. And I did.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Jun 6 at 2017 5:22 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 17:22:27 -0400

Sp4 Easy one. Returning from Vietnam in 1966. Was a patient at Letterman and got a 6 hour pass and went down the street to Fisherman's Wraf. The Hospital,s standing order was if you went out on pass as a patient you had to wear your uniform, dumb policy in 1967. Anyway near Grotto #9 while walking down on the Bay side the sidewalk, from behind I got jumped by a couple of young guys (college student age) hit with a couple of sucker punches and my head bandage was torn off and the brass was ripped off my uniform and has a couple of sodas dumped on me by a couple of young "ladies" who were with the guy. A final act the four stomped on my garrison capAfter the soda the four disappeared. I was sitting on the side walk for a couple of minutes trying to get my head together and to reapply the head bandage that came off when a police officer slowed down and drove by. He slowed looked at me for a moment and said OK, I waved him off and off he went. I walked back to Letterman, it was only about a mile away. Nobody stopped to off any assistance or a ride. The Gate Guard was the only voice I heard and he asked me if I wanted him to call a ride to the ward another half mile or so. I had come this far on my own, I wasn't about now that I was on base look like I either wanted or needed any help. That my fellow soldiers was the way it was in 1967. Really over the 50 years ago nothing has really changed. Young people now say thank you for your service, which is appreciated more then they could possibly know. Now of course our draft dogging (x5) President wants to take away our Disability benefits and use the money to feed a tax cut for the wealthy who got him in office. It is a sad and sick country where combat wounded veterans have to fight for the benefits they was told was fixed in cement when they went to war, "the country never forgets", Bull Shit.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jun 7 at 2017 10:09 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 22:09:33 -0400

There are a lot of thinks that can get to you over a span of years. I was told by a board,member that I did't make E 8 but wouldn't be happy at who did. He was right but what you going to do? I had the records, schools, had ran the branch and passed the I G with flying colors. I also have been selected to replace the PACAF NCO, as he was transferring. Letterss etc. you know all the good stuff. Glad I didn't expect it, just wanted it. But I retired with a lot of TIG and had plenty of years to get over it.
.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2017 1:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 13:33:27 -0400

The day I found out that a good CO suffered consequences of someone else's actions and paid the ultimate price!
I know as leaders we have to take the actions of those we manage, but the particular actions he took were not meant for him to bear!
I know I'm not responsible for what happened after leaving an investigation and turning in my reports. But sometimes you feel responsible when the outcome was not what you reported.
I'll leave his name in my prayers and the other NCO who manipulated the end results in my bucket list. Good soldiers should never have to suffer because of corrupt glory hounds that can't work for there honor! Instead they steal it!

My demoralizing of that mission was and is mine to live with. I lost a lot of Morale that day, and quickly changed my career path in the service. And then shortly ending my service all together.

R.I.P. Major!

Response by Sgt Edward Allen made Jun 10 at 2017 4:34 PM

Sgt Edward Allen — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 16:34:42 -0400

For me, the lowest time of my service was Oct of 88. At that time, I was serving in an E7/E8 billet as a Sgt and I was having to report to one of the few officers that I can say, I had no respect for. I know, he earned the title of Marine. But, he should never have been an officer.
At about that time, I was also passed over for Staff Sergeant for the 2nd time. Of 36 in the zone, 34 were selected. The 35th was also passed, but that was due to his being UA for the past 6 years.
It was one of the few times that I ever lost control of myself. Technically, I should have been reduced in rank after a couple of incidents relating to said officer. However, other officers spoke with me and had sympathy for me.
The one thing that kept me going was that I had some to the best troops any NCO could possibly have reporting to him.
To this day, I truly regret having gotten out of "the suck". For just shy of 9 years, it was my life. And a better life is still hard to imagine.

Semper Fi!

Response by 1SG Ernest Stull made Jun 10 at 2017 8:31 PM

1SG Ernest Stull — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 20:31:23 -0400

The day I retired. The ARMY was my hobby and I loved every minute of it. Took the Good with the BAD.

Response by CPT Matthew Young made Jun 10 at 2017 10:35 PM

CPT Matthew Young — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 22:35:10 -0400

I did not receive a retirement award when I was released from my drilling unit to transfer to the Retired Reserve. I realized that years of thinking that I was being pessimistic to think that the Army hated me but now I feel vindicated; and that breaks my heart for the brave men and women who have come after me.

Response by CDR Kenneth Kaiser made Jun 11 at 2017 4:48 PM

CDR Kenneth Kaiser — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 16:48:55 -0400

Capture of the Pueblo and the lack of response. I was serving in Viet Nam at the time and it was reassuring to know if we got captured they would be Jhonny on the Spot.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 12 at 2017 12:58 AM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 00:58:16 -0400

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member Being accused of a BS charge (false), being flagged by the DAIG, and being in virtual limbo for over 36 months... Luckily, the DODIG overturned everything, and balance was restored to my universe... In the end all I lost was time...

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2017 3:17 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 03:17:31 -0400

You have to understand that when in certain positions, it is your duty to project an image. I have had many former "Sr Ldrs", family, family friends, and now civilian co-workers, that have told me they have never slept better than on the night they retired. Until that point, you are the poster child. You are not the person that you were born. If you have that goal of becoming that, you have to make peace with that fact. You will have to do, say, support and enforce things that you know are BS, will fail and you know in your heart to be wrong. Unfortunately, there are many things we do that are wrong, in order to project the image necessary to create public favor, please the politicians, and build faith even when that faith has no real foundation. Figure out where you stand, and what it takes for you to lay down and sleep at night. That may not be conducive to your stated career goals. If you feel it necessary to chase that crazy rabbit down its hole, make sure that you have the fortitude to either climb out of the hole on your own, be comfortable living in that hole, or are well equipped to deal with the demon in that hole that's protecting that rabbit. Our core values demand integrity. Not all people share the same values. Any time you have the human element involved in anything, failure is always a possibility. Be sure you understand that integrity is something that you either have or you don't. It can't be forced into you. Unfortunately, because it is not something that everyone has, and because it may get in the way of a desired outcome, having integrity can sometimes cost you just as much as the lacking thereof. Integrity has kept me from higher leadership positions, getting a deserved EPR rating, and barred from committees supposedly comprised of subject matter experts. But you know what, I sleep well at night. My "customers" know that it is my greatest desire to get them back home to their families in the best shape possible, and blindly trusting in the system will not facilitate that. That's one of the reasons that it is called serving...you may very well bring and leave more on the table than you walk away with. Just ask yourself if your soul is what you're willing to leave behind. Know as well, there are a lot of bad things that go on because not everyone appreciates reality. Folks aren't alway hired, promoted, elected, lauded, or appreciated because of reality. In a simpler world, that would be the case, unfortunately there are outcomes, initiatives and engineering that is designed and desired by those much higher than we can innocently comprehend.

Response by MAJ Timothy Hyink made Jun 14 at 2017 10:28 AM

MAJ Timothy Hyink — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 10:28:36 -0400

Commander broke protocol impress her status with the division staff.

Response by PO2 David M Fossum made Jun 15 at 2017 1:09 PM

PO2 David M Fossum — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 13:09:08 -0400

After a year in Vietnam, was sent to Little Creek Amphibious Base, Norfolk Dispensary. It was run by a tryant of E9 who was strictly by the book on every single matter. Every mistake by anyone, anytime, no matter how trivial was punished in some way. It was worse than boot camp. Anyone not a lifer was harrassed even worse. Was a daily line outside his office to bitch out any infraction from improper shoe shines to haircuts, etc. He especially hated anyone not wanting to be a lifer. after Nam, I didn't need this crap. He was a POW in the South Pacific, and his brain was twisted. But he was untouchable, had connections in Bupers, and even the officers were scared of him. Until him, I loved the Navy. A year of this turd and all I wanted was out. Had to fake I was re-upping to get him off my ass. He is the reason I ended my Navy career. One never knows what asshole one will encounter at any duty station. Was never again chancing going thru that crap.

Response by MSgt Robert Jensen made Jun 15 at 2017 4:31 PM

MSgt Robert Jensen — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 16:31:13 -0400

Listening to a maintenance chief brief the troops just before ORI saying look guys I know you have your own way of doing things but all we ask is for the next couple weeks do everything by the T.O.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Jun 17 at 2017 4:40 PM

1SG James Kelly — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 16:40:29 -0400

Retiring

Response by CPT Jess Williams made Jun 18 at 2017 2:08 AM

CPT Jess Williams — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 02:08:28 -0400

I had many amazing Soldiers and NCOs in my platoon. Some of them have gone on to be amazing and others have completely...the bed. But I had this one Soldier who had a world of potential. She was smart, charasmatic, a little immature but I would have put her in-line with her age group. We deployed and she got into some trouble for a ND but seemed to recover great. Got her rank back after some time, we increased her responsibility. When we got home, the usual transfers happened and I ended up XO of another company. Before the next year was up, she'd fallen into drugs or something and ended up getting the boot. I don't know if that demoralized me exactly. But I was so damn crushed to see her go down that path.

Response by PO1 John Watson made Jun 18 at 2017 2:22 PM

PO1 John Watson — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 14:22:27 -0400

I was given a position as an E6 to be a safety observer for ordnance handling and loading A/C aboard ship within a Carrier Air Group. After the tragic episodes aboard the Oriskany , Forrestal , and Enterprise there was a air of paranoia about flight deck operations. I worked directly for the Air Wing Commander and gave him all my observations. I just walked around during flight operations and observed loading and handling. All the crews after finding out who I was and what I was doing , even some life long friends resented my presence. I was shunned and more than once a senior E7 told me to go away. I tried to stay low key everything I observed only went to the Air Wing Commander I never approached any one in their job but I became a black sheep. After the cruise I told the Air Wing Commander to please transfer me out of there so he got me a set of orders to a squadron. I was replaced with an E8 CPO who was better suited for the position.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Jun 18 at 2017 5:20 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 17:20:28 -0400

27-month Medical Board. Two Commanders (O5 and O6) misrepresented information on the Commanders Performance Statement during my Medical Evaluation Board. The Ombudsman, who was a former CID investigator, realized there was collusion between the commanders and one of the mental health doctors but could not prove it. Yes, zero defect army for these gentlemen.

The MEB doctor had to kick back the statement to the commanders because the document could not properly bridge exceptional performance from the past to the statements they made.

Long story short, I ended up with 4 versions of the Commanders Performance Statement. The medical board lasted 27-months. Somewhere in the process, I was able to transfer out of the unit, which the two commanders were blocking. They ensured on the OER that I would never get promoted if I make it out of the medical board. Thanks to an IG complaint and a congressional complained I was able to transfer.

I managed to get a position as S3 then XO for the WTB. The med board was administratively closed. I went on to serve 5 more years and retire on my terms.

As terrible as the experience was, I learned a lot about self-control, and endurance wile navigating and fighting the system.

Maybe I write a book about this one day.

Response by SPC Joe Reese made Jun 19 at 2017 6:21 PM

SPC Joe Reese — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 18:21:02 -0400

I started feeling extremely fatigued in the mornings, like i'd spent all night out running. The 1st. Sergeant accused me of everything from being lazy to being an alcoholic but never really believed I had a problem, I eventually ended up seeking medical help and was diagnosed with sleep apnea, this was back in the 80's, and it wasn't a very well known condition then, and the doctor that diagnosed me didn't have a lot of experience with it and was kind of at a loss about the whole thing. The 1st. Sergeant thought the whole thing was an excuse, and told me as much, he harassed the Dr. until he just stopped even seeing me, an barred me from reenlisting. I really lost faith in the Army after that, the last year or so of my enlistment was a living hell..

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Jun 19 at 2017 10:29 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 22:29:19 -0400

Nixon freezing promotions & pay increases...

Response by PO3 David Mondello made Jun 20 at 2017 1:23 PM

PO3 David Mondello — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 13:23:52 -0400

Being PNA'd for PO2. My own fault though.

Response by SFC Tony Bennett made Jun 20 at 2017 11:03 PM

SFC Tony Bennett — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 23:03:38 -0400

Mine is when I had a flag officer look at a situation that I was dealing with and ATTEMPT to wash his hands of it by screwing me over rather than deal with it in a professional and fair manner. However my faith was restored when I went over his head and had a 2 star and his CSM make it right. ( A SGM got fired over it...YES!)
I think it's IMPERATIVE that officers take a stand for what's right. But as many of you already know, we have a crop of flag officers that are a DAMN DISGRACE to the uniform and the soldiers and military personnel in general.

Response by MSgt Brian Potvin made Jun 21 at 2017 3:43 AM

MSgt Brian Potvin — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 03:43:03 -0400

When I was a first sergeant, my command chief chewed me out in front of all the Squadron and Group commanders on the base. And it was for something my Group Commander had approved me to do. The only Group commander who was not there, unfortunately, was MY Group commander, so he wasn't there to back me up.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Jun 21 at 2017 4:15 PM

SFC Dennis A. — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 16:15:49 -0400

It was in September of 1989, I was an Engineer at Fort Gordon GA. We deployed to South Carolina to help with the clean up efforts after Hurricane Hugo had gone through. We got there and immediately went to work clearing road, pulling and cutting tree off of houses so people could either get out of there homes or back into them, clearing access to power lines so the crews could get to them. On the third day we were there we were told to stand down because the civilian contractor complained to the Governor that they weren't make enough money because the Army was helping people for nothing. After a couple of days of sitting around we were allow to help the power companies clear power-lines access but couldn't help any individual families. To be blunt it sucked and was embarrassing.

Response by SSG Howard Dennard made Jun 22 at 2017 1:08 AM

SSG Howard Dennard — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 01:08:34 -0400

When (during Vietnam) we received orders not to return sniper fire as it was not concerned hostile. At the same time was told if any post was being overrun we were not to go to their aid.
And back stateside when returning from a combat tour, you were expected to return to a peacetime unit with no adjustment problems.

Response by SFC Harry (Billy) Tison made Jun 22 at 2017 3:52 PM

SFC Harry (Billy) Tison — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 15:52:05 -0400

Mine was, when I was deployed to Iraq, and they gave be a new WO1, who was still wet behind the ears, and had no idea how to treat his subordinates. I tried to tell him to let me handle the troops, but he wouldn't listen. When I took it up to my 1SG and CSM, they told me to let him lead the troops. To give you an example, we worked in a maintenance shop and he told me to make a 24hr schedule with each group working 8 hrs, which I did. We hadn't been through the first 24 hrs and he started raising hell about how I had set it up. My platoon was happy with it, but because the WO1 didn't have his hands in it, it wasn't good enough

Response by CAPT Hiram Patterson made Jun 23 at 2017 1:00 PM

CAPT Hiram Patterson — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 13:00:14 -0400

Not necessarily demoralizing as I knew it could happen, but getting passed over twice for selection to Lieutenant Commander on my Navy active duty service and having to return to civilian life. Funny how things can turn out for the best, as I was selected and promoted to that rank ten months later on the Navy Reserve side. Then I retired as a Captain 19 years later!

