What type of political atmosphere do you think today's military has become?

2016-04-04T16:02:05-04:00

Throughout our military history there is an "aura" that encapsulated the military. Whether its due to the President, Congress, or even the Senior level Leadership. During that particular point in time - think back, or look at now; what kind of political atmosphere do you think existed when you were serving? For those currently serving, what about now? Benefits, conflicts, morale, etc.

Response by SSG John Bacon made Apr 4 at 2016 4:05 PM

2016-04-04T16:05:17-04:00

Well with all the millennials and the everybody gets a trophy generation it's not looking good

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 4 at 2016 4:06 PM

2016-04-04T16:06:27-04:00

I don't think the military has ever been focused in a particular political direction SFC Randy Purham. I expect there have always been liberal and conservative as well as agnostic and apathetic service members. While I served from 1974 through 2008 that was certainly the case. many of us changed over viewpoints over the course of our career.
I expect many are more liberal and carefree when they are single and unattached. Once children come into the picture many people become more conservative.

Response by PO1 Nathan Watts made Apr 4 at 2016 4:11 PM

2016-04-04T16:11:13-04:00

As they say.... a picture is worth a thousand words...
(At least they're in formation...)

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Apr 4 at 2016 4:24 PM

2016-04-04T16:24:34-04:00

The individual solider has become more Politically Conscience!

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 4 at 2016 4:28 PM

2016-04-04T16:28:44-04:00

I think we are all mad. We don't have war leadership nor the respect from the politicians or many of the civilians
.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Apr 4 at 2016 4:34 PM

2016-04-04T16:34:49-04:00

Historically, the military has supported those Presidents who respected service men and women. It matters not if they sent them in harm's way so long as they did so justly and supported them properly. Lincoln was such a President. He won reelection largely on the basis of votes cast by the Union Army. Reagan and George Bush (the younger) are greatly respected by the military (well, at least the vast majority of them. I know there will be individuals on RP that will take exception, but they know they are in the minority). Clinton didn't. His wife certainly doesn't which is why I don't expect she'll receive many votes from those who serve.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Apr 4 at 2016 4:47 PM

2016-04-04T16:47:10-04:00

The political atmosphere in my service time mid 60s was to say the least tumultuous,the war,the draft,race relations, drugs but as I look back on it on my level at least,the Military followed orders as usual and politics and politicians were not as closely watched as today's Military members

Response by SGT Mike Moschkin made Apr 5 at 2016 6:24 AM

2016-04-05T06:24:46-04:00

We were not thinking politics we never discussed it this was 1964- 1968 ! When in Vietnam politics was the last thing on our minds ! That is why we still get along inspite of out political differences we know what we did together and that was the bottom line ! Today the military seems to be right wing focused and I don't understand that !

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 5 at 2016 6:49 AM

2016-04-05T06:49:15-04:00

When I was serving, the presidents had more respect for the troops than they do now.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Apr 5 at 2016 8:16 AM

2016-04-05T08:16:46-04:00

I am just going to call it like I see it. Weak, a laughing stock, "I'm sorry". A bunch of pansies, and the leadership went to school at Cracker Jack.

Response by SGM Robert King made Apr 5 at 2016 8:39 AM

2016-04-05T08:39:03-04:00

The military has been changing for a long time and not adhering to it traditions and standards that put out strong leaders for the future. I saw things change in the late 80's when I first heard of the words (politically correct). Nothing good has come out of it and the Military is having problems because of it and out here in the world they are having problems with it. The military is an institution, a way of life, not a social experiment. The military is always going to be involved in politics since that is who controls us. It is our responsibility to protect our way of life. I

Response by TSgt Ronald Iniguez made Apr 5 at 2016 9:59 AM

2016-04-05T09:59:24-04:00

My opinion? Things in the military were better than they are now. We had presidents who understood the military and the need for a robust military. Not to mention that we had presidents who were in the military! There should be an amendment that, if you want to be president, you should have served in the military. And not just one hitch, but at least 10-15 years or more! The Monday morning armchair quarterbacks and bought and paid for president are going to ruin this nation!!

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Apr 5 at 2016 10:23 AM

2016-04-05T10:23:59-04:00

By all accounts I've read and heard, Entirely too PC.

Response by SPC Stephan Lindgren made Apr 5 at 2016 10:31 AM

2016-04-05T10:31:56-04:00

Everybody thinks "Their Army" was way more hooah, and "This Army" is weak. Even the WWII vets thought their army was weak compared to their fathers army. The truth is anybody who serves the United States army is pretty frikkin hooah, and either generation if teleported to the other, would pucker a little then soldier on.

