What's the most humiliating, ego-reducing experience you have had while in the Armed Forces?

PV2 Ganapathy Rao — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 22:17:25 -0500

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2016 10:18 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 22:18:11 -0500

Having a full bird remind my I was just a LT.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Dec 13 at 2016 10:28 PM

TSgt Joe C. — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 22:28:12 -0500

I haven't had one yet.

Response by TSgt David L. made Dec 13 at 2016 10:43 PM

TSgt David L. — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 22:43:02 -0500

Having to ride a bicycle for a PT test. Top that.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Dec 13 at 2016 10:46 PM

SN Greg Wright — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 22:46:11 -0500

Following the script of Cadet Thomas, I see.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2016 11:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 23:18:41 -0500

My first 15-6

Response by SSG Jessica Bautista made Dec 13 at 2016 11:31 PM

SSG Jessica Bautista — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 23:31:00 -0500

Being told that I'd never pilot an AH-64 because I'm a woman.

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Dec 14 at 2016 12:18 AM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 00:18:00 -0500

I complained to a leader about a matter in which I felt my men were being mistreated. He replied by saying that if we were ordered to escort the garbage truck around the fob, that is what we would do. Hence, to say I limited future conversation.
The Army is a hierarchy by design and sometimes that means taking orders from people who don't care about you.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2016 12:19 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 00:19:27 -0500

Probably BCT, but I found a lot of that funny as well.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Dec 14 at 2016 1:21 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 01:21:01 -0500

Basic training.

Response by Maj John Bell made Dec 14 at 2016 1:43 AM

Maj John Bell — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 01:43:03 -0500

I do not feel humiliation because of what someone else thinks or did to me, or by some ridiculous task. I am much more likely to have felt indignant. When I have been humiliated or had my ego knocked down a notch or two, it was because I did or did not do something, and deserved humiliation.

I sense that your question hints at a story waiting to be told. Care to share your own experience?

Response by Rhonda Hanson made Dec 14 at 2016 3:44 AM

Rhonda Hanson — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 03:44:20 -0500

Having an officer's wife go off on some clerk at the nex because she thought she owned the rank. And it was in no way the clerks fault that she was pissed!

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2016 4:52 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 04:52:30 -0500

SERE school, but I feel like that was probably the point right?

Response by SSgt Joseph Marquis made Dec 14 at 2016 7:59 AM

SSgt Joseph Marquis — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 07:59:14 -0500

I bet yours was failing out of the easiest part of military life!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2016 8:09 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 08:09:43 -0500

humiliating or humbling?

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Dec 14 at 2016 8:35 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 08:35:50 -0500

I had a Sgt scream at me because I wasn't using a broom to his standards. He then proceeded to teach me how to sweep a floor despite my method being much more effective for cleaning.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Dec 14 at 2016 11:18 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 11:18:14 -0500

I was once in an Infantry Battalion that had a unit standard of 80 points in each event or you were on remedial PT. On one particular PT test, I had a bad day and got like 78 points on the SU's, 95 points on the PU's, and maxed the 2 mi run, for a 273 total score. I was a SGT at that time, and I got put on the remedial PT program, which was 1630-1800. I was one of the few NCO's on it. Most of the others were there because they couldn't run, so needless to say the remedial PT was heavy run-focused which I maxed just about every PT test (at that time). I felt humiliated every time I heard my name called for or mentioned for remedial PT, not to mention being looked down on by the CSM, 1SG, and other NCOs. I did hundreds of sit ups a day on my own, on top of regular and remedial PT, for about 2 weeks and then asked for a retest. Out of spite or ego or whatever I got up at exactly 80 points on the SU's, PU's, and slow jogged the last quarter mile of the 2 mile run to finish with just over 80 points, for like a 245 total. I went from a 273 to a 245 but was off remedial PT because I achieved the 80 points in each event standard, which evidently was more important than the total score. I had hoped it brought down the company average.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Dec 14 at 2016 12:47 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 12:47:16 -0500

If I still had the capacity for embarrassment, I'm sure I could provide many an example.
;-)

Response by SPC Jeffrey Reese made Dec 14 at 2016 1:21 PM

SPC Jeffrey Reese — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 13:21:08 -0500

When I tried for over a week to get my LT and Squad leader to do an inventory on my tool van because I was going in for surgery and Medical leave for 30 days. They put it off till it was to late I went in for surgery on a Monday they found out they had a BCI that week. So they cut the Lock on the tool van did an inventory with out me present then brought me a statement of Missing items while I was in the hospital less than 4 hours after my surgery. The Ordered me to sign the statement that I was responsible for those items I refused due to the fact I was not present for the inventory. He told me that it was a legal order and that on my return I could expect an Article 15. I returned early from my Medical leave and utilized my chain of command to take care of the issue. The LT and the Squad leader ended up with the Issues instead of me because I had made every effort to get the van signed over to some one else. Had the LT asked I could have told him where the tools were instead of him causing all the problems but you come to my hospital bed with treats not the right way to do things. Oh by the was the LT was gone less than a month later. The bad thing was this was the only Visit from my chain of command while I was in the hospital and I ended up having complications and was in the hospital almost 2 weeks. Not to mention the Hospital was 2 blocks from my unit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2016 1:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 13:46:16 -0500

I had a few. I think most humiliating was trying to get to PT on time because the gate was under construction. I was waiting behind cars for 30 mins when I decided to go the long way. I finally get to formation 5mins and as I'm driving into the BDE parking lot. I noticed the MPs behind me. Lights blaring (for rolling through a stop sign). I look to the left and I see the entire formation including 1SG staring at me. And look to the front and the BDE CDR and BDE CSM have rolled up their office windows and are staring at me. And my NCOIC comes over and I know it's going to be a long, bad and rough day. And it was.

Then I was ordered by the 1st Line to go down and get out of the ticket because he was not going to a safety class on saturday with me in ASUs at 0800, then spending the afternoon with me to hand out safety flyers at the PX. (which was the standard punishment). So I go down get out of the Ticket. When my NCOIC finds out he chews me out pretty badly. To be honest I was willing to pay the ticket do my ticket since I admit it was all my fault.

Response by CPT Scott LeCraw made Dec 14 at 2016 1:54 PM

CPT Scott LeCraw — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 13:54:23 -0500

That time when as a 2LT "in charge" of a Mechanical Maintenance Platoon and the 2-star post CG was coming to inspect the motor pool. I was standing tall and looking good. Right up until the CG walked right past me to shake hands with a CW4 with a big ol "Hey Chief! Haven't seen you in forever!" But wait! I'm in charge here. Well, maybe I'll just go get a cup of coffee now. :)

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Dec 14 at 2016 1:55 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 13:55:01 -0500

A goat herder infiltrated my AA.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2016 3:45 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 15:45:42 -0500

Being tasked to develop a new training plan for the entire squadron plus its two geographically separated detachments, spending three weeks poring over training plans, evaluation results, talking to everyone to get their opinions on various aspects, writing JQSs, drafting new training plans, putting together massive training binders, test standards etc.
Only to be told that they were just gonna keep the old training plan because they decided having a single E-5 make a new one was a bad idea.

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Dec 14 at 2016 4:19 PM

CW2 Ernest Krutzsch — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 16:19:42 -0500

I was the NCOIC of the Indoor Range in Berlin's Doughboy City, we had numerous VIP's visit and it was my job to give them a tour of the facility. we had a bus that housed the Weaponeer, In 1984 it was the premier simulator for firing the M16. We had a General visit, and I demonstrated the Weaponeer to him, he then asked what happened if after training, a soldier could not qualify with an M16. My response was we send them to OCS and give them 45's, he thought it was funny, The Colonel, not so much!

Response by Jordan Gaudard made Dec 14 at 2016 6:31 PM

Jordan Gaudard — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 18:31:06 -0500

I just got assigned as a platoon sergeant probably a month or two prior to this event. I was at motorpool Monday formation and S3 NCOIC MSG went to my 1SG and asked why one of my Soldiers was in formation. She said it took her a lot of work to get him into a class on main post and he obviously missed it because he was at formation.