Response by PO1 Casey Tuohy made Jun 25 at 2017 2:01 PM

PO1 Casey Tuohy — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 14:01:59 -0400

A career in the military is like a roller coaster ride: you have a lot of ups and a lot of downs. If it was all downs, I would not have done the full 20, and there were plenty of times I thought it was time to blow the popsicle stand. However, the good outweighed the bad, but here's a little of the bad:

My last ship I served on was a forward deployed amphib, and it was up for INSURV. The word was that no ship of our class had passed INSURV for the better part of 20 years, or something crazy like that, so the heat was on us. Before INSURV, we were drydocked for a few months getting engineering up to snuff, but the day we came out of drydock to do engineering runs, the ship died and was DIW. After being towed back, a whole investigation was opened, and the ADM was breathing down the chain's neck for answers and to fix our sh!t.

Our CHENG was relieved, and the ADM put his junkyard dog in his place to get things done. The CO and XO were under threat to fix things in a month or be relieved. The crew was put on notice that new working hours were from 0400-2000 (which was really 2200). This went on for a year, and the only days off we got were Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Oh, and after that month, the ADM had an all hands call sans CO or XO because they were both told to leave the ship, no bonging off or anything, because they were no longer in command. At the all hands, the first thing the ADM did was look at the Chiefs and say that they had been non-existent. The crew already knew this, so there was a sudden murmer among ranks that someone with some pull finally said something the rest of us couldn't. In their defense, we were forward-deployed, and resources are often scarce for getting things fixed like stateside ships, so years had gone by with the crew having to pull a MacGuyver and fix things with bubblegum and prayers--something that a lot of us had adopted once reporting for duty. But the leadership was still lacking, which was a core problem.

In the end, we passed INSURV, some careers were ruined, while others were made. It was a year of hell, but it was also one helluva test that, once through, showed us what we were capable of. And I would've lost my mind had it not been for my guys who all put in their best. It's because of them and our teamwork that I like to think we left the place better than we got it. No bubblegum, for sure!

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Jun 25 at 2017 11:42 PM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 23:42:15 -0400

If anything it would have to be the Vietnam Era. Going through some airports etc, the dislike for anyone military was almost palpable at times. It was not so bad once I got where I was going, as the Coast Guard was generally a part of the community and people knew and appreciated what we did. The only other thing that comes to mind was a couple of years in the late 70's under the Carter Admin I think where budgets did not get approved and we did not get paid. At least we were in CG housing, but still we had to pay bills, buy gas, etc. As an E-5 with a young family it was definitely a WTF moment.

Response by SPC Melanie Vancegonzalez made Jun 26 at 2017 1:18 AM

SPC Melanie Vancegonzalez — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 01:18:54 -0400

In Basic I was told by a cadre that she was hard on me because of the way I looked. She said I would have a harder time in service because I was pretty. She wanted to get me ready for the hard times to come. Then in AIT another cadre told me and another female when we first arrived that he was going to keep his eye on us. He said fraternizing was not tolerated in the Army and it was up to us females to stay out of trouble. He stated he wasn't worried about the men because guys are guys and they are going to flirt with women. If it goes further than that, than it would be our fault and therefore we would be the ones punished. Those experiences pretty much set the tone of my entire time in service. Very demoralizing experience.

Response by SFC Jim H. made Jun 27 at 2017 2:01 PM

SFC Jim H. — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 14:01:37 -0400

Mine was very early on in my career. I left AIT at Ft Rucker and headed to W. Germany. At the replacement center I was picked out for barracks clean up duty. Once would have been fine, but I got it 4 days in a row. All I could think of was 'why me'? No one else got stuck there for 4 days. And then to top it off I got KP on the 5th day. On the 6th day I finally got my orders for the flight detachment at the 14th Armored Cav Rgmt in Fulda. That was the absolute worst time in my whole career feeling like I'd be barracks clean up & KP for the rest of my enlistment.

Response by 1SG Thomas Griffiths made Jun 28 at 2017 8:54 AM

1SG Thomas Griffiths — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 08:54:36 -0400

Being accused of sexual harassment that never happened

Response by TSgt Robert Mahaffy made Jun 28 at 2017 4:44 PM

TSgt Robert Mahaffy — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 16:44:50 -0400

Doing 20 years in a job that I couldn't stand, (a retarded monkey with two broken arms could do it), and having 13 cross training applications denied because the manning levels wouldn't allow me to be released from that pointless career field.

Response by SFC Richard Bennett made Jun 28 at 2017 10:01 PM

SFC Richard Bennett — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 22:01:52 -0400

I went to a buddy's home, his parents told me he had been killed.

Response by AN Mark Levengard made Jun 30 at 2017 8:00 AM

AN Mark Levengard — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 08:00:45 -0400

I don't know about most of you, but while I was in, I had a supervisor, a PO1, who for some reason just didn't like me and when I received my evals, noticed that they were substandard. I asked about why and got no real answer. After I left that shop and went to another, I saw the evals given me by my immediate supervisor and they were fairly high, 3.6-3.8. When I received my final evals for that cycle, they were far lower, 2.6-2.8. Again I asked why and got no real answer. I knew that I had no recourse due to the fact that this PO1 was a TAR and she was involved with numerous others higher up in our chain of command. This destroyed my morale and made it so I just stopped trying to succeed.

Response by PO1 Ed Carroll made Jun 30 at 2017 8:26 AM

PO1 Ed Carroll — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 08:26:51 -0400

For the first 12 years of my Navy career we always referred to anti-submarine helos (to defend against enemy torpedoes); anti-surface missiles; and anti-air misiles (to shoot down incoming misiles).
When I was assigned to a DDG and heard the term, "strike warfare" I began to question everything. I still called it anti-land capabilities.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Jun 30 at 2017 10:20 AM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 10:20:46 -0400

One particularly assinine Marine Major...

Response by PFC Sandra Wade made Jul 1 at 2017 12:02 AM

PFC Sandra Wade — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 00:02:33 -0400

Sexual assault my Commanding officer

Response by Cpl James Willms made Jul 3 at 2017 3:29 AM

Cpl James Willms — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 03:29:22 -0400

My first duty station was overseas where I developed a pilonidal cyst at the base of my tailbone (spine) that required surgery. I was placed on no-duty pre-op & post-op and light duty for an even longer period post-op; at which point, I was required to pack gauze where the cyst was removed, at the base of my spine (a few times a day), until the wound could fully heal. Unfortunately, my platoon cmdr was a "mustang" (prior enlisted) with little regard for the welfare/condition of his Marines. Just as things were going well (about a month), the Lt. ignored the medical orders issued to me by the naval surgeon (a Commander or Captain) and gave me a direct order to participate in platoon PT, placing me in a compromising situation. About 4 or 5 miles into the run, blood vessels and nerve endings ruptured; in truth, it looked like my ass was bleeding because the entire backside of my pt shorts were covered in blood. When I was rushed to the ER, the naval medical staff thought I had been shot because of the amount of blood that was lost. They applied pressure to the wound, didn't work; they applied silver-nitrate to the wound, didn't work; finally, they cauterized the blood vessels and nerves, which I could feel through my entire body. As I'm about to pass out from the pain (pain killers would only thin my blood = more bleeding), I could smell my own flesh burning. Meanwhile, this shit-bag Lt is in the same damn operating room taunting me while cracking jokes about my "ass" bleeding. Eventually, the OR staff had enough of his bullshit and ordered him to leave. I could've had this horrible excuse for a human-being/officer/marine (little "m" marine) fried, but I was just relieved to heal during the 2nd round so that I could get to my next duty station on time. It was the most demoralizing experience that I had in the military because I was exposed to the harsh reality of Blue Falcons, commissioned or otherwise.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2017 10:09 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:09:21 -0400

The most demoralizing experience I had in the military? Actually, there were two experiences which affected me.

The first one was when I was on duty as a Missile Flight Security Officer and I got a call to respond to one of our ICBM missile sites to investigate a shooting. One of our Air Force cops used his M-16 to kill himself and he left a suicide note.

The second experience was when I got a call early in the morning and had to go to the Denver morgue to identify an Air Force cop who worked for me. He had taken a part-time job as a valet to earn extra money to buy Christmas presents. He was shot five times while kneeling in a parking lot in Denver. And another valet was shot and killed about two miles away. My wife and I became friends with his mother and kept in contact. Aside from the tragedy it was demoralizing to several of us because we knew who did both shootings - a person who had been transferred to Denver under the federal witness protection program. He was never arrested for either shooting but was eventually sentenced to life in prison for being an habitual criminal.

Both experiences have stuck with me 35 years later.

Response by COL John Hudson made Jul 3 at 2017 11:22 AM

COL John Hudson — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 11:22:29 -0400

Uncle Sugar told me I owed him six years, so that's what I did. At decision point, I was a young Captain, combat Vet (RVN) and assigned to Ft. Polk, LA during the biggest buildup of the Vietnam War. Tasked to provide a briefing to a just-minted, brand new Brigadier General (with a known abrasive style admired by no one), my 0-6 brought him into our area. True to form as the south end of a north bound horse, he chose not to comment on how sharp I appeared, how much combat and military accomplishment appeared on my chest, or what an excellent job my staff and I were doing (documented!). Instead, as I prepared to brief, in front of all 24 of our civilian and military staff, he loudly and cruelly chastised me with accusation of slovenly appearance which only made him appear more foolish than we all knew he was (all assembled there could see his comments were false and uncalled for). His hateful oratory accomplished nothing more than driving a wedge between me and any further desire to work with a mental midget like him. He went next door to be briefed by our newest 2nd Lieutenant and actually reduced that young man to tears in front of his staff. Disgusting! My Colonel actually apologized to all of us afterward, but I was done. I informed him I was not going to renew my commitment. He tried everything he could to talk me out of it but my days of being fodder for hubris-driven arrogant egomaniacs was over. It required ten years and a change of management from the President on down before I agreed to come back into the fold. I swore to NEVER treat another human being in the manner I was treated and have stood good on that promise to the end of my 30-year career.

Response by SSG Steven Mangus made Jul 3 at 2017 11:31 AM

SSG Steven Mangus — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 11:31:04 -0400

While stationed at Bragg we had a CSM who was really into crossfit. Well for those of us who did well, 290 +, on our APFT it never was good enough for him. Long story short..if NCOs did not participate in his voluntary crossfit program we were treated as second class citizens..

Response by SFC Hal Jeauxdevine, BSM w/"V", MSM, PH, Arcom w/“V” made Jul 3 at 2017 12:20 PM

SFC Hal Jeauxdevine, BSM w/"V", MSM, PH, Arcom w/“V” — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 12:20:50 -0400

Having my ass kicked by a 5' 1", 115lb female in a Martial Arts competition in less than 45 sec. In front of my entire Company. This was supposed to be for fun only.

Response by PO3 John Faria made Jul 3 at 2017 1:50 PM

PO3 John Faria — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 13:50:21 -0400

One late afternoon we had finished changing the Aircraft Squadron call letters. As a treat I bought my crew a beer, an Officer came by and told us to dispose of them, the majority did, but one chugged his. For that we all were written up, article 22. Taken to Captain's mast and we were given one month restriction and cancelled Liberty. that was outside work hours, no one was intoxicated, but there it is.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2017 3:00 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 15:00:30 -0400

I felt demoralize for being relieved for cause ask the S1 of my armor battalion while on training at Yakima training area in June, 2002. I was in the combat trains Command Post pretty much all by myself. I did not have a vehicle and the S4 who worked alongside me was gone most of the time. My S1 ncoic was on the main post. I had no cell phone reception. I did not make the daily staff meetings and the executive officer of the Battalion knew it and told me to stay put. After missing two staff meetings, the Battalion Commander ordered me in and be picked up and he relieved me. He mentioned some stupid example from Sun Tzu Art of War about cutting the head off of one of the subordinates to get the other subordinates to be more loyal and follow his orders. I did a good rebuttal on my relief for cause close out officer guy waste report and it did not prevent me from making captain. A year later, I was activated for operation Noble Eagle 3 and I was sent to dugway Proving Ground as a platoon leader as part of a quick reaction force. Even though I had already been captain promotable I put in a promotion delay letter which was good for 3 years. After serving at dugway Proving Ground for a year and completing most of my Captain's career course, I volunteered to join the Idaho Army National Guard and they allowed me to complete the Final Phase of my Captain's career course before deploying to Iraq in 2004 and 2005. I worked in the Brigade tactical operations center as a liaison officer and I had decent officer evaluation reports. Later, I transferred to the irr to become available to join civil Affairs and I took my promotion to Captain. Sometimes you have to survive bad leadership and become a better officer and it was a humbling experience being made a Sacrifice by a very egotistical Battalion Commander in the California guard. A decade later, I I'm now a major that has completed the command and general staff officer Common Core course. I am very grateful to make it to Major. Hopefully, I make it to Lieutenant Colonel next year. The humiliating experience of being relief for cause as the S1 and not being backed up by the executive officer was a low point in my career. My dad was also dying of cancer at the time and he told me that I would probably be better as a staff officer. This is nothing compared to the others here who had medical issues or were rifd out due to the change over to the regular army as we were getting out of Vietnam. Most of you here have trauma and real pain that is many times more than mine. I'm grateful for your service and your sacrifice and some of you have lost people you knew in combat. They was really sad to go to about 5 different ramp ceremonies in Iraq. I did not go to any ramp ceremonies in Afghanistan though my first sergeant was killed by a suicide born vehicle IED where he was toasted and it was a closed casket ceremony. Blue Rowe was my first sergeant lost in May of 2009.
http://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/blue-c-rowe/

Blue C. Rowe

The Times collects the stories of California servicemembers who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Response by MSgt Jason McClish made Jul 3 at 2017 3:33 PM

MSgt Jason McClish — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 15:33:36 -0400

Long story short, being punished under Article 15 and demoted for a crime I didn't commit. I chose to go with Article 15 proceedings as I couldn't in good conscience risk going to Court Martial and being convicted with a felony and potentially face prison time and being away from a spouse and 2 very young children.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2017 10:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 22:29:27 -0400

I had to apologize to someone when they were in the wrong. If I could rewind time, I wouldn't do it

Response by SGT Todd Swartzman made Jul 4 at 2017 9:03 AM

SGT Todd Swartzman — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 09:03:34 -0400

Probably a dog and pony show we had. Whole airborne battalion on the parade ground for some General,change of,command or some such thing. Those legs just love to have paratroopers on display. So, hot day, starched bdu's, rifles with bayonet mounted. Troops standing at parade rest for an hour when troops started falling out - one guy onto the bayonet of the guy (also zoning) behind him. I had the misfortune af watching this unfold from a couple of ranks away. Fortunately is just pierced his triceps/bicep and put him out of,commission for 4 months. He could have easily died - just because the colonel wanted everyone in place early to,earn the cheese. Self serving assholes really degrade morale.

Response by SFC James Tihanyi made Jul 7 at 2017 4:13 PM

SFC James Tihanyi — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 16:13:08 -0400

In 1970 I was Med. evacuated, from S. Vietnam, I was on my Second Tour, at Phu Bai, with the 101st, volunteered for it, suffered an ACL tear in my L. Knee, was moved to Da Nang and from there to Camp Zama, Japan, after 2 weeks there, I was shipped to St, Albans, Naval Hospital in Jamaica, Queens, NY. My Family was at Eatontown, NJ. While at the hospital, I was in the hand of a Navy Medical officer, an orthopedic Surgeon, who wanted to do a repair job on my knee, He had checked me out, before the surgery, done preparatory work, that is what He stated to me. On one occasion He told me to drop my Hospital Gown and turn around, bend down, the next thing I know/notice, this 'MFoker', had his fingers in my ass, for awhile, poking around, I turned around and looked at his face, it was all red and perspiring, this was at the end of November, it wasn't hot, not even in the building, like He was about to have an orgasm. I just straightened up and faced him, and told him, "Thank You, You are not going to, have the surgery done on me!" What a sorry' Latent Homosexual Bastard!" One week latter I was sent home, and spent the Christmas Holiday with my Wife and Daughter. My Knee surgery was done eventually, (I Retired from the Army in 1983,) in San Diego, CA. in 1996, wore a brace, when playing sports, Soccer, Climbed Mount Whitney in CA., 5 times. Today,
it is open season on 'STRAIGHT GUYS' in the military! TOO BAD!