Response by PO1 Todd B. made Apr 5 at 2016 4:13 PM

2016-04-05T16:13:19-04:00

A politically correct, obama ruined vision of indecision and lack of true military bearing. It is NOT the military I served proudly in for many years.

Response by SSG Ronald Rollins made Apr 5 at 2016 6:04 PM

2016-04-05T18:04:13-04:00

My opinion (and this is just the way I seen the military before I retired) of the military is that it is full of poor leaders who have no respect for tradition or each other. And it has so called adults who, if they dont what they want, they call mommy and daddy who get senators involved. These senators and government officials who have no military experience, try to tell the military what is best for them. I am glad I am retired. I will say what most are thinking. The military is full of whiny, crybaby, idiots who all want things that did not earn. And leaders who demand respect who have done nothing to earn it. I served with many I had respect for but even more that I had absolutely no respect for and I never could respect them. How could you respect a CSM of a MP BN who hammered people for drinking and driving but had alcohol served at NCO call? And told them to be careful on the way home and if they were pulled over by the MPs to call him he would handle it. Or a captain who was former enlisted but hated NCOs and let them know it. I am glad I dont have to put up with people who did not know what they were doing trying to give orders and run sections. THey were asking what to do from SGTs and SSGs. And this was a SFC. And all about politically correctness. We spent more time going to classes than doing our jobs. Sharp class, EO training, Lawn mower use and safety for a liscense (Yes we had to!), how to treat a crying soldier, classes on how not to have sex with a trainee!! We had 4 days out of a 5 day week devoted to that type of training. Sometimes it was before work call. It took the place of PT or after work hours. When you have to spend that much time on stuff you should know the stupidity of it all was overwhelming. I am glad I am done with all that bull crap!! Hell it takes 5 days just to make a leave request packet. I remember when all we needed was a DA31!! Not all the other stupid stuff. Leadership is so dumbed down by PC and classes they are close to useless.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2016 7:22 PM

2016-04-05T19:22:57-04:00

Toxic. Just look at some of the posts on here between Servicemembers(Serving, Retired etc)

Response by SMSgt Lance Goeman made Apr 5 at 2016 7:42 PM

2016-04-05T19:42:57-04:00

I can only speak for the AF, but politics are a prime reason I left.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2016 5:25 AM

2016-04-06T05:25:31-04:00

You see more and more leaders afraid to discipline or push back when confronted by junior members who aren't used to being told to do things they feel are beneath them. I was at a training facility (will remain nameless) and saw contractors cutting the lawn. I asked why non-rates weren't doing it and was told (no lie) "they don't want to". I almost crapped myself. They don't want to????? How can junior members learn to lead if they can't learn to follow? This is not the fault of a junior member; it's the fault of the "leaders" who let them get away with it.

Response by SSgt Gary Wood made Apr 6 at 2016 6:55 AM

2016-04-06T06:55:22-04:00

Coming out of the Ford and Carter years there was a shift toward renewed respect and discipline. I knew a SMSgt walked on water and Chief created the water for them to walk on. Never would I thought of calling them by their first name when I was a young, enlisted man. We worked hard, drilled hard, and played hard. We also learned to salute smartly and carry on. We questioned the obvious but did not make a habit of questioning everything and if a senior leader got in your grill you listened and did your best to clearly understand the expectations and reasoning behind the grilling, likely there was a tie-in to a time where listening and not questioning may just save your life. Today I'm told it is a first name basis, we'll help you feel better approach. Seems too dangerous when the bullets fly to be real successful.

Response by FN George Woodruff made Apr 6 at 2016 7:42 AM

2016-04-06T07:42:34-04:00

A lot better political atmosphere than the one that exists today. I served in the Navy in World War Two, in the Army in Germany during the Berlin Airlift, and into the start of the Korean War when patriotism was the vogue and we got all the troops and equipment that was needed to keep our military strong enough to fight. Today's military seems much different in that politicians expect the military to fight wars while diminishing their capacity to do so. Politicians get us into unnecessary wars that seem to go on forever. In World War Two you paid less attention to protecting the enemy's civilian population and did whatever it took. Germany shot rockets into England and didn't worry about who they hit. Our bombers dropped their bombs on German and Japanese cities and if you were in the way...tough. Hanau, Germany, a city near where I was stationed had been eighty percent destroyed by American bombers in sixteen minutes. Wars then were fought to win regardless. Today not so much. As for those who are injured because of those wars care and benefits could be better.