When confronted about it the words came very easily for my 1SG, and not so easy for me. I said, "I didn't think his class started today" with that his response somewhat to the effect of clearly thinking isn't your strong point. He proceeded to tell me I better take him to class and beg that instructor to let him in 2 hours late or he will find my replacement. He sacrificed his Mountain Dew and proceeded to tell me how he should have never let a Staff Sergeant become a platoon sergeant. It was far beyond their skills. That is not a quote from him, the real quote was much funnier for everyone else besides me, just this isn't the right place for the real quote.

One reason this was very ego-reducing to me is because this was and still is one of my favorite leaders since I've been in the military. He was my platoon sergeant at one time, and my 1SG later on in my career.

Response by Capt Michael Greene made Dec 15 at 2016 4:45 AM

Capt Michael Greene — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 04:45:02 -0500

Humiliating incidents--Too Numerous To Count! Most involved alcohol or women. In the case of alcohol AND women, I was guaranteed to humiliate myself within minutes. I'm just lucky to be alive.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2016 12:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 12:05:13 -0500

I was the new Supply NCO in the Unit when they informed me that my clerk was getting a 15 for been AWOL, when i ask him what happen he got a emergency call that his wife had a car accident, puled out of the field and was told to pack, get ready and the unit staff duty drop him at the airport... the staff duty NCO & Unit 1SG forgot to sign him out on leave............ and they think a PV2 to know this? he got full punishment.....

Response by SGT James Colwell made Dec 15 at 2016 1:50 PM

SGT James Colwell — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 13:50:26 -0500

Shortly after I became a SGT, I had to report to the Div CDR as a character witness for my Plt Ldr for pertaining to his disciplinary action. Not happy about having to tell a MAJ GEN that a 2LT was a bit high strung for an Infantry officer ( I had told the LT what I would have to say and to his credit, he understood that and expected it). What made it the absolute worst was that I had to say all this to the CDR with my LT in the room. Not exactly humiliating or eg0-reducing, but for my first time reporting to a guy with stars, it was not an experience I remember fondly.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2016 2:54 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 02:54:02 -0500

Failed selection.

Response by Cpl Clifford Hager made Feb 23 at 2017 8:18 AM

Cpl Clifford Hager — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 08:18:36 -0500

From my memoirs at 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division in Da Nang, Vietnam
The base was being dismantled and everything destroyed so nothing would be left for the enemy to use. Engineers would go into a SEA hut or bunker and douse it with diesel fuel, toss in an incendiary grenade and stand back. When the cinders began to cool, a bulldozer or backhoe would move in and grind the ash into the red earth.

There was activity everywhere and as we touched down I could see the sweat and black soot covering everyone's faces and arms. The chopper only set down long enough for the three of us to jump off, then immediately took to the air, and headed back North in the direction we had come.

On the ground, we followed The Skipper around from place to place and inspected the progress of the dismantling. He offered a "Good job!" here and an instruction there. He talked to the platoon commander about time schedules and walked to the edge of the perimeter and looked out over the wide stretch of rice paddies that lay in front of the hill.

Finally he turned to Sergeant Goodman and me, and told us that since we would be here for awhile, we should go find the Gunny in charge and tell him to put us to work.

We walked back up the hill and found Gunny Nelson from Charley Company directing a big green bulldozer over huge tangle of sand bags and wire. When he had a break in the action, Goodman spoke up, yelling over the noise.

"Gunny?, Goodman, Hager," pointing to me, "S-3. Skipper said for you to put us to work!"

"Great!" Gunny replied. "You a Cherry?" He motioned to me.

"What?" I didn't understand the question.

"Are you a cherry? A new guy!" he repeated.

"Yea, first week!" I shrugged.

"OK, Number one!" he gave a thumbs up sign. "Sergeant, you go down to the South side over there and get those guys organized stackin' up and baling all the old sandbags. Hager, you come with me!"

Goodman disappeared over the rise and I followed the Gunny down to the little four hole outhouse that stood by the old headquarters bunker.

"You smoke Hager?"

"No thanks. Never have"

He looked at me sideways and swore under his breath. "OK, here!" he tossed me his Pocket lighter. "Take these two cans of diesel. You can burn the shitter!"

"Aye aye, Gunny." He wandered off pointing and yelling something at a backhoe driver who was reversing into a ditch without watching his rear.

I looked around at what was going on and carried the two five gallon cans of diesel over to the outhouse.

I propped the door open with one of them and unscrewed the cap on the other. I doused the whole inside with fuel, then went outside and splashed the remainder all over the outside as well. I had five gallons of flammable liquid soaking into all of the wood, and I figured I wouldn't need the other five gallons so I moved the full can back about thirty or forty yards and went back to the out house. There was a roll of toilet paper still on the holder so I unraveled almost the whole thing all over the floor, trailed some out the door and lit the end with the lighter.

It only took a second for the whole thing to go up in gigantic roiling flames. Black smoke poured into the sky and mixed with the smoke from the other structures. I was standing admiring my work when the Gunny, The Skipper and about six other Marines came sprinting up to me screaming and swearing at me at the top of their lungs.

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING HAGER?"

"WHO TOLD YOU TO BURN SHITTER DOWN?"

"ARE YOU SOME KIND OF IDIOT?"

"WHO'S THE STUPID FUCKIN' CHERRY?"

"WHAT AN ASS HOLE!"

Shit! How do you get in trouble for following orders? These guys looked like they wanted to kill someone and I think his name was Me..

The Skipper squared off in front of me. "Who told you to set the shitter on fire?"

"Gunny Nelson sir!" I replied meekly but truthfully.

"Bull shit. I never said anything about lighting the whole place on fire, sir"

"Hager?" The Skipper looked between me and Gunny Nelson.

"Sir, he handed me his lighter and ten gallons of diesel and said to burn this shitter, sir!" I was confused and hurt. It was a conspiracy.

"Sir, I did not say." The Gunny trailed off and a look of understanding lit the faces of the Skipper, the Gunny and everyone else all at once. Suddenly they were laughing, joking and having a great good time at my expense.

All over Vietnam, the military built neat little four hole outhouses. Under the seats there were four cut off fuel drums filled with diesel fuel. You sat down and did your business in the drums, which immediately sank to the bottom of the oil, thereby minimizing disease and odor at the same time.

There was a flap on the back of the little building through which the drums could be removed. When they became full, they were pulled out a safe distance from the building and set ablaze. When they had burned down to the bare metal, they were refilled with clean diesel oil and replaced back under the seats from which they had come. The popular phrase used to describe that process was "burning the shitter." Who knew?

Everyone was laughing out loud. And pointing. At me. At the situation. At the stupid new cherry. Gunny sent someone off to find a shovel and I was rewarded for my ignorance by digging a field head since the shitter was apparently the LAST thing burned down. I was humiliated, but while I dug a long trench to be used for the rest of the day, I did smile a little, because after all, it was pretty funny when you thought about it.

Response by SN Larry Quinn made Feb 23 at 2017 9:55 AM

SN Larry Quinn — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 09:55:43 -0500

Lol. Mine isn't as awesome as some of the other responses. I was a QM on a Boomer. Our Navigator was an Engineer who got kicked out of the engine room. Anyway, we were going over charts and he said something incorrect. Nobody said anything so, being a lowly E3 I said are you sure Sir?
His response was " Yes Quinn I am sure. You're much to insignificant to lie to." Lol. It was at that moment I knew why he was no longer in the Engineering Department.

Response by SSG Jason Gade made Feb 23 at 2017 8:36 PM

SSG Jason Gade — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 20:36:46 -0500

I was a fresh buck Sergeant in the Marine Corps, in 1993, I think. I was tasked with leading a small electronics maintenance team on a CAX (Combined Arms Exercise) in 29 Palms. Small, meaning just me, but it still came with great responsibility for equipment.

First thing that I found out was that my unit's (1st Elmaco, 1st Maint Bn, 1st FSSG) equipment accountability and inventory procedures left a lot to be desired. It was one of those things that kept getting kicked down the road. So as I inventoried equipment and found ancillary items missing, I was pressured to accept the equipment as-is. As a young twenty-something kid, I didn't know any better so I followed orders. I pencil-whipped the inventories.