Response by Cpl Kirk Lurch Davis made Jul 7 at 2017 7:37 PM

Cpl Kirk Lurch Davis — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 19:37:44 -0400

Dealing with 2nd Lt's.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2017 11:04 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 23:04:49 -0400

When I was deployed to Iraq, on my day off, our Commander recalled everybody. Why? So we could get yelled at for about two hours while standing at attention because one guy admitted (out of his own guilt) that he had committed adultery with another unit member and another person had done something wrong. It couldn't have been that significant because I don't even remember.
Group punishment for individual wrongs that in no way could have been prevented by the unit as a whole. Just two people fucking up. And everyone else is standing at attention like, "WTF did I do?". The CC, XO, and the senior enlisted all took their turns berating us.
I think that may have been my most belittling experience and biggest waste of time ever. Zero respect after that, I'm not a dog. I fully expect to place team and service ahead of myself when required to do so, but that was ridiculous and insulting.

Response by AA Joseph Moody made Jul 8 at 2017 9:57 PM

AA Joseph Moody — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 21:57:00 -0400

We had a LPO on the day check that had a habit of changing the logs/records to shift blame, and this is one of those times that I'm glad I listened to advice, but I was told by an AT1 to photocopy every paper I got twice and store it in two locations.
I guess it was about 9 months later and the LPO had pulled some documents out of my folder and tried to push paperwork for me missing about 6 months of PT after we had some leadership change, long and the short of it is I got a bloody lip for refusing to sign a confession when ordered and that afternoon I brought down my pt records from when I was TAD.

Response by MAJ John Flanagan made Jul 13 at 2017 10:38 AM

MAJ John Flanagan — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 10:38:15 -0400

I was an Area Commander in western NY in the late 70s. After a commanders meeting and having a drink with the DRC Commander, a West Point LTC, and the three area commanders he confided in us that the "secret to success in the Army is to always have at two members of the staff who will lie for you."
At that very moment I lost all respect for him.
I learned later that his guidance was how he actually operated.
I survived that assignment, was promoted despite his evaluations and was able to retire six years later.

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Jul 13 at 2017 11:08 AM

SSgt Holden M. — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 11:08:39 -0400

I totally hear you on that. I remember one time I had to go to a speech by the Secretary of the Air Force and it was just as political. They gave their speech, asked for questions and danced around every question and just went back to different things they already said in their speech.

Response by TSgt Lars Eilenfeld made Jul 13 at 2017 12:43 PM

TSgt Lars Eilenfeld — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 12:43:32 -0400

The Clinton Administration

Response by LTJG Edward Bangor Jr made Jul 13 at 2017 12:47 PM

LTJG Edward Bangor Jr — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 12:47:08 -0400

About 4 months after we got back from deployment, standing on the quarterdeck as my former Department Head got rung off the ship. They call us all to attention to read his COMM citation. About a month before this, I got my FITREP for the change of command, and a lot of what I had originally submitted was cut out. As the XO starts to read his award, I can feel my blood boil. It wasn't so much that the DH got credit for some of the stuff I originally put on my FITREP, but that he had literally placed parts of my original FITREP word-for-word into his award. I wanted to dropkick him over the lifelines. Thankfully, I haven't seen that man since that afternoon.

Response by Sgt Dan Francis made Jul 14 at 2017 11:12 AM

Sgt Dan Francis — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 11:12:47 -0400

I served from 1972 to 1976, a volunteer and pretty pumped about being a Marine and seeing what Vietnam was all about. But by that time, Marines were coming home and I wasn't sent. There were more Marines than were needed. So many got dumped at places like 29 Palms and things seemed like another Monday thru Friday day job. We weren't popular among alot of civilians, people made baby killer comments, dirty looks, etc. Nothing like it is today. Just the luck of the draw and lousy timing.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2017 9:01 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 21:01:01 -0400

I would say the toughest point in my career was probably washing out of Ranger School. I had put my entire life and civilian career on hold to train for it, made it through RTAC just fine, and then my body crapped out on me during the last day of RAP week. One more day and I would've just recycled. I'll never get another chance to go and being a non-tabbed Infantry Officer immediately earns you some sideways glances, especially when working with AC forces. More importantly, Ranger school was a life goal that I'm never going to accomplish.

Response by 1stSgt Troy Seals made Jul 16 at 2017 8:27 AM

1stSgt Troy Seals — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 08:27:30 -0400

Two of my team members dying in the red mud of Quang Tri province.

Response by SGT Fox Landes made Jul 17 at 2017 3:27 PM

SGT Fox Landes — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 15:27:01 -0400

Since WWII, which required rationing of certain foods, petroleum products, automobiles and automobile parts and the large war effort workforce and blackouts at nights on coasts. Put the war on the peoples minds daily. With all conflicts since with no daily sacrifices of the American people, the only ones aware are the families who have a love one in harms way.

Response by SPC Les Garis made Jul 18 at 2017 6:56 AM

SPC Les Garis — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 06:56:17 -0400

When I was in Basic..someone broke into my locker and stole my helmet liner..formation was called..I was,standing at top of steps in barracks..told the Drill Sgt...he grabbed me by the neck and threw me down the steps..and was yelling ..that I should go to Supply and,get one

Response by SGT William Nixson made Jul 18 at 2017 6:09 PM

SGT William Nixson — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 18:09:25 -0400

E-5(just aced promotion board) promotable (secondary zone) 64C20 in Germany 1982. Mannheim NCO of the Quarter, just missed NCO of the Year, cut-off scores were in the 900's (permanently). Then, one month. they dropped like a living large! Then, 17 other rock to 475 (BOTH zones). 7yrs TIS, 4 yrs TIG, I was living large! Then, 17 other E-5's got promoted; no orders for me
Asked the 1SG what gives, he told me later in the week, he foud out the CSM "lost" my promotion packet - but he found it and would send it in next week. Needless to say, cut-off scores shot through the ceiling, and I PCS'ed about 9 months later. Exit interview clearing through the CSM, he said " Tough luck, sh** happens. "

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Jul 22 at 2017 7:25 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 19:25:31 -0400

In my 20+ of service, I have served in all three components of the Army; RA, AR, NG, with no break in service. Many years throughout my career, as a AR or NG, I was mobilized or deployed on peace keeping missions, as well as combat zones. Being a back-fill either stateside or deployed, I always came across some arrogant, or uninformed soldiers that knew nothing about the reserve components of the Army. Since 1990, all standards for the reserve components were standardized and brought up to the same standards as the regular army, because they would and did replace those that were in the regular army. I enlisted first as a regular army soldier and was a typical soldier that was also uninformed of the role of the reserves or guards, until I enlisted first into the Army Reserves, and later into the National Guard. I’m here to tell you, AR and NG ARE real soldiers and NOT “weekend warriors anymore!”

Response by MSgt Roger Settlemyer made Jul 24 at 2017 2:30 AM

MSgt Roger Settlemyer — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 02:30:57 -0400

Coming Back From South East Asia in 1972, ariving at San Francisco Airport in uniform and aproached by a young lady who called me a "Baby Killer !" That was the low point.

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Jul 28 at 2017 9:53 AM

SPC Christopher Perrien — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 09:53:15 -0400

when the original decision to leave Saddam Hussein in power at end of Desert Storm was announced. And because of that realizing the Gulf War (and now all the subsequent GWOT BS) was just a scam and a joke to keep our MIC huge, Israel secure, oil industry profits, rather than reduce it at the end of the Cold War and spend $ to help the country .Knowing at the time I had several friends die over there was the true icing on the cake. That was my worst day in the guard.

My worst demoralizing day in the " Real" Army (and alot of others) was in early 1988 IIRC, was when that traitor who had defected to East Germany with his East German wife and a KY-13 and a CEOI , returned to West Germany after spending a year in "Russia" . we all thought the army would shoot him or hang him, but the army just let him go with a dishonorable or a BCD. TOP/ 1st Sgt Elliot was in shock and said it was his most disgraceful feeling day in UNIFORM as well, before he released the whole company at mid-day. The whole day/event was "surreal". We tankers were all really "gung-ho" and strack over there in West Germany back then. It definitely broke Top's heart/honor that day , I remember that well.

Response by SSgt Cheryl Buckler made Jul 29 at 2017 4:25 PM

SSgt Cheryl Buckler — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 16:25:22 -0400

Not making the Shooting Team even though I had the highest score; seems the team members decided to all grow mustaches and since I was a woman, I could not maintain a standard appearance uniform with the rest of the team. Bummed me out.

Response by PO1 Michael Havner made Jul 30 at 2017 11:01 PM

PO1 Michael Havner — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 23:01:10 -0400

As an E-5, on a small detachment, i was tasked by my E-6 to secure some gear. I delegated the task to two of my junior sailors, both E-3s. I was immediately called out by my E-6. He said, "no, I told YOU to do it." I was a senior E-5. I asked the E-6 to talk, away from the juniors. I explained delegation of authority and the concept of praise in public, rebuke in private. I advised him if he wanted to continue with the power trip, he could take me to Captain's Mast or Smokers. He put me on night check for the rest of deployment so he wouldn't have to interact with me anymore.

Response by Sgt R. A. Webb made Aug 4 at 2017 10:59 AM

Sgt R. A. Webb — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 10:59:21 -0400

For me it was nothing anyone in the Corps did, but was a situation where the squadron was sending some CH53s to Yuma for an exercise. I was slated to go, but had returned from another less than 2 weeks prior. I was looking forward to some down (or less up time). Another Sgt. in the shop (Ken)volunteered to take my spot. he was relatively new to the Squadron, but we had become friends. On the second day out from New River, they crashed and 6 died. A stupid non-combat and meaningless crash. It was emotionally tough as I knew and respected all those Marines and was friends Ken (and knew his wife and kids).

Response by PO1 J Lewis made Aug 4 at 2017 11:02 AM

PO1 J Lewis — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 11:02:36 -0400

For me personally, it was when I saw someone get an award that they did not deserve. I've seen people get awards because they kissed ass, or they were tight with the Chief. Or people using their rank as a shield.

Response by SPC Clark Cleghorn made Aug 6 at 2017 9:06 PM

SPC Clark Cleghorn — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 21:06:39 -0400

Having my First Sergeant loudly verbally bash me and humiliate me in front of my fellow soldiers when he had no right to! Self righteous, self centered prick- thought with his jehri curled hair and big silver Cadillac, he thought he was the poster child for cool. When my ETS date finally came, and I was leaving for the plane, he then offered his hand, all phony smiles and such. I told him to go to hell! I won't mention his name was Thomas E. Brantley!

Response by PO1 Steven Siepp made Aug 6 at 2017 9:16 PM

PO1 Steven Siepp — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 21:16:04 -0400

while this happened to my shipmates, I think the Navy lost out more. the sea/shore rotation changed what seemed like last moment do to the "needs of the Navy". as a young PO3 the rotation was 3yrs sea 2yrs shore. I re-enlisted for orders to shore taking my first enlistment to 7 yrs total. Approximately 2 yrs schooling(boot, BE&E, A and several C schools) 3 yrs sea, re-enlist for 2 yrs of shore. worked out great for me. But there was about 5 shipmates coming up for orders with all the promise of a shore duty when the rotation changed and they were denied any option other than fulfilling the extension of sea duty. they all finished their time and got out. Everyone of them were great sailors, and technicians. I know most don't do more than one enlistment but I think the Navy lost good men to the civilian market because they never got the chance to see the light at the end of the tunnel of 18-20 hour days work days at sea. Having had that opportunity made sea/shore rotations easier to deal with for the family. 3 ships and 3 shores

Response by SFC Cesar Valdez Jr made Aug 9 at 2017 1:07 PM

SFC Cesar Valdez Jr — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 13:07:40 -0400

I was in the Army for 8 yrs 5 mo and 2 days. Got out as a SSG and the plan was to come back as an officer after I completed college. Met wife, and got into business, so the original plan did not materialize. Although I got my degree, I did not come back until age 40. It was extremely demoralizing to find out that although I was a Viet Nam veteran with a college degree, I had to go to basic training all over with the rank of PFC. I could not believe that 20 yrs later they were still using the same lesson plans (including same jokes) and I was able to out-run every single one of my fellow trainees that were half my age.

I rose through the ranks rather quickly and I was quite happy as Sargent First Class, until I met a Command Sargent Major that I had refused to recommend him to E-4 during my first enlistment. He only had a High School diploma, was not a Viet Nam or Desert Storm veteran like I was, and to my amazement, he was twice as dumb. Some folks may say it was sour grapes, but believe me; if you had met this individual, you would agree that he represented the worst in the Army. I was not mad at him, but I was mad at the system that allowed him to go through the system and attain the highest enlisted rank.

Response by SFC Mark Klaers made Aug 10 at 2017 3:30 PM

SFC Mark Klaers — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 15:30:33 -0400

When I was promoted to Staff Sergeant. I had my father there for the ceremony. My unit commander had the orders read, asked my father to come up and pin me, presented me to the unit and we all shook hands. An hour later at my promotion party, the Chief of Staff came in and informed me that I had to give my rank back as it was the policy of the Commanding Gerneral that he pins all NCOs and above. You talk about angry, but as a non-commisioned officer I felt bound to "suck it up".

Response by SN Alan West made Aug 10 at 2017 9:44 PM

SN Alan West — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 21:44:21 -0400

I was a crew member on the USS Iowa (BB-61) on April 19, 1989 when Turret 2 exploded. As a member of 2nd Division my division helped to supplement the turret crew and I knew all 47 sailors who died that day. In the aftermath of the explosion and the subsequent investigation we found out that our commanding officer had said of us, the crew, that the Navy had sent him enlisted men of "inferior quality" and that many of Iowa's sailors were "dopers, marginal performers and constant UAs [unauthorized absences]". Additionally, he added that if he had kicked out every sailor in his crew who was a troublemaker, had legal difficulties, or was incapable of doing his job, "I don't think I'd have many guys left." Finding out what he was saying to the investigators versus what he was telling the crew, it was us against the Navy, it was the suicide of a sailor whose affections were spurned, it was a rogue experiment, was completely demoralizing.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2017 5:49 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 17:49:25 -0400

I was a brand new 2Lt and was assigned to the USAF Combat Rescue School. One of the students, a Reservist major, was always hitting on a nurse 2Lt friend of mine and she asked me if he was married. Since he never wore a wedding ring I assumed he was single. I went to TDY with him a month or so later and found out he had a wife and two kids back home after the commander ask him about his family. When I got back I mentioned that to my friend, who said that the guy swore up and down he was single. That next Friday he makes yet another pass at her at the O'Club and she tells him off, saying she knows he's married.