Response by LTC Roderic Hewlett made Apr 6 at 2016 7:50 AM

2016-04-06T07:50:00-04:00

Interesting question. I suggest it reflects American society in general. You would hear the same comments from university professors about the current crop of students and regulatory environment or business leaders speaking of their employees and environment. Our military reflects we the people and if we the people have problems, so does our military.

Response by CW2 Max Dolan made Apr 6 at 2016 9:22 AM

2016-04-06T09:22:17-04:00

When I was serving, or at least during the first half of my career, the "aura" I lived with was one of intense brotherhood-in-arms. In Vietnam, we protected each other, entertained each other, and were concerned for each other. Our Senior NCOs helped to keep us straight, healthy, and out of trouble in my units. Our unit commanders encouraged us to excel and to get ahead. Our XOs harassed us and made us go beyond the call of duty. I was insulated from the politics of the federal government during these years, for the most part. We were not "welcomed" back home after Vietnam except in our own communities. (The neighborhood kids put together a band and held a "parade" for me!) College and university students were rioting on campuses against the war and we were called "baby-killers." Politicians railed against our efforts to keep Communism from spreading.

It didn't take long to just get over it for me. During the last half of my career, things began to "go south" in the country, politically (as far as I was concerned), and it was only devotion to my jobs in the military that kept me going. Perhaps it was the "Cold War" that was part of the reason for this, I'm not sure. Perhaps it was my MOS and the added responsibilities of being a Warrant Officer in that MOS. Things just became complicated. Commanders in my chain-of-command could feel the effects of my performance and demanded more compliance with their wishes.

You've asked a good question, and each of us will have different answers...and perhaps no real answers!

Response by FN Charlie Spivey made Apr 6 at 2016 9:32 AM

2016-04-06T09:32:06-04:00

In my time, '65 - '69, the atmosphere was pretty much heated. Did a Tour in Vietnam, '67 - '68. I was Coast Guard. We just carried out the missions as directed. It really wasn't tiil later after our tour when the realization hit. We had a bunch of arm chair Generals / Admirals making decisions that should have been made by those who got paid the big bucks to make those decisions and it cost us and just should have stuck with supplying the Material ( funding ) we needed to carry out the operations. We had things going on that when we called in to to deal with it, we were told no. That is frustrating. I am sure the same thing prevails today. I can say one thing about today, with this Congress, and this CinC, it has to be very demoralizing. The men and women who serve today have my utmost respect for serving under these conditions. I couldn't. When my tour was up, I would be gone.

Response by SFC Randy Purham made Apr 6 at 2016 9:48 AM

2016-04-06T09:48:34-04:00

I will caveat my question with this answer. The political atmosphere in today's military has became very "left-leaning". Liberal based ideologies have overshadowed a lot of our doctrines and principles. For example: There was some rhetoric about Chaplains saying "heavenly father, Lord, God, etc" during invocation and the doxology. I'm not going to even touch the LBGT rights that are going on right now - behind closed doors. The Command emphasis on a lot of (the business as usual) components has taken the back seat and our time is now taken up with social issues, psychological/mental issues, and literal politics that have infiltrated the ranks. In a more Conservative or "Right-leaning" force; we had raises higher than 1%, benefits didn't get cut or tampered with. Downsizing didn't happen - not holistically in a sense.

Yes, Soldiers today are more politically aware - thanks to technology. They have a vested interest in what tomorrow will bring because their livelihood literally depends on it. Policies and actions are much swifter in recent 10 years than it was 20+ years ago. Information from the Pentagon is disseminated in 30 seconds today, than 15 years ago, you would hear about it next week - if you were privileged enough to be in the know anyway. Does all this pose a problem for the future ability of America's fighting force? Perhaps. Definitely. Probably. Its all subjective to the fight we will be subjected to on the global battlefield. As it looks right now. We very well could be decimated because we have allowed the offended to take down our defenses. We are not mentally, physically, or logistically equipped to negotiate the conundrums of war like we once were.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2016 11:17 AM

2016-04-06T11:17:23-04:00

I believe the military is being used by politicians to push political agendas more so now than ever before, and that political correctness has completely run amok. I fear that the military has lost their edge and ability to prosecute wars efficiently and effectively... we are more concerned with not offending the people who are trying to do us harm than we are about breaking their things and killing them.