Later, when we had to set up our maintenance shelters with power and air conditioning, I noticed that the air conditioning cable connectors didn't match the connections on the actual air conditioners. I mean, they were male-to-male, and we need male-female, and this was back in the days before don't-ask-don't-tell! I explained the issue to our supply guys and they supplied me with the proper connectors that I thought I needed.

Well, so I didn't see much choice other than to chop the cable and to install the proper connectors. I congratulated myself on being able to improvise, adapt, and overcome in a situation which I wasn't prepared for. I got power to the A/C and everything was good, other than my hack job, which worked but wasn't very pretty.

So after I concluded the CAX (which I also got to do a lot of other fun stuff), I went back to my unit with the maintenance shelters and the A/C units.

The MSGT in charge of supply was FURIOUS! He did not understand why I chopped the cables to make them fit the A/C units. He swore up and down (at me) that his people had provided the proper connectors and cables. And then he dressed me down (fortunately in private -- he was at least that professional). I could not convince him that I used that supplies that were given to me to solve the problem at hand.

I had respected this Marine for years, and this shattered that for me, the fact that he wouldn't listen to me and that he called me a liar to my face. Marines don't lie, cheat, or steal, and to accuse one of doing so is a major blow, in my opinion.

To top it all off, when I returned to my unit, the equipment that I took with me was accurately inventoried, and many ancillary items were found to be missing. Now these items were missing before I checked them out, but I was told to accept the end-items as-is. Then the blame for the missing items all went on me!

The dollar amount was high enough that they could have brought me up on charges, but thankfully they didn't. Still, that soured me pretty good on USMC unit bureaucracy.

Response by PO3 Michael Rames made Feb 23 at 2017 8:56 PM

PO3 Michael Rames — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 20:56:32 -0500

1973 Warner Springs California SERE school.
On our 2nd or 3rd day in the field we received a care package of C-rations. I was a lowly E-3 surrounded by a bunch of zeros. So I got all the mindless meanial duties for our camp area (gopher).
The rations were handed out, I got a pound cake, and we were instructed that after X amount of time the rations were considered contraband and don't be caught by the instructors with any left overs.
To finish up my morning duties did not afford the time to eat my cake within the given time frame. After not eating for at least two days I wasn't about to throw it away. So I pocketed the can and met with my team for the navigation phase of training. 10 minutes or so into our walkabout I popped my cake and began eating to be told by one of my team mates (ensign jackass) to throw it away. After my explanation and refusal he gave me a direct order. Long story short I stuffed as much as I could in one bite and threw the rest away. Word spread that ensign wannabe an aviator was a complete ass, and who's side was he on. He spent the rest of his SERE experience pretty much ostracized by everyone. At the end of training before boarding our bus back to N. Island he apologized and offered to buy me a nice meal. Didn't happen........

Response by LCpl Benjamin Otten made May 4 at 2017 3:30 PM

LCpl Benjamin Otten — Thu, 04 May 2017 15:30:31 -0400

Having to report to the CO and 1stSgt for an incident that I was witness to that involved one of my friends and Plt mates and two other plt members that turned into something real bad. There was no winning in the situation for anyone. I tried to stop it the whole thing when it happened. Let's just say there was no one that won anything out of that the whole Platoon took a black eye. Plus I was the one that had to stand before the old man and tell the real story, not by choice. We all later recovered everyone in my plt understood that I was put In a spot that I had no control over as a Lcpl. 16 years later I still get mad thinking about all of that.

Response by MAJ Louis Giamo made May 4 at 2017 4:25 PM

MAJ Louis Giamo — Thu, 04 May 2017 16:25:45 -0400

I was a 2Lt mortar platoon ldr 2ID. We were doing my first live fire in country at Rodriguez Range. It was just after breakfast and I had to shit. Of course there are no regular latrines at my firing point, just the slit trench we had to dig with a tarp strung around it. No sooner do I get my pants down and start my business then the Co and Bn Cdr's drive up to see how the new Lt is doing. Perfect timing, just perfect.

Response by MSgt Michael Lane made May 4 at 2017 6:01 PM

MSgt Michael Lane — Thu, 04 May 2017 18:01:04 -0400

I was stationed at Ramstein in the early 80s and had 1 or 2 stripes mostly was a detail bitch. One of my jobs was to build pallets to move whatever needed to go on a pallet, one day I get to work and every CH-47 in Europe was on the ramp in front of the shop I go in and was given orders to start building pallets I grab my stuff got with supply and they dropped off the lumber and of course the people that were supposed to be helping me got out of the detail. So I'm making these things for a few hrs and took a break and in front of me stacked up or all thsee metal boxes with a Marine standing by them. So as I was going in the buidling to get a drink I stop and say what's in the boxes guns and he looks at me like I'm the biggest dumb ass in the world (and at that moment I was) and says those are Marines they were military coffins that had the bodies of the Marines that where killed in Beirut the pallets were for them to be loaded on cargo aircraft back to the states . I can't tell you what an ass I felt like at that moment. I went from feeking sorry for myself for making pallets to this shit is real people die doing this shit, I didn't complain about shit after that.

Response by SGT Aaron Tollman made May 4 at 2017 11:00 PM

SGT Aaron Tollman — Thu, 04 May 2017 23:00:52 -0400

It was 1998, I was a lowly PFC doing a fairly good impersonation of my Battalion Commander to a room full of my peers when suddenly the room fell silent. At that moment I realized he was standing behind me. Without missing a beat he told me I got the inflection wrong! I simply uttered yes sir. He was very good natured and a hell of a good CO, but I still felt incredibly sheepish!

Response by CW4 John Wheatley made May 4 at 2017 11:16 PM

CW4 John Wheatley — Thu, 04 May 2017 23:16:53 -0400

In the early 70s I was the maintenance officer for a tank bn in Mannheim ,one morning about 6am I went to my office in Sullivan Barracks and I saw this little soldier digging into the trash can outside of my office door .So in my most respectful tone of voice I inquired WTF are you doing in my trash can. The little shit turned around and it was the deputy commander of USAREUR.LTG Ace Collins who then proceeded to tell me that he was looking for useable class 9 items that me or my people had thrown away and if he found any the pain would be unbearable. Lucky for me he didn't.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made May 4 at 2017 11:35 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 04 May 2017 23:35:17 -0400

Pres. Clinton likes to run back in the 90's. He would ride from the WH to McNair where we'd normally have a 10-20min window(time would vary along with day) to raid the B's for bodies to stand guard in various points as security with the secret service. One of us would actually run WITH the president who would do three miles while there. Well CPT Dumbass here is drunk as HELL and here comes the Patrol Sup opening up doors with the master key raiding the barracks for asses to get dressed and draw weapons. Standard line is "I AM DRUNK, AND HAVE BEEN DRINKING INSIDE OF EIGHT HOURS". That is to tell them to get someone else. Not this time. He KNEW I had been drinking(he was WITH me), but unlike other assholes, I came back to the barracks. PFC Swan was stumbling to the PMO, drew his pistol and stood in the sun until the president was done, required pictures were done, and he was relieved....just to throw the fuck up before leaving the PMO. Regulations? We don't need no stinkin regulations.

Response by SSG James Dennis made May 4 at 2017 11:50 PM

SSG James Dennis — Thu, 04 May 2017 23:50:08 -0400

Had a 2LT try to tell me how to instruct a POI (period of instruction) while I was on the trail in front of my platoon. I quietly asked the young LT if we could have this conversation away from the platoon-of course he chose not to. Called the platoon to attention, executed an about face, saluted the young man, and informed him it was now his platoon-he may continue the POI. He quickly left the training area and brought the CO to my platoon, explaining that I wasn't training the platoon correctly (Our CO was prior enlisted). CO explained to the LT in front of the platoon that this was "Sergeants business," not his and told him to report to his office. The 2LT was reassigned to Bn as the DINFAC OIC.