I come in to the work the following Monday and he immediately tracks me down and hauls me in to a closed door session whereupon he chews me out royally for telling other people his personal business. Says I could ruin my career before it's really even started doing that.

So he's attempting to commit adultery and violate the UCMJ, but I'm the one who screwed up? That was not a nice introduction to the AF. Not a big deal in light of some of the things in this thread but still, WTF?

Response by SGT Claudio Razzetti made Aug 12 at 2017 5:06 PM

SGT Claudio Razzetti — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 17:06:01 -0400

Too many ,to list , the last four years , were the worst ,,,constantly being belittled because of my age ,and seeing dumb shits being promoted to E6 or above ,,i would wake up each morning ,thinking ,how i was going to be bullied ,and these jack asses talk about brotherhood ... I get along better ,with Veterans that i never served with , Than some of those immature douche bags . i,m finally at peace my family is more important , every time i drive on Ft Carson , i drive by my old unit ,,,give them the Finger , and spit out the window .I dont brag about my deployments ,i know what i did , some of these young guys come up to me and start talking about their time in the service , and exploits . I just walk away , dont want to hear the crap..

Response by SPC John Waisman made Aug 14 at 2017 9:02 AM

SPC John Waisman — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 09:02:03 -0400

Probably when an Induction Center sergeant had me shouting "I'm stupid" at a telephone poll for half an hour, and he kept coming back and getting in my face and screaming "I can't hear you!"

Response by CDR William Kempner made Aug 14 at 2017 12:28 PM

CDR William Kempner — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 12:28:26 -0400

Too many to count, and too many to pick just one. I worked for a lot of a@@holes-both in USAF and USN, and have been "left for dead" many times. I always enjoy running into old "seniors" of mine and watching their discomfort-very few were able to hide it. They usually try to act like I'm their old buddy/pal/shipmate. I don't give them an inch. While I am almost always "civil" , they KNOW we're a few exchanges from throwing punches, and that it is always difficult fighting with someone you know you have f##Ked over.

Response by PO1 J Lewis made Aug 14 at 2017 5:27 PM

PO1 J Lewis — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 17:27:09 -0400

The second time I took the BMC exam I scored a 79, out of a possible 80. I had 9 years on sea duty, including a Type 2 assignment. I was on an LSD, a DDG, an FF and an AO, qualified as a rig captain on an AO, and as JOOD underway, when I was 26. From sea duty right to recruiter duty. Had earned 2 gold wreaths. I got a phone call from our CR who told me I had made the board again. He told me my score was through the roof, and they had suspected I cheated somehow, then they looked at my previous scores and saw I made 1st increment on every promotion cycle. Was never frocked. Trurns out a BM1 I worked for was now a BMCM and on the board. He called me the day the selection results came out and told me that they were directed to raise the female quota for BMC, and 17 of us didn't get selected. Took the exam next year, scored a 78, but got riffed before the board met. The kicker? The commander had told me to get my records and they would help me put in an LDO package a few weeks before.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 14 at 2017 5:56 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 17:56:30 -0400

Having two 1 star's, and a 2 Star General tell me they wanted me to remain in the position I was in. It was open, valid, I was of the proper rank, training, certification and ASI. There was no other SM assigned the slot, nor coded inbound (so I was not keeping the position from another deserving E9). I placed no restrictions on my staying, would deploy as needed, training, or combat. Had no physical or mental limitations. No Adverse actions and remained physically fit.

Sergeant Major branch, a department ran by a SGM who had been in that position most of 10 years, was insisting that no Sergeant Major could stay in position more than 2 years nor duty station more than 5 years and that I must PCS "or else".

The assignment options offered were all lesser in responsibility and I did not have time between my required PCS date and upcoming nominative position close dates to be considered for one of those positions. The Branch SGM decided, with I assume the SMA's approval that they would rather to loose a qualified, needed in position Sergeant Major then allow that SGM to stay in an authorized assignment three general officers wanted him in.
That was when I knew it was time to go.....

Response by Cpl Justin Velez made Aug 16 at 2017 5:16 PM

Cpl Justin Velez — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 17:16:15 -0400

My story is with two different Supply SNCO. The first SNCO was the type of leader that knew that we were grown men and women and let us take care of pur problems and if we needed help then she stepped in to help us. The second SNCO wad the type of leader that would want to know everybodies business and try to help out even though we had it under control. The second SNCO would also chew your ass through closed doors and everybody in the office could hear what was going on.

Response by CPL William Spence made Aug 17 at 2017 8:47 AM

CPL William Spence — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 08:47:36 -0400

Simple. And I'm ashamed to admit this: Basic Training. I hit the point during training where I thought I ran out of gas. Exhausted. I was totally exhausted. I actually volunteered to go to the brig. Sgt. Abbot, our D.I. (took me years to admit he is a great man. Probably one of the most influential people in my life) just gave me this hard look I'll never forget: If you think this is hard, wait until you see combat sort of look. The turning point in my life. G_d Bless D.I.s. Well, the rest is history.

Response by SGT Kirk Noonan made Aug 18 at 2017 7:28 AM

SGT Kirk Noonan — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 07:28:15 -0400

We found out about our unit's deployment to Desert Shield/Desert Storm while watching CNN. I'm not sure if the COC didn't know, weren't allowed to tell us or what the reason was that we had to find out from watching TV, but it really shook my faith in my perception of how the Army was supposed to work.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Aug 18 at 2017 9:24 AM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 09:24:21 -0400

Hmm...One top contender for me would be watching an RI hijack and ruin a patrol, blatantly lie to higher over the radio about it, and fail all the leadership. No, it wasn't my patrol.

Response by PO3 Karynne Williams made Aug 19 at 2017 5:56 PM

PO3 Karynne Williams — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 17:56:47 -0400

I was one of the first enlisted females to check on board my aircraft carrier in '94. Being a female, I had no misconceptions that I was ever going to actually be 'one of the guys'. I met a chief who was someone everyone admired, everyone liked working for. I did too. When he made SCPO, he had a mini celebration in a bar in SD and I went to cheers him like so many others. Chatted with him, met his wife. He told me to remind him sometime to tell me a great sea story. A couple months later, saw him in the hangar bay and asked about that sea story, he said ask me another time. I thought it was cool that I was going to hear this great sea story, as most of them are told with a certain flair and storytelling ability that make them funny inside jokes later on. Several months later, saw him again out in SD and asked him, again he said ask me another time. West Pac 95 in Dubai, again. I see him on the pier with a group of other chiefs and firsts. I am coming back from dinner in Jebel Ali and I say, "Hey Senior, when you gonna tell me that sea story?!" He calls me over and we walk over to one of the garbage tri walls on the edge of the seating area and we lean over the corner leaning on the tri wall. He looks at me and says "I want you to sit on my face, I want you to go up the ship, get a bag, come down and head to the bus and I will meet you at the first hotel stop, we'll get a room and make each other very happy all night long." I was drunk, I thought about it and then looked him in the eye and asked "Is that really the sea story you wanted to tell me for over a year?" He nodded, winked. I straightened up and said watch for me to cross the quarterdeck. I went on board and never came back down. That one statement crushed my desire to ever be an ABH again, I wanted nothing to do with a rate that would have him as an SCPO. I saw him a few days later when we were underway and we were far enough away from any other ears, he asked me if I was okay. I said yes as I held out my open hand and asked him if he knew what I had in the palm of my hand? When he said no, I just said: "your career" and I walked away, ran a chit to stay TAD in Security where I did very well, I was respected, encouraged, and awarded Patrolman of the Month twice. Even though I never really applied myself to my job as an ABH, I loved the Navy. I loved being at sea. I got way more out of the Navy than I put into it. I loved being on the ship and most of the men I met on board are still great friends today. I am pretty sure not one of them knew before now this happened to me. DGAF what happened to that SCPO. Finished my time in the service as a Seabee.

Response by CW5 Steve Kohn made Aug 19 at 2017 10:53 PM

CW5 Steve Kohn — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 22:53:06 -0400

Not too many bad experiences in a long career, but this one sticks out.
At an assignment at Fort Bragg about 2000, I worked in our Battalion S-4. Our major was heavily into the stock market (the tech boom, remember?), and almost every time I'd go into his office I'd see him online, checking his daily gains and losses. His briefings to visiting commanders were the worst -- meaning unprepared -- I've ever seen. I was embarrassed for him at first, then realized the wound was self-inflicted. I've known worse officers, but they had personality problems. This major was a nice guy but he was either incompetent or uncaring, therefore beyond my concern for helping him.
At the same time, our Bn S-3 was one of the best officers I've ever known. He was on top of everything an S-3 needs to have a handle on, and we all know that's a heckofa lot. He helped make our quarterly field exercises great training events. If it matters, he was also far more physically fit than the S-4 major.
You can probably guess what happened. When the promotion board results came out, the S-4 major was on it, the S-3 major wasn't. I know how promotion boards work. I just could never figure this one out. One officer walked on water, one drowned in a shower, but the system didn't recognize the obvious.
At least race had nothing to do with it, as both were white.
It was a loss for the good major, but a bigger one for the Army, as it lost the services of what would have been a great LTC and COL.
It wasn't the only time I'd seen promotions denied the deserving, but it was the first time I also saw a promotion going to the clearly undeserving.
Still leaves a bad taste in my mouth whenever I think of it.

Response by PO2 Loren Gilmore made Aug 20 at 2017 1:57 AM

PO2 Loren Gilmore — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 01:57:19 -0400

This wasn't demoralizing but more embarrassing. After getting married in San Diego and then driving back to Dam Neck, Virginia where I worked at the dispensary I told my leading CPO that I would be late for work because it was my turn to have breakfast in bed. He looked at me and just shook his head. Well the next morning I overslept for the first time ever and when I got to the dispensary there they all were, CPO, SCPO and the entire medical staff (small command) just smiling and asked me how was breakfast. Took some time to live that one down. Doc Gilly.

Response by SGT Gregory Reilly made Aug 21 at 2017 10:16 PM

SGT Gregory Reilly — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 22:16:21 -0400

Mine would be my retirement from the Army Reserves. I was medically discharged at 19 years and 10 months. It was quick as it was part of the cut backs. I did get a full 20 for retirement though. My unit however said the heck with it and did not do a retirement ceremony. My supervisor was told not to file an after action medal. I was just kicked to the curb. I received my retirement package months later from Texas in the mail. I didn't even get any transitional briefings. I'll be honest I still don't know all of my entitlements. I served 11 years active duty Air Force, took a 10 year break, then re-enlist at the onset of the war to serve my country and to finish something I had started. Then to have something like this happen. I'd tell you what I think of the Army Reserves but it would be a bias opinion as I'm sure all Reserves units don't suck as bad as the one I was in. Kind of threw half my military pride out the window. Been retired for 5 years and the thought of participating it any kind of military organization makes me want to run. To bad it used to be my dream. What did they used to say? It is what it is.

Response by SN Ted Beauchamp made Aug 24 at 2017 9:22 PM

SN Ted Beauchamp — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 21:22:11 -0400

Most demoralizing was not being able to fight a real war in Vietnam....the ROI's were so strict, there was no way we could win the war. I know, same thing in Iraq and Afghanistan and those are just as demoralizing........dammit, if we're going to, let's go to win!!

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2017 8:33 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 20:33:25 -0400

In an early Afghan deployment, I had the occasion to fire on a car and a motorcycle. We had gone through the traffic circle in Kandahar about 30 minutes prior, and the place was wall-to-wall locals.
On our way back through, we noticed that the place was now deserted. Next thing we know their was a car and a motorcycle coming at us at a VERY high rate of speed. They both ignored our EOF doctrines and I wound up destroying them both.
Next I know, we're standing in front of the Battle Captain and explaining the vectors of travel, the disregard of the EOF, and the subsequent desteuction of both.
My PSG tried to throw me directly under the bus by telling the Battle Captain that he gave no authorization to engage. Regardless of the ROE, each and everyone of us has to decide whether we stick to the ROE and EOF, or die.

Response by SSgt Sean Brown made Aug 26 at 2017 2:18 AM

SSgt Sean Brown — Sat, 26 Aug 2017 02:18:08 -0400

Sabra and Shatila massacre; my CO could have prevented it yet ordered us to stand down, as it would have been IMPOSSIBLE for Marines to ever engage with the IDF. So we watched them butcher these people, heard their cries for mercy and help. And I like the Jews, and the IDF, but I would have gladly stopped them from doing this, had my CO had the balls to stand up to this outrage. To this day I hate the IDF for this, and my spineless CO.

Response by SGT Lance Jones made Aug 27 at 2017 5:49 PM

SGT Lance Jones — Sun, 27 Aug 2017 17:49:47 -0400

I had a broken back and was made to get on my hands and knees to scrub the bathroom floor as part of my daily cleaning chores until I took my complaint to the AG.

Response by SGT Mike Taylor made Aug 27 at 2017 8:46 PM

SGT Mike Taylor — Sun, 27 Aug 2017 20:46:48 -0400

My entire platoon in a rifle company was killed during a training problem in JRTC. 2LT type and SFC "Imma Ragnar and Ragnar instructor" deemed that their garrison and West Point experiences were over those of the seasoned, combat experienced platoon from the Korengal. Paper, rock, rank won.

Really not a fan of getting shot during the two way rifle range, it's painful and causes long term injuries. Terrible things for morale as well.

Response by PV2 Charles Adams made Aug 28 at 2017 6:47 PM

PV2 Charles Adams — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 18:47:11 -0400

Receiving a company grade Art-15 for obeying my last order first and not being backed up by said NCO, I probably would have stayed in if it wasn't for that. Toxic leadership after Desert Storm at Ft. Riley is what did it for me

Response by SSgt Raminah Turk made Aug 29 at 2017 4:47 PM

SSgt Raminah Turk — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 16:47:01 -0400

It's a tie between:
》Going to the funeral of the most selfless and kind friend/co-worker I've ever had- when he was killed just weeks after coming home from Afghanistan during one of the bloodiest periods (and was volunteering to go back as he was single and wanted to "keep a family man home") by a drunk lawyer who literally only got a few years in jail. He was an only child. Burns!
》Having been in a serious accident and having problems walking, asking the doc for an MEB who told me no and to quit malingering despite being a firewall performer, getting a humanitarian discharge and finding out afterwards he wrote on my discharge exam that member needed an MEB. Having the Board of Corrections deny my request to change my separation to medical retirement after notifying them of that and the results of my on active duty physical exam by the VA that resulted in several disabilities of 50% and an overall rating of 100% P&T, when MEB's use the exact same rating criteria and I only needed 1 disability of 30% to be medically retired since I was in over 8 years. So, while I have an ID, I don't have the retired status, pay, and Tricare I should because of a quack doc and Board... Burns too.

Response by SGT Tom Butler made Aug 30 at 2017 8:26 AM

SGT Tom Butler — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 08:26:28 -0400

WHEN I GOT TO GERMANY IN 1968 GOING TO DIVISION ORIENTATION AND BEING TOLD OUR COMBAT LIFE AS A DIVISION WAS 48 HOURS.

Response by Lt Col David Nadeau made Aug 30 at 2017 6:14 PM

Lt Col David Nadeau — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 18:14:47 -0400

Having my SQ/CC deny emergency leave when my father was hospitalized in critical condition...he did this despite ARC verification of the emergency. His rationale...you'll mess up the holiday schedule and besides, I talked to the doctors and they assured me everything was fine. I finally was allowed to go four days later and ended up pulling my dad's life support on Christmas Eve. The man was fired by the WG/CC but I was deprived of saying a proper goodbye to my father. To this day I can't forgive him.