Response by SFC Joseph McCausland made Apr 6 at 2016 11:25 AM

2016-04-06T11:25:45-04:00

Today's military has become far too political; that's why the world is in the mess that it is.
When political, social and couture bounties are decided in Wash. DC (mostly by non-military personnel) that shape our actions on the battlefield and tie the hands of our warriors with "absurd" rules of engagement that put their lives in danger.. then this administration has gone too far...which it has.

Response by CDR William Kempner made Apr 6 at 2016 2:53 PM

2016-04-06T14:53:19-04:00

to be honest, I think we have gone WAY overboard with all the social engineering crap. And the "1984" spin of the current administration has found me questioning if my own service (1972-present, in various forms) was worthwhile. I know the America we live in now isn't what I had in mind in 1972, when I first went in. I served the country while my HS classmates became rich (most of them) and I will be working until I'm 70. Oh yeah, they all tell me they're proud of me, and all that baloney, but they live in better houses, drive better cars, eat better food, the whole thing. I'm glad to have served, but I think having been a career military man was probably a mistake. And I don't think I want my son to do it. There is no reward, especially in the current time and place. America's future will be between the haves and the have-nots. I see storm clouds on the horizon, in my lifetime. Smart Americans will do well to enrich themselves. Ultimately, it all boils down to the money.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2016 8:23 PM

2016-04-06T20:23:49-04:00

Very politically correct, but it is also full of opportunities. There are lots of chances to deploy and serve your country.

Response by SPC Michael Elrod made Apr 6 at 2016 10:00 PM

2016-04-06T22:00:33-04:00

Response by Lt Col Barry Esham made Apr 7 at 2016 2:01 AM

2016-04-07T02:01:52-04:00

It was a great experience at one time. But it has become too political and I would not recommend anyone joining today, until it can be fixed - if ever. It seems far too many join only to get money for education. That's not meant to be disloyal, just expressing what it has become. As to benefits: Contrary to what some people think or say, we were promised lifetime benefits, i.e., "free" medical after serving 20 years. That promise was broken. Now it is an every year effort to keep the DOD from diminishing our earned benefits. Having to send stacks of letters to Congress every year just in the hope of preserving our benefits is an example of how we have to fight to maintain any portion of what was promised.

Response by SGT Mike Moschkin made Apr 8 at 2016 8:25 AM

2016-04-08T08:25:29-04:00

When I joined the Army in 1964 I was 18 years looking forward to getting away from home before LBJ was elected over Goldwater. There was one college grad who was for Goldwater I asked why he wants to take us to war, He said because he would go in and do it the war that is ! I wasn't old enough t vote and didn't really care about politics ! I knew I would be stationed in Hawaii and war was the furthest thing from my mind. Moral in my unit was very high and we all pride in being Wolfhounds in the 25rth ID. I did a TDY tour in the 25ths Shotgun program Shotgun on X. I didn't understand war and this was an adventure. My best friend N Cahrleston, SC JR Tripllet was KIA in July 1965 when I saw his body slouched over in the seat and the floor of the chopper covered with his blood the reality of war hit me. So by the time the division deployed in Dec 1965 thru Jan 1966. No one ever mentioned any politics the whole time going to and coming back from Vietnam, our unit had very high moral ! Today the EM seem more political and forgeting we took an oath to defend the consitution against all enemies both forgein and domestic. This constitution applies to every American whether you agree with him or not !

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 8 at 2016 1:03 PM

2016-04-08T13:03:26-04:00

Unfortunately, it appears (at least to me) that the political will of the day prevails over US Military policy and regulation. I fully realize the structure and civilian rule over the military, however good order and discipline and combat readiness used to be the primary motivator allowing military leaders to push back on some governmental intrusions. Who am I to say what works and does not work in todays military, but it is seemingly impossible to accommodate all who wish to be accommodated, and whatever happened to leaving your personal life at home (when it comes to personal choice), why do we, must we insist on bringing who we are into and adjusting uniforms, barracks, housing, formations, lockers etc.. I did not when I served, nor now care what people do on their pass or personal time, as long as it was legal. The moral fiber of what and who we are as a military (not at home) is so shattered and divided (in my mind) that it must present never before experienced leadership challenges. Remember you are not allowed to make negative or inflammatory statements about your COC and Commander in Chief, your vote says it all! Keep up the good fight and Vote!!!