Response by SPC Greg Campbell made May 5 at 2017 1:01 AM

SPC Greg Campbell — Fri, 05 May 2017 01:01:30 -0400

grading a Reforger early 80s. had AF following us around to tell us if they killed the bag guys or not. Anyway I was having a hell of a time getting them to back their jeep into the tree line. One day after giving up on them some guy comes by in a jeep, stops and sticks his head in it to look around, XO elbows me and points to him. I dutifully get out of my jeep and in my best DS voice holler WHAT THE F**K YA DOING. guy stands up turns around and he has 2 stars on his helmet. He sees my discomfort (Is yell at a butterbar like that) smiles and asks me where the dumbaasses in the AF jeep were. by then they came out of the woods and got their ass reamed. got back in my jeep XO asked what was going on. told him I yelled at a general. he kind of sinks in his seat. General finishes with AF guys give me a wave and off he goes. funny how AF was tactically parking after that.

Response by PFC Scott Thompson made May 5 at 2017 2:26 AM

PFC Scott Thompson — Fri, 05 May 2017 02:26:03 -0400

How about qualifying for the Master Fitness Award three consecutive times, but never getting one. Because I was flagged for being in the "Fat Boy" program. The whole time I was going through this, my fatass roommate managed to get promoted from E-2 to E-4 while on medical profile.

Response by PO2 Ted Harrell made May 5 at 2017 4:28 AM

PO2 Ted Harrell — Fri, 05 May 2017 04:28:34 -0400

After 7 years in the Army (11B) of not doing what I trained constantly to do, I seperated and joined the Coast Guard. They had done away with their prior service program, so I had to go through the full 8 weeks (8 weeks, that was cute). The Company Commanders (Drill Instructors to everyone else) were actually quite accommodating to me compared to everyone else training there (I got yelled at more). I was also quite heavily muscled and had to wear shirts and trousers that were heavily tailored so as to not look like oversized bags. Anyway, we had just finished at the gym from swim quals and forming up outside on the blacktop. Being prior and having carried the guidon for a while, I was placed in that position for my training company. All the CCs were standing out of the freezing wind watching us, and one of them started walking over to me. He stood a good foot taller than me and made a point of brushing some windblown sand from the top of my cover. He looked over at my CC and asked, "Is this really your company's guidon bearer?" My CC responded, "He's the only one dumb enough to take the position!" Another CC, the shortest of the mob of CCs, but still several inches taller than me, yells out, "He's a f______ stump!" So much for my ego.

Response by LTC G. R. Thompson made May 5 at 2017 6:13 AM

LTC G. R. Thompson — Fri, 05 May 2017 06:13:11 -0400

None that I didn't deserve,

Response by MAJ Luca Luca made May 5 at 2017 8:11 AM

MAJ Luca Luca — Fri, 05 May 2017 08:11:01 -0400

Ego was checked at the door when I hit reception at BCT, the capacity for embarrassment and shame, field loss. I have had a few dress downs and have been corrected, like having a CG remind me (gently and with tact), that the old, crusty CSM forget more about the Army than most CPTs could collectively know and have said CSM wink, it was fun. A lesser man would have felt tge hooah leave his heart.

Response by SGT Montana Crawford made May 5 at 2017 9:17 AM

SGT Montana Crawford — Fri, 05 May 2017 09:17:16 -0400

How the hell do you fail Infantry OSUT for APFT? I walked in there doing 22 pushups (I'd never done a pushup before) And walked out scoring at least a 225. Embarrassing that you were such a bad recruit that they actually gave up on you.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made May 5 at 2017 10:18 AM

PO1 Aaron Baltosser — Fri, 05 May 2017 10:18:51 -0400

I was responsible for the Small Unit Leadership Requests for 8th Engineer Support Battalion. Whenever the battalion needed a Corpsman, they would put in a request for time and dates, and I would match that up with an available asset. Once in a combat zone, I retained the same duties, and a MGYSGT came in looking for a Corpsman to A-Drive Humvee with a camp filled with 700 Marines sitting around. I told him that was not an appropriate use and since it was something that simple he should use any of the 700 available Marines instead of one of the 14 available Corpsmen. My Medical Officer chose that moment to step in to the conversation between two enlisted and told me "Stay in your own lane."
It was several weeks before his replacement showed up and that story was relayed to the replacement. The Medical Officer tried to deny he ever butted in and was disrespectful by saying "Stay in your own lane." when the duty he was referencing was exactly my lane of responsibility, but there had been a good half dozen witnesses. His replacement put his head down, and told him. "You should have stayed in your own lane. That was an enlisted matter and you had no good reason to butt in." I'm glad I held my tongue in check the first time. It was satisfying to see the correction eventually.

Response by SGT Aaron Hall made May 5 at 2017 10:31 AM

SGT Aaron Hall — Fri, 05 May 2017 10:31:17 -0400

Being a corporal

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2017 10:51 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 May 2017 10:51:06 -0400

It wasn't me that got humiliated but I was apart of it. I was the Garrison CSM driver and I took the CSM to talk to the head Chaplin. Normally the vehicle we used had a plate holder where I would put the plate that said Garrison CSM, but that vehicle was in the shop so we had a replacement which did not have a plate holder. Well I was parked in a drop off zone because that where I was told to wait. While I was sitting there an E-7 walked up to the car and started yelling at me telling me I wasn't supposed to park there and he should call the MP's and things like that. I told him my NCO told me to stay there. he didn't care so I offered to call my NCO. So I did. He gets the phone and says "this is SFC ***** I'm here with your solider who the hell this?" The look on his face when the response was this is CSM ***** was priceless.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2017 11:30 AM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 May 2017 11:30:07 -0400

Probably when a Sgt made me Chinese field day my room about 5 times in one day by myself - all for one spot that was on the floor simply because the barracks was 70-some years old.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2017 11:32 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 May 2017 11:32:16 -0400

The day I arrived at my unit in Vietnam was truly humbling. Once I landed at basecamp, I called the unit. They sent a guy to lead me to the unit. As we arrived, he told me that since it was lunch time, I would have to guard some prisoners while they (the rest of the unit) ate. He handed me a .45, and they left. The 'prisoners' were three or four really old guys ............. the ones with many missing teeth and so forth. About 10 minutes into it, I started to wonder whether these guys knew karate like the Asians on TV. So I cocked the pistol and backed up against a tree. Half an hour later, these guys hadn't moved a muscle. I started to feel rather silly, then I discovered that since this was the first time I had held a .45 ............. I COULDN'T UNCOCK IT!! When they got back from lunch, they were amazed with this locked and loaded pistol in the middle of basecamp.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 5 at 2017 11:33 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 05 May 2017 11:33:28 -0400

Failing a test or evaluation. Great confidence in ones knowledge and abilities is in some ways a prerequisite for being a pilot. I pushed the confidence beyond my knowledge and skills a few times in my career and was slammed with reality. Fortunately, it never had any long-lasting or fatal consequences. Pilots were examined twice a year. A closed book and open book test was administered on aircraft systems and flying rules and regulations. Additionally a standardization/evaluation pilot (FAA term "check pilot") flew with you and evaluated your performance against standards. I have the ignominious record of having failed both the closed book test and check flight on at least one occasion. Fortunately, we were allowed to take a do-over on the test after supervised study. The failure on the check flight was a technical issue, not a safety issue, so I was allowed to undergo additional training in the flight simulator and aircraft and returned to duty. These were ego crushing experiences. Additionally they put your "wings" at risk. If you didn't correct your ways, you could be called before a flying evaluation board and be stripped of you aeronautical rating and flight pay.

Response by CH (1LT) Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2017 11:38 AM

CH (1LT) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 May 2017 11:38:57 -0400

Being told I was not being promoted to SGT because I did not "know the technical skills necessary to aim a M198 cannon", and then training our two new SGTs on how to aim the cannon so they could pass the gunnery test; and then scoring higher than they on the same gunnery test.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made May 5 at 2017 12:12 PM

SGT Michael Thorin — Fri, 05 May 2017 12:12:52 -0400

I honestly can't think of any. I have been a self-confident person who was always willing to own up to his mistakes, and when I got in trouble for something beyond my control, I just went with it because as long as I knew I was in the right, I didn't have to prove myself to anyone else.