Response by SSG Jimmy Cernich made Aug 30 at 2017 11:14 PM

SSG Jimmy Cernich — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 23:14:16 -0400

Intresting stories.Being passed over for political reasons suck but you suck up and drive on.The worse part of it is they put much more inexperienced person in the position and that person died in combat because he just down right refused to take just a sip of advice.So when I was passed over for that position I felt like crap and when that soldier died I felt even crappier.

Response by HN Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2017 2:13 AM

HN Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 02:13:46 -0400

Hearing every pt day from an instructor that fleet returnees were the cancer of the med corps. Worked for two years to pick up corpsman

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2017 9:21 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 09:21:57 -0400

When the last administration decided to use us as a social experiment. Kicking service members out during time of war.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Sep 5 at 2017 6:02 PM

PO1 Aaron Baltosser — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 18:02:59 -0400

I deployed to Iraq for a one year tour with Military Transaction Team MiTT. While I was out I ran into several people of senior rank that went out of their way to block my career success. From the Senior Chief at the command I deployed from misspelling my last name and dragging his feet to correct t and submit my eval for signature so I could put in my package for Chief, to the Senior Chief that told me to my face at Taqqadam Air Base she didn't support ground combat personnel (She was MLG at the time), and in no way would help me get the PQS book I needed to requalify for my warfare device. It was brutal as far as support went. That command would not return phone calls from my wife when it came time for me to come home, and refused to give her any information so she could pick me up after the deployment was over. That command senior staff left me after a one year deployment the assured me would be 'career enhancing' with an awful eval because I had no Sailorization to report. We had 10 including myself scattered all over Iraq with no contact realistically possible.

That whole scene when I was a First Class Petty Officer soured me pretty badly. If they were willing to blow off someone putting in a package to be selected for Chief, what were they willing to do to someone less senior, with perhaps fewer resources or contacts? That was my last deployment, and while the men I was stationed with were awesome, the support structure balances that out almost to make the affair a neutral part of my life instead of the positive it should have been.

Response by SPC Dave Debbie Bigley made Sep 7 at 2017 9:25 AM

SPC Dave Debbie Bigley — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 09:25:43 -0400

Being ordered to clean the room my squad leader/best friend/housemate "accidentally" shot himself in the head. Very rough day.

Response by PO3 Janice McCredy made Sep 8 at 2017 9:50 AM

PO3 Janice McCredy — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 09:50:07 -0400

It seems somewhat petty now, but at the time it was a true slap in the face. In the 70's, females in the Navy weren't that common. I was at the training command in Great Lakes, and went to the USO in Chicago. I was denied entrance because I was wearing jeans. Not ratty jeans like some of the men already inside wore, but a decent pair of jeans. They did not allow women inside that weren't in a dress/skirt, no pants of any kind. We battled many sexist things back then, but this was a kick in the teeth for me. I won't support the USO to this day. So glad that some things have gotten better, not great, but better.

Response by FN Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2017 6:44 PM

FN Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 18:44:12 -0400

Normally i dont post here, since i wasnt in long and even though i got an honorable, idk if i deserved it, but facebook loves this sites popups and i cant resist this one, so here goes.

Most demoralizing was going through inserve, then not having a chief right after. Plus my first class had never been on a boat before so he got put in our div (s8) for perpetuaty. Inservs over, but my first class is under the impression that inserv hours are the usual way of working, and senior gets transfered out the day before inserv starts, so no one tells po1 mcdummy how it works, or why everyone else can get out before or at sunset except us. Go discharged after 6 months of that shit, and in the last week before i left, they gave us a new chief. At the time i was happy AF to be getting out, but if id met that chief just a few weeks or months earlier, im sure id have had a different attitude about my time in the navy. He was a good chief, first really good one id met in my time in.

Was funny spending the last few days watching this chief just fuckin wreck my firat class though. Last thing i heard, hed made it his personal mission to make sure my first class didnt become a chief. He wasnt a fan of divo either (divo was his own crazy brand of special, this was the division for screw ups on my boat after all). Last i heard he made sure all the guys who busted ass did well, and i got my dd214 right after chief banks forced me to kinda-sorta see the light, so the story ends well... i guess? Im happy at least.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2017 11:46 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 23:46:56 -0400

When the command team doesn't care about their soldiers and also Don’t have their backs.

Response by 1stSgt Mack Housman made Sep 11 at 2017 8:40 AM

1stSgt Mack Housman — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 08:40:34 -0400

This may be a little off target from your question, but one of the best speeches I heard in my 28 years of service was from CMSAF (ret) Thomas Barnes at an ALS graduation ceremony. The subject was "What is your role". It was extremely engaging and on point. He was a man who was always focused on the men and woman of the Air Force and never protrayed himself as self-centered. He was an NCO's NCO. May he rest in peace!

Response by SPC Kevin Wilkinson made Sep 11 at 2017 10:15 PM

SPC Kevin Wilkinson — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 22:15:51 -0400

Shitty leadership then later on failing ASAP

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Sep 23 at 2017 2:00 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 14:00:03 -0400

Not me - but a friend of mine spent two weeks R&R Stateside during Viet Nam and was returning back to Nam when he had a lay-over in Hawaii. He went into a bar and was engaging in close arms contact with the young lady at a table when he reached down and discovered she was a he. He ran out, drank a bottle of Listerine, and was never so glad as when he got back on the transport to head to Viet Nam.

Response by Cpl Keith Bergstresser made Sep 27 at 2017 9:17 AM

Cpl Keith Bergstresser — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 09:17:10 -0400

As a Col I had a Sgt who would tell me to take initiative but when I did he would tell me not to. An example was I had a junior Marine who was so sick he couldn't work. I tried calling to speak with any of my superiors but the line was busy. (This was before most people had cell phones.) The Marine kept getting worse so I assigned another Marine to take him to medical to get checked out and then take him back to the barracks and report back to me. It was 2 hours later when I was able to contact my Sgt and he reamed me for not checking with him before taking action.

Response by SGT John Graham made Sep 29 at 2017 12:01 PM

SGT John Graham — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 12:01:01 -0400

Being pulled to the side after a promotion board. I was told that although qualified, the promotions were to be given only to females and minority candidates. However, if I were to reenlist I'd get promoted following... I was crushed. The Army was in transition then, with a lot of RIF. Angry, hurt, confused...

Response by SFC Rick Walton made Sep 29 at 2017 9:49 PM

SFC Rick Walton — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 21:49:21 -0400

Well, dang. I never seem to have anything deep or well thought. Through all the experiences endured throughout my service, the extra turn at the end of formation PT runs was the ONE thing that continually demoralized me. BCT, no problem. Crappy leaders, no problem. Combat tours, no problem. But throw on one more tenth of a mile and it crushes my spirit every time.

Response by Capt Karlos Nordinsifeller made Oct 1 at 2017 1:44 PM

Capt Karlos Nordinsifeller — Sun, 01 Oct 2017 13:44:40 -0400

When the first and only Marine I was personally responsible for was KIA.

Response by MSgt Don Dobbs made Oct 3 at 2017 9:48 AM

MSgt Don Dobbs — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 09:48:35 -0400

Upon graduation from Basic I had to fly to my first duty station. We were told that we had to wear our uniform (Class A's) on the flight. It was 1971 and my flight changed planes in Denver. Well I believe I was called every name you could think of, spit upon, had items thrown at me, and other acts of hatred while walking to my next gate. I did manage to keep my cool and did not get into any altercations. I never flew commercial in uniform after that until 1990.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Monk made Oct 3 at 2017 3:15 PM

SSG Jeffrey Monk — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 15:15:25 -0400

Sitting at Walter Reed and finding out I was not returning to Alaska. That do to my TBI the Army would not reclassify me and that my career was over. I'm not to ashamed to say I cried.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2017 7:39 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 19:39:59 -0400

The demoralizing election of Obama twice and the making the military his own social project. The appointment of Ash Carter to SECDEF. I mean an E5 in charge of lifelong career actual warriors. It showed that he had a true. Hate for America's military.

Response by PFC Frederick Morrow made Oct 5 at 2017 7:06 PM

PFC Frederick Morrow — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 19:06:29 -0400

The most demoralizing thing that happened to me was being harassed by my company commander after I appealed an article 15 and prevailed at Battalion. The Colonel dismissed it and gave the commander heck for giving me an article 15 even after presenting evidence that I had followed his directives to the tee. That didn't bode well with my commander and subsequently, he dogged me along with my Lieutenant as we know shit rolls downhill. He made up crap such as " I didn't want to be an M.P" and just mentally messed with me. This is the short version and there was more. I still think about it quite frequently and sometimes even today, 36 years later, I find it demoralizing.

Response by Cpl Mike Zimmer made Oct 7 at 2017 12:35 AM

Cpl Mike Zimmer — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 00:35:18 -0400

Mine would be the faI lure of senior leadership to give a cap about my interest in my job field.

I worked for a Marine that I thought was the shining light at the end of the tunnel.

I am someone who's moral and opinions run almost parellel to the Marine Corps.
At 2.5 years I was in the "EAS Gang", nothing and Noone could stop time.

Then, came along, a person who I thought held the same beliefs that I had.

Who I thought understood what was wrong and was a voice of reason among the institutionalised rhetoric of uneducated lifers that worked for the sake of not going home.

Boy was I wrong.

I sat down with this individual who had changed my entire perspective. I knew them well enough to formulate an opinion on who they were, and why they did things.

I identified with them on almost every aspect. If you asked me 8 months ago, I would have called them a Mentor.

As I got to know this individual better, I came to a realization about the totality of senior leadership amongst the Armed Forces.

THEY ARE ALL THE SAME.

I went to the embarrassing effect of laying out my career plan to this would be Mentor, and they recieved it with appreciation and happiness.

Cut to 30 days later, and they disappeared.
Over the next 8 months, I used every opportunity and angle I had to plead this Subject Matter Expert to take a vested interest in not only my MOS profecincy, but in my livelyhood as a whole.
Each time was fruitless.
I made mention tactfully that they were failing as a Mentor, and that it was taking a toll on myself.
I was always left worrying, wondering if I had done something to give them disinterest in being their Mentee, but was always reassured they wanted to stay the course.

Long story short, I gave a crap about someone who didn't give a cap about me, and it is not the sole reason I will be seperating, but it is the last nail in the coffin.

Response by PO2 Bobby Daugherty made Oct 8 at 2017 7:17 PM

PO2 Bobby Daugherty — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 19:17:31 -0400

Being downsized out after having my identity stolen and car impounded. Try leaving NAS LEMOORE on foot, but at least Obama's approval poll went up a point by fucking so many of us over in 2011. I spent three years doing the work illegals refused to do and am still reminded of my "White Privilege" and VA benefits by civilians every time I have to fight to get my pay after work has been performed.

Response by PO1 Joseph Smith made Oct 10 at 2017 12:08 AM

PO1 Joseph Smith — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 00:08:16 -0400

The leadership, from the commanding officer and senior enlisted on down to my company commander, while my battalion was deployed to the sandbox were in a constant pissing match. Our HQ was down at Camp Arifjan. I was with one of the two companies from our battalion that was in Iraq. The CO and SE "toured" Iraq. They flew in just enough times to get the Iraq Campaign Medal. Chest candy.

My company (Navy) worked for the Army and had received Army Achievement Medals for busting our asses. The deputy commanding officer got upset about it and tried to have the medals rescinded within a week of receiving them.
I've never been one to strive for medals and ribbons, but I don't turn them down either. Especially when I've earned them. So that was like "strike two!"

But, to up the level of (insert curse words of choice)-ness, upon completion of our mission, nobody received any end-of-tour awards.

I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one discouraged by that deployment.

Response by SGT Mark Seymour made Oct 12 at 2017 6:53 AM

SGT Mark Seymour — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 06:53:22 -0400

My bad experience(s) are nothing compared to some I have read. But, the bad experience that I had, which still continues today, is being adamantly told that as a former Army Reservist I am not a veteran. I today agree that I am not a combat veteran, and did not have to serve on a daily basis. But I proudly performed my assigned duties for the full 8 Years, never missing any scheduled drills or training. I attended many additional classes, ie PLDC, as they become available. I went above and beyond, received numerous awards, and rose to E-5 (E-6 promotable). I unfortunately was never sent overseas, though I volunteered for assignments in Honduras and Iraq/Kuwait.
Unfortunately recruiters do not tell you the aspect of being considered nothing but “proir service” even after faithfully completing your contract.

Response by SFC John Peters CWDP: BES, JSS made Oct 12 at 2017 12:43 PM

SFC John Peters CWDP: BES, JSS — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 12:43:33 -0400

What's the most demoralizing experience you had in the military? That's easy...being assigned (against my will) as an Army Field Recruiter. Worst 2 years of my life!!
Had planned on making the Army a career. Had 9 years in, made E-7 in 8 1/2 years and was a model soldier. After 2 years of being treated like a piece of garbage, while being harassed and threatened on a daily basis, I decided it was time to leave the Army. Best decision I ever made!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2017 3:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 15:41:06 -0400

After reading some of these responses from some of you Vietnam Vets, nothing I have had to deal with has been anywhere near what you went through. Thank you for your service.

Response by Jason K. made Oct 16 at 2017 9:29 PM

Jason K. — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 21:29:21 -0400

I imagine the hundreds of thousands of undocumented rapes of both men and women, the pictures online of tens of thousands of us military acting like domestic terrorists by circulating illegal nude photos of fellow soldiers and officers on the internet combined with the overall unequal treatment of many marines in basic and overseas at the hands of their fellow soldiers would probably answers this question?

Response by Sgt Robert Walsh made Oct 20 at 2017 3:49 PM

Sgt Robert Walsh — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 15:49:11 -0400

Pulling a weeks duty burning "honey pots" while stationed at DaNang, S. Viet Nam '66-'67. Pulling them out of the head they would always splash in every direction.

Response by SGT George Smith made Oct 23 at 2017 10:02 PM

SGT George Smith — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 22:02:10 -0400

In 1965 I was sick with diarrhea, weight loss, cramping gut pain. I was going to doctors at Ft Carson. I got orders for Vietnam and during the overseas physical I told the doctor what had been going on. He said “you will fight right in. Everyone in Vietnam has diarrhea “. I had horrible problems in Vietnam and after I got out (because I was sick) the dr that diagnosed Crohn’s Disease got my military medical records. They showed the dr from Ft Carson said to redo x-rays for confirmation of Crohn’s disease. Make u feel less than a number. I wNted to stay in the Army but this prevented it. I have fought Crohn’s for over 53 years.

Response by Amn Rick Miller made Nov 1 at 2017 6:44 PM

Amn Rick Miller — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 18:44:16 -0400

Getting a promotion one day only to have it pulled the next day because someone in Denver had a few hours on me.
I put in to be transferred to Viet Nam in transit maint. was told I was in a critical field (43151 E & F) so no transfer.
I was the lowest ranked crew chief on the C-130`s on base.

Response by SGT Philip Klein made Nov 2 at 2017 8:26 AM

SGT Philip Klein — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 08:26:57 -0400

Watching a 24 year old father of three bleed out on the streets of Baghdad.