Response by PO2 Patrick Prichard made Apr 14 at 2016 1:49 AM

2016-04-14T01:49:02-04:00

The military has been going in the toilet for years due to political correctness. This is one of the reason I got out after 10 years. I could not deal with politicians ruining the military like they continually do to this day. They should stay in their box and keep their mouths shut.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Apr 15 at 2016 1:21 PM

2016-04-15T13:21:47-04:00

If you are worrying about the political climate....you may have chosen the wrong career path.

Response by CW2 Max Dolan made Apr 21 at 2016 3:46 PM

2016-04-21T15:46:50-04:00

I was scared of Goldwater in '64 when I was in high school. Little did I know that he wasn't nearly as crazy as others let on that he was! Well, my military career it started with Nixon in the Whitehouse. I liked him. He was not as much of a "crook" as many before and after him. At the height of the Vietnam War, all eyes were on the President and everything that he did. He was elected while I was in Basic Training at Ft. Ord, CA. When I got home from Vietnam, Reagan was Governor of California, and I was stationed in the state capital, Sacramento, and sometimes visited his office (but didn't see him) on business. My parents were staunch Reagan supporters during his campaign (My Dad was a lobbyist for the railroads) and was pretty-much into Conservative politics in California. After this, I was a "hooked" conservative, although we didn't talk much politics in any of the units to which I was assigned. I think we all suffered terribly in the financial sense during the Carter administration. I remember that home loans were 18% at one point! When Reagan was elected President, I reveled in it! I tell people that, politically-speaking, "I'm to the right of Ronald Reagan, but still to the left of Attila the Hun."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 3:15 PM

2016-04-29T15:15:42-04:00

My Dad was active army, then I served and retired and now I support as a contractor. All in all I've spent about 45 years in and around the Army, and during all of that time I don't recall there ever being a period where soldiers were not complaining how things had gotten worse. First it was that soldiers no longer had any combat experience as the last Vietnam Vets were leaving the army, and the fact that physically assaulting your soldiers was really frowned upon. Then it was that everyone was joining for selfish reasons like college, and that was followed by stress cards. Then there was the huge pay gap between civilian and military equivalent jobs, followed by a lot more complaining about "political correctness." From the outside, today's Army reminds me a lot of the Army when I first joined in the early 80's... a less severe drug problem and a bit more grumbling about having to treat people the way we would want to be treated (aka political correctness). It seems to have made a complete circle.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 7 at 2016 3:30 PM

2016-06-07T15:30:07-04:00

I'm a Vietnam Vet. I think that answers you question. Need I say more?

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jun 7 at 2016 3:39 PM

2016-06-07T15:39:37-04:00

I'll probably get some negative thoughts on this post, by I don't care.
Too politically correct! Too worried about what congress or other government officials want to see in schools, the military isn't the place. Mission up do your job and remember the oath we all took. Too worried about hurting someone's feelings instead of hurting the enemy. Too much time worried about how much fruit salad ya got and how much more can I get. Let's create some more badges, "love me" stuff to show off.
Too much political involvement in the command after a mission is given. Let the Commander's on the ground run with it and complete the mission. We are starting to look at the forest and not see the trees. Shut up, suck it up and drive on. The military isn't a democracy.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jun 7 at 2016 4:11 PM

2016-06-07T16:11:40-04:00

IMO, the military today is better informed and definitely vote, even though we sometimes wonder if it matters. Back in the dark ages, we got interested when it involved pay or benefits. Still have my letter from L. Mendel Rivers on his position on pay. For the uninformed, he was Chairman HASC years ago, one of the best.

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made Jun 7 at 2016 4:37 PM

2016-06-07T16:37:44-04:00

http://www.americainwwii.com/images/galleries/2011/disney-to-the-front/02-disney-wwii-victory-march-mickey-mouse.jpg. What keeps happening to our happy endings?

Page not found - America in WWII magazine

The page http://www.americainwwii.com/images/galleries/2011/disney-to-the-front/02-disney-wwii-victory-march-mickey-mouse.jpg. does not exist.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Jun 7 at 2016 7:17 PM

2016-06-07T19:17:41-04:00

During my time I'd say the benefits were a secure living environment. The conflicts were mostly due to the civil rights, peace, the disagreement of the U.S. being involved in a war that so much of the country felt was not any of our business and the loss of life of so many of our servicemen. Morale I'd say was affected heavily by the way our men were treated by so many upon returning home. It seemed Vietnam was a political card in every election and once the winning hand showed our politicians lost the interest they had displayed while running for office. Today's military seems to have about the same playing card; at least to me.