When I was wrong, I adjusted fire and went about my business.

As an NCO, I loved accepting blame for mission failures and loved giving credit to my soldiers when we had successful missions.

I practiced the "I" and "we" model on leadership: "I" for the bad and "we" for the good. I never made excuses and never repeated mistakes.

I believe that philosophy and my attitude led to a mutually respective relationship between my men and my senior leadership and officers.

This respect was funneled from the top down and from the bottom up. I never bashed leadership, but I would also speak up at times when needed, even at risk of upsetting the chain above me.

I never suffered an insult to my ego because from day one, it was never about me, it was always about "us." When it's about "us" instead of "I", ego is rarely an issue.

This not only helped me, but also helped the guys out by providing a steady chain of command which led to their success in whatever they attempted.

My "claim to fame" was never about what I could do, my success was determined by how many times my men could claim their fame.

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, Kanika Misra, SPC Douglas Bolton , PV2 Ganapathy Rao, Cynthia Croft, SSgt Robert Marx, Maj Marty Hogan, SP5 Christine Conley, SPC Diana Rodriguez, CPT Jack Durish, SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas, Cpl Gabriel F., SFC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2017 12:46 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 May 2017 12:46:31 -0400

When a SM called me spot.

Response by CPT Chris Newport made May 5 at 2017 12:52 PM

CPT Chris Newport — Fri, 05 May 2017 12:52:47 -0400

As an Officer, being ordered by my senior Officer to lie on a document.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2017 1:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 May 2017 13:38:57 -0400

Way back when I was a SP4 on a VIP driving detail at Bragg I drove for a visiting 1 star who at a social event imbibed just a tad too much. As I was driving him back to his quarters he decided to get sick in the back of the car. In between puking episodes he uttered the worst thing he could ever have told a troop like me: "Never be in awe of a man or his rank until you see him shit through the seat of his pants and not leave a brown stain." Those words of advice have followed me to this day and during the remainder of my career dumbfounded many higher ranking individuals when I failed to properly bow and scrape like they expected.
Oh, and where was the junior officer who should have been escorting this General? He was busy clearing post prior to PCS and the General was okay with me playing driver and gofer while he was visiting. He was a decent officer who when he returned back to his regular assignment wrote a fantastic letter of appreciation to the 18th ABC Co that trickled down to me.

Response by SP5 Rod Bernsen made May 5 at 2017 1:45 PM

SP5 Rod Bernsen — Fri, 05 May 2017 13:45:29 -0400

I spent two weeks, 10 hours a day purging old classified documents from FOUO to Secret. Example, a confidential 50 page report from 1956 on chemical agents. Ended up with a 13 page destruction order. The colonel who signed the order thanked me for my hardwork, but added: "Keep a copy of everything you burn." The colonel didn't see the BG standing behind him. The BG just said, "Good job Rod... burn it all."

Response by LTC G. R. Thompson made May 5 at 2017 2:36 PM

LTC G. R. Thompson — Fri, 05 May 2017 14:36:31 -0400

I once witnessed an awesome dressing-down: CSM Jimmy "The Raven" RIchards of the 24th Infantry Division pulled up to a perimeter gate and asked the Specialist manning the M60 for the technical specs for his weapon. The Specialist could not and was told to get his Squad Leader. "Sergeant, this Specialist does not know the technical specs of his weapon. Please tell him." He could not. "That's fine, Sergeant. Go get your Platoon Sergeant." Same thing happened again. "That's fine, Sergeant. Go get your First Sergeant." He then took the first sergeant into the woodline for a more private conversation that we all overheard, and, no doubt, all remember.

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made May 5 at 2017 2:37 PM

SPC Douglas Bolton — Fri, 05 May 2017 14:37:20 -0400

SGT Michael Thorin A true Manuel with a full guide on how to be a good and productive person.

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made May 5 at 2017 2:53 PM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Fri, 05 May 2017 14:53:06 -0400

Being chosen as a trusted agent and observer for Operation Golden Flow.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2017 3:16 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 May 2017 15:16:55 -0400

Having the Bn CSM call me a "lowly little SSG" Because he asked me a question and didn't get the answer he wanted.

Response by Cpl Elijah Gordon made May 5 at 2017 3:24 PM

Cpl Elijah Gordon — Fri, 05 May 2017 15:24:57 -0400

Lt. General Conway stopped a few of us marines in Fallujah and said something like, "I'm thinking about outfitting the Marine corps with such and such...what do you think?" While it was cool he was getting his 'Marines on the ground's'opinion, the gravity of that statement, being that his decisions affected the Corps while mine at most affected a fire team, put a little perspective to my place in the Corps!

Response by SSG John Villagomez made May 5 at 2017 4:32 PM

SSG John Villagomez — Fri, 05 May 2017 16:32:24 -0400

Getting a lateral promotion to Corporal, volunteering as NCOIC for an awesome detail opportunity, then being told, "We need a 'REAL' NCO for this..."

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made May 5 at 2017 4:35 PM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Fri, 05 May 2017 16:35:19 -0400

being a civilian....my ego has taken a beating.

Response by SSgt Charles Tyrrell made May 5 at 2017 4:39 PM

SSgt Charles Tyrrell — Fri, 05 May 2017 16:39:08 -0400

One time I saw a Colonel run to get a General and ashtray for his cigar. I thought to myself that's a high paid suck-up

Response by CPL Jon S. made May 5 at 2017 5:02 PM

CPL Jon S. — Fri, 05 May 2017 17:02:31 -0400

Not quite ego busting and humiliating but I was part a two person day crew for the communications on an SF B-team type forward location during some "desert training." I was E-4 and my counterpart was E-7, a major and master sergeant rounded off the day shift. The Night team was two warrant officers with a couple sergeants handling the comm. Day shift major was a very casual relaxed guy who wanted to hear war stories from the E-8 while the night shift WO-4 was a meticulous, fairly rigid, "I'm in charge" type. Both were very good leaders in their way but totally different styles and the personalities started clashing after a few days. It got to the point where Chief pulled me aside and said "What do you think of Major So and So?" Most of my experiences working with SF up until that point had led me to believe that they were all pretty chill in their work -- take care of the job and then relax after. I stammered through an answer along the lines of "He seems like a good officer, I don't have any complaints about him."

"No, what do you really think about the Major?" the chief pressed.

I finally gave him a "I'm just the corporal, Chief." I don't know what more he wanted to get out of me. We were just a day or so from packing up and I don't know anything that happened after that. Kind of felt like I was insignificant and not part of some bigger goings on though.

Response by MSgt Gerald Orvis made May 5 at 2017 7:18 PM

MSgt Gerald Orvis — Fri, 05 May 2017 19:18:39 -0400

Marine Barracks, Yorktown VA in 1973. I was a Sgt and a Guard Plt Commander. I'd just come off two years on Embassy Duty after returning from Vietnam, so I didn't have much "garrison" time and was not as tight on some subjects (like drill) as I probably should have been. Anyway, I was in charge of my platoon formation and committed a gaffe giving commands. My guard commander, a mustang captain, had been watching from his window and observed the whole thing. As soon as formation was over, I got called onto his carpet and he gave me a good chewing out. He never used a vulgar word, but he made me feel about "that big" and totally deflated me. I knew I'd screwed up and felt quite humiliated. But the captain was a good leader and followed the precept of never chewing out a troop without offering some little compliment about something the victim might have done right. I learned a lot about "the intangibles" from that captain (and his gunnery sergeant). He was a man I didn't want to cross, but I respected him (and admired him from a distance).

Response by PO2 Buddy Stewart made May 5 at 2017 10:09 PM

PO2 Buddy Stewart — Fri, 05 May 2017 22:09:36 -0400

I was at CSTSC (Combat Systems Technical Schools Command) and two Marines were walking past me on the sidewalk by the school. After I past them, the Gunny came back and crawled my ass for not saluting the Capt (which is really just a Lt.), I think I was a PO3 at the time, E4. Hell, he's wearing camo with black RR tracks stitched onto a black patch of his camo, well the camo freakin' worked, I couldn't see it. I just stood there and took it, not much else I could do.