Response by LCpl Stephen Arnold made Nov 2 at 2017 1:39 PM

LCpl Stephen Arnold — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 13:39:14 -0400

When I found out the gorgeous young lady I had had a nice conversation with on the Saturday I checked into my new command was a Marine Captain in the second office I had to sign into. Talk about a short relationship!

Response by SFC Harry (Billy) Tison made Nov 3 at 2017 8:07 PM

SFC Harry (Billy) Tison — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 20:07:17 -0400

Mine was when I went to Iraq under a brand new warrant officer who wanted to try and throw his weight around. It didn't help the the CSM and BC liked him

Response by CPL Anthony Slaughter made Nov 4 at 2017 9:25 AM

CPL Anthony Slaughter — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 09:25:51 -0400

Getting Stop-Lossed.

Response by SGT DeAnna Slettebak made Nov 5 at 2017 7:48 AM

SGT DeAnna Slettebak — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 07:48:12 -0500

Being sexually assaulted by a Senior NCO who was not only a drill sergeant but also a member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club while on duty and in uniform in an Army Hospital.

Response by Lydia De los Santos made Nov 7 at 2017 1:25 AM

Lydia De los Santos — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 01:25:22 -0500

How can I know if theirs a certain person serving in the military right now so that way I know that I'm not scamed

Response by 1SG David Williams made Nov 8 at 2017 10:02 PM

1SG David Williams — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 22:02:46 -0500

Thanks for doing your job and looking after your Soilders.

Response by LCpl Stephen Arnold made Nov 16 at 2017 10:48 AM

LCpl Stephen Arnold — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 10:48:46 -0500

Being denied reenlistment due to a clerical error by my career planner. Further disappointment was when SHE caught HER error, and contacted HQMC directly to advise them of my desire to re enlist and lateral move (she had erroneously marked that I did not wish to do either, which was incorrect) the Corps still decided I wasn't necessary. Thanks for trying, Gunny Holmes.

Response by SPC David Willis made Nov 16 at 2017 11:38 AM

SPC David Willis — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 11:38:26 -0500

Ha well mine certainly doesn't compare to any of the Vietnam vets who have been spit on or assaulted for simply serving their country. But Id say getting smoked on a rock pit for a couple hours in Iraq during xmas. Not too bad, but nothing else was really demoralizing I guess.

Response by CPL Brent Roberts made Nov 17 at 2017 3:55 PM

CPL Brent Roberts — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 15:55:49 -0500

Jaghatu, Afghanistan 2012. Having our fresh eggs destroyed because the parachute didn't open. The pallet of food crashed into the ground like a lawn dart. Awful day.

Response by SSgt Tiannia Murray made Nov 18 at 2017 7:48 PM

SSgt Tiannia Murray — Sat, 18 Nov 2017 19:48:08 -0500

I was an airman working customer service in military pay. I was waiting on a major and my boss, an E5, came up and put his arm around me a felt my boob.I was mortified and didn't know what to do. I shrugged him off and he left. The major then told me a story about how his wife had to deal with similar treatment. He told me that I didn't have to take that and what to do. I felt much better after that. I spoke to the Sgt and gave him a chance to never do that again or next time I would tell the Chief. He never did. That was 1979

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2017 6:22 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Nov 2017 18:22:05 -0500

During the last several weeks of AIT our cadre had us all write down who the top 3 people in the class were our preferred buddies if we went down range. Then we had to write down which 3 people we least preferred. It was a popularity contest, and for those of us who didn't make anybody's "preferred" list, it was humiliating. I didn't join the Army to make friends, and in AIT it definitely wasn't a priority.

Response by AN David Sherman made Nov 20 at 2017 8:18 PM

AN David Sherman — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 20:18:41 -0500

Upon returning home from deployment, there wasn't a single sole to greet us, take us to the barracks, or even say "hi". Noone was there to welcome us home.

Response by TSgt Clayton Bigbesys made Nov 20 at 2017 10:54 PM

TSgt Clayton Bigbesys — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 22:54:43 -0500

GETTING SEXUALLY ASSULATED IN THE AIR FORCE 1966 BY MY FLIGHT SGT.

Response by PO3 Don Goracke made Nov 21 at 2017 5:12 PM

PO3 Don Goracke — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 17:12:19 -0500

Obama

Response by LTC Robin Gronovius made Nov 23 at 2017 9:05 PM

LTC Robin Gronovius — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 21:05:28 -0500

Mine seems petty, but I was a young 1LT and had just moved from being the XO of a line company to the XO of the HHC. I led the advance party to Grafenwohr to sign for barracks and motor pools. A few days later, the main party started to arrived. One soldier was tasked at the last moment to drive his fueler HEMTT a day early. His platoon leader, the HHC company commander and the convoy commander for that serial (my former company commander) apparently knew that he wasn't in condition to drive, but required him to drive without a co-driver. He almost made the entire 3 hour convoy without incident, but as the convoy was slowing to exit the autobahn, he failed to stop in time and rearended the HEMTT in front of him.

I first find out about the incident when the HEMTT is towed into the motor pool at Graf. Statements are taken, and thankfully, no one was hurt. A few days later, the brigade commander conducts an inquiry. I do not know what went on when the other officers were questioned, but I was called in for an interview. I was asked about some meeting that never happened, but the battalion XO insisted he had given regarding a brigade memorandum that required all vehicles to have two occupants at all times. It was dated the same day I left for Grafenwohr.

The brigade commander decided that since I had not informed my company commander about the 2 person requirement, that the accident was my fault. He threatened me with court-martial and was directing my battalion commander to initiate the paperwork.

I was dumbfounded and sure my career was over for a reason I didn't know. Then the S4 who the battalion XO says conducted the meeting about the memorandum told me in front of the first sergeant that he never gave the briefing. I then asked the other company XOs about the briefing and they didn't know what I was talking about. When the battalion commander came to me to counsel me about the incident, I told him what I had found out and asked him to ask the other five officers that were supposed to have been at the meeting. He said he owed me that much.

I guess he did because I never heard about the incident again. I volunteered to deploy with another unit going to Saudi and left without incident. I spent three years in that unit and never received a thing from them. It was my first army home and I left under a dark cloud after having been a successful tank platoon leader, tank company XO and then the HHC XO. Had it not been for the positive experience of the unit I deployed with, I'd have gotten out of the army.

Response by SFC Freddie Porter made Nov 25 at 2017 9:10 PM

SFC Freddie Porter — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 21:10:34 -0500

Two things really that defined the start of my career; watching guys in the barracks put needles with the full knowledge of the NCO Corp in the company in their arms after 1730 hours filled with reds. Coming home in 72 and having the Bishop of my Church completely ignore me, refusing to shake my hand and say hi to me while welcoming all the guys I grew up with that went to college receive a hero’s welcome home. Thank you for your service these days.

Response by SGT Patrick Wells made Nov 26 at 2017 1:59 PM

SGT Patrick Wells — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 13:59:19 -0500

first let me say I was raised to treat everyone the same no matter the race creed or sex. I have lived my life by that. I will give everyone my respect till you lose it the you must earn it back if you want it. l Say this because I don't want anyone to think this is a racist post. I had planned on making the Army a career . till I made SGT. I was in charge of the platoon duty roster. Had a PFC tell me he was NOT going to show up for any duty he didn't feel like doing. He did not show up for a guard duty he had been assigned to ( Just his turn on rotation). I met with him in my office for a one on one counseling session to fid out what had happened. That was when he told me that he would not show up when he did not feel like it or had other plans. I met with his SL He informed me he had the same issue with the PFC I later met with my PLT SGT for a discussion as to what to do. His answer was that since I had reported it to him to give the PFC another chance. A couple weeks later he was up for CQ duty. Again a no show, Again I met with him. His answer was for me to go to h^^^. I had a meeting with my PLT SGT as to what to do and what forms to fill out for co. grade discipline. I was told that since he was not of my race there was nothing I really could do but just stand there and take it. write him up He The PLT SGT needed to have 10 of them before he could take it up the chai then they needed 10 of those as well. So 100 times to receive a punishment and all of those had to be for the same type offense. That the Army was starting an affirmative action and all the PFC had to do was claim racism and I would be up on charges instead. I asked my PLTO and 1st SGT with the same reply back. I decided right there and then that I didn't fit . I wanted to treat ALL my me equally ad it was not fair to have to put up with that sort of crap that just put an extra burden o the rest of us.
I had to go to the IG for an inspiration speech as to why I should stay in and make the Army my career. I told him this episode ad that I didn't think it fair to my other me. So he was wasting his breath unless he could do something about it . The reply was that hopefully we would eventually gei where I thought we should be but it was a long ways down the road . Just so everyone knows My PLT SGT was the same race as the PFC He said he even had to put up with the PFC's mouth. My PLT was 3/4 the same race as well. I had good relations with most of them and great respect for them. There were a couple tho that were starting to get the PFC's attitude. It was getting worse not better I ETSed 6 months later. So much for a career there.
Sorry this was so long

Response by SFC Antonio Nieto made Nov 26 at 2017 3:47 PM

SFC Antonio Nieto — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 15:47:09 -0500

While I was in the Navy the USS Constellation CV-64 was under going SLEP period, there was a big fire onboard the ship, 345 people got a letter of commendation from a VICE admiral for taking part in efforts to put the fire out. Nevertheless I never was included into the people that took part on that effort I lost 5 points for promotion to petty officer third class when I took my test, I think I missed by 5 points it made me rethink my military career and leave active duty

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made Nov 30 at 2017 2:14 PM

CPL Brendan Hayes — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 14:14:28 -0500

Being passed over for a promotion board because I declined a school slot due to civilian school obligations.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2017 9:56 AM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 09:56:58 -0500

From what limited experience I have had, at the Naval Academy, having to attend the funeral services for a friend because they felt there was no way to handle the stress. During my time there, I lost 3 friends to suicide. It is demoralizing to see youth and strength snuffed out by soemthing like that.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Dec 1 at 2017 2:36 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 14:36:15 -0500

I had a habit of signing up for Voluntary deploys to places that were the armpits of the world and seeing how many others would sign-up just because I did.. there were only a few where there was disinterest by others... I found that by signing up for even the worst , I was in line priority-wise for the creme d’ la creme of juicy Deploys that came around next time.. on the list.. A few of the guys said “screw that, I’m waiting for a good one!” Well... good one came along for a SSGT and a few Airmen to go to Nellis out west and be at Red Flag. I got selected, and so did 3 Airmen that went to Labrador with me.. (actually Labrador turned out good.. we were added to a contingent that went to Ramstein and participated in an exercise there.. had a great time, sure we worked hard but got to play hard also.. us Airmen from Langley that went to Goose Bay then Germany were selected to stay at Ramstein and work at the DH (we still got our activity cred). 4 Airmen From Ramstein. Went in the field and slept with the bugs and other creatures and played with the field equipment. I did want to go out but I’d done that kind of stuff enough, Let s’one else have the experience. We were working and getting the meal on the line and a photog and journalist from the base paper came in and snapped pics and asked some questions of who we were and where we came from.. I told them of the exercise and we stayed back and let some Ramstein Airmen go out and have fun(facetiously)... Well our pics not only appeared in the Ramstein paper but back at our own base paper as well.. We got back to Langley AFB and went out West to Nellis as well .. There were some unhappy people.. that happens ! We worked hard and played hard there, also.
That trip was a nice profit for me(at the casino)... The others not so much.. So I attracted more followers on my trips to the Armpits of the world.. hoping that they’d be fortunate and the TDY would turn out better than described . “How do you always luck out on these armpit TDYs Sarge,?they asked me: I just go prepared, give it my 125% and smile all the way.. ‘cause there are always worse places one could be. And when you arrive back home .. you are more appreciative of what you left behind !

Response by SPC Brent Melton made Dec 3 at 2017 11:12 AM

SPC Brent Melton — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 11:12:21 -0500

The absolute worst demoralizing experience for me, occurred on a Battery run. We had already done 5-6 miles, and were on the home stretch back to the Battery area. We get about 200 yards from the end point when the Commander, turns us around to go back down by our motor pool, which is another 1-2 miles.

I just stopped. I was so excited to be done with that run because it was a good one up to that point. I had built up my expectations of finishing strong, and then BAM! I just started walking. My chief walked up to me and asked what was wrong so told him flat out that I had lost all motivation. He stayed with me until we got back to the battery (yes I started running again), but he understood that it wasn't a time to prod me.

Response by PO1 Don Mac Intyre made Dec 3 at 2017 2:53 PM

PO1 Don Mac Intyre — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 14:53:26 -0500

Taking part in an operation, only to be told that, while my part was a major reason the operation was successful, only those actually deployed were to be given medals. Oh, and the no less than 9 flag offices that showed up to watch the operation unfold.

Response by SP5 Larry Morris made Dec 3 at 2017 6:22 PM

SP5 Larry Morris — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 18:22:41 -0500

a !st sg

Response by SSG Philip Evans made Dec 3 at 2017 11:03 PM

SSG Philip Evans — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 23:03:40 -0500

Having a training officer "go off" on me without his knowing the situation in front of my teammates. He then spread his story to others of higher rank at the command (without knowing the correct details of what had occured) that resulted in my being dropped to the bottom of the command "ranking list" for promotion. I then had no hope of another promotion before retiring.

Response by SFC Ken James Carlisle Jr. (ret.) made Dec 4 at 2017 7:54 PM

SFC Ken James Carlisle Jr. (ret.) — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 19:54:19 -0500

Being in Iraq and being put on Alert to Roll into Syria while in Baghdad in 2003, and then being stood down the next day because Syria backed down. We would have whooped up on them then, only to see Syria do what it is doing now a decade later.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Dec 5 at 2017 1:55 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 01:55:26 -0500

I've gotta admit, that's a really thought provoking question, it really got my mental gears turning, I've gotta give that a lot of thought before I'd even remotely know how to answer that one, though, honest....

Response by CMSgt Gary Fichman made Dec 5 at 2017 3:18 PM

CMSgt Gary Fichman — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 15:18:26 -0500

The implementation of TRICARE--the military had told folks if they served, they would receive healthcare at military facilities. Suddenly, without much explanation retired members and dependents were being told they had to find civilian providers that were “signed up with TRICARE”. There was no transition, very little explanation and the system was NOT well built. Lots of these folks were elderly and had chronic medical problems—they were TRAINED to use the military facilities and had been using for YEARS.
As an AF medic it broke my heart.

Response by LCpl James Robertson made Dec 9 at 2017 6:34 PM

LCpl James Robertson — Sat, 09 Dec 2017 18:34:34 -0500

Aboard the USS. Tripoli while on watch duty about 0400 hours near Haiphong Harbor, North Vietnam., a boot Second Lieutenant came out a hatch door and accuse me of not saluting him and wrote me up for office hours. A Sergeant Major, whom I had meet a year earlier spoke on my behalf at Captains Mast and the case was dropped, thank God for his help.