Response by SFC Edward Spurgeon made May 5 at 2017 10:52 PM

SFC Edward Spurgeon — Fri, 05 May 2017 22:52:41 -0400

BEING SUBJECTED TO COMPANY PUNISHMENT FOR THE ACTIONS OR INACTIONS OF OTHERS..1970...

Response by SGT Joseph Miller made May 5 at 2017 10:59 PM

SGT Joseph Miller — Fri, 05 May 2017 22:59:59 -0400

When I was a young NCO at bragg and the barracks NCOIC we had an IG inspection for the male barracks, there was a female LTC who was the inspecting officer. So the commander ordered all the girly pictures taken down in the barracks including ones in bathing suits and lingerie, as this was these soldiers personal space I kinda didn't agree with it so I said so and got my ass chewed by the CO. I could obviously understand the nude centerfolds and all, but the bathing suits and ones that didn't show nudity, well it kind of ticked me off and ticked the soldiers off too. So I did what I was told and went through barracks and had all posters and pictures torn down and went to the store and bought 20 copies of playgirl magazine and went to spencers and bought some scantily dressed male posters and put them in place of female posters the night before inspection. As we were going through the barracks the female LTC commented this is a male barracks and i replied yes ma'am but this is the new army don't ask ,don't tell. The CSM and 1SG had to leave because they couldn't hold laughter in and the BC barely was able too but the CO ,not so much he was fuming. But luckily the BC, CSM and 1SG kept me out of getting in trouble as they thought it was genius and hilarious but it was touch and go as the CO was out to make my life hell but I was moved to BN after that and life was ok then.

Response by SSG Grant Hansen made May 5 at 2017 11:09 PM

SSG Grant Hansen — Fri, 05 May 2017 23:09:37 -0400

I was the person that humiliated a bunch of officers once and I wasn't even trying to.

I was an E-4 and was one of the ammo loaders at the pistol range. We were still using the M1911A1 and the range was using 7 pop-up targets per lane from about 10-30 yards. I helped another guy load magazines for the entire group and watched them shoot. Some were shooting several feet in front of their targets! At the end, virtually everyone had failed to qualify and the Colonel that was there was giving everyone a BIG ass chewing in the bleachers.

We had a couple hundred left over rounds and the Range NCO asked if we wanted to shoot them up, so we loaded them all and then I took about 100 rounds and went to the line. The Range NCO put all the target up on the lanes we were using and I just started shooting. The first mag was a little slow, but by the last one I was knocking down all the targets before the first one had reset. I never missed a shot. The whole time the officers were still getting yelled at and the Colonel was apparently using us lowly E-4s as examples of how to shoot.

When I was done with my rounds, a LT came up and asked where I had learned to shoot. I calmly explained that I had never shot a pistol before that day and those were my first 100 rounds ever.

The look on his face was priceless!

Response by SSG Hugh Winter made May 5 at 2017 11:36 PM

SSG Hugh Winter — Fri, 05 May 2017 23:36:52 -0400

I was Sergeant of the Guard in Germany when I received a radio call that there was someone attempting to enter our motor pool without permission and they had him on the ground. I ran down to the guard post and found a very large black man laying in a puddle in front of my guard post. I drew my weapon putting it in his ear asking him to roll over or I would pierce said ear. He rolled over and it turned out to be the Deputy Commander of the 8th ID. After soiling myself I escorted him to our Battalion Commanders office where I made every effort to disappear. There after we were close friends and he followed my career closely to the point of being a bid over attentive???

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2017 9:17 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 May 2017 09:17:28 -0400

Had 77 days full of 'em. Training Day 1 - 77 at Hotel Co., 3rd BN, Parris Island 1978. Every day was a Holiday, every meal a feast.

Response by SPC Dennis Manning made May 6 at 2017 10:19 AM

SPC Dennis Manning — Sat, 06 May 2017 10:19:31 -0400

I was in the S3 at HHB 11th ADA Brigade in Ft. Bliss, TX. The major in charge of S3 taxed Sgt. Barnes and me (a PV2) with going through the housing areas, and any place not up to code got a nasty letter telling them to clean it up or face disciplinary measures. While driving Sgt. Barnes around, he would tell me where to stop and he would put the letter in the offending house's mailbox. At one point he told me I was going to put a letter in the mailbox. When I asked why he said he knew the person and didn't want to be accused of being vindictive. So without thinking about it, I did as I was told. Didn't even check the name by the door. When we both got back, the major yelled for us to get our ass in his office. He proceeded to eat our ass for about ten minutes. Turns out the trashed out living area was the major's own house.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made May 6 at 2017 4:20 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sat, 06 May 2017 16:20:33 -0400

Recruiting, I still wake up screaming

Response by SPC Rodney Harp made May 6 at 2017 4:33 PM

SPC Rodney Harp — Sat, 06 May 2017 16:33:36 -0400

Back in '84, or '85 I was the driver/rto for my Air Defence Artillery platoon leader. The Battery was going out on a 3 day FTX, and I was 2 hours late due to vehicle breakdown. Lt B my platoon leader called me into his office and gave me a written counselling on the mportance of punctually. There was another soldier present at the time, without his BDU blouse on. I didnt think anything of it, since the LT was professional and calm. After signing the rip, Lt B told to go check out my gear and make sure the jeep was ready. As I approached "my" jeep the other soldier present in the office was - stull in his tshir - unloading the LT's gear and putting his own on the thing. I told him that if he didnt get his "ish" off my jeep and put Lt. B's "ish" back where he found it, he and I was going to have a problem. Without saying a word he complied. Half an hour later I had the Jeep all loaded up and inspected, when Lt B walked up and informed that he was being replaced effective immediately with a Lt. N. When I asked who this new Lt. was, tshirt cleared his throat and said "That would be me". Needless to say I wasted no time getting the heep reloaded. At the end of the exercise Lt. N told me he was impressed with my work, and even more impressed at the way I defended my former Lt's territory.

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made May 6 at 2017 4:56 PM

PVT Raymond Lopez — Sat, 06 May 2017 16:56:02 -0400

I was an innocent bystander when this happened to a distinguished and now diseased senior officer who I worked for came home from Washington and said to his lady “I am part of McNamara’s Band.” The distinguished and now diseased senior officer lady put on this impish smile and quipped “Which are you brass or wind?” I the innocent bystander nearly bit through me lip not laugh. I miss the two of very much since you are both gone.

Response by Cpl Frank Lenihan made May 6 at 2017 7:37 PM

Cpl Frank Lenihan — Sat, 06 May 2017 19:37:33 -0400

I was a brand new Private USMC just graduated from Boot Camp. Was then assigned to MCRD Recruit Depot San Diego. For three months I was often mistaken for a lowly "Recruit" and harassed non stop by DI's who thought I was still in boot camp. Could not wait to make PFC! Had a Navy Doctor chew me out for talking to a enlisted female coreman thinking I was a recruit!

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made May 6 at 2017 8:03 PM

1SG Brian Adams — Sat, 06 May 2017 20:03:51 -0400

Hmmm, had a few! Here's one. I had submitted a Warrant Officers packet through my chain of command. I had all the necessary college, O-5 signature and memo. Man I was feeling pretty good. First Sergeant called me and says meet me at Battalion Sergeants Major's office at 1400 hours.
I reported to the CSM, he says SSG, I got two words for you! F&%k NO! And he proceeded to tear my Warrant Officer packet up and chucked it in the waste basket. He asked me if I had any questions? I said F%&K No! About face and walked out the door!
Ya, that one sticks out...needless to say, I retired a First Sergeant!!!

Response by SSG Patrick Williams made May 6 at 2017 10:18 PM

SSG Patrick Williams — Sat, 06 May 2017 22:18:28 -0400

Stationed in 3rd Support Command, Germany 1986 I transposed a number on a report that showed the unit was at 38 percent instead of 83. Got a called from command that I was to meet with deputy commander a Brig. General the following day. Command was an hour and a half away. I walked in stood at attention and he asked my how this happened. I said "I transposed a numbers sir. But there is no excuse." He replied "you damn right there ain't. Now get your nigg-- a-- out of my office and don't let it happen again. I told a few people in command what was said and they all said it's your word against his, and everyone will be gunning for you. You will lose rank and money for filing a compliant. So you let it go while looking forward to getting out.

Response by SGT Jason Murphy made May 7 at 2017 5:46 AM

SGT Jason Murphy — Sun, 07 May 2017 05:46:04 -0400

N 2006 as a Sergeant at Fort Hood, I was ordered by a SSG to guard ammunition overnight at the motor pool because my soldier failed to remove all the live rounds from the brass for turn in. At the time, I was married with two little girls. Fast forward 11 years, I'm a successful diesel mechanic in the oil and gas industry. They say the oilfield has serious egos and power trips. Nothing compares to that power hungry butthole in the military. Don't miss that one bit

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2017 8:54 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 May 2017 08:54:20 -0400

My company used to do combatives every Wednesday. One morning I was paired up with a guy in my section. He was getting ready to ETS, and was a tall, lanky guy. I was in pretty good shape and thought for sure that he would roll over and not try. As soon as the whistle went off he leaped and grabbed me (it caught me off guard, I thought he wouldn't even try). I began to try to work around him for a rear choke and 30 seconds later I was in a triangle. The whole company was watching as I fought and eventually had to tap out. That morning I learned humility and to never underestimate someone. I stil get reminded occasionally of that morning, I can't help but to laugh now and just take away those things I learned.

Response by SPC William Alibrandi made May 7 at 2017 10:30 AM

SPC William Alibrandi — Sun, 07 May 2017 10:30:59 -0400

I was at Rucker for AIT in 1990 and we'd go on a company run 3x week. The E5 calling cadence kept repeating the same "C-130" cadence for the entire run. After the run he trots up to the 1st Sgt nearby all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and says "Good run today 1st Sgt?" To which the first shirt replies "Yeah, good run - you know any other f***ing cadences?" I had to bite my lip and look away to keep from laughing out loud.

Response by SSG Stephan Pendarvis made May 7 at 2017 11:24 AM

SSG Stephan Pendarvis — Sun, 07 May 2017 11:24:24 -0400

I once had an E7 knock me down a few pegs. We were cool at one time, we hung out some, and I thought we were "buds". I was an E3.....lol. Well...It was my duty to mop and buff the floor 3 days a week. One day...I decide not to do it thinking that SFC will be "cool" and let me slide one time. After all...he was my "buddy". LOL!!! Well I got in from work on that particular day and he had a counseling statement waiting for me. That is not the worst. He had me clean that floor for a week....and he watched as I did it....he never spoke....he would just watch and look at me. I tried to make small talk...but to no avail. He would just walk out after I was done. After day 4 I got the point and just did my duty. I felt like total shit. I abused my relationship status with a senior NCO and lost his trust. He never spoke to me again. I am sure it was a learning lesson for him also. I never forgot those lessons on relationships with seniors, discipline, and knowing when work was work and play is play. That was one of the smallest and most impactful lessons I ever received. I grew tremendously from that one experience.

Response by SPC Brian Blaney made May 7 at 2017 11:54 AM

SPC Brian Blaney — Sun, 07 May 2017 11:54:06 -0400

Well this is a rather odd situation I was in. Back in the 90's, when they started deactivating units after Desert Storm, my unit was scheduled for deactivation. Now that is all well and good, but our deactivation date was after our scheduled authorization, or whatever they called it. You see it was back when we used 'Silver bullet' arty, so everything was rather strict when it came to following everything.

I had a LTC during that inspection that was riding my ass, every chance he could he was a jerk, and tried to get under my skin. He tried to use his rank to get past myself and into secure areas, but he wasn't on the access sheet, or whatever it was called, so no he couldn't get in, he went so far as to threaten to court-martial me for disobeying his orders. I stuck to my guns, which was the right thing to do, as I was backed up by regulations.

Fast forward to the end of the the inspection, I was called out of formation, along with a number of other soldiers. We were awarded 'impact' awards for being exceptional at our jobs and earning 'No comments, no deficiencies', which was the best a unit could do, a perfect score.

Then the LTC comes up to me, and all my excitement and joy go washing away in a moment. He asks to talk to me over by the 1SG, and proceeds to get me even more nervous as he and the 1SG were only talking a few minutes prior. The LTC turns to me and gives me a look that drained the color from my face and proceeds to ask about any relatives I may of had or have in the Army, and I did, my Uncle. Turns out he served with my Uncle in Vietnam and he wanted the 1SG in on things to push me and see if I would crack, I didn't. He said he pushed me to break and see if I was made of the same stuff my Uncle was, apparently I passed that part.

I wish I could remember his name, but almost 30 years later not so easy to remember.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2017 12:57 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 May 2017 12:57:08 -0400

After myself and a few other guys missed our ship's movement (not our fault) we were left behind at a Coast Guard base. The senior enlisted in charge of the admin office asked each of us what our job was on the ship in order to assign us to the proper work detail. I proudly said that I was a Seaman Yeoman striker (I was moving up in the world!) expecting for him to get a desk for me and start helping with some paperwork. He said Yeoman striker, huh, well get a broom and start cleaning the admin office... Got knocked down a few notches then!

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made May 7 at 2017 1:11 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Sun, 07 May 2017 13:11:59 -0400

I started my active duty career in the Army and later switched to the Air National Guard, and then the AF Reserves. Apparently, I never spent too much time paying attention to the AF uniform regulations (AFI's). Up to that point, I had only worn BDU/DCU's or the full formal dress uniform while on duty. For a while, some bases were doing "Blues Monday" where everyone wears a blue short sleeve uniform (class B) instead of the BDU's on Monday.

Generally, I was exempt from "Blues Monday" because I was working in the field. One day, I was working in the office and had no excuse to not to wear the blues. So I strapped it on and showed up for duty all proud of myself. I went a entire hour getting strange looks from folks before the SMSgt pulled me aside and pointed out my many uniform irregularities. I still get chills thinking about it to this day.

However, now I am expert on AFI 36-2903.

Response by SMSgt Mike Wood made May 7 at 2017 4:46 PM

SMSgt Mike Wood — Sun, 07 May 2017 16:46:34 -0400

Was a medic for an Infantry unit at Ft. Carson. We were have training classes out in the field and I was demonstrating the proper way to intubate someone. While demonstrating the procedure for placement of the laryngoscope, I had used the method taught me when I went med training at Ft. Sam in '72. This was 10 years later and there had been a change with the placement of your finger and thumb to scissor open the mouth. I did not do this and one of my trainees asked if we could get a new mannequin prior to finishing the procedure, he was insistent. We stopped the class and went to the rear of the tent and he showed me the new technique. I thanked him for his discretion and asked if he would like to show the procedure, which he did. This was humbling and also informative. I hope that he stayed in the medical field, either in the military or out.

Response by SFC Bruce Pettengill made May 7 at 2017 4:48 PM

SFC Bruce Pettengill — Sun, 07 May 2017 16:48:24 -0400

we were lining up for formation, for the first timer ever, I was the first company that was lining up. As it was the first time I went to my left of the formation to get everyone lined up properly, the next company was moving around, so I commented it would be nice if they company would stop moving around, when I was reminded that I was the base and everyone was waiting for me. I wished that Drill Sergeant Badge was on Velcro

Response by SPC Roger Procter made May 7 at 2017 8:16 PM

SPC Roger Procter — Sun, 07 May 2017 20:16:00 -0400

Missing saluting a marked Generals vehicle on main gate

Response by PO2 Brandon Lovett made May 7 at 2017 8:57 PM

PO2 Brandon Lovett — Sun, 07 May 2017 20:57:04 -0400

In 1988, as a young ATAA newly graduated from "A" school I was sent to the galley while awaiting orders. They assigned me to the "Chief's" line, so I thought I made out pretty good. For breakfast I was the egg guy. The chiefs and gunnys would give me their egg order and I'd run over to the main line where the cooks would fix em to order and then I'd deliver. Pretty easy until one morning a Marine Sergeant Major came in and in a very friendly tone asked for one scrambled egg. "Yes Sergeant Major!" and I ran over to the other side where a dirtbag MS2 was cooking the eggs. I told him the order and he scoops out a big spoonful from the pre-made scrambled eggs and plops it on the plate. I tried to argue with him, but he was an E-5-what could I do? I brought it back to the SgtMaj, he looks at it, looks at me, looks at it again and asked very softly "Son does that look like one scrambled egg to you?" "Ummmm, uhhhh, no Sergeant Major, the petty officer gave me this and....."
"Never mind", he said, "I'll just eat one egg out of it and LEAVE THE REST ON THE FUCKING PLATE!!!!!!!!!!!" Felt about three inches tall.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made May 7 at 2017 9:40 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Sun, 07 May 2017 21:40:05 -0400

Probably way too many times to remember...until I was able to develop a thick-skin!