Response by CPL Adam Gerischer made Dec 10 at 2017 10:46 AM

CPL Adam Gerischer — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 10:46:57 -0500

After 8 years of faithful service, and 10 months in the IRR. I had a civilian job, house and a young family. Two weeks before my ETS i got a call on a Tuesday from some local reserve MSG. He told me that he had my orders. I asked if it was for my ETS? He replied that I had been involuntarily transferred to a unit 7 states away, oh they are mobilizing and under stop loss. Your flight is leaving Thursday. I spent the entire time as a model soldiers during business hours, but off duty I was a conscript and wasn't having any of it. Still got my honorable even though I was a bit of a pain in the ass but it still leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

Response by SPC Amanda Silvestri made Dec 21 at 2017 2:12 PM

SPC Amanda Silvestri — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 14:12:52 -0500

I think it was the winter of 1972, in Germany, the unit was on an FTX. My job was to drive the mail truck back and forth from base to base. One afternoon the PLO NCO would not get out of bed so I could refuel and return From our home base in Mintz to the training area in Bombholder (sp), he tossed me the keys to the hut and told me to use the cans on the right side. So I filled my 5/4 ton pick-up truck and went on about my business. About 15 miles from where I was headed, while climbing up a mountain in the dark, the fuel in my tank turned from mo-gas to diesel and I lost power. I could either pull off the road and wait till the next morning for rescue or do my best to get myself, my passengers, the mail and the CO's orders up to Bomholder.

I drove in a series of switchbacks to reduce the pull of gravity on the truck, using both lanes of the road and played with the rate that I feed fuel to the engine. I eventually made it. I discharged my passengers, gave the LTC's orders and the mail to the staff duty NCO, who was also the batalion mail NCO, took the truck to the motor pool to have the fuel tank drained and refilled and then went looking for the CO (who was missing and no one knew where he was). He was not in his office at the CP nor in his quarters and the Staff Duty NCO had no idea where he was. There was no Staff Duty Officer for some unknown reason.

I had missed dinner, so I quickly ran to the canteen to grab a sandwich and then retraced my steps looking for the CO. I finally found him back at the CP, it was 8PM. Now I was in trouble for filling the truck with the wrong fuel. "don't you know the difference?" he asked me. "No," I said "an OD Green five gallon can looks just like another to me and I put in the fuel from the cans I was told to use". I pointed out that I had managed to get my passengers in safely and deliver the mail. He chewed me out for leaving the U.S. Mail in unauthorized hands, until I pointed out that the Duty NCO was the Battalion Mail NCO also. Then he chewed me out because he did not have his orders timely. I pointed out that no one knew where he was and that I had conducted a search for him.

The CO then accused me of being on drugs and was really pissed at me. Strange, I was the only one who took responsibility that day and I was the one who powered through and completed my mission. I was the one who made sure everything was fixed, delivered or secured but I was on drugs. I thought that I deserved a letter of commendation not an ass chewing. My regard for the CO was never the same and my moral hit an all time bottom.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2017 12:12 PM

Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Dec 2017 12:12:54 -0500

Frankly?
Being told the following statement by the USAF in 1980:
"We see that you excelled in your ASVAB exam and are planning to head to Lackland AFB. However, we've met the quota for women in the Air Force this year. Thank you for enlisting."

Response by SSgt Dwight Deatherage made Dec 25 at 2017 8:22 PM

SSgt Dwight Deatherage — Mon, 25 Dec 2017 20:22:36 -0500

There were a lot of good troops sent home early because the Army made a priority on making space for new faces instead of retaining talent. It is a real slap in the face for a 30 something to suddenly have to enter the job market with only a short notice.

Response by SSgt William Ellick made Dec 27 at 2017 5:33 AM

SSgt William Ellick — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 05:33:53 -0500

I'm not sure that it was the most demoralizing incident but it certainly had the most influence and impact on my life.
I was a witness to the crash of Ash 01 at Utapao, Thailand during the 72 Christmas bombing.
Seeing that aircraft all shot up trying so hard to take back off and do a "go around" to make another attempt at landing. The sounds of the engines screaming to produce enough power, the tremendous shaking of the aircraft as it struggled, and finally as it literally broke up and came back down to the ground with such force. The fire, smoke, and screaming during all of it still remain etched in my brain. It was almost as if it took hours for the actual crash to happen in slow motion even though it was only seconds in real time.
This was a crew who struggled with the plane to return to base as they did not know the condition of the tail gunner and did not want to bail out and possibly leave a man behind!
It forever changed me about war and my fellow soldiers and friends. Took a long time to get over it and yet it still comes back now to remind me of our mortality as well as our strength in what we did.

I guess in thought during writing this, the most demoralizing thing would have to be how we are treated as veterans by our own government after we did as we were asked. So many good soldiers dying while waiting for any care from the broken VA system while the VA workers get bonuses and luxuries for stalling treatments, losing records, and generally doing a lot of nothing to earn more than we ever had the chance to while we served! That is disgusting, sad, and downright wrong!

Response by SFC William Allen made Dec 27 at 2017 6:33 AM

SFC William Allen — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 06:33:37 -0500

The most demoralizing thing to happen to me was we had just completed a CLRT inspection (Command Logistics Review Team). Thanks to everyone's hard work we came out smelling like a rose. I was farmed out afterwards to help other units get ready. It was a lot of work, I had to be away from my home and family for a couple of days at a time. We had a big party where awards where handed out and you got a picture or yourself and the Col. who directed Maintenance (SMO) presenting you with the award. I looked forward to this and watched everyone else get their award and picture. I looked back at my Master Sargent who stared at me, grinned and flipped me the bird! I am not big on gratuitous awards, I don't think you should get a medal for doing your job. Awards are for extraordinary work/ service. Anyways, the Col. later asked me why I hadn't got an award. I replied that I guess I don't rate one. he said don't worry, we'll get you taken care of. I got nothing.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2017 1:12 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 13:12:35 -0500

I'd have to say it was when a supervisor called me a liar for an honest mistake, and even after I'd apologized for and explained the error, he insisted that because my initial statement was inaccurate, I'd lied to him and he'd caught me in a lie, no matter what I might have meant by it.

We proceded to discuss each other's pedigrees in vigorous insinuation, unprofessionally and quite loudly, while tempting one another to murder. Needless to say, the boss took a very dim view of such matters.

Response by SPC Kelly MacLeod made Dec 28 at 2017 7:48 AM

SPC Kelly MacLeod — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 07:48:52 -0500

I was a 42a, but chronically assigned to MP units. One deployment was a detainee ops mission and I found myself assigned to one of the blocks for about 3-4 months. I wasn't technically supposed to work the blocks, since I wasn't an MP, but we were low on manning and I filled in when needed.
So on this particular day, I was actually on the block and not in the office, because whoever was assigned to that side for the day was where ever (latrine, escorting a detainee, whatever). The company commander walked out of the office (my space) as I was walking up the hall. He asked where everyone was. I told him I wasn't sure, gave him my post briefing, and that was that.
Later that day, I found myself getting counseled for not being on the block when no one else was. I told my squad leader that I had been, and our CO had even seen me on the block. I was asked if I was calling the CPT a liar. Well, I said yes because he was. So I got counseled for not being on the block and calling the CO a liar.
Last I heard, he had been arrested on assault charges and I honorably separated from the Army after an additional deployment.

This was also the deployment where our Battalion Commander said, quote, "I don't give a f*ck about your morale". Ok boss.

Response by MSG Loren Tomblin made Dec 31 at 2017 2:43 PM

MSG Loren Tomblin — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 14:43:42 -0500

Even though I served as an Infantryman in Viet Nam I was a squad leader in Germany prior to that. One of my troops wanted out of the Army and I told him his options. One of the options was being a homosexual. What follows is funny. He told me he was not a homosexual and I told him that all he had to do was act like one and have a witness. He said that he did not want to do anything that was homosexual. I told him that it was ok, all he had to do was fondle another male. One of my troops volunteered to have him touch his privates and he proceeded to do so. When I remarked that both of them were acting like homosexuals and me, as a witness , must testify. The volunteer slapped him and said "Get your hand off my schwantz!!!!". When he asked if I would testify I told him it was a mutual event and I could not verify that they were actually homosexuals. I wondered how far would a soldier go to get out of the Army by degrading himself. That was 58 years ago.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2018 11:39 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 11:39:15 -0500

Having a BAD Sergeant Major.

Response by LTC Margaret Stock made Jan 3 at 2018 12:55 PM

LTC Margaret Stock — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 12:55:02 -0500

I was a Reservist serving alongside active duty officers, and my active duty boss called me in for my annual OER. He told me that I was doing great, and I was clearly one of his best officers, but "since you are a Reservist, I need to give you a COM [Center of Mass] rating. My active duty officers need the ACOM [Above Center of Mass] ratings. I know you will understand."

Response by PO3 Leo Zacher made Jan 4 at 2018 6:28 PM

PO3 Leo Zacher — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 18:28:18 -0500

It started early in my Navy enlistment. After graduating from boot camp in Feb. 1974, we got Cinderella liberty so, me and a friend went to a restaurant to get a good steak but, the waitress refused to serve us. We then went to a mall and a little boy saw us in uniform and came to talk to us. His mother yelled at him to get away from us because, we were baby murders.

Response by CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. made Jan 8 at 2018 9:54 PM

CW5 Edward "Tate" Jones Jr. — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 21:54:45 -0500

I was OIC of Rainbow II at Desert Storm. It was watching the Army bury millions and millions of dollars worth of perfectly good equipment and supplies under the concept that is was more expensive to ship it back to CONUS than it was worth. Some of the stuff couldn't be replaced at ANY price because the equipment it supported was no longer manufactured and there was no longer any manufacturing source for the parts being dumped. Just broke this Maintenance-man's heart.

Response by SSgt Vincent Zegarelli made Jan 10 at 2018 12:38 AM

SSgt Vincent Zegarelli — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 00:38:25 -0500

My first leave and I was in uniform walking through ohsre airport in Chicago. I was spit on by the anti war people and had to get security to walk me to my next flight.

Response by SSG Carlos Garcia made Jan 10 at 2018 2:43 PM

SSG Carlos Garcia — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 14:43:09 -0500

The most demoralizing I had experienced in the military was how some people were given positions of leadership with little to no experience. I used to say; "Is not what you know, but who you know in order to get promoted, and/ or to get a leadership position.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2018 10:34 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 10:34:45 -0500

My military career, being in its infancy as of time served, I’ve not had a really demoralizing experience. However a few things that got on my nerves and could probably had been had it not been for my attitude to accept challenges head on would fall into the realms of a few things. 1. When I first got promoted to Sergeant, the ceremony was awesome and everything seemed great, the day after everyone expected me to know everything about everything, which was overwhelming at first, mainly due to the incredible shift in expectations in less than 24 hours. This experience however spearheaded me to be one of the go to NCOs in my unit due to my constant adaptation and quick learning in the face of their expectations. 2. Weapons qual and APFT, I was know to shoot expert and get 300 on my PT test, when I got injured and was about 4 months into recovery, I got a 297 APFT and shot a 34 out of 40 due to my body still experiencing pain that I was learning to manage and build the muscle back up while desensitizing the scar tissue, despite this, I was called out for not holding the standard that was expected of me. It doesn’t always pay to be put on a pedestal by those around you. Those were humbling experiences, and from that point on, I approached training soldiers and my own personal development smarter, as compared to the tough it out crap that gets taught

Response by PFC Michael Johnston made Feb 10 at 2018 12:02 PM

PFC Michael Johnston — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 12:02:16 -0500

Ok my most demoralizing experience was getting home and couldn't find a job except for McDonald's this was back in 06-07

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2018 5:48 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 17:48:47 -0500

If anything it would be how some in the Public (Civilians) look down upon Veterans especially when most of us are from small Towns and Inner Cities....most of us did not grow up rich. Yes we knew or know what we signed up for but only 1% sign up to do what our Nation orders us to do be it right or wrong we're part of a Family that others only wish they could a part of because we're dedicated to our Country and would do anything to protect our fellow Brothers and Sisters. The other disappointment would be the earned benefits some of us receive and earned benefits some have not received or never received from our Government. Professional Ball Players and Actors make more and are treated like Rock Stars instead of Veterans who protect and defend our Republic against all Enemies! When they need us on the Wall it's just great when they don't need us we're indispensable!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2018 7:51 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 19:51:46 -0500

During deployment training at Fort Dix, everyone in the unit was not allowed to ask questions during the intense training because they were so short on time and the Pentagon wanted boots on the ground for the 2nd rotation into Afghanistan in 2004 in a pop smoke!

Response by SSG Dale London made Feb 19 at 2018 1:38 PM

SSG Dale London — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:38:12 -0500

What was my most demoralizing experience in the military? It was the realization that the US Air Force is completely morally bankrupt.
I say this not as a veteran soldier -- though I am one.
Rather, I say it as the son, brother, nephew and uncle of men who proudly wore blue. This realization came in the aftermath of the shooting at Fairchild AFB, 20th June 1994 when my brother, Alan London, his colleague Tom Brigham, a little girl name Kristin McCarron, an unborn baby and a woman I babysat for as a teenager, Anita Lindner were shot and killed by a deranged airman named Dean Mellberg.
The whole story is too long and complex to recount here but suffice to say that had the USAF done it's duty when first presented with the unbalanced man named Mellberg, six people would not now be dead and twenty-something others would not be living with crippling wounds and PTSD. Those six, by the way, include Mellberg himself whom I believe was not sane when he committed his atrocity.
But it does not end there.
The very afternoon we were having a private memorial service for my brother, the last B-52 on Fairchild AFB was crashed by a pilot whom the command had repeatedly been warned was a danger to himself and others. They did nothing about it and he cost himself and his crew their lives, as well as costing the Air Force an expensive antique of a plane.
As an Air Force brat and a serving soldier I was sickened by the sheer malfeasance of the USAF Command; the unmitigated dereliction of duty and the crawling, cowardly attempts to hide, brush under the carpet and excuse the inexcusable.
That was 24 years ago and I am still angry at the USAF. I'm not angry at Dean Mellberg - I pity his soul. But the Air Force? No. It has no excuse. It failed it's most important mission next to war - the care and welfare of its members and dependents.
This event did not just demoralize me. It destroyed my faith in an institution I had grown up admiring. It took from me forever my belief that the USAF was good, moral, faithful and right. I don't know if I will ever be able to forgive the institution that allowed this to happen -- especially as no one has ever been held accountable and no one ever will.
Thanks for letting me vent.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2018 7:33 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 07:33:18 -0500

In all, the military, so far, has been a great expereince. As a junior leader, I have not really had anything that has broken me in terms of the service, however, there have been low points already. Nothing totally demoralizing, but definitely disappointing. The worst so far was probably not getting selected for XO at one of the line companies I was in as a PL. I viewed it as a career slight and key developmental position I lacked. I felt slighted because I had busted my butt to be a really good platoon leader, as a reservist, always doing extra duty, committing to the soldiers to do right by them, both in and out of uniform. Another PL was selected and I went up to battalion staff. I learned a lot about personal resiliency, and that sometimes decisions that are made yield long term results versus short term. As my staff time comes to a close, I'm under the mircoscope for company command, something I've wanted to do since a small child.

Response by Capt Sam Adkins made Feb 24 at 2018 11:15 PM

Capt Sam Adkins — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 23:15:25 -0500

Election of Bill Clinton.

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made Feb 26 at 2018 3:12 PM

SGT Charles Bartell — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:12:16 -0500

I am sure this has happened to maney of you out there.
Some one elce getting awards for what you did. This happend to me at 6TH R.T.B. in Fla.
We had this ass kissing former Air Force D-bag that no matter what he was give the creedit for every thing that I did. When I brought this to the attention of my squid leader he would aways say one of two things. We will get this stright and you will get your award or my FAVORITE you are just jelalouse. Now i have refused Awards because I felt that Idid not deserve them.
I my opion this a one big resion people get out of the military. They see so many people that are half assed getting AWARDS and PROMOTED.
I sucked it up and stayed in the Army untill I was Medically retired.
Belive it or not I loved my job and the Army. it is just some of the people that make it hard for good people to stay in.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Mar 16 at 2018 12:20 AM

MSG Danny Mathers — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 00:20:17 -0400

The failure of the Marines to take us to Terran to. Complete the Iranian mission.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2018 12:27 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 00:27:30 -0400

LRRP school Fort Bragg,
3 days and 3 nights walking without sleep, on the third night we were given one hour to sleep, but we were standing in 4 feet of water.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Mar 16 at 2018 1:13 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 01:13:09 -0400

Being the CMSAF or Senior Enlisted Advisor for any branch is an exercise in irony. These folks are placed in these positions to advocate for the morale and well-being of the enlisted force. Yet, their very existence in that position makes them yes men for the Generals and Admirals. Pure and simple, they are politicians - my words. IMO, these guys are the epitome of the term F'up and Move up (brown nose, suck ass, fly, etc.). I've known lots of Chiefs (CMSgts) but many are just E-9s. The Chief is the one that isn't afraid to get down and dirty to get the job done then buys you a beer afterward. The E-9 is the one just telling you to figure it out and get it done.

I worked for one Chief in Thailand that made doing the job easier form the POV that he put things in perspective that could be understood. I worked for an E-9 in Vietnam who only cared about getting his ass stateside to retire. You will lose many hours over a military career. Your best option is to place them all in perspective and take the positive of the experience and make yourself better.

Response by MSgt Danny Hope made Mar 16 at 2018 6:23 AM

MSgt Danny Hope — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 06:23:27 -0400

Being turned down for an Enlisted Watch Officer position during Desert Storm that went to a young blond female 2LT. after asking why someone who had over 10 years experience in the AOR was passed up for someone with less experience, I was told, and I quote: "She is a Generals aide and he picked her because she needed a bullet for her OER" I dropped my retirement paperwork on the spot.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2018 12:51 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 12:51:11 -0400

Seeing bad leaders get promoted.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2018 1:11 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 13:11:02 -0400

This experience lasted a long time.

I had gotten pregnant after years of trying with my ex-husband. My PLT SGT hated me for it. To be fair it was a few months before we were set to rotate to South Korea. However, this PLT SGT was beyond difficult.

I miscarried Jan. 16 2016 at 9w 6d. I was completely broken.

Three weeks later they put me on a plane to South Korea. I was severely depressed and torn away from my only support. Thought my Korea rotation I was in the feild every other week even when my battery wasn't going. My platoon shunned me. My marriage was falling apart. I ran into quite a few unpleasent instances with fellow soldiers.

Now get this, my PLT SGT told me in front of the whole PLT that I shouldn't have named my son. To save that name for a "real child".

I lost everything that year and no one seemed to give a shit, especially those I worked with.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 18 at 2018 7:55 PM

Maj John Bell — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 19:55:45 -0400

One single solitary reporting senior.

Response by CPT Robert Boshears made Mar 26 at 2018 12:17 PM

CPT Robert Boshears — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 12:17:52 -0400

Being the second Company Commander to be relieved for disobeying an unlawful/illegal order. Order was given in front of the IG, two full Colonels, two Light Colonels, a Major and a Brigadier General. I stood my ground... nearly pissed myself, then the Brigade Commander wrote it out on a bar napkin, which I folded up and put in my coat pocket. I found that paper a year later, and the IG at the Pentagon wanted the original. My adverse OER was removed, but so was my recommendation for early promote to O4 and O5 (when I got the time in grade). Ruined my career! But, I was 30% VA, and applied again and got 70, then 100% (Unemployability) which piggy backed on my US Civil Service Job (I had been activated from the IRR for a few years). I ended big money ahead, but would like to know what happened to those that ruined my career. Oh, my XO flew home to politic for my job (He was a bad drunk and flipped off two full Navy Captains) and hid in a bad area... cowardice in the face of the enemy. He was sent back to the world.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Apr 15 at 2018 4:30 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 16:30:00 -0400

Being in Afghanistan (2004) and having to go to a “Grip & Grin” and accompanying speech given by Donald Rumsfeld and MG David Barno. Both were delusional and seemed to live in an alternate universe.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Apr 21 at 2018 12:59 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Sat, 21 Apr 2018 12:59:37 -0400

The failure of the Iranian Rescue Mission. The greatest letdown of my life and every one of us that was there....

Response by CPL Any Jim made May 7 at 2018 10:28 AM

CPL Any Jim — Mon, 07 May 2018 10:28:46 -0400

Most demoralizing experience is while ets'ing i was flagged for adverse action? Than while flagged before being read article 15' unit flagged me as being chaptered! When i was iniated for chapter i had more leave days than days left in army. I was read article 15 : it took four readings. On 3rd reading my article 15 was recommend for a summary court-martial. 12 days later i was called back in for reading and wink wink found punshied of all recommendations. 20 days later i accidentaly turned in own article 15' unit never intended to turn in? Than unit was freaking out CSM wants you honerably discharge from seevice TODAY! Was escorted by nco's to have orders created! Transtion told nco's they need to unflag sm adverse action. Case was closed favorably and chapter code b was removed and nco's went down with this da form 268 and bullied transtion in too this is what we have and CSM wants sm ets orders did today!
Long story short nco's kept using CSM name in vain and my orders were technically created with out adverse action properly being removed! So technically i am still in service as a e-1 with 15 years in service. It's as if do i turn in my retirement pack at 17 years , 20 or just wait till 30 years . it was a demoralizing situation that turned in to a real life 'Office Space movie with the guy in the basement retiring on a tropical island sipping mai-tias . Wars on won on papers and with pens , but seems a technical glitch rules in favor of Sm ! Yippy

Response by PO1 Kerry French made Aug 3 at 2018 7:21 PM

PO1 Kerry French — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 19:21:00 -0400

MST by my chief... then no one believing me and treating me like a pariah... until he went out and embarrassed the command. Oh THEN they were all SOOOOOOOO concerned about me. I told them to piss up a rope... for a year they treated me like crap and then when they want his head on a platter, they care. Yeah. Horse sh!t.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2018 11:50 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Sep 2018 11:50:43 -0400

Finding out that we wouldn't be pulling into Thailand.
That fact by itself was merely disappointing, the demoralizing part was why:
we weren't make port because there had been a terrorist threat made there.
As terrorism is an asymmetric warfare tactic used to make maximum effect of the fact that you are unable to actually inflict serious physical damage to the opponent, actual military forces backing down in the face of it is just wrong to me. I'd prefer we publicly ignore cowardly intimidation attempts and effectively say "bring it". That some illiterate orphans from some backward little country were basically controlling of the ship movements of the most powerful Navy in the world pisses me off. To me, that moment and our other reactions as a nation said that the terrorists WIN. Their tactics were a complete success. The United States of America isn't willing to stand up for itself and our entire military apparatus is pointless! All the theoretical capability in the world is useless if we're just going to give up and not even try to do anything worthwhile. Which in turn meant my job served no purpose. What I was currently pursuing in my life had no meaning whatsoever.
On top of that, there is or was no single person to attach blame to. Our CO wasn't deciding where the Amphibious Group went. The group commander probably didn't get to make the call on his own, he did as was directed. What ever level the decision was made at didn't come up with our actions out of the blue, it was in line with whatever policy was laid out from above them...
Realizing that we lost the "Global War on Terror" was the single thing that has had the biggest negative impact on my morale during my military career.

Response by SFC Scott Higgins made Oct 26 at 2018 1:41 PM

SFC Scott Higgins — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 13:41:43 -0400

While acting first sergeant, I had a Captain tell me, in front of the command that I was stupid, simply because I said a Sergeant First Class should be doing a command required road march despite having found out she wasn't approved for early retirement. Seems he sent her home because she was "upset".

Response by SSgt Alvar Lam made Nov 14 at 2018 10:54 PM

SSgt Alvar Lam — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 22:54:13 -0500

Oddly enough, my most demoralizing experience also stars CMSAF Cody (Ret) as lead.

Circa 2008, Chief Cody makes a visit to Balad to have a no-holds-barred open-ended discussion with the troops. He said he wanted our uncensored, unfiltered questions, so we let him have it. So after the guided tour of our squadron area, the aircraft, equipment, etc... cue the questions about manning, OPSTEMPO, equipment shortages, career field issues, aircraft home basing, PCSes, deployment fatigue, and other well thought-out questions. (It was basically the exact opposite of a commander's call where there's 3 pre-selected airmen who have to give the CC a lowball question.)

After we aired our questions, it was as if Chief Cody shut down and had to visibly reboot. He told his SMSgt scribe to write everything down and promised he'd get back to us. (Spoiler Alert: He never did.) Afterwards he had only one question for us: "So, are y'all ready for the new PT test?"

Crickets...

"It's really important y'all maintain your fitness while out here on deployment." Then he got on his executive jet and flew back to the states... or more likely the Deid to spend the rest of the month qualifying for hostile fire pay.

Response by LTC Tom Jones made Jan 16 at 2019 4:35 PM

LTC Tom Jones — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 16:35:43 -0500

Watching news coverage of a North Vietnamese tank roll onto the grounds of the "former" American Embassy in Saigon and not knowing (perhaps, wishfully not knowing) the fate of those South Vietnamese soldiers and, in some cases, their families with whom I had known, worked with, broken bread with and grown to respect and care for during my tour of duty as a Combat Advisor there.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Jun 5 at 2019 10:32 AM

SPC Robert Bobo — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 10:32:34 -0400

Arrival at Fort Polk , 3am in the morning, pouring rain , we pilled off bus and DI singled me out , with entire squad looking on sooking wet, I had to do pushups until I could explain "my last name" to the Sr. DI's satisfaction, this drug on for what seemed to be an eternity in the mud, WTF

Response by SPC John Leite made Feb 23 at 2020 1:46 PM

SPC John Leite — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 13:46:32 -0500

While I was with the Nevada Army National Guard, 221st Armor Cav. we had our summer training at Camp Roberts, Ca. 2 days before we were leaving I had headcount duty and someone else drove my tank and overfilled the crankcase, next day when we were going through the inspection stations to turn the tanks in I saw that the crankcase was overfilled, (by almost 1 gallon), I went looking for one of the little pumps used for that purpose, this was a tank maintenance facility and that pump is one of the tools that they are required to have on hand and didn't. one of our platoon Sgts (a SFC E7) handed me a hose and told me to suck the oil out, I refused and he ORDERED me to do it and I respectfully refused, I was NOT going to suck hot motor oil out of a tank's engine with my mouth. well, by the time we got back home to Las Vegas there was an article 15 and demotion waiting for me, I already had my 6 year obligation behind me so right then and there I decided that I was NOT going back. they didn't pursue any further action and I ended up getting a general discharge, (I did get an honorable out of active service and another honorable from the Montana Army National Guard as reflected on my DD214). this is something that has bothered me since the early 80's, I would've been happy to get that oil out of that engine IF they had had the tool that they're SUPPOSED to have, being a maintenance facility but I'll be damned if I was going to suck hot motor oil with my mouth. thought the whole thing was extremely unfair, how can ANYONE expect someone to suck hot motor oil out of a tank's engine with their freaking MOUTH? And how can any commander think that there was anything righteous about such an unreasonable order and proceed with the article 15 and demotion?.

Response by SPC Chad Force made Jun 28 at 2020 4:47 PM

SPC Chad Force — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 16:47:21 -0400

Learning all the officers I respected at USMAPS were getting pushed out of the Army without making major, and the useless ringknocker suck ups who couldn't bother to hide that they looked down on their soldiers were getting promoted. This may not be the case Army wide, but USMAPS in the late 90s it absolutely was. Resigned and thought I'd be career NCO, but then, as the battalion soldier of the year got pulled from my PLDC slot for an extra NTC rotation (was supposed to belong to another unit). Swore I wouldn't reenlist unless I was an E5 and they apparently thought I was kidding.

Response by CPO Clifford Henry made Jun 29 at 2020 12:22 PM

CPO Clifford Henry — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 12:22:10 -0400

Nothing so traumatically awful I can remember. I will say the multiple times we spent literal days and nights cleaning and preparing for a Senior Officers visit only to have them either cancel or stay two minutes and never see more than the CO office.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Sep 24 at 2020 10:05 AM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 10:05:42 -0400

I was in the process of "helping" an O6 build a case against a civilian employee for termination. The employee was bad and needed to go but I was doing all the "dirty" grunt work. One day the employee asked to see her file, which she had a right to. However, it was in the Colonels office and she was TDY. By law I had to get the file and show it to the employee. I entered the Colonels office and retrieved the file...let the employee look at it with my standing there and no copies. I put the file back and went home for the day. I got the phone call from hell from the Colonel about why and never do that again and I oughta fire you...the next day when I reported for work the Colonel called me to her office...gave it to me a gain thumping my chest and calling me everything but what I was. I did the right and legal thing and kept her butt out of hot water. Later in that week she called me back in and apologized for her behavior...although I appreciated her apology I never respected her as a leader from that day forward...something similar happened before that assignment but I learned hoe not to lead form both of those "leaders". It took the air right out of my sails and I was just about to throw in the towel when I had another leader step up when he heard about all of that and mentored me through it...that kept me going.

Response by Cpl Michael Blahak made Nov 17 at 2021 11:34 PM

Cpl Michael Blahak — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 23:34:07 -0500

A Sgt whom was a real square always trying to correct someone stay in your lane move along.

Response by SGT Mark Richardson Sr. made Nov 18 at 2021 8:41 AM

SGT Mark Richardson Sr. — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 08:41:27 -0500

Being labeled as a Fatboy during Basic Training , but it only made me work harder to show the Drills I could complete all the task .

Response by MAJ Russell Sanderson made Nov 25 at 2021 7:07 AM

MAJ Russell Sanderson — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 07:07:21 -0500

Senior officers who wouldn't listen to people "in the know"

Response by PFC Angie Nickels made Nov 25 at 2021 7:55 AM

PFC Angie Nickels — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 07:55:45 -0500

Active duty: MST tramatic event

Veteran: PTSD, anxiety, depression, unhealthy coping skills,

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Nov 25 at 2021 11:01 AM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 11:01:10 -0500

I had no significant demoralising problem during my short 2 years in the army 1969-1971 byt after ETS and Marige a couple of years later, while watching TV with my young son I watched the fall of Saigon, The helicoptors being pushed off the ships into the ocean. It was Domoralising to me. I wondered what the hell we were over there for. I thought of all the good men who died or were screwed up from the war. I t was depressing as hell ! Now it looks like our so called leaders of this great country have learned nothing from the past and pulled the same crap in Afganistan.

Response by Maj John Bell made Nov 25 at 2021 9:55 PM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 21:55:23 -0500

A really crappy commanding officer. I loved the Marine Corps, until I realized that someone entrusted Marines to that guy's command.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2021 6:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 18:25:25 -0500

The SECDEF Benetta visited OEF 10-11 time frame at CAF. Said some blah blah and not one week later was speaking how he was for reducing or removing retirement pay and benefits. What an ass hat.