Response by LT Brad McInnis made May 8 at 2017 12:30 AM

LT Brad McInnis — Mon, 08 May 2017 00:30:11 -0400

Chased a "ghost" contact for a good 3 hours one night on my Frigate. Burned a LOT of fuel chasing what turned out to be a rag left in the radar dome that had gotten knocked loose when we took a heavy roll...

Response by SSgt Nicholas Merchant made May 8 at 2017 1:26 AM

SSgt Nicholas Merchant — Mon, 08 May 2017 01:26:48 -0400

Anytime I had any advanced training in the AF your rank meant nothing I found this out during hand to hand combat training as a fresh E5 and mostly E4s from the msrines doing the training I learned very quickly E4s and E3s in big rubber suites remind you very quickly rank means squat 3 broken noses and a very bruised ego later I completed training

Response by Jerry Rivas made May 8 at 2017 5:47 AM

Jerry Rivas — Mon, 08 May 2017 05:47:20 -0400

My drill sgt made me mop a parking lot.....It was pouring rain.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2017 1:01 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 May 2017 13:01:20 -0400

As a Platoon Leader...in Iraq...in the middle of an Iraqi street...coming in from a patrol, being chewed up one side and down the other by my Company Commander in front of my platoon. I wasn't given a chance to respond to anything he was saying. I just stood there and took it. And the worst part of it was I completely disagreed with what he was saying. I just never got the chance to defend myself.

Response by SGT Peter Hayes made May 8 at 2017 2:33 PM

SGT Peter Hayes — Mon, 08 May 2017 14:33:13 -0400

I never hade one myself

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made May 9 at 2017 3:30 PM

CW2 Ernest Krutzsch — Tue, 09 May 2017 15:30:44 -0400

Like to amend my first post. I was the S3 NCOIC at the 202d MI Bn in 1987. Everyday, me and the S3 would have a meeting, we closed the door. The doorknob was finicky and required a special touch to open. I was sitting in the chair closest to the door, the door knob rattled, then rattled again, then again. I reached up and opened the door, and stated "You have to be smarter than the doorknob" As I looked up, there stood the BN Cmdr, Uh Oh

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2017 1:13 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 May 2017 13:13:18 -0400

I was a young SGT in Alaska and we were doing our Imitative Communications Deception (ICD) mission during a Brigade exercise. For ICD, we were OPFOR but would pretend to be friendly forces on the radio and try to get them to do things they weren't supposed to do. The point was to make them learn to authenticate orders received over the unsecure radio. We had been so successful at it during the daytime operations, the G2 forced us to operate at the times the exercise was in a down mode, where there would be almost no radio traffic. About 0500 I heard a lone voice call for someone and nobody responded. He called twice more with no response, so I finally responded and used the callsign he had been calling for, "Y29 this is U26, over." "U26 this is Y29, glad to hear you, Sir. We were afraid everyone was still asleep. Just wanted you to know, Sir, the CDS team is deployed and standing by. Over." "Y29 this is U26, we had been trying to call you to tell you the CDS has been cancelled for today, so you all can pack up your gear and return to base. Over." "This is Y29, Roger. Out."

At this point we called the Exercise Controllers to tell them they needed to contact U26 to tell him what had happened, that Y29 had not requested authentication of the order, and they should tell the CDS team to stay in place. The Controllers said they would get right on it. We went back to listening to dead air.

About 20 minutes later I hear this booming voice on the radio Controller freq, which I instantly recognized as the G2, who said "Hatfield, get you ass in here right now. Out." I started up the jeep and pronto headed for the exercise HQ on Ft. Greeley, about a 20 minute drive away. I walked into the HQ without a problem in the world and everyone was just looking at me like "Dead Man Walking," The G2 was just pointing me to a cubicle I'd never been to before, so I saunter in and it's the one-star Deputy CG who is the Exercise Director. I pop to attention, snap off my best salute in my Arctic field gear, and report to him, and he tells me to sit down. He comes around the desk and then stands aver me and starts bombarding me like he's the nastiest drill sergeant you've ever met and I'm the lowliest recruit you've ever seen. Every other word is a profanity in a foreign language, hurled with a vile, bitter spittle flying across the room. It was so loud the fur on my parka hood was standing at attention. The room had gotten so hot, I could hear others taking off their wool shirts. He asked me if I "knew how much a C-141 cost to fly from SEATAC to Ft. Greely and back, twice, and said that was coming out of my pocket." After about 20 minutes of the worst ass-chewing I had ever received, ever heard of anyone ever receiving, ever read of anyone ever thinking of giving, the General finally said, "Well, what do you have to say for yourself, Sergeant?"

Figuring I needed to stand up for myself, I said "Sir, we were performing our ICD mission, at the time directed by your G2 and SIGO. A station with callsign Y29 stated his CDS team was waiting on the CDS and I pretended to be U26, apparently his superior. I told him the CDS was cancelled and to return to base. The station did not ask me to authenticate and accepted the order as genuine. I then immediately contacted the Controllers to have them correct the station's mistake, Sir." The General called for the G2 and SIGO to verify my story, asked if they had reached the unit involved. Apparently Y29 had contacted the CDS aircraft (a C-141) who was enroute from SEATAC to Ft. Greely, told him the CDS was cancelled, and the aircraft turned around and headed back to SEATAC. That's what the yelling at me was about! The General said "Get that Captain and Lieutenant in here ASAP. SGT Hatfield, you're dismissed, but stick around - I want you to be sitting behind me when I read that same riot act to the CPT and LT, so you can advise them of the appropriate authentication procedures. Roger that?" "Roger that, Sir!"

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 17 at 2017 10:22 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 22:22:55 -0400

As a SPC-4, I watched a 1 star humiliate three platoon leaders, a first Sergeant, and a commander. Not because they were bad, but because he could. He relieved commanders and took them around with him, he referred to as his "flunkies." He was by far the worst officer I had ever seen.

Response by CPL Barry Henderson made Apr 14 at 2018 11:25 PM

CPL Barry Henderson — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 23:25:04 -0400

They told me since I was profile I couldn't get promoted.

Response by SMSgt Jamie Kitchen made May 21 at 2020 4:50 PM

SMSgt Jamie Kitchen — Thu, 21 May 2020 16:50:01 -0400

Failing to recognized an Army Lt Col and while asking the First Sergeant for directions on Camp Humphreys, he responded " I'd be happy to help as soon as you salute my Commander" So embarrassing considering I was a MSgt at the time, but that damn black rank on the uniform looks so much like a Specialists. Trust me, I apologized immensely while saluting...lol

Response by SFC Pat Mattson made May 21 at 2020 4:58 PM

SFC Pat Mattson — Thu, 21 May 2020 16:58:44 -0400

Back in the day, V Corps had a CSM Liggon and one day he came by the Company Area. As scared shitless company level NCOs we were all prepared 2 days in advance, so when he came by on his inspection he asked a corporal in my squad what was the purpose of the T&E mech for an M60. So out comes the best board answer and CSM Liggon says, no it is not. He told the 1Sg to have the NCOs in the platoon figure out the answer and report to his office the next day.
My PSG, myself (Squad leader) and the young corporal made the trek down to Frankfurt the next morning and we brought everything we could think of to explain our answer.
We get to the office and his secretary asked why we were there, so we told her and she said the answer is Night Fire.
Not quite sure if it was a joke on the CSMs part but it has been a good one for